Tbilisi, Georgia-4-day-itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Old Town
- 9:00 AM: Start the day at the Tbilisi City Hall (free admission), a beautiful example of Georgian architecture. Take some photos in front of the stunning building.
- 10:00 AM: Walk to the nearby Metekhi Church, a historic church dating back to the 12th century. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
- 11:30 AM: Visit the Sioni Cathedral (admission: 5 GEL), one of the oldest and most important churches in Tbilisi. Be sure to see the beautiful frescoes inside.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Paxia (price range: 10-20 GEL), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Georgian cuisine. Try their khinkali (dumplings) or khachapuri (cheese bread).
- 2:30 PM: Explore the charming streets of Old Town, browsing local shops and cafes.
- 5:00 PM: Relax at your hotel, or grab a coffee at Café Lello (price range: 10-20 GEL), a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in the heart of Old Town, where you’ll be within walking distance to most attractions. Some recommended hotels include:
- Hotel City (price range: 50-100 GEL per night)
- Tbilisi Rooms (price range: 30-60 GEL per night)
Things to Know: Be prepared for narrow streets and uneven pavement in Old Town. Don’t forget to try some local street food, like roasted chestnuts or boiled corn.
Day 2: Modern Tbilisi
- 9:00 AM: Start the day at the Tbilisi Sea, a man-made lake created in the Soviet era (free admission). Take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the views.
- 10:30 AM: Visit the Rose Revolution Square (free admission), a large public space that’s home to several important monuments, including the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali.
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café del Mar (price range: 20-40 GEL), a trendy spot serving Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails.
- 1:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Soviet Occupation (admission: 5 GEL), which tells the story of Georgia’s occupation during World War II.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the upscale neighborhood of Vake, known for its boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Where to Eat: In addition to Café del Mar, try:
- Kitchen Bar (price range: 20-40 GEL), a popular spot for breakfast and brunch
- La Maison (price range: 30-60 GEL), a cozy French bistro
Transportation: Tbilisi has a comprehensive public transportation system. Use the metro or buses to get around.
Tips: Don’t drink tap water, and be prepared for crowds during peak season. Learn some basic Georgian phrases, like “hello” (გამარჯობა) and “thank you” (მადლობა).
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
- 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to the beautiful Narikala Fortress (free admission), which offers stunning views of Tbilisi. To get there, take bus #2 or taxi.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the nearby Mother of Georgia Monument, a 20th-century sculpture that’s become an iconic symbol of the city.
- 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Tamarind (price range: 15-25 GEL), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Georgian and international cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Relax in the beautiful Botanical Garden, which features a variety of plant species and scenic walking paths.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in the upscale neighborhood of Vake, where you’ll be within walking distance to some of Tbilisi’s best restaurants and shops. Some recommended hotels include:
- Hotel Radisson Blu (price range: 100-200 GEL per night)
- Tbilisi Marriott Hotel (price range: 150-250 GEL per night)
Day 4: Markets and Bazaars
- 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Paskevich Street Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Kala Market, a historic bazaar that’s been in operation since the 19th century. Try some local street food and shop for souvenirs.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Sahil (price range: 10-20 GEL), a cozy restaurant serving delicious Georgian cuisine.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the Dry Bridge Market, where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to antique furniture.
Tips: Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the markets, and don’t be afraid to haggle over prices. Try some local delicacies, like khinkali or khachapuri.
Additional Tips:
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Learn some basic Georgian phrases: Show respect for the culture by learning a few basic phrases, like “გამარჯობა” (hello) and “მადლობა” (thank you).
- Try some local cuisine: Georgian food is delicious and varied. Try some traditional dishes, like khinkali or khachapuri.
Transportation:
- Metro: Tbilisi has a comprehensive metro system that’s easy to navigate.
- Buses: Use the buses to get around the city.
- Taxis: Taxis are available, but be sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
Accommodation:
- Budget-friendly options: Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses for a more affordable experience.
- Mid-range hotels: Look for mid-range hotels that offer comfortable rooms and amenities.
- Luxury hotels: If you’re looking to splurge, consider staying in one of Tbilisi’s high-end hotels.
Language:
- Georgian: The official language is Georgian, but many locals speak Russian or English as a second language.
- English: English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among hotel staff.