FAQ about Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia, located along the Kura River. It is a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural and historical heritage, amazing cuisine, and friendly locals. In this FAQ, we will provide all the information that you need to know before visiting Tbilisi.

1. What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?

Tbilisi has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Tbilisi is during the spring and autumn months of April to June and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is mild, and the city is not overcrowded with tourists. However, if you want to experience the vibrant festivals and events in Tbilisi, you should plan your visit in July or August.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is a city of many attractions, and it has something to offer for everyone. The must-see attractions in Tbilisi include:

• Narikala Fortress
• Tbilisi Old Town
• Rustaveli Avenue
• Tbilisi Botanical Garden
• Tbilisi sulfur baths
• Georgian National Museum
• The Bridge of Peace

3. Is Tbilisi a safe city to visit?

Tbilisi is a safe city to visit, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. However, like any big city, it is essential to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Be careful when using public transport or walking alone at night. Also, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoid dimly lit streets.

4. What is the local currency in Tbilisi?

The local currency in Tbilisi is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange your cash at the airport or any of the authorized exchange centers in the city. Most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions also accept credit cards, but it is always good to carry some cash with you.

5. What is the local cuisine like in Tbilisi?

Georgian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, and Tbilisi is the best place to try it out. Some of the popular dishes in Tbilisi include Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Khinkali (dumplings), Badrijani (eggplant rolls), and Chakhokhbili (chicken stew). You can also try Georgian wines, which are famous for their unique taste and quality.

6. Can I drink tap water in Tbilisi?

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Tbilisi. It is better to drink bottled water, which is readily available at most shops and convenience stores.

7. What are the transportation options in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi has many transportation options for getting around the city, including:

• Metro – Tbilisi has a two-line metro system that is efficient and affordable.
• Buses – Buses are the most common form of transportation in Tbilisi, and they operate on a set route and schedule.
• Taxis – Taxis are available throughout the city, and you can use mobile apps like Yandex or Bolt to book a ride.
• Minibusses – Minibusses or Marshrutkas are small buses that operate on a set route and schedule, and they are affordable but can get crowded.

8. Can I use English in Tbilisi?

English is not widely spoken in Tbilisi, but you can communicate with the locals using basic English. The signs and menus in tourist areas are usually written in English, but it is always good to learn some basic phrases in Georgian before your trip.

9. What are the shopping options in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi has many shopping options, including open-air markets, shopping malls, and souvenir shops. Some popular places to shop in Tbilisi include:

• Dry Bridge Market – where you can find antiques, souvenirs, and second-hand items.
• Tbilisi Mall – a modern shopping mall with various national and international brand stores.
• Rustaveli Avenue – a popular shopping street with a range of shops and boutiques.
• Agmashenebeli Avenue – a trendy shopping street with an eclectic mix of shops and cafes.

10. How can I get to Tbilisi from the airport?

Tbilisi International Airport is located around 25 kilometers away from the city center. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the city center. The bus service operates every 30 minutes, and the ticket costs 0.5 GEL. You can also use a mobile app like Yandex or Bolt to book a taxi from the airport.

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Tbilisi is a beautiful city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. We hope this FAQ will help you plan your trip to Tbilisi and make the most out of your visit. Remember to explore the city at a leisurely pace, try out the local food, and interact with the friendly locals.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Tbilisi

Georgia, located in the Caucasus region, is full of magnificent mountains, delicious food, and welcoming locals. One of the most exhilarating cities in Georgia is Tbilisi, the capital city. Walking in Tbilisi, you can experience the blend of architecture, culture, and history with a perfect fusion of modernism. The city is filled with old and new landmarks, and here is how to spend your time as a tourist in Tbilisi:

1. Take a walking tour in Old Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi is the city’s oldest and most important district, and it is rich in history and charm. With narrow streets, old-fashioned balconies, and colorful houses, it portrays the authentic Georgian culture and architecture. There are several historic landmarks that you can visit in Old Tbilisi, such as the Tbilisi Mosque, the Metekhi Church, and the Narikala Fortress. All of these tourist destinations offer sensational and awe-inspiring experience, from worship to historical architecture and landmarks. If you like modern art, you can visit the Contemporary Art Museum in Rustaveli Avenue.

2. Soak in the Sulphur Baths

The old and famous sulfur baths in Abanotubani are the best places for relaxation in Tbilisi. The sulfur water is believed to have health benefits for the skin and joints, so the bathhouses are a place where locals and visitors come for healing treatments, relaxation, or just to experience the culture. Most bathhouses in Abanotubani were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they have preserved their original architecture. You can experience the bathhouses in a private room to enjoy the luxury of being pampered with sulfuric water.

3. Visit the Open Air Museum of Ethnography

The Open Air Museum of Ethnography showcases the diversity of Georgian culture and history. It’s a great place to learn about the different regions within Georgia and the unique traditions that each has. The museum has over 70 original dwellings, representing different ethnic groups throughout Georgia, and depicts the lifestyle of the people who lived in each region. The museum also offers workshops and cultural performances throughout the day, making it an excellent place to experience Georgian dance, music, and craft. You can also find restaurants and cafes serving traditional Georgian food.

4. Explore the Flea Market at the Dry Bridge

The Dry Bridge is located in the heart of Tbilisi, a place which is a must to explore for collectors and bargain hunters. The market offers a unique shopping experience where you can find everything from antique cameras, vinyl records, books, and handmade crafts to Soviet-era memorabilia. You will also witness local artists displaying their paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art pieces. The flea market offers a great way to connect with locals and get a glimpse of Georgia’s art and history.

5. Experience Georgian Cuisine

A trip to Tbilisi is incomplete without experiencing Georgian cuisine. Georgian food is known for its diverse styles and unique flavors. You can find traditional Georgian eateries known as “supra” restaurants throughout the city. One of the most popular dishes in Georgian cuisine is khachapuri, a delicious and cheesy bread that is a typical breakfast food. You should also try khinkali, a type of dumpling, and Chakapuli, a traditional stew made with meat and tart plums. You can also find well-known fruity Georgian wines like Kakhetian and Saperavi in Tbilisi.

6. Take a Cable Car Ride to the Narikala Fortress

The Narikala Fortress is the dominant landmark of Tbilisi’s Old Town, and it offers breathtaking views of the city. One of the best ways to reach the castle is through a cable car ride, which provides a unique perspective of the city’s architecture, mountains, and river. The Narikala Fortress was constructed in the 4th century as a Persian Citadel and has dominated the Tbilisi skyline ever since. The fortress is also home to the St Nicholas Church and a small Turkish bath.

7. Enjoy the Nightlife in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is well known for its vibrant nightlife. The city has a diverse range of entertainment spots, such as bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Bassiani, for instance, is a nightclub that is located under the Dinamo Tbilisi football stadium. For a night full of traditional Georgian dance and folk music, you can visit the Reproduction of Tbilisi History Museum. You can also find bars and pubs in every corner of the city, where you can enjoy a drink and mingle with locals. In conclusion, Tbilisi has something to offer for everyone, from history to culture and nightlife. Exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying the traditional food, and indulging in the beautiful sceneries are the best ways to make your trip memorable.