Places to Visit in Tbilisi: Old Town, Baths and Narikala

If you are short on time in Tbilisi, start with the old town: the brick-domed Abanotubani sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress on the hill and the glass Bridge of Peace over the Kura river are all within walking distance of one another. After that, Rustaveli Avenue shows the city's more formal and modern face. These two areas are a good start for understanding the capital of Georgia.

Getting to know Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia (known in Turkish as Tiflis), is built on both banks of the Kura (Mtkvari) river, among the hills. The city's name is said to come from a Georgian word meaning "warm", a reference to the hot springs in the area. Throughout history Tbilisi was a city on the Silk Road where different cultures met, and churches, a mosque, a synagogue and the architecture of different periods can be seen side by side.

The old town: Kala and Abanotubani

Abanotubani sulphur baths

In one corner of the old town stand the Abanotubani baths, with their brick domes rising from the ground. This is the neighbourhood of the historic bathhouses that use hot, sulphurous spring water. Walking among the domes, you may notice a faint smell of sulphur in the air. The Orbeliani bath, with its striking blue-tiled façade, is the most photographed building in the area. Whether you want to bathe in one of the baths is a personal choice; the visit in the programme generally covers seeing the neighbourhood and the outside of the baths.

Narikala Fortress

Rising on the steep hill just above the baths, Narikala Fortress is one of the oldest structures in the city and was expanded under different rulers over the centuries. From the walls, the roofs of the old town, the Kura river and the city panorama on the opposite bank spread out before you. You can reach the fortress on foot or by the cable car that departs from the park on the riverbank.

On the hill near the fortress stands the large Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) statue, holding a sword in one hand and a bowl of wine in the other. The statue is said to symbolise the Georgian character, which greets friends with wine and enemies with the sword.

The streets of the old town

Houses with wooden balconies, buildings with courtyards and narrow streets make up the fabric of old Tbilisi. In these streets there are small cafés, wine shops and shops selling handicrafts. The Metekhi Church on the slope overlooking the Kura river is also a familiar silhouette seen from the old town.

The Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

The Bridge of Peace, a pedestrian bridge over the Kura river, deliberately contrasts with the stone fabric of the old town with its wavy roof of glass and steel. It is even more striking when lit up in the evening. Rike Park, at the other end of the bridge, is a lovely place to relax by the river and look up at Narikala.

Rustaveli Avenue

Tbilisi's main avenue, Rustaveli, is named after Shota Rustaveli, the famous poet of Georgian literature. The Parliament building, the opera house, theatres and museums line the avenue. With its tree-lined pavements, cafés and bookshops, it shows the city's more European face. Freedom Square, at one end of the avenue, is the gateway to the old town.

Exploring Tbilisi

• Shoes: The old town is hilly and cobbled; comfortable shoes with good grip are a must.
• Money: Georgia's currency is the lari. Cards are widely used, but carry some cash for small shops.
• Churches: When entering Orthodox churches, women may be expected to cover their heads and wear a skirt; it is also appropriate for men to wear long trousers rather than shorts. Many churches have wraps at the entrance.
• Alphabet: The Georgian alphabet is unique and does not resemble Latin letters. In tourist areas, most signs are also written in Latin letters.

How does Tbilisi feature on the tour?

The Georgia Tour: Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Kazbegi is a 3-night, 4-day programme with hotel accommodation. On day one you fly from Istanbul to Tbilisi; in the afternoon you take an old town walk and visit the Abanotubani baths and Narikala Fortress, and you spend the night in Tbilisi. On day three you see Tbilisi city centre, the Bridge of Peace and Rustaveli Avenue; in the afternoon there is free time, or you can take an optional trip to the Kakheti wine region. This tour is a new programme not in the catalogue.

On day two you leave the city: we describe the old capital in our Mtskheta guide and the mountain section in our article on Kazbegi and the Georgian Military Road.

What to eat and where to look in Tbilisi

Another feature of the city is how lively it is in the evening. At sunset, looking out from Narikala or the riverbank, you can see the lights of the old town, the silhouettes of the churches and the illuminated Bridge of Peace all together.

Tbilisi is also a great city for getting to know Georgian cuisine. In the restaurants of the old town you can easily find khachapuri (cheese bread), juicy meat-filled khinkali and walnut-based starters. The open-air market around the Dry Bridge sells antiques, paintings and curious souvenirs; it can be fun to browse in your free time. The city's large and relatively new cathedral, Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral), is part of the Tbilisi skyline, with its golden dome that stands out even from a distance. For food and table customs, see our article with practical information for a trip to Georgia.

Frequently asked questions

Where should you go on your first day in Tbilisi?

Starting with the old town makes the most sense. The Abanotubani baths, Narikala Fortress and the Bridge of Peace are close to one another and make a good first day for getting to know the city.

How do you get up to Narikala Fortress?

You can reach the fortress on foot from the old town or by the cable car that departs from Rike Park on the riverbank. The footpath is steep and stony.

Can you go into the sulphur baths in Tbilisi?

Some of the baths in Abanotubani are open to visitors, and anyone who wishes can bathe. This is a personal choice and a separate expense; the visit in the tour programme covers exploring the neighbourhood.

Can you get by in Turkish or English in Tbilisi?

In tourist areas English is common, especially among young people, and you may also meet shopkeepers who speak Turkish. On a guided tour, you will have no trouble communicating.