Tbilisi Tales: Exploring the Heart of Georgia

The Arrival

Our journey to Georgia began with a smooth Qatar Airways flight, bringing us to Tbilisi in the warmth of t

he afternoon Sun. The first glimpse of the city from the skies felt inviting, with rolling hills and the Kura River glistening below. Stepping out of the airport, w

e were greeted with the charm of Georgian hospitality and the excitement of exploring a new destination as a family of three.

The City: A Blend of Old and New

Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia, sits on the banks of the Kura River, surrounded by rolling hills. The city beautifully blends old-world charm with modern energy, where ancient churches stand beside chic cafés and boutiques. Its winding cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and lively courtyards give Tbilisi a unique character. The city is also famous for its warm sulfur baths, traditional Georgian cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality. With its rich history, diverse culture, and welcoming vibe, Tbilisi is a perfect gateway to explore Georgia.

Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay in Tbilisi turned out to be one of the most exciting parts of our trip, as the city has such a warm mix of old charm and modern comfort. We stayed close to the Old Town, where waking up to the sight of wooden balconies and narrow cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time. The area was perfect for exploring on foot, with cozy cafés and wine bars just around the corner.
On another visit, we tried a boutique hotel near Rustaveli Avenue, and it gave us a completely different vibe—more modern, with theaters, museums, and lively streets right at our doorstep. What we loved most is that Tbilisi offers something for every mood, whether it’s the artsy atmosphere of Sololaki, the panoramic views from Mtatsminda, or the budget-friendly hostels that make you feel right at home. No matter where you choose, the city’s warmth and hospitality follow you everywhere.

Have a look to the map picture to get a view of Old town & New Town. majority of the top branded Hotels are there in New town. the old town has no more room for expansion and that’s the reason the new hotels have chosen the new town as their site.

Budget-Friendly Stays in Tbilisi

Accommodation	Approx. Price (per night)	What Stands Out
Fabrika Hostel & Suites	~$9	Artsy, community-centric, lively vibe
Hotel Vorontsov	$28	Cozy, close to city center, solid reviews
Guest House Teo	$29	Quiet, welcoming, excellent value near central sights

Mid-Range Hotel Picks in Tbilisi

Hotel	Approx. Price	Highlights
Siberia Hotel	Mid-range	Boutique-style, views of Holy Trinity Cathedral, traditional breakfast
Tbilisi Story Hotel	Mid-range	Stylish rooms, large bathtubs, scenic terrace
Hotel Frida	~€29–34/night	Fabulous reviews, Old Tbilisi location near Narikala
Ibis Budget Tbilisi Center	~€26/night	Reliable 3-star comfort, Vera district, close to metro

Top Luxury Hotels in Tbilisi

Hotel	What Makes It Shine
Tbilisi Marriott Hotel	Historic Renaissance-Baroque elegance on Rustaveli Avenue, wellness center and refined ambiance
Stamba Hotel	Industrial-chic design in a former printing house, quirky design details, creative atmosphere
Wyndham Grand Tbilisi	Modern glass architecture, spa, heated indoor pool, lavish suites in central location
Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi	Monumental mix of preserved Soviet-era façade and sleek tower, luxurious and panoramic
Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel	Floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, rooftop pool & spa, multiple dining venues including casino
Hotel Ambasadori	Classic five-star luxury nestled in Tbilisi’s historic center, culturally rich surroundings

Spots one shouldn’t miss in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is a city where history, culture, and modern charm come together at every corner. From ancient fortresses to lively streets and soothing sulfur baths, here are the must-see places you shouldn’t miss.

Narikala Fortress – A historic 4th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Kura River.

Old Tbilisi – Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, colorful wooden balconies, and charming courtyards.

Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani) – Famous for their natural hot springs and a perfect spot to relax.

Rustaveli Avenue – The city’s main boulevard filled with shops, cafés, theaters, and museums.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) – One of the largest orthodox cathedrals in the world, symbolizing Georgian spirit.

Bridge of Peace – A modern glass pedestrian bridge connecting old and new Tbilisi.

Dry Bridge Market – A lively flea market where you’ll find antiques, art, and unique souvenirs.

Metekhi Church – A stunning cliffside church overlooking the river.

Funicular Ride – A scenic ride up to Mtatsminda offering city views and access to restaurants at the top.

Best Season

Georgia is a year-round destination, but the best seasons to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, the landscapes are at their most colorful, and it’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

While Spring and Autumn are the most favorable but Winter is also spectacular here. specially Kazbegi & Gudauri.

A Taste of the Local Cuisine

No trip to Tbilisi is complete without experiencing the flavors of Georgian cuisine. From the iconic khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and steaming khinkali (juicy dumplings) to hearty meat dishes and vibrant salads, every meal feels like a celebration. Don’t miss trying churchkhela, the traditional sweet made from nuts and grape juice, or sipping on Georgia’s world-famous wines. The blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and age-old recipes make dining in Tbilisi an unforgettable cultural experience.

We tried in different restaurants but the “Old Town” was one of our fav. I have dropped the link to the restaurant if you wish to check the menu.

Itinerary

Most difficult part of any trip. lets make it easy as we did. Travelling outskirts of Tbilisi can be little tiring if you have a toddler or kids. So we decided to make it easy. We hired a cab with local driver and gave our plan, which I have shared below. She was a real saviour on that trip. Renting a car can be another good option and last but not the least, lots of tour operators are there near the old town square. But as always, we prefer to make our own plan and drive by ourselves.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi (capital city).Evening walk through Old Tbilisi (narrow streets, wooden balconies).
Visit Narikala Fortress (Opening Hrs. 10 am – 10 pm) & The Mother Of Georgia statue (cable car ride for panoramic views).
Dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant → try Khachapuri (cheese bread) & Khinkali (dumplings).

Day 2 – Explore Tbilisi

Sameba Cathedral – one of the largest in the world.
Bridge of Peace & Rike Park.
Sulfur Baths in Abanotubani (relaxing soak in historic bathhouses).
Evening at Mtatsminda Park for fun rides & night views of the city.

Day 3 – Mtskheta (Day Trip from Tbilisi)

Drive 30 min to Mtskheta, ancient capital (UNESCO site).
Jvari Monastery (6th century, hilltop view).
Zhinvali Reservoir Located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, the Zhinvali Water Reservoir is a beautiful site in Georgia with both natural beauty and historical significance.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – sacred Georgian Orthodox site.

Return to Tbilisi for dinner & wine tasting.

Day 4 – Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)

Drive along the Georgian Military Highway (scenic route).
Stop at Ananuri Fortress by the Jinvali Reservoir.
Reach Stepantsminda (Kazbegi).
Hike/drive to Gergeti Trinity Church with Mt. Kazbek backdrop. Overnight in Kazbegi. ( We missed it due to bad road condition )

Recommended stay at Rooms Kazbegi.

Day 5 – Kakheti Wine Region

Head to Kakheti, Georgia’s wine country. there are plenty of winery torus available online. We choose to do the tour to Winery Khareba located 45 km from Kakheti.
Visit Sighnaghi – the city of love with fortress walls & cobbled streets.
Wine tasting at local wineries.

Stay overnight in Kakheti or return to Tbilisi. We came back to our Airbnb Tbilisi.

Day 6 – Borjomi & Vardzia (Optional Adventure)

Visit Borjomi National Park – famous mineral springs.
Continue to Vardzia cave city (12th century cave monastery complex).
Overnight in Borjomi or return late to Tbilisi.

Day 7 – Free Day in Tbilisi & Departure

Shopping at Dry Bridge Market (antiques, art).Its a must visit place for some good mementoes.
Stroll Rustaveli Avenue (cafés, museums, souvenir shops).

Departure flight.

Traveling with a 3-year-old meant our pace was slower, but Georgia matched it beautifully. The locals were incredibly warm, always smiling at our son and even offering small treats. The mix of history, nature, and food kept us parents happy, while the open spaces and cable cars kept our little one entertained.

March turned out to be a good month to visit—the weather was not that cold, perfect for both sightseeing and relaxing.

Travel Essentials for Georgia

Language: The official language is Georgian (with its unique alphabet). In tourist areas, you’ll also find people speaking English or Russian.
Currency: The Georgian Lari (GEL). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards work in most cities. Last but not the least there are lots of currency exchange service through out the city and airport arrival. USD$ and Euro is also preferred by locals.
Time Zone: Georgia Standard Time (GMT+4).
Plugs & Power: European-style Type C & F plugs, 220V supply.
Internet & Network: Major operators like Magti, Silknet or Cellfie has their counter at the Airport arrival. Magti has good network coverage through Georgia with numerous pocket friendly plans. However, we opted for online Maya e-sim service.
Transport:
- Tbilisi Metro is cheap and convenient.
- Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) connect most towns.
- Taxis and ride apps like Yendex & Bolt are affordable.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for mild weather.
- Winter (Dec–Feb) for skiing in Gudauri or Bakuriani.
Family-Friendly Note: Georgians are very welcoming to children—restaurants and locals are usually accommodating, and there are plenty of open spaces for kids.

Seven days in Georgia gave us a lifetime of memories. From mountain views to seaside sunsets, from ancient monasteries to modern boulevards, Georgia is a destination we would love to return to—maybe when our son is a little older to hike those bigger trails with us!