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Tbilisi

Tbilisi Overview

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and the biggest city in the country too. The city rarely sleeps and is always buzzing. Tbilisi is the kind of city that draws you in, reveals itself slowly, then gets right under your skin. Dripping with tradition yet effortlessly cool, Tbilisi is suave and chaotic, charming and eccentric all at once.

For most travelers, Tbilisi becomes the main gateway to Georgia.

Tbilisi attracts tourists with its historical places in Old CityRustaveli and Agmashenebeli avenues, Sololaki, and other historical districts of this very old city with a dramatic history. Many locals and tourists enjoy the ambient cafes and nightlife of the city. Tbilisi buzzing bazaars are one more thing you should never miss. What are you looking for? You will find it at the “Dry Bridge” market – fly market and modern painters exhibition under the open sky. Other bazaars are different, traditional, nontourist food bazaars spread around the city.

The old city was renovated at beginning of 2010-th and got second birth. We must mention the eclectic architecture of the city too, where old is mixed with very modern and gives Tbilisi a special charm.

Legend about Tbilisi

Our capital is a very old city. According to the common legend it was founded by the king of Georgia Vakhtang Gorgasali in the late V century. King was keen on falcon hunting. One day he and his men were hunting near river Mtkvari. King’s favorite falcon captured a pheasant and injured it. The pheasant managed to fly from falcon, but fell in a hot sulfur spring and got boiled. Falcon, who was cheesing its victim also fell in hot water and didn’t survive. So kings men found hot sulfur springs near the river. King ordered to build of a new city and called it Tbilisi – as Tbili means warm in Georgian. Tbilisi, by king Vakhtangs order, became the capital of Georgia and so it is now.

Tbilisi or Tiflis?

Tourists from some countries are often confused with the name Tbilisi and often ask – how it is correct Tbilisi or Tiflis? Let’s go through this interesting topic.

As I mentioned above Tbilisi stands for warm in the modern Georgian language, in old Georgian pronunciation was TFili. The combination of two consonants TF is very difficult to pronounce for Turkish linguals, so in Turkish Tbilisi was named Tiflis, and in many other languages, including Russian in the XIX century this name was adopted. Before 1936 official name of Tbilisi also was Tiflisi, but in 1936 name changed according to Georgian pronunciation and became Tbilisi.

7 useful tips about the city

  1. Don’t come with the intention to explore the city in July-August. These are the hottest months and walking in the city is very unpleasant, unless you come from a very hot country. In August city becomes empty. All theatres are closed, many bars and clubs also close their doors and locals try their best to leave the city. Read more in When to travel in Georgia.
  2. Avoid taxi in the airport. Scams are very often. So either use a taxi application or order a transfer to the hotel.
  3. Avoid nightclubs with doubtful reputations, scams are often there too.
  4. Buy a local SIM card. You can do it at the airport itself. There are 3 mobile operators in Georgia. They offer more or less the same tariffs, so get where will be fewer queues.
  5. Take good walking shoes. Tbilisi is a hilly city, makes your walking comfortably.
  6. The central part of Tbilisi doesn’t wake up early. So it is advisable to get breakfast at your accommodation, as many cafes don’t open until 10 o’clock.
  7. Be aware of the “church dress code”. If you are interested in religion, medieval architecture or just planning to visit churches, note that rules are strict, dress modestly, and have a scarf.

Check one-day tours.

Tours around Tbilisi

Unforgettable old tbilisi city tour
Offer
From$50$45
Unforgettable Old Tbilisi city tour
Discover the hidden gems of Tbilisi! Join us on a thrilling city tour and uncover the beauty, culture, and history of Tbilisi. Don't miss out! Book now.
Unforgettable Old Tbilisi city tour
Discover kazbegi tour from tbilisi – georgian military road 1 day
Best offer
From$95$90
Discover Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi – Georgian military road 1 Day
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kazbegi on a thrilling tour. Explore stunning mountain landscapes, ancient churches, and local culture. Book now!
Discover Kazbegi tour from Tbilisi – Georgian military road 1 Day
Marvelous mtskheta tour - a journey through time
Best offer
From$55$50
Marvelous Mtskheta Tour - A Journey Through Time
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Mtskheta, Georgia's ancient capital city. Join a tour to discover its stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, and fascinating stories.
Marvelous Mtskheta Tour - A Journey Through Time
Organic wine tour in kakheti
Limited offer
From$170$160
Organic wine tour in Kakheti
One day Wine tour in Kakheti, Georgia to Alazani valley best known winemaking region in eastern Georgia. Homeland of famous wines.
Organic wine tour in Kakheti
Charming mtskheta, gori and uplistsikhe tour
Best Price
From$80$70
Charming Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe tour
Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe tour covers the most important historical places near Tbilisi. Day tour possible any season.
Charming Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe tour
David gareja and sighnaghi tour
From$110
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour in Kakheti, includes Lavra, Udabno caves and also wine tour and lunch. Best season spring and fall
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour
The first europeans – dmanisi and bolnisi tour
Best Price
From$80$75
The first Europeans – Dmanisi and Bolnisi tour
The first Europeans – Dmanisi and Bolnisi tour
Kakheti tour in one day – town of love
Best Price
From$90$75
Kakheti tour in one day – Town of love
Explore the charming town of Sighnaghi, the heart of Kakheti, on a one-day tour. Admire 18th-century walls, taste wine, & immerse in Georgian culture.
Kakheti tour in one day – Town of love
Discover the magic of winter in georgia: an unforgettable adventure awaits!
From$105
Discover the Magic of Winter in Georgia: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits!
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the magic of winter in Georgia! Book your trip today and prepare to be enchanted by this beautiful country.
Discover the Magic of Winter in Georgia: An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits!
Vashlovani and signagi tour
Best Price
From$120$105
Vashlovani and Signagi tour
Vashlovani and Signagi tour in south Kakheti will let you enjoy wonderful nature, ancient fortress, cozy town Signagi and taste real Georgian wine.
Vashlovani and Signagi tour
One day horse riding tour in tbilisi
From$120
One day horse riding tour in Tbilisi
One day horse riding tour near Tbilisi, in village Gvevi you will find fantastic ranch and they are offering day trips around Trialeti range.
One day horse riding tour in Tbilisi
One day horse tour in algeti national park
From$110
One day horse tour in Algeti national park
One day horse tour in Algeti national park

Places in Tbilisi

  • Churches
  • Museums
  • Parks
  • Historical places
  • Theatres
  • Restaurants and clubs
  • National treasury
  • Georgian National Museum
  • Doll museum in Tbilisi
  • Money museum
  • Ethnographic open air museum
  • Museum of national musical instruments
  • Historical district Bethlemi
  • Bath district
  • Narikala fortress
  • Shardeni street
  • Caravan Sarai in Tbilisi
  • Baratashvili avenue
  • Rustaveli avenue
  • Freedom square
  • Marjanishvili street and David the builder’s avenue
  • Rustaveli theater
  • Marjanishvili theater
  • Tbilisi concert hall
  • “Nabadi” folklore theater
  • Tbilisi Opera
  • Rezo Gabriadze Marionette theatre

Fabrika

Tbilisi photos Gallery

Transport

Tbilisi international Airport
There is one airport in Tbilisi, where all international and domestic flights are taking place. Airport is located in the east part of the city. Airport’s website – www.airport.ge. From airport to the city one can get by bus, train, taxi or order transfer.
Railway

There are 3 railway stations: Central station, Didube station and Navtlukhi station. From the central station leaves all local trains, most important of which is Tbilisi – Batumi train and international trains – to Yerevan and Baku. Check out Georgian Railways website – www.railway.ge.

Bus stations
In Tbilisi there are several bus stations: At central railway station, Didube station, from where leaves buses and minibuses to the north and west Georgia and region Samtskhe-Javakheti, at Isani and Samgori subway stations can be found minibuses to Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli region and Ortachala bus station, where are buses to Yerevan and Kakheti. Price of ticket depends on distance.
Buses and minibuses

Most popular public transport is buses and minibuses. Bus ticket costs 1 GEL.

Subway

Tbilisi subway has 2 lines. To use subway person needs to buy special card – metromoney, which also can be used in buses and minibuses. One ticket costs 1 GE?L. Metromoney card costs 2 lari

Adjara Batumi

Adjara has been part of Colchis and Caucasian Iberia since ancient times. Colonized by Greeks in the 5th century BC, the region fell under Rome in the 2nd century BC. It became part of the region of Egrisi before being incorporated into the unified Georgian Kingdom in the 9th century AD. The Ottomans conquered the area in 1614. The people of Adjara converted to Islam in this period. The Ottomans were forced to cede Adjara to the expanding Russian Empire in 1878.

After a temporary occupation by Turkish and British troops in 1918–1920, Adjara became part of the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1920. After a brief military conflict in March 1921, Ankara’s government ceded the territory to Georgia due to Article VI of Treaty of Kars on condition that autonomy is provided for the Muslim population. The Soviet Union established the Adjar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in 1921 in accord with this clause. Thus, Adjara was still a component part of Georgia, but with considerable local autonomy.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Adjara became part of a newly independent but politically divided Republic of Georgia. It avoided being dragged into the chaos and civil war that afflicted the rest of the country between 1991–1993 due largely to the authoritarian rule of its leader Aslan Abashidze. Although he successfully maintained order in Adjara and made it one of the country’s most prosperous regions, he was accused of involvement in organised crime—notably large-scale smuggling to fund his government and enrich himself. The central government in Tbilisi had very little say in what went on in Adjara; during the presidency of Eduard Shevardnadze, it seemed convenient to turn a blind eye to the situation in Adjara.

Highlander travel destinations

This changed following the Rose Revolution of 2003 when Shevardnadze was deposed in favour of the reformist opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili, who pledged to crack down on separatism within Georgia. In the spring of 2004, a major crisis in Adjara erupted as the central government sought to reimpose its authority on the region. It threatened to develop into an armed confrontation. However, Saakashvili’s ultimatums and mass protests against Abashidze’s autocratic rule forced the Adjaran leader to resign in May 2004, following which he went into exile in Russia. After Abashidze’s ousting, a new law was introduced to redefine the terms of Adjara’s autonomy. Levan Varshalomidze succeeded Abashidze as the chairman of the government.

For many years, Russia maintained the 12th Military Base (the former 145th Motor Rifle Division) in Batumi. This was a source of great tension with Georgia, which had threatened to block access to the facility. Following talks in March 2005, the Russian government proposed to begin the process of withdrawal later the same year; Russia returned the base to Georgia on November 17, 2007, more than a year ahead of schedule.

In July 2007, the seat of the Georgian Constitutional Court was moved from Tbilisi to Batumi.

 

Batumi

Batumi today is one of the main port cities of Georgia. It has the capacity for 80,000-tonne tankers to take materials such as oil which is shipped through Georgia from Central Asia. Additionally the city exports regional agricultural products. Since 1995 the freight conversion of the port has constantly risen, with an approximate 8 million tonnes in 2001. The annual revenue from the port is estimated at between $200 million and $300 million.

Since the change of power in Ajara, Batumi has attracted several international investors with real estate prices in the city trebling since 2001. Several new hotels opened after 2009, first the Sheraton in 2010 and the Radisson Blu in 2011. The Trump-tower and the Kempinski will open 2013.

Guria

Interesting places

  • Shemokmedi monastery
  • Church in Likhauri
  • Archangel’s church in Jumati
  • Resort Bakhmaro
  • Resort Grigoleti
  • Resort Ureki
  • Kolkheti national parl
  • Gomi mountain
  • Dendrological park
  • Musicians park
  • Georgia in miniatures park
Kakheti

Overview

Kakheti is a historical province in Eastern Georgia. It is bordered by the small mountainous province of Tusheti and the Greater Caucasus mountain range to the north, Russian Federation to the Northeast, Azerbaijan to the Southeast, and the Georgian province of Kartli to the west. Kakheti is geographically divided into the Inner Kakheti to the east of Tsiv-Gombori mountain range and the Outer Kakheti to the west of it. The major river of the eastern part is Alazani, while that of the western part is the Iori. Kakheti is well known as homeland of Georgian wines. As it is considered, Alazani valley is cradle of wine making. There are 4 protected areas in Kakheti: Lagodekhi national park, Vashlovani national park, Tusheti national park and Batsari restricted area. In Khakheti are popular cultural tours, jeep tours in Vashlovani, hiking and horse tours in Lagodekhi, Pankisi and Tusheti and of course food and wine tours.

Historical province Tusheti

Tusheti province is located on the north slopes of great Caucasus range. Tusheti is bordered by the republics of Chechnya and Dagestan to the north and east, respectively; and by the Georgian historic provinces Kakheti and Pshav-Khevsureti to the south and west, respectively. The population of the area is mainly ethnic Georgians called Tushs or Tushetians. Historically, Tusheti comprised four mountain communities of the Alazani Valley. These are Tsova, Gometzari, Chaghma and the Piriq’iti Tusheti (formerly known as Pharsman’s Tusheti). Included in the present day Akhmeta raioni, Kakheti region, Georgia, the area comprises ten villages with Omalo being the largest. The only road to Tusheti goes via Abano pass – 2926 meters above the sea level. Road is opened from end of June till beginning of October. Traditionally, the Tushs are sheep herders. Tushetian Gouda (cheese) cheese and high quality wool was famous and was exported to Europe and Russia. Even today sheep and cattle breeding is the leading branch of the economy of highland Tusheti. The local shepherds spend the summer months in the highland areas of Tusheti but live in the lowland villages of Zemo Alvani and Kvemo Alvani in wintertime. Their customs and traditions are similar to those of other eastern Georgian mountaineers. One of the most ecologically unspoiled regions in the Caucasus, Tusheti is a popular mountain-trekking venue. Pork is tabooed in Tusheti. Farmers will not raise pigs and travelers are usually advised to not bring any pork into the region. Locals will however eat pork themselves when not in Tusheti.

Area:

Population:

Organic wine tour in kakheti
Limited offer
From$170$160
Organic wine tour in Kakheti
One day Wine tour in Kakheti, Georgia to Alazani valley best known winemaking region in eastern Georgia. Homeland of famous wines.
Organic wine tour in Kakheti
David gareja and sighnaghi tour
From$110
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour in Kakheti, includes Lavra, Udabno caves and also wine tour and lunch. Best season spring and fall
David Gareja and Sighnaghi tour
Kakheti tour in one day – town of love
Best Price
From$90$75
Kakheti tour in one day – Town of love
Explore the charming town of Sighnaghi, the heart of Kakheti, on a one-day tour. Admire 18th-century walls, taste wine, & immerse in Georgian culture.
Kakheti tour in one day – Town of love
Vashlovani and signagi tour
Best Price
From$120$105
Vashlovani and Signagi tour
Vashlovani and Signagi tour in south Kakheti will let you enjoy wonderful nature, ancient fortress, cozy town Signagi and taste real Georgian wine.
Vashlovani and Signagi tour
Jeep tour in vashlovani protected area 2 days
From$250
Jeep tour in Vashlovani protected area 2 days
Discover the beauty of Vashlovani like never before! Join us on a thrilling Jeep tour through the protected area. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
Jeep tour in Vashlovani protected area 2 days
Two days kakheti tour
From$250
Two days Kakheti tour
Two days Kakheti tour including David Gareja Sighnagi and Telavi covers most attractions, overnight in Signagi.
Two days Kakheti tour
Long georgian wine tour in kakheti
From$350
Long Georgian Wine tour in Kakheti
Two day Georgian Wine tour in Kakheti in Alazani valley
Long Georgian Wine tour in Kakheti
Escape to georgia tour package from dubai - unforgettable 4 days
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From$690$490
Escape to Georgia Tour Package From Dubai - unforgettable 4 Days
Experience the beauty of Georgia with our exclusive tour package from Dubai. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the country, and create unforgettable memories as you discover its stunning landscapes and hidden gems. Book now for a truly authentic and cultural adventure!
Escape to Georgia Tour Package From Dubai - unforgettable 4 Days
Around georgia tour
From$1350
Around Georgia tour
Around Georgia tour
Wonderful kakheti tour from tbilisi
From$400
Wonderful Kakheti tour from Tbilisi
Wonderful Kakheti tour from Tbilisi
Grand trek in eastern caucasus
From$1680
Grand trek in Eastern Caucasus
Grand trek in Eastern Caucasus​ duration 13 days, challenging trekking from Kazbegi to Tusheti, including also Shatili. Difficult level.
Grand trek in Eastern Caucasus
Marvellous horse riding tour in georgia - 11 days
From$2260
Marvellous Horse riding tour in Georgia - 11 days
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Georgia on a horse-riding tour like no other! Saddle up and explore stunning landscapes and charming villages. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!
Marvellous Horse riding tour in Georgia - 11 days
Charming horse riding tour in tusheti 4 days
From$560
Charming horse riding tour in Tusheti 4 Days
Charming horse riding tour in Tusheti 4 Days
Jeep tour in tusheti - explore the remote beauty 3 days
Best Price
From$430$350
Jeep Tour in Tusheti - Explore the remote beauty 3 days
Embark on a thrilling Jeep Tour in Tusheti and discover the rugged, remote beauty of Georgia's highland region. Breathtaking views, traditional villages, and local hospitality await.
Jeep Tour in Tusheti - Explore the remote beauty 3 days
Hiking in tusheti adventures in wild
From$515
Hiking in Tusheti Adventures in wild
Hiking in Tusheti Adventures in wild
Atsunta pass trekking
From$1100
Atsunta Pass Trekking
Atsunta Pass Trekking
Spring and autumn tour in georgia
From$950
Spring and Autumn tour in Georgia
Spring and Autumn tour in Georgia
  • Fortresses
  • Churches and monasteries
  • Towns
  • National monuments

Khornabuji fortress
Chailuri fortress
Ujarma fortress
Gremi fortress
Bochorma
Manavi

David Gareja
Bodbe
Kvelatsminda in Gurjaani
Ikalto
Alaverdi
Gremi’s Archangel’s church
Old Shuamta
New Shuamta
Nekresi

Telavi
Signagi
Kvareli

Vashlovani national park
Lagodekhi protected area
Tusheti national park
Batsara reserve

Kvemo Kartli

Kvemo Kartli is a region in southeast Georgia. Bordered by Kakheti from the east, Shida Kartli from the north, Javakheti from the west, and Armenia and Azerbaijan from the south. The administrative center of the region is the city Rustavi. The main river of the area is Mtkvari. The last part of the region is the lowland, Kura valley, which here is very wide. Here are cities – Rustavi, Marneuli and Gardabani. Agriculture is very highly developed in the valley, but from a tourist point of view, the lowland of Kvemo Kartli is not interesting at all. The western part, which is bordered by the Trialeti range from the north and Samsari and Javakheti range from the west, is much more interesting, and here in gorges covered by deep forests are the most exciting places of the area, but tourist infrastructure is not developed. Kvemo Kartli is very close to Tbilisi. There can be organized cultural tours, archaeological tours, naturalist tours and horse riding tours in Algeti national park, adventure tours and canyoning in Birtvisi canyon, and hiking tours.

Area: 6,527.6 km2 

Population: 434,241

The first europeans – dmanisi and bolnisi tour
Best Price
From$80$75
The first Europeans – Dmanisi and Bolnisi tour
The first Europeans – Dmanisi and Bolnisi tour
One day horse tour in algeti national park
From$110
One day horse tour in Algeti national park
One day horse tour in Algeti national park
Samegrelo

Samegrelo is the most north-west region of Georgia, which is bordered by the black sea, but Adjara and Guria have only two sea side resorts Anaklia and Ganmukhuri. Main city of Samegrelo is Zugdidi. According to the current administrative division Upper Svaneti belongs to Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti region.

Samegrelo is not very touristic, but it has many interesting places to offer to its guests. Also, local cuisine is pretty different and deserves attention.

Area: 7,468 km

Population: 308,358

Main city: Zugdidi

Tobavarchkhili lake trekking
From$1020
Tobavarchkhili lake trekking
Tobavarchkhili lake trekking

Looking for a hidden gem? Discover Svaneti, the untouched paradise nestled in the Georgian Caucasus Mountains. Explore breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Don't miss out on this bucket-list destination. Learn more now!

General information

Shida Kartli is region in central Georgia. Modern administrative division almost repeats provinces historical borders. ShidaKartli is bordered by Likhi range from the west, Trialeti range from the south, Great Caucasus range from the north and river Aragvi from the east. Administrative center of the region is town Gori, known because it is birth place of Stalin, and it was heavily damaged during Georgia – Russia war in 2008. In the city is Stalin’s museum, popular destination for tourists. North part of the region is currently occupied by Russia, so called South Ossetia, and it is impossible to travel there. Currently Mtskheta town itself and its district are in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, but historicaly Mtskheta always used to be not only in the region Kartli, but it was its center. Shida Kartli is less known as wine making region then Kakheti, but here are local native types of grapes, and wines, so it is possible to combine tour in Shida Kartli with wine tour. Here we have two wine cellars and one wine factory. In the region most popular is cultural tourism, because Shida Kartli is reach with historical monuments – mostly churches. The most interesting site in the area is ancient carved in the rock town Uplistsikhe.

Area: 5,729 km2

Population: 254,081

Main city: Gori

Places of interest

Uplistsikhe
Ateni Sioni
Gorijvari
Gori fortress
Stalin museum in Gori
Samtavisi
Surami fortress
Rkoni monastery
Ikvi
Ertatsminda
Kozipa
Kintsvisi church
Kvatakhevi monastery

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