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Things to Do in Tbilisi

Things to Do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi Georgia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Georgia's diverse landscapes, often within a short distance of Tbilisi, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Hiking & Trekking

Within Tbilisi

Easy: Explore trails within the Tbilisi Botanical Garden. Mtatsminda Park also has pleasant walking paths. Moderate: A hike up to Narikala Fortress or Mother of Georgia from the Old Town.

Day Trips from Tbilisi

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular and rewarding option, rated easy to moderate. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park: A range of trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day treks.

Winter Sports

Skiing/Snowboarding: Popular resorts like Gudauri and Bakuriani are within a few hours' drive from Tbilisi, offering well-developed slopes from December to March.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Water Sports: Tbilisi Sea (artificial lake) offers swimming, jet skiing, and paddleboarding during summer.
  • Rafting: Possible on rivers outside Tbilisi, like the Aragvi River, during warmer months. Operators offer guided tours.
  • Paragliding: Available in areas like Gudauri, a popular ski resort. Tandem flights deliver breathtaking views.
  • Cycling: Dedicated paths exist along the Mtkvari River. Lisi Lake and Turtle Lake also give enjoyable cycling loops. Mountain biking is possible in Mtatsminda Park.

Horse Riding

  • Horse riding tours are available in the scenic countryside surrounding Tbilisi.
  • Options for various skill levels.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Wildlife encounters are not typical within Tbilisi itself.
  • For significant wildlife viewing, plan trips to Georgia's national parks.
  • Consider Lagodekhi or Borjomi-Kharagauli National Parks.
  • Require more extensive travel plans.

Mountain Sports

  • Beyond skiing, areas near Tbilisi offer climbing and mountaineering for experienced adventurers.
  • Local guides available for challenging peaks.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

Always check local conditions and consider hiring experienced guides for more challenging activities.

Cultural Immersion

Engaging directly with Georgian culture delivers memorable and enriching experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare iconic Georgian dishes like Khinkali and Khachapuri, often Churchkhela.
  • Wine Tasting/Qvevri Winemaking: Opportunities in Tbilisi and Kakheti to learn about traditional Qvevri winemaking methods.
  • Enamel Jewelry/Cloisonné Workshops: Create your own piece of traditional Georgian enamel jewelry.
  • Language Learning: Use apps or online resources for self-study. Some language schools in Tbilisi offer short courses for visitors.

Cultural Performances

Georgian Dance Shows

Experience the energy and precision of traditional Georgian folk dance. Performances often take place at the National Ballet and Opera Theatre.

Polyphonic Singing

Immerse yourself in Georgia's unique polyphonic singing tradition, often performed in churches or specialized venues. This ancient vocal style holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.

Gabriadze Puppet Theatre

Experience unique and whimsical puppet shows created by renowned artist Rezo Gabriadze, appealing to both children and adults.

Community-Based Tourism

Many guesthouses deliver authentic interactions with local families. More structured initiatives occur in rural areas like Svaneti or Tusheti.

Cultural Festivals

Tbilisoba (autumn festival of Tbilisi), New Wine Festival (May, new harvest wines), Art Gene Festival (summer, folk music, dance, crafts).

Guided Tours

For booking cultural tours and experiences, visit GetYourGuide, a platform for various activities.

Relaxation & Wellness

Tbilisi offers unique opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, rooted in its natural thermal springs.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani): The quintessential Tbilisi wellness experience, using natural hot sulfur springs.
  • Options: Public baths or private rooms (varying luxury). Many offer traditional "kisi" scrubs and massages.
  • Modern Spas: Many luxury hotels in Tbilisi feature full-service spas offering various treatments, from massages to facials.
  • Natural Therapy: Sulfur baths represent a traditional healing practice believed to possess therapeutic properties for skin conditions and joint pain.

Lakeside & Retreats

Beach and Pool Clubs

Tbilisi Sea: During summer, this artificial lake offers designated "beaches" and recreational areas for swimming and sunbathing.

Lisi Lake / Turtle Lake

These lakes near the city offer some pool and club facilities during warmer months, popular for relaxation and light recreation.

Yoga and Meditation

While Tbilisi has some smaller studios offering yoga classes, dedicated yoga and meditation retreats are more likely found in peaceful settings outside the city.

Traditional Healing Practices

Sulfur Bath Benefits

The sulfur baths themselves represent a traditional healing practice deeply embedded in Georgian culture, valued for centuries for their purported health benefits.

Massage & Scrubs

Many bathhouses offer traditional "kisi" scrubs (exfoliation with a rough mitt) and therapeutic massages.

Relaxation Focus

Experience these ancient healing practices firsthand for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Tbilisi's nightlife scene offers diverse options, from lively bars to world-renowned techno clubs.

Live Music & Clubs

  • Bassiani / Khidi: These techno clubs have gained international recognition for their cutting-edge electronic music scene.
  • Live Music Venues: Many smaller establishments in Old Town and Sololaki offer live Georgian folk music or contemporary acts.
  • Clubs in Vera/Vake: Explore various clubs in these districts, offering different music genres and atmospheres.
  • Late-night: Tbilisi’s club scene often runs until dawn, especially on weekends.

Theater & Bar Districts

Theater and Performance Spaces

Rustaveli Theatre (Georgian drama), Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theatre (opera and ballet performances), and Gabriadze Puppet Theatre (unique puppet shows).

Bar Districts

Shardeni Street area (Old Town): Concentrated area of bars, cafes, and restaurants, lively and touristy. Erekle II Street (Old Town): Another popular street for cafes and bars.

More Bar Options

Rustaveli Avenue / Pushkin Street / Freedom Square vicinity: Various upscale bars and pubs. Agmashenebeli Avenue (New Tiflis): Revitalized pedestrianized section with many new bars and restaurants.

Techno Scene

Tbilisi's techno clubs like Bassiani and Khidi are world-renowned for their powerful sound systems and immersive experiences.

Dining & Drinks

Many bars and restaurants offer late-night dining and diverse drink menus, from traditional Georgian wine to international cocktails.

Atmosphere

The city's nightlife maintains a and welcoming atmosphere, attracting both locals and international visitors.

Entertainment Planning

Booking Shows
  • For theater and opera performances, book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Check venue websites for schedules and special events.
  • Consider late-night events on weekends for the full experience.
Nightlife Exploration
  • Explore Shardeni and Erekle II streets for a concentrated area of bars and cafes.
  • Venture into Vera and Vake for a different range of clubs and bars.
  • Budget for cover charges at some major techno clubs.

Activity Booking Tip

For booking various activities and experiences, including tours and unique adventures, visit GetYourGuide.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Dezerter Bazaar: A large, bustling outdoor market for fresh produce, spices, local cheese, and prepared foods.
  • Dry Bridge Market: Famous flea market with antiques, vintage items, art, Soviet-era memorabilia, and handmade souvenirs.
  • Artisan Workshops: Small shops in Old Town and Sololaki specialize in handmade enamel jewelry (minankari), ceramics, and felt products.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local artisans directly by purchasing items at markets or small workshops.

Souvenirs & Luxury Shopping

  • Souvenir Recommendations: Wine, Chacha, Churchkhela (Georgian candy), unique Georgian spice blends, Minankari (enamel jewelry), felt items.
  • Luxury & Boutique Shopping: Rustaveli Avenue for international brands and upscale boutiques. Vake and Vera districts for designer stores.
  • Shipping & Customs: Check your home country's customs regulations for alcohol and food imports. International shipping can be expensive. Keep receipts.
  • Georgian Blue Tablecloths (Supa): Hand-printed indigo fabrics, historically significant and beautiful souvenirs.