Tbilisi holidays

How to reach Tbilisi

Flight time: Direct flights to Tbilisi from London take about 4 hours 45 minutes.

Transfer time: Tbilisi International Airport is located approximately 17km southeast of the city centre. A taxi ride can take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Bus number 337 leaves every 20 minutes or so from the bus stop just outside the arrivals hall, and runs 24 hours a day. Approximate journey time from the airport to the city centre is 40 to 50 minutes.

Price: A standard taxi fare from the airport to the city centre typically ranges from 30 to 50 GEL. A ticket for the bus to the city centre costs 1 GEL, which is payable by card.

Best time to visit Tbilisi

Tbilisi's charm shines throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience:

• Spring (March to May) is delightful with mild weather and blooming landscapes, making it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions. Expect temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. May and June often see the highest rainfall, around 84mm on average.

• Summer (June to August) welcomes warm days, ideal for evening strolls and enjoying the city’s outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, peaking in July, with an average of 8 hours’ sunshine per day.

• Autumn (September to November) is ideal for sightseeing and tasting Georgia's famous wines on a visit to a vineyard. Average temperatures hover around 15°C to 25°C.

• Winter (December to February) can be cold, with occasional snow. Unless you’re planning to indulge in winter sports, travelling around Georgia can be difficult at this time of year. Temperatures typically range from 0°C to 10°C and average rainfall ranges from 16mm to 21mm.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Georgian is the primary language, but Russian and English are widely understood in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Georgians are known for their hospitality. When visiting someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift. The previously unfamiliar practice of tipping is becoming more common in Tbilisi, and you may find a service charge added to your bill in more upscale restaurants.

• Getting around: Tbilisi’s public transport system is composed of the metro and bus networks: to use either, you’ll need to get a reloadable Metromoney card. Cards are available at metro stations, and there are machines for topping up at most bus stops. Fares are very affordable, with a single metro or bus journey costing 1 GEL. Taxis are plentiful in Tbilisi, and trips within the city are inexpensive. Some taxis are equipped with meters, but if you pick up one without, make sure to agree the price before getting in. Taxi app services such as Bolt are common and reliable.

• Currency: The Georgian Lari is the local currency. ATMs and currency exchange offices are readily available.

• Electricity and plug types: The mains voltage in Georgia is 220 volts. The plug sockets are standard European and UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Georgia is 4 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Tbilisi

Holidays to Tbilisi offer plenty of interesting sights to visit and opportunities to learn about Georgian history and culture:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Narikala Fortress: This fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the winding Kura River. It can be reached by cable car and is a perfect spot for photographs.

• Mtatsminda Park: Accessible via a funicular railway, this hilltop amusement park provides stunning city views.

• Mother Georgia Statue: Located near the Narikala Fortress, this symbol of Tbilisi's hospitality offers a commanding view of the city below.

Parks and gardens

• Rike Park: This pleasant riverside park, accessible from the Old Town via the iconic Bridge of Peace, is dotted with an unusual sculpture alongside a strikingly modern former concert hall.

• Botanic Gardens: Located below the Narikala Fortress, these ornate gardens offer a tranquil escape with diverse flora and a waterfall.

• Turtle Lake: A local summer retreat, Turtle Lake is ideal for picnics, pedalo rides and leisurely walks.

Museums and galleries

• Georgian National Museum: Here you will find a well-presented journey through Georgia’s eventful history, including detailed exhibits about the Soviet era.

• Museum of Fine Arts: This is an introduction to modern Georgian art, ranging from traditional oil watercolours by Mamuka Tsetskhladze to the brightly coloured abstract works of Uri Berishvili.

• Georgian National Gallery: This gallery hosts a collection of 19th- and 20th-century Georgian art, including works by Georgia’s most famous painter, Niko Pirosmani.

Churches and mosques

• Sioni Cathedral: Known for its colourful frescos, this cathedral houses the original cross of St Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.

• Anchiskhati Basilica: This is the oldest church in Tbilisi, dating back to the 6th century.

• Juma Mosque: With an attractive brick facade, this is one of the city’s few surviving mosques, dating back to 1895.

• Metekhi Church: This 13th-century church has had a chequered history, including use as a prison, a theatre, a gunpowder store and an outlet of the Museum of Art.

Day trips

• Mtskheta: Pay a visit to the ancient capital of Georgia, whose historic churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive 10th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is known for its magnificent frescos.

• Davit Gareja: This rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex is located in the Kakheti region near the border with Azerbaijan.

• Stepantsminda: This scenic mountainous area is known for the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, perched on a ridge high above the town of Stepantsminda.

Activities for families in Tbilisi

• Mtatsminda Park: Reachable by the charming funicular railway, the park’s attractions include a funfair, a petting zoo and several restaurants.

• Tbilisi Children’s Railway: One of the first children’s railways to be built is located in Mushtaid Park.

• Museum of Illusions: Interactive exhibits here amuse and educate children and adults alike.

Free things to do in Tbilisi

• Tbilisi Free Walking Tours: Explore the Old Town, Tbilisi’s hidden gems or learn more about its Soviet history with knowledgeable local guides.

• Dry Bridge Market: Browse the antiques, art and various trinkets on display at this open-air market.

Wellness in Tbilisi

• Sulphur Baths: A visit to Tbilisi is incomplete without visiting the traditional sulphur baths located in the Abanotubani district. The sulphuric waters, naturally heated, are renowned for their healing properties, especially for skin and rheumatic ailments.

• Spas: Modern spas in Tbilisi offer a variety of services including massages, facials and body treatments. Many combine traditional Georgian techniques with contemporary wellness trends, ensuring a unique and relaxing experience.

Local dishes in Tbilisi

Tbilisi holidays offer a delightful culinary journey through Georgian cuisine, renowned for its unique flavours and hearty dishes. Here are some recommendations for dishes to try:

Traditional Georgian dishes

• Khachapuri: This cheese-filled bread comes in various shapes and sizes, with the most famous being the boat-shaped Adjarian khachapuri, topped with a raw egg and butter.

• Khinkali: Juicy dumplings typically filled with spiced meat, mushrooms or potatoes. The trick is to eat them without spilling the broth!

• Lobio: A comforting bean stew, often served in a clay pot with cornbread on the side.

• Aubergine with Walnuts: Slices of aubergine filled with a paste made of walnuts, vinegar and spices, garnished with pomegranate seeds.

Meat dishes

• Mtsvadi: Georgian-style shashlik, or skewered and grilled chunks of meat, often served with raw onions and a pomegranate sauce.

• Chakapuli: A tart stew made from lamb or veal, tarragon leaves, plums and white wine.

Vegetarian options

• Pkhali: A spread or pâté made from spinach, beet leaves or other greens mixed with ground walnuts and spices.

• Ajapsandali: A flavourful vegetable stew with aubergine, potatoes, tomatoes and spices.

Desserts

• Churchkhela: Candle-shaped sweet made by dipping a string of nuts in thickened grape juice, then drying it.

• Pelamushi: A sweet pudding made from condensed grape juice and cornflour.

Local drinks

• Georgian Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Try varieties like Saperavi or Rkatsiteli.

• Chacha: A strong spirit made from grape pomace, similar to grappa or rakia.

• Tarragon Lemonade: A bright green and refreshing soft drink flavoured with tarragon.