Amazingly, this is the third time in Tbilisi, but this is the first time I've been here during the day. This means that today a big walk around Tbilisi is planned, and a big article on the capital’s attractions of Georgia is also planned. First, we will go through places within the city of Tbilisi, you will see with our eyes all the charm of the capital (at least those places where I have not been before), and below I will tell you about the must-see attractions that you can visit in the vicinity of Tbilisi. For those who don’t like too many books, there is a map of attractions at the end of the article. I advise you to use it.
So, the last day in Georgia began with the fact that early in the morning after getting off the train, my friend and I went through the deserted streets of the capital in search of our hostel called Green Stairs Guest house. We booked a night there in advance, as always, and it cost us only 27 lari for two (~800 rubles) for a double room. Since it was very early, it was impossible to check in, but we were allowed to leave our things, change clothes, and I even had time to wash my hair. After that we went to explore the sights of the city.
City attractions of Tbilisi
If you are staying in or near the center of the capital (as was the case in our case), then the main city attractions are easily accessible on foot. Moreover, when you have a Maps Me card in your hands, this can be done twice as quickly.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Tbilisi (Tsminda Sameba)
The first place to which we had to walk a couple of kilometers was the largest temple in Georgia, the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tsminda Sameba). The temple is located on the left bank of the Kura River on a small hill, Avlabari district. Despite the fact that the temple is a new building (built in 2002), it looks impressive. Perhaps due to its size or the fact that the complex of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, in addition to the temple itself, includes several other small churches, bell towers, academies, a seminary, 9 chapels (5 of which are underground at a depth of 20 m), a monastery and the residence of the Catholicos.
I’ve already been here, but I’ll repeat – we were passing by, and I didn’t go near the temple itself. Now, next to this giant in the deserted morning territory, I felt like a small insect/
The entrance to the Cathedral was closed at such an early hour, so we just walked around the territory and moved on. However, if you want to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, remember that women must have their shoulders covered, a skirt below the knee and a headdress in the form of a headscarf. Men need to be fully clothed without hats. In the evening the temple is illuminated, and this makes it even more majestic.
Working hours: from 08:00 to 20:00 (daily)
Ticket price: for free
How to get there: Avlabari metro station, and by bus on routes 91 and 122 to the Sameba stop
Photo: free, but no flash
Peristsvaleba Convent
Having passed through the territory of Tsminda Sameba, we move towards the old part of the city. If it weren’t for my map, I would never have known about the Peritsvaleba convent, where a magnificent view of Tbilisi opens from the balcony.
The observation deck is located on the balcony in the Darejan Tower - the only thing left from the palace of Queen Darejan. Now there is a convent of Peritsvaleba (Transfiguration). The balcony belongs to the monastery, but you can go there freely, which we took advantage of.
How to get there: the monastery is located at st. Urbnisi, 7, Avlabari bus stop is literally 300 meters away.
Ticket price: for free.
Cable car in Tbilisi
After passing the ring road of the old city, we find ourselves in the Rike Park of the old city, where the lower station of the Tbilisi cable car is located. Personally, I’ve already ridden it (albeit in the evening), but my friend has not. Therefore, we decided to try the cable car together during the day. The ropeway was opened and built in June 2012 by LEITNER ropeways. Today it connects the medieval Narikala fortress (which we will also visit) and the Old Town. Despite its short length and only 7 cabins for 8 people each, the view of the city from there offers a magnificent view. And travel is inexpensive.
However, we arrived too early and the cable car was still closed. For some time we decided to wait in the park, look at the art sculptures, the new musical theater of a strange shape in the form of two pipes, go out onto the glass bridge or, as it is also called, the Bridge of Peace, and play chess.
We didn’t wait for the opening, although all the staff was already there, and we even let some film crew through. In general, we decided to give up and go to the fortress on foot. Let's check if the climb there is really so steep that it's worth taking a cable car?
Ticket price: 1 lari
Working hours: from 11:00 to 23:00
Pedestrian Bridge of Peace
But first, a few words about the glass bridge. The Bridge of Peace, or also called the glass bridge, as it is made of a glass dome with a powerful frame structure, connects two districts of the city - Irakli II Street and Rike Park in the Avlabar district. In addition, it is intended only for pedestrians. I must admit that the bridge looks more beautiful in the evening.
According to Saakashvili: “The bridge symbolizes Georgia’s path from the past to a better future. This is a bridge between the country’s great history and its present.” Indeed, the bridge looks very modern and unusual against the backdrop of the historical buildings of the old city.
It is a must-see for all guests of Tbilisi.
Narikala Fortress
Initially, having read “scare stories” on the Internet about the steep climb to the fortress, my friend and I wanted, like everyone else, to get to the top by cable car. But, due to the fact that the opening of the latter was delayed, and judging by the map from Rike Park to the Narikala fortress is only 800 m, we undertook a journey on foot. And I must admit that yes, the climb is steep, but not so long and not at all exhausting. So don't be afraid to stretch your bones.
The name of the Narikala fortress is translated as “impregnable”, because throughout the history of its existence, the fortress was destroyed many times, but it constantly rose from the ruins. It was built purely for defensive purposes, so you won’t see any palaces here.
But there are a couple of churches, Lower Bethlehem and Upper Bethlehem, a statue of Mother Georgia on the top, a huge space for walking and places to crawl (including the ruins of fortress walls), and of course - amazing views of almost the whole of Tbilisi.
Ticket price: for free
Working hours: around the clock
How to get there: the fortress is located on Mount Mtatsminda, where you can climb from Rike Park from 11:00 to 23:00 by cable car for 1 GEL or by walking 800 meters along a steep climb. Bus stop Dadiani, which can be reached by routes No. 4, 10, 90, 103, 112.
Abanotubani
As we climbed up to the fortress, a rooftop view opened up to the left of an area called Abanotubani. This is a unique area of sulfur baths in the center of Tbilisi, which I was lucky enough to visit for the first time on a night tour. One hospitable Georgian arranged it for us on our last trip to Georgia. Once upon a time (and even now) here they not only washed and recovered, but also communicated - they gave dinner parties, made deals, and city matchmakers organized bridesmaids on special days.
When visiting the baths, women must wear swimsuits and men must wear swimming trunks. Swimming without bathing suits is only possible if the sauna is fully reserved. It should also be noted that the water in the springs is renewed on Monday night. Therefore, it is better to plan your visit at the beginning of the week.
Price: The baths are still in operation, only the conditions are different. A general steam room (divided into men's and women's) costs from 3 GEL, but according to visitors, the conditions there are not very good. Massage and scrub for a fee from 10 GEL each. You can rent a private room with a sulfur pool for 50 GEL/hour. The fewer people in one room, the higher the price. There are several bathhouses, each with its own entrance. You can go through all of them, find out prices and conditions, and then decide where you want to go. Bath accessories - towels and slippers can be taken with you from home, so as not to rent reusable ones on the spot.
Operating time: s 08:00 to 22:00
How to get there: Dadiani bus stop, which can be reached by routes No. 4, 10, 90, 103, 112.
Botanical Garden in Tbilisi
From the top of the Narikala fortress, in the opposite direction from the city, you can see the botanical garden. You can climb to it through the sulfur baths described above. I’ll admit right away that we didn’t visit it, the reason was that I wasn’t impressed by the view from above in early June. Perhaps in another season (month) the garden will be more picturesque. However, if you have a lot of free time and love walks among greenery, then the botanical garden of the capital of Georgia is what you need. There is only one entrance to the garden (where there is a ticket office), but you can exit in different parts of the park.
What to see: a large collection of coniferous (and other) trees, flowers, a collection of medicinal plants, many paths, benches, bridges, gazebos and ponds, a playground and two waterfalls. The most picturesque one is named after Queen Tamara and has a bridge over it.
Ticket price: 1 lari
Working hours: from 10:00 to 17:00 (daily)
How to get there: The botanical garden is located behind the Narikala fortress, which can be reached from Rike Park from 11:00 to 23:00 by cable car for 1 GEL or by walking 800 meters along a steep climb through the Abanotubani sulfur baths. Bus stop Dadiani, which can be reached by routes No. 4, 10, 90, 103, 112.
Metekhi Temple
We can say that the Metekhi Temple, located on the very bank of the Kura River, is the calling card of Tbilisi, which is very difficult not to notice.
Initially, this place was the site of a palace built by the founder of Tbilisi, Vakhtang Gorgasali; by the way, his monument can be seen right next to the temple. The name “metekhi” itself means “around the palace”. Later, all the buildings here were destroyed during the Mongol invasion. And only at the end of the 13th century a church appeared on the rock, the fate of which was also not easy. The Metekhi temple acquired its modern appearance in the 16th century; a little later a fortress was built nearby, which was destroyed in the 20th century. It’s good that at least the Metekhi temple itself remained intact.
How to get there: Avlabar metro station. Or Europe Square bus stop (European Square) on buses 31, 44, 50, 55, 71, 80, 102.
Working hours: from 9:00 to 16:00
Ticket price: for free
Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
After a tiring tour of the center of Tbilisi, we, as promised, again dropped in for lunch at a cafe we liked, where in addition to lunch (13 GEL for two), the hostess treated us to khinkali. On such an optimistic note, we decided to continue our walk along Rustaveli Avenue. I recommend that all visitors to the city take a walk along this 1.5-kilometer street, which is lined with shady plane trees on both sides. What you can see here: The Parliament of Georgia, the National Museum, the Marriott Hotel, the Academy of Sciences, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, museums, theaters, as well as many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, monuments and souvenir shops.
In one of the nearby parks (Vere Park), the map promised us a nice observation deck, but I advise you not to delude yourself, now there is a grid there, and the view is not very good.
That day, a friend had some trouble with her sneakers, which were terribly rubbing her feet, so we didn’t walk all the way along the avenue and returned to the hostel almost after dark. Last night and tomorrow morning we are moving towards the border with Russia to fly home.
Mtatsminda Amusement Park
Before finishing our review article on the sights of the city of Tbilisi, I simply cannot help but mention the most interesting place in the capital - the Mtatsminda amusement park. The uniqueness of the park is that it is located on the half-kilometer Mount Mtatsminda of the same name. We visited this park for the first time at night in 2012, my companion even managed to ride the Ferris wheel (at that time I was terribly afraid of heights).
In those distant times, many of the park's attractions were still under construction, and the park itself could only be reached by bus running at certain times. Now you can get to Mtatsminda Park by cable car, even at night. The park is divided into 3 zones: children's, family and extreme.
Therefore, if you are traveling with your family and love extreme sports, this is definitely the place for you. In addition, if you go up by cable car, then you have a wonderful opportunity to visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon.
Ticket prices: prices for attractions from 1.5 to 5 lari. Payment for attractions and use of the funicular is made with a reusable plastic card, which can be purchased at the ticket office of Mtatsminda Park. The price of a plastic card is 2 lari.
Working hours: from 11:00 to 23:00 (7 days a week)
How to get there: bus No. 90, 124 to the Mtatsminda Park stop, metro station "Rustaveli" or "Freedom Square" (fare - 2 GEL). Funicular: operating hours from 9:00 to 04:00 (daily), one-way fare - 2 GEL + 2 GEL for a plastic card.
Pantheon Mtatsminda
We didn’t look into the pantheon, but I still want to talk briefly about this place, as it is quite interesting. The Mtatsminda Pantheon is essentially the burial place of Georgian writers, poets and playwrights (48 burials). Currently, on the territory you can see the cave of Father David, over which the Church of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was built. Nearby stands the Church of the Holy Father David, and a little to the south is the Transfiguration Church, which looks like a bell tower. There are three holy springs near the temples.
How to get there: if you walk, Besiki Street begins on Rustaveli Avenue opposite the Marriott Hotel. We go up this street until we reach the intersection with the Chonkadze highway. The serpentine will lead straight to the pantheon. You can also take the above-mentioned funicular, the second stop after the Lower Station is the Mtatsminda Pantheon. The fare is 2 GEL + 2 GEL for a plastic card, which is used to ride the funicular.
Ticket price: for free
What to see in the vicinity of Tbilisi
As promised, I am naming several attractions that are simply a must-see in the vicinity of Tbilisi.
Mtskheta city
Well, of course! This is one of the first places to visit in the vicinity of the capital. Why? Surely because Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia, on the territory of which there is the grandiose Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (XI century), the monastery with the Samtavro burials and many other antiquities.
How to get there: There is a minibus from Tbilisi from Didube station, the cost of travel to Mtskheta is 1.5 GEL (payment at the ticket office).
Ticket price: for free
Working hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 (guideline according to the opening hours of temples)
Jvari Monastery and Temple
Despite the fact that the Jvari Temple is considered part of Mtskheta, in fact it is a separate attraction that also deserves special attention. Jvari (VI century) is located on the opposite bank from Mtskheta on Krestovaya Mountain, so you need to get to it along a different road.
The temple is also a World Heritage Site, offering stunning views of Mtskheta and the confluence of the Aragva and Kura rivers. Weddings are often held in the temple; consider yourself lucky if you managed to attend this celebration.
How to get there: There is no direct minibus there. From Didube station you can take a minibus going towards Kutaisi, Gori or Kazbegi, asking in advance to be dropped off at the turn to Jvari, at the base of Krestovaya Mountain (1 lari fare), and cover the remaining distance on foot (30 minutes) or hitchhiking. From Mtskheta to Jvari you can walk (about 5 km to the mountain), or hitchhike, or take a taxi (the price depends on your bargaining ability - from 15 GEL).
Working hours: from 9:00 to 19:00
Price: for free
Cave city Uplistsikhe
The cave fortress city in Georgia - Uplistsikhe (appeared at the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st millennium BC) is located 10 km from the city of Gori, on the banks of the Kura River. Uplistsikhe is unique in its history, which dates back about 3000 years.
The territory is quite large, you can wander and crawl everywhere. Special stairs have been made into some hard-to-reach caves.
How to get there: from Tbilisi railway station you can take a direct minibus to Gori (5 GEL), from where you can transfer to one of the local minibuses. Ask for drivers at the Gori bus station, they will take you to the right one, you will go straight to the bridge, from where it is about 500 m on foot to the cave city (about 1 GEL).
Ticket price: 5 GEL/person, 2 GEL/person (for groups from 10 people), with a guide 20 GEL.
Working hours: from 11:00 to 18:00
Canyons of Birtvisi
This is where I really wanted to go on my current trip, however, due to the weather and the constantly changing route, I had to postpone this idea. In addition, many advise going to the canyons overnight. For me personally, this place is a must-visit, if only because of its stone pillars (somewhat reminiscent of those in Krasnoyarsk), a mountain river and other natural beauties.
How to get there: getting to the canyons of Birtvisi is not so easy: from Tbilisi we take a minibus to the village of Partskhisi (2 GEL). From there, walk 2 km to the village of Tbisi, to the sign for the Birtvisi canyons. The walking path to them is 3.5 km. If you don’t have a good map at hand, it’s better to go there with locals or a guide. For owners of their own vehicles, there are the following options: 1. From Tbilisi you need to take the road to the village of Partskhisi, there is a turn to Tetri - Tskaro, but you need to go straight, this will be towards Tsalka. From the fork, about 3 km, there should be a turn into the Birtvi Canyon itself. There is already a path leading from the highway. The more well-trodden the path, the more likely it is that you won’t miss the first time. In this option, it is much easier to get to the central part of the canyons, where the most interesting places are. 2. From Tbilisi go towards Manglisi, turn off at the village of Orbeti. From Orbeti to the beginning of Birtvisi, there is already a dirt road, about 7 km. In this option you can see the upper reaches of the canyon and just admire the magnificent views. But going down and up is already quite problematic.
Map of attractions of Tbilisi and its surroundings
This concludes our top 15 Tbilisi attractions. Yes, the article turned out to be massive, but I hope it’s useful. Now you can safely arm yourself with a map and go! See you next time when I fail. Do not miss!
Tatyana, her husband and little daughter vacationed in Tbilisi in November 2017. Her story about the sights of the capital of Georgia will help travelers plan their route and choose places of interest.
Tbilisi is attractive for a trip for several reasons:
- Russians do not need a visa, and you can get there from Moscow in a 2.5 hour flight.
- Food, entertainment and transportation in the city are cheap.
- People in Tbilisi are friendly and hospitable, most speak Russian.
- The city has preserved the grandeur and beauty of ancient buildings.
Narikala Fortress
Address: Mount Mtatsminda
How to get there: by cable car from Rike Park for 0.5 GEL or on foot along Botanical Street
Operating mode: around the clock
Price: for free
The ancient fortress in the Old City is located high on a cliff, visible from all points of the city. It was built with a defensive function in the 4th century, even earlier than Tbilisi. During the earthquake in 1827 it was partially destroyed. Now the walls of the fortress serve as an observation deck for tourists - the whole of Tbilisi is visible on one side, and the Botanical Garden on the other. Also at the top there is a monument to Mother Kartli (Mother Georgia). It towers over the city and symbolizes the country and the character of the Georgian people. In the left hand the statue holds a cup of wine (a symbol of hospitality), in the right hand there is a sword, indicating the readiness to repel enemies.
Climbing up to the fortress on foot is tiring, so we took the cable car. This is an additional bonus - the cabin moves slowly and you can see everything from above. You should only go here in sunny weather; you won’t see anything in the rain.
Tbilisi funicular
Address: st. D. Chonkadze, 22 (lower station)
Telephone:+ 995 322 98 00 00
Website: funicular.ge
Operating mode: daily, from 10:00 to 03:00
Price: 2 GEL one way, after midnight – 3 GEL. An additional payment for a plastic card is 2 GEL.
Funicular- a special type of transport, which consists of two trailers crawling along rails up a steep mountain. The slope here is such that an ordinary bus or car simply will not rise. It was built by the Belgians by order of the Tbilisi city government, and the opening took place at the end of 1905. The funicular has three stations - Lower, middle (with access to the Pantheon), and the final one - Mount Mtatsminda. During Soviet times, a Culture and Recreation Park operated on the mountain. Now there is an amusement park with attractions, a panoramic restaurant and a Ferris wheel.
In 2000, a cable broke on the funicular, injuring 20 tourists, after which its operation was stopped for 12 years. The opening of the updated road took place at the beginning of 2013. The carriages run every 10 minutes, the journey to the top station will take 5 minutes.
You can get off at the intermediate station and go down the path to to the Pantheon- This is the burial place of famous figures of Georgia. The necropolis is small, with 48 graves. The Russian writer Griboedov and his wife, Georgian princess Nino Chavchavadze, the mother of Joseph Stalin, Ekaterina Geladze, and the first president of Georgia, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, are buried here.
On Mount Mtatsminda it is worth taking a walk through the park, riding the carousel if you come with children, and going to a restaurant. The funicular is interesting precisely because of the ascent process; the best seats are at the front window.
Please note that to get to the Pantheon you need to go down a narrow staircase for a long time! If you are with a baby, this is difficult - you can’t get through in a stroller, everything is in your hands. Then, to get back into the trailer, you will have to climb back up. It makes sense to stop by here on the way back to the city, and after visiting the cemetery, walk down to the lower station.
Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral)
Address: Avlabari district, Mount St. Elijah
Telephone:+995 32 775 170
Operating mode: daily from 8:00 to 20:00
Price: for free
Previously, there was an extensive Armenian cemetery and a temple of the Virgin Mary on this site. During Soviet times, the cemetery was successively destroyed and the temple was demolished. In 1995, construction of a new cathedral began. The foundation was laid with stones and earth from Jerusalem, Georgian gold coins and other relics.
Construction was carried out with donations from citizens and local businessmen. It is stated that the temple can withstand a strong earthquake, because it stands on a rocky foundation. The construction is large-scale - it is the tallest cathedral in Georgia (101 meters), it can simultaneously accommodate 15,000 people.
During construction, a scandal erupted - while digging a pit, human remains from the previous cemetery were found, but the builders did not pay due attention to this. As a result, the remains were not reburied and the temple was built literally “on bones.” The Armenian diaspora expressed its indignation to Georgia about this.
Rules for visiting the cathedral:
- For women, a covered head and a skirt (dress) below the knees are required.
- Men enter the cathedral without a headdress.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash
Without knowing the history of the cathedral, you cannot say that it is a “remake”. It seems that it is several centuries old, it is so organic here .
New Tbilisi
Unlike most cities, Tbilisi has not turned into a modern metropolis, in which ancient buildings have been partially preserved. The entire city is uniformly aged, and against this background, the new buildings of the 21st century - the Peace Bridge and Rike Park - stand out in contrast.
Bridge of Peace
Address: between st. Irakle II and Rike Park
Operating mode: around the clock
The pedestrian bridge over the Kura River, connecting Old Tbilisi and Rike Park, opened in 2010. The idea of the construction belonged to the former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, and the architect was the Italian Michele de Luca, who had already built the Presidential Residence and the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia for the city. The steel frame of the bridge has a streamlined shape and is completely covered with glass. During construction there were many complaints from residents who were afraid that the project would not fit into the old appearance of the city. However, the bridge quickly became a popular place for walks, photo shoots and dates.
In the evening, the lighting is turned on here, painstaking work on which was carried out by the Frenchman Philippe Martineau. He made an illumination with a deep meaning: 30,000 small light bulbs every hour transmit a message in the form of Morse code, with the encoded names of the chemical elements that are in the human body - regardless of nationality, faith and gender. That is why the bridge is called the Bridge of Peace - after all, all people on earth consist of identical particles.
It is convenient to go down to the bridge from the Opera on Rustaveli Avenue and cross it to the left bank in Park Rike.
Rike Park
Address: left bank of the Kura, metro station "Ploshchad Evropy"
Operating mode: around the clock
Rike Park was created in a high-tech style, like the Peace Bridge, and opened at the same time. Previously, this place was an asphalt wasteland that had no special purpose.
Now the space is filled to the maximum:
- Playgrounds with soft surfaces
- Climbing climbing stand
- Art objects: a monument to Ronald Reagan, a giant piano and a meter-long chess set
- Musical fountains
- Restaurants and cafes
- Cable car station leading to Narikala fortress
The attention of visitors to the park is attracted by two huge pipes made of glass and metal - this is a cultural complex in which a concert hall is located and exhibitions are held. This building, similar to the turbines of a spaceship, caused no less criticism from residents than the Peace Bridge.
There is not much greenery in the park; it is a large open space. There are few stairs or steps here; all the ascents and descents are made in the form of paths. In the evening, the fountains turn on the lights and music, and walking becomes even more interesting than during the day.
Deserter Market
Address: st. Tsinamgrishvili, 186
Operating mode: Tue.-Sun. from 07:00 to 17:00, Mon. - day off
“Dezertirka” is the largest food market in the city, occupying an area of 2000 sq.m. It got its name because of the soldiers who sold uniforms here after the Civil War. People come here for fresh homemade cheese, tangerines, churchkhela and Georgian spices.
Ask to try the fruit before buying, they will not refuse. Do not take churchkhela of bright colors; dye was used in its production. Sometimes a white coating appears on it - don’t be alarmed, it’s sugar.
Flea market near the Dry Bridge
The flea market in Tbilisi appeared in the difficult 90s, people were poor and were forced to sell things to survive. The difficult time is over, but the market remains in the same place and has grown. Antiques, dishes, chandeliers, paintings and household utensils are sold here. By the way, the bridge is not called “Dry” for nothing - the river underneath it has become shallow.
There are many paintings by local artists, mainly landscapes of Georgia. Basically - a flea market, it’s difficult to find something worthwhile.
Old city
How to get there :
by metro to the station Freedom Square, then go along Kote Abkhazi Street
After its founding, Tbilisi was surrounded by a fortress wall to protect against external attacks. Its historical part, which is located inside this (already destroyed) wall, is the Old Town. It stretches from Freedom Square to the Narikala fortress, going along the Kura embankment to the Sulfur Baths. The area is small, but full of interesting details.
To get to know the Old Town, you can walk along its main streets. home Kote Abkhazi street(formerly Leselidze) - stretches from Freedom Square to Meydan Square. Previously, shopping arcades and workshops were concentrated here; now it is a busy tourist street with shops, cafes and souvenir shops.
Pedestrian Shardeni Boulevard named after the French traveler and greets tourists with a bronze sculpture of a toastmaster. According to custom, you need to hold onto its horn for good luck! Living up to its name, the street really resembles a Parisian one. Shardeni is adjacent to two glamorous streets: Bambis Rigi And Rkinis Rigi, crowded with bars, cafes and nightclubs, party-goers come here.
On a small Sioni street there is a temple of the same name, and on st. I.Shavteli– the colorful tower of the Rezo Gabriazde puppet theater.
On Baratashvili Avenue Fragments of the fortress wall were preserved, they were reconstructed and raised to the expected height.
Central square of the historical center – Meydan– an area of five churches (all located no more than 100 meters from it). Here you can sit on the cozy veranda of the Machakhela restaurant and eat signature khachapuri.
Note to girls! In the shops of the Old Town you can buy jewelry from local craftsmen, something you won’t find in your homeland, and on Kote Abkhazi Street there are more than ten wine shops. They will help you with your choice and let you taste the wine before purchasing.
Kldisubani (Rock area)
One of the colorful districts of Old Tbilisi is Kldisubani, hidden under Narikala fortress, at the foot of the Sololaki ridge. Its distinctive features are narrow, steep streets and birdhouse houses, piled one above the other.
Leads to two Orthodox churches Bethlehem street Built in 1850, it consists of a staircase of 144 steps. In the middle of the climb is the Lower Bethlehem Church, at the top of the stairs is the Upper Church. Another Orthodox church in the Rocky region - Church of St. George, with a natural grotto.
Abanotubani District (Bath Quarter)
Operating hours of sulfur baths :
public halls - from 7:00 to 21:00; individual - 24 hours a day
Price: public halls – 4-6 GEL per person per entrance ;
individual cabin – 50 GEL/hour ;
steamer services – 15-20 GEL
The Abanotubani district is located in the Old City, next to the Kura River, starting from the Narikala fortress and ending at the sulfur baths.
The legend about the founding of Tbilisi is connected with this place. It says that the Georgian king was hunting a pheasant in these places and released a falcon after it. The pheasant was found boiled in a hot spring, and the falcon was sitting nearby. He still sits here, immortalized in the form of a fountain monument.
The ruler ordered the construction of a bathhouse around the source, which later grew into an entire settlement. The name of the city also speaks in favor of the legend - “Tbili” in Georgian means “warm”.
The water in the baths comes from underground, it is hot (37℃), and contains a lot of hydrogen sulfide, so there is a characteristic smell outside. The building itself is made in oriental style, the baths are located underground, there are only spherical domes outside, so walks are made exclusively on the bath roofs.
Metekhi district
A small area on a cliff between the Old Town and the Avlabari area - not the most touristic place, but authentic .
According to legend, the founder of Tbilisi, Vakhtang Gorgasali, built his first palace here, the name “Metekhi” just means “near the palace”. Now there is a statue of him - the king, sitting on a horse, stretches out his hand towards the hot sulfur springs - the place where the city arose.
In 1819, a prison was erected on the site of the destroyed palace, which was actively used during Soviet times. Due to the creepy proximity to it, the residential area was deserted. The Metekhi Temple, erected here near the grave of the Georgian great martyr Shushanik, was also planned to be demolished, but the residents of Tbilisi managed to defend it. In 1959, all buildings except the temple were demolished, and since 1998 it again became available to believers.
Sololaki District
One of the old districts of Tbilisi, located between Freedom Square, Dadiani Street, Sololaki Ridge and Mount Mtatsminda (if you look at the map, it is to the left of the Old City). There are no significant sights or cathedrals in Sololaki, but buildings from the late 19th century have been preserved here - houses that have preserved the atmosphere of that time. When creating them, the architects looked up to the capitals of the Russian Empire - St. Petersburg and Moscow, trying to outdo them.
Each house in Sololaki is a work of art, with twisted staircases in the front, paintings on the ceilings, stucco moldings and a large fireplace. Everything in the apartments remains the same - as it was under the first owners, no plastic panels or ceiling tiles.
Where should you look?
- House of merchant Vartanov Dadiani st., 18 was residential and profitable. Inside there are paintings depicting girls symbolizing the seasons, and beautiful stucco molding. The front door doesn't lock.
- On st. Betlemskoy, 3 stands an old house from the first half of the 19th century, with a wooden front door made of stained glass windows, it is often called a “kaleidoscope”. In addition to stained glass windows, there is a large balcony with a carved canopy and railings. Free admission.
- The front door in gray tones with angels painted on the walls is located on Asatiani st., 13. The house was built in 1897. There is a combination lock on the door, you have to wait for residents to get inside.
- IN house number 28 on the same street Asatiani there is a pseudo-Gothic brick building - a former boarding house for noble maidens. It was built in 1905 by order of the industrialist Ananov, and later a women's gymnasium was located here.
- The front door of the house is worthy of attention st. Galaktioni, 18. It belonged to three brothers, owners of a tobacco factory. Oil paintings on the ground floor depict continents and countries; pre-revolutionary paper wallpaper has been preserved in the staircases.
Located in Sololaki Tbilisi Botanical Garden, founded back in 1845. Previously, there was a valley with lush gardens, and to water the trees, an aqueduct was specially built from the village of Kojori, through which water flowed. What is noteworthy is that watering the gardens was paid and cost 1 silver ruble per hour.
Gradually, the trees were cut down and the area was built up with houses. Unfortunately, only part of the pipe and the name of the area remained from the aqueduct - “Sololaki” means “water connection”. The botanical garden is functioning and looks more like a huge park; half of the area is filled with rare plants, and the rest of the area is covered with forests. You can take a walk here every day for 2 GEL.
Chugureti Quarter
The Chugureti quarter is located on the left bank of the Kura. To the right of the train station is located Pirosmani street(named after the famous Georgian artist). In addition to his paintings, he is known for being the prototype for the song “A Million Scarlet Roses.” He really sold the house to give a certain singer a sea of flowers (by the way, Nikolo Pirosmani died in poverty and oblivion).
On Kargareteli street, 6 there is a building with which such a romantic story is connected: the Georgian prince Dadiani lost his wife to the Prince of Oldenburg at cards for one night. After a night spent with the prince, the princess left her husband and married Oldenburgsky. The prince built a building for her, which the residents called the “Palace of One Night”; now there is a museum of theater and cinema of Georgia. 
Agmashenebeli Avenue- the main highway of the “left bank” - restored in 2013 and in terms of architectural ensemble it competes with the main street of Tbilisi - Rustaveli Avenue. 
Mushtaid Park populated with sculptures from Georgian fairy tales, and Marjanishvili street filled with majestic buildings. 
Entertainment
Excursion to the Bagrationi 1882 factory and sparkling wine tasting
In the mid-19th century, Prince Ivan Bagration-Mukhransky began producing sparkling wine in Georgia using the classic bottle fermentation method. He managed to achieve international recognition; the product won its first award at an international exhibition in 1882. Now the plant’s wines occupy 75% of the market share of the Georgian market. At the factory, they introduce you to the wine production process and conduct a tasting.
Participation in a Georgian feast
A Georgian feast involves a long meal of many dishes, toasts, conversations, discussions, and, of course, a lot of delicious wine. Every self-respecting Georgian has a vineyard and stocks in the cellar. Participating in a feast is a way to better learn the customs and culture of the country in which you are a guest.
The excursion includes:
- Walk through the Kakheti town of Sighnaghi. Its ethnographic museum houses the works of the artist Pirosmani.
- Visiting a village and visiting an original family
- Participation in a Georgian feast
- Introducing the culture of toast
- Musical accompaniment (ensemble)
- Master class on national dances
Extreme tourism. Rafting on the Aragvi River.
Rafting – rafting down a mountain river in an inflatable boat. There are several rivers in Georgia that you can raft on. Aragvi is suitable for beginners; it has the 2nd difficulty category out of six possible. In 1.5 hours, rafting participants cover 10 km, overcoming waves, steep rapids and their own fear.
Horseback riding in the vicinity of Tbilisi
After many days of exploring the architectural masterpieces of Old Tbilisi, you can leave the city for a while and see a different, peaceful Georgia. The excursion begins from the ancient monastery of Jvari, standing on the top of the mountain where the Aragvi and Kura rivers merge. This place was described by Lermontov in his poem “Mtsyri”.
The history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, dates back more than 15 centuries. Over such a long period of existence, the ancient capital of Georgia has accumulated a huge baggage of historical events and landmarks that testify to them. It’s amazing how harmoniously ancient cultural and historical monuments, Soviet and ultra-modern buildings are combined here.
The calling card of Tbilisi and its most recognizable landmark is. The exact date of the founding of the ancient citadel has not yet been established, but it is known for sure that in the 4th century it already existed under the name Shuris-Tsikhe.
Quite a new church inside the ancient Narikala fortress
You can get to the majestic ruins located on the southern slope of Mount Mtatsminda on foot or by cable car, which starts from Rike Park.
Cable car to Narikala fortress
From the funicular, as well as from the fortress walls on which telescopes are installed, you will have the best view of the city. Entrance to the fortress territory is free, but you will have to pay for the ride on the cable car 2.5 lari.
The height of the “Holy Mountain,” which is located almost in the center of Tbilisi, on the right bank of the Kura River, is 730 m.
Funicular that goes up to Mount Mtatsminda
People come here for an excellent view of the city, which opens from several observation platforms, as well as to visit an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, children's carousels and extreme entertainment. In winter, the carousels and attractions did not work, and we simply enjoyed the views from Mount Mtatsminda:
The “Pantheon” deserves special attention: it is open near the cave where, according to legend, Saint David lived. A long staircase leads to the pantheon, but you can also go down to it by funicular. We chose the walking option:
It took about 20 minutes to descend to the Pantheon from Mount Mtatsminda
There is a temple here, a healing spring and a cemetery where many famous personalities are buried.
It is here that Alexander Griboyedov is buried with his wife, who was Georgian:
Read more about Mtatsminda Park, the funicular and the Ferris wheel on the mountain.
The Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, located in the ancient Abanotubani district, is not only a full-fledged SPA center, but also a real historical landmark: the complex appeared in the 16th century. The squat buildings in traditional Persian style are named after their former owners.
View of Abanotubani from above, from the Narikala fortress
Today there are 10 bathhouses with public and private rooms. Inside there are swimming pools with warm mineral water, saunas and massage rooms.
The baths are open from 08:00 to 00:00. The cost of one session varies from 15 to 150 GEL and depends on the services chosen.
Metekhi Church
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 12th century, is located on a rocky section of the Kura bank, in the center.
The appearance of the cathedral is very restrained and ascetic, but the history, on the contrary, is rich and full of various events. There were barracks, a theater, a museum and even a prison here.
The stones of the church are covered with ancient inscriptions, possibly left by prisoners on their walk... This inscription, for example, is 90 years old and dates back to 1928
Only in 1988 the cathedral was restored and returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Now it is one of the symbols of the city, next to which there is a monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali.
From the hill on which the Metekhi Church is located, there are beautiful views of the mountain with the Narikala fortress, which is located right behind the Kura River:
Monument to Mother Georgia (Mother of Kartli)
The majestic statue rises above the city on the peak of Sololaki Hill. It was installed to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the capital in the 50s of the last century.
In the “mother’s” right hand is a sword with which she protects her people, in her left is a bowl of wine, which symbolizes the cordiality of the country.
The cozy pedestrian street Shavteni starts near the street. Baratashvili and ends at Irakli Street 2. We reached this street only in the evening, so the photos are at night:
There are many ancient buildings and cathedrals located here, but its main attraction is the “Drunken Tower” with a clock near the R. Gabriadze puppet theater.
The building looks truly fabulous, and what’s most amazing is that there is a small garden right on its roof. The beginning of each hour is marked by an angel with a hammer, and at 12:00 and 17:00 a mini-performance is performed in front of passers-by.
Two pipes (unopened cultural complex)
The futuristic cultural complex - the future theater of music and drama (as it was conceived) is located on the territory of Rike Park. People called it “Two Trumpets” or “Chicken Thighs” because of its very unusual shape.
View of two chimneys from Mount Mtatsminda
Construction of the complex was started by then-Georgian President Saakashvili. This project has caused a flurry of reactions from local residents, and most of these reactions are negative. “This is some kind of monstrosity, built by Saakashvili” - this is what most residents say about the building, but there are also defenders of the unusual composition. Personally, we like such unusual buildings.
The project was developed by Fuksas Bureau over the course of 6 years. The sparkling composition of glass and concrete, built several years ago, is still empty; after Saakashvili resigned as president of Georgia, construction was frozen.
You can’t go inside now, but through the glass doors you can see what’s there:
Inside the “Two Pipes” complex there is emptiness
Tsminda Sameba Church (Holy Trinity Cathedral)
The main cathedral of the state's Orthodox Church appeared not so long ago - in 2002, on the site of the ancient necropolis of Khojivank. This is the largest church in Georgia and is clearly visible from many parts of the city:
View of the Tsminda Sameba Church (from Mount Mtatsminda)
An elegant building in a non-traditional style for Georgia, located on the left bank of the Kura, on the hill of St. Elijah. This is the tallest temple in the country and one of the largest in the world: its height is 101 m, its capacity is 15,000 people, its length from north to south is 65 m, and from east to west it is 77 m.
The building, beautifully illuminated at night, is surrounded by a well-kept park.
A picturesque, spacious park is located on the outskirts of the city. It was erected in 1946 on the site of a vacant lot and turned into an arboretum with fountains and other architectural forms. Today you can see an impressive staircase and a Memorial of Glory with a statue of Victory.
View of the Victory Monument from the window of the cable car cabin
Cable car to Turtle Lake, cabins look like small trolleybuses
The local cable car can take you to Turtle Lake, a small and shallow body of water with a landscaped pebble beach, restaurants, cafes and a water transport rental station.
Previously, turtles lived here, but now you can’t find them. But from the top point of the cable car you can see the following views of the outskirts of Tbilisi:
The lake is located just west of Tbilisi, at an altitude of 624 m above sea level, in the valley of the Kura River. This is a very warm reservoir, 800 m long and 550 m wide, surrounded by rocky steppe. In summer, vacationers can sunbathe on the pebble beach, rent a boat or catamaran, dine in a small restaurant and visit the tennis court.
On the way to the natural attraction, you will come across a very original building in the shape of a flying saucer - this is a joint emergency service:
Entrance to the Lisi territory is free, the cost of renting a sun lounger is 4 GEL, a bicycle is 10 GEL.
The Tbilisi reservoir, popularly dubbed the sea, appeared in 1952 as a result of the flooding of three salt lakes by the Iori River. This is the largest body of water in the vicinity of the city: its length is 9 km and its width is 3 km.
Local residents and travelers actively use it for recreation: there are 3 well-maintained beaches, a yacht club, a water park and a SPA center. The majestic “History of Georgia” monument rises above the lake, located near the National Park in a very picturesque, rocky place.
The exhibition, which appeared in 2006, is part of the Georgian National Museum. The exhibition is dedicated to the period of the Soviet regime on the territory of the state and the victims of repression of that time. Here you can see the carriage where the Georgian rebels were shot, documents, artifacts and photographs dedicated to the sad events of that time. Among the particularly interesting exhibits is the pen with which the country’s declaration of independence was signed, and plaques with the names of those repressed and killed.
The opening of this museum caused strong discontent among the Russian government. During a meeting in 2006 between Putin and Saakashvili (who was the president of Georgia at that time), the Russian president openly condemned the existence of such a museum in the capital of Georgia and recalled that such controversial Soviet leaders as Stalin and Beria were precisely Georgians. Saakashvili was not taken aback by this and suggested that Putin open a museum of the Georgian occupation in Moscow. Verbatim quote: “This is the Museum of the Soviet Occupation, not the Russian Occupation of Georgia... If anyone is offended by this, then it is their problem, not ours.” And this museum continues to exist in Tbilisi, it can be visited at: , 3. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00.
The attraction, located right in the city center, appeared in the 19th century: its history begins with the opening of the Tsar’s Garden on this site. Today the park area is 128 hectares. 4,500 plants from all over the globe grow here, including unique and endangered species.
The recreational area is decorated with fountains, bridges and waterfalls, making a walk along the shady paths even more enjoyable. Attention! The garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, entrance fee is 1 GEL.
Sights of Tbilisi on the map in Russian:
Tbilisi is a very unique city, the charm of which lies in the leisurely pace of life, the incredible hospitality of the local residents and the unique Georgian flavor. When traveling to Tbilisi, be prepared to spend hours walking through the ancient quarters of the Old Town, listening to soulful chants, partying from night to morning and enjoying delicious local cuisine, which is definitely worth adding to the world heritage list.
If this is your first visit to the capital of Georgia, and you still have no idea where to go and what to see first, go on a sightseeing tour in the company of a local resident who will take you to the most interesting places in Tbilisi, tell you the glorious history of the city and use his own example will demonstrate why Georgians are the most cheerful and good-natured people in the world.
If you want to soak up the history of Tbilisi and enjoy the tranquility of strolling through the cobbled streets of medieval quarters and squares, explore Old Tbilisi. The central part of modern Tbilisi has remained virtually unchanged since the annexation of Georgia to the Russian Empire. Here, in addition to several Armenian temples, synagogues and a mosque, you will see the ruins of the fortress wall, the famous Sioni Cathedral with austere bas-reliefs and medieval frescoes and the 6th century temple in the Palestinian style of Anchiskhati.
Anchiskhati. Photo: @aleksandra_hohlova
Be sure to check out the Abanotubani quarter, which any local resident will help you find, to see the sulfur baths and take beautiful selfies against the backdrop of the domed roofs of the buildings. The baths were built on the site of hot sulfur springs and are open to the public. Cost – from 3-4 GEL per hour.
Next to the baths, on the top of the mountain, stands the Narikala fortress - a complex of fortifications built more than 1,500 years ago. You can get to the fortress on foot, up the cobblestone path from Meydan Square, or by modern funicular, which is a separate Tbilisi landmark. It’s worth visiting Narikala for the best viewing platform for exploring the historical quarters of Tbilisi with their low buildings, picturesque gardens and ancient churches.
Where to try local food in Tbilisi
Traditional Georgian cuisine is the best proof that from simple ingredients, with an original creative approach, you can create culinary masterpieces that will be admired by people in many parts of the world. In a few words, local dishes include selected meat, lots of herbs and aromatic sauces based on fresh vegetables, herbs and secret spices. We can talk endlessly about local food, but it’s better not to waste time and quickly go to one of the restaurants.
Georgian cuisine. Photo: @tetri_studio
Gldanis shaurma is one of the best places in Tbilisi where you can try delicious and really high-quality shawarma. The establishment offers more than ten types of this oriental dish. The calling card of Gldanis shaurma is huge portions, selected ingredients and a large selection of fiery sauces.
Location: intersection of Kerch and Vekua streets, Javakheti street 41a, Chabukiani street 3
Opening hours: daily from 9:00
Georgian cuisine is, first of all, juicy khinkali. In Tbilisi there are many establishments where they serve traditional khinkali according to the Tbilisi recipe, and there is only one restaurant that is worth going to not only for the excellent cuisine, but also for the special atmosphere - “Fantastic Duhan of Sofia Melnikova”. The establishment is located in a cozy, quiet courtyard, which has preserved the charm of old Tbilisi and gives it to others. The pride of the restaurant is khinkali with mushrooms and young wine from the best winemakers in Tbilisi.
Location: courtyard of the Literary Museum. St. Tabukashvili.
Opening hours: from 9:00
Do you want to have a romantic dinner in the most unusual establishment in Tbilisi? Book a table at the panoramic Funicular restaurant, located so high above the Georgian capital that it can only be reached by cable car. The restaurant menu includes dishes of Georgian and European cuisine. The signature dish is chicken chakhokhbili. A table for two will cost 100 GEL.
Location: second floor of the Funicular complex, Mtatsminda plateau, Tbilisi.
Opening hours: daily from 13-00 to 00-00.
Visiting the heart of Georgia and not taking local wine with you is unforgivable. Therefore, rather go on a gastronomic tour to the wine-growing regions of the country - sunny Svaneti and ancient Kakheti. A few hours of travel and the centuries-old secrets of Georgian winemaking will be revealed to you. What could be better than buying a few bottles of wine from the cellars of family wineries!
There are no world-class museums in Tbilisi, however, the city has many places that all lovers of beauty should pay attention to.
To get acquainted with classical art in Tbilisi, it is worth visiting the collection of the State Museum of Art, which includes over 140,000 works of painting and sculpture of Georgian, Russian, European and Asian cultural heritage.
Museum location: st. L. Gudiashvili, 1
Opening hours: daily except Monday from 9:00 to 21:00.
Ticket price: for free
The Tbilisi National Gallery houses a collection of original paintings by famous Georgian artists, including the famous Pirosmani, a primitivist artist who painted on oilcloths all his life and earned money by writing signs. After the master's death, all his works were ranked among the masterpieces of Georgian art.
Museum location: Shota Rustaveli Avenue, 11
Opening hours: daily except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00.
Ticket price: adults - 7 GEL, schoolchildren - 0.5 GEL, students - 1 GEL. Children under 6 years old - free.
Painting by Pirosmani. Photo: @yana_novakk
In Tbilisi, you can view contemporary Georgian and world art at TBC Gallery, a gallery that hosts exhibitions of innovative art, book presentations and award ceremonies for outstanding figures.
Museum location: Marjanishvili street, 0102
Opening hours: daily except Monday from 9:00 to 21:00.
Ticket price: 1-2 euros.
Having finished exploring Tbilisi, go on an excursion to the immediate surroundings, especially since ancient settlements near the capital store no less amazing artifacts.
Just 25 km from Tbilisi is the city of Mtskheta - the place where Christianity was born in Georgia in the 4th century AD. Despite the fact that in recent years Mtskheta has become quite touristy, not visiting here and not seeing the temples of the early Christian era with your own eyes means not seeing the true Georgia.
If you want to join the local winemaking traditions, but don’t have time to visit remote wine-growing regions, go to Chateau Mukhrani, a winery 45 km from the city. Wine production is located in a historical castle. Here you will learn the history of Georgian winemaking, taste wine and snacks, and take part in a master class on making khinkali and khachapuri, which you can later taste in the restaurant at the winery.
Castle Chateau Mukhrani. Photo: _georgian_wine_
Do you dream of seeing real mountains? Drive to the village of Stepantsmida, located at the foot of the great Mount Kazbek. This is a truly fantastic place where you can spend a few days contemplating the mountain scenery and relaxing in an atmosphere of tranquility.
E This post is mainly for those who will be in the Georgian capital for the first time. I would like to propose a walking route for a couple of hours through the historical center, covering all the main attractions. First, we go down to the Tbilisi metro and go to Avlabari station. From there a couple of hundred meters to the beginning of the route. And we'll start with the central temple of Tbilisi and Georgia as a whole - Tsminda Sameba (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity). The cathedral is visible from almost everywhere; it is the tallest temple in Georgia (height 101 meters). New building of the 21st century, but very harmoniously fitting into the architecture of Tbilisi.
X The frame took almost ten years to build and was completed in 2004. After the consecration it became the main temple of the country.
The construction of the cathedral was associated with an international scandal - the temple was built on bones - in an old Armenian cemetery. At first there was an ancient church here, but it was destroyed by Soviet power. A recreation park was built on the site of the church and cemetery. During the construction of the new temple, of course, they dug a pit, but no one wanted to rebury the newly disturbed dead from the torn up graves; the bones were taken to the trash heap along with construction waste.
There are two significant relics in the temple. The first is the cross of St. Nino, which she erected as a sign of the baptism of Georgia on the mountain above Mtskheta (where the Jvari temple is now). The 4th century cross is kept in a gilded sarcophagus in front of the altar, right in the center, hard to miss. The second modern relic is the “Hope of Georgia” icon, made of gold using the Minankari technique, decorated with precious stones. The cost of this icon is 27 million dollars. It is on the right side of the temple, if you look at the altar. Large icon behind glass.
GPS 41.697258, 44.816623
Tsminda Sameba inside
Icon "Hope of Georgia"
Cross of Saint Nino
View from the cathedral on Tbilisi
Sameba at night
E If you have already been to Tbilisi and have not been here, you have lost a lot. This small cafe is located in the courtyard of the main temple of Tsminda Sameba. The cafe is called "Waters of Lagidze". Two more such cafes recently opened on Rustaveli Avenue, and there is also a branch on Mount Mtatsminda.
"IN odes to Lagidze" was founded by the pharmacist Mitrofan Lagidze in 1887. He produced soft drinks based on Georgian mineral waters and natural raw materials - syrups and essences. Tasty drinks quickly gained popularity in Georgia, and then in the Russian Empire. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mitrofan Lagidze became supplier of the imperial court. Neither the revolution nor the change of government affected the popularity of Lagidze waters, and in 1927 a state mineral water plant was opened in Tbilisi, where Mitrofan Lagidze became director. There is an opinion that Lagidze was Stalin’s favorite soda, and bottles It was with this water that they stood on the tables during the Yalta Conference in 1945.
In Soviet times, there were Lagidze Water cafes in many Georgian cities, but now there are only 3 in Tbilisi and one in Batumi. The cafe is open from 11-00 to 20-00. A small glass costs 1.3 GEL, a large one - 1.5. Glass cones contain natural syrups. Always - creamy, chocolate, tarragon and pear, and the fifth is seasonal. In the fall it was grapes, in the summer it was lemon, in the spring it was cherries. The syrup is poured into a glass and carbonated mineral water is added. You can take the water with you and bottle it. But since syrups are natural, they quickly give sediment and spoil after some time.
GPS cafe 41.697855, 44.814121
Chocolate and butter soda
Syrups
TO By the way, here in the cafe they make good khachapuri and achma, you can have a snack before walking along the steep streets of Tbilisi.
And further along Abdushelishvili Street we go down past the presidential palace to Rike Park. You can cross the busy highway using an underground passage (I will attach a map of the route at the bottom of the post).
P Arch Rike is the heart of Tbilisi; on holidays, stages are built here, fairs and festivities are held. The main attraction of the park is the Bridge of Peace.The bridge was opened in 2010; the opinions of both townspeople and tourists regarding this structure are mixed. On the one hand, it’s good that the city is being built and acquiring not only new high-rise buildings in residential areas, but also beautiful sights. On the other hand, in the heart of old Tbilisi, among two-story old houses, where everything is imbued with antiquity - suddenly - this giant in high-tech style made of glass and iron.
M The ost is pedestrian, it is thrown across the Mtkvari (Kura) River and connects Rike Park and the streets of the old city. In the evenings, the bridge is beautifully illuminated in the colors of the Georgian flag. So it makes sense to go for a walk here and wait in the evening.Rike Park is very small, more like a square. There are recently planted low trees, flower beds, a children's playground, shopping benches and an illuminated dancing fountain. Directly above the park there is an observation deck from where you can get beautiful views of Tbilisi in the evening.
GPS 41.693012, 44.808295
View of Rike Park and Peace Bridge
Rike Park on New Year's Day
Z Then you can make a small detour, walk along the bridge (not reaching the end), go down to the sidewalk near the Mtkvari (Kura) embankment, and go to the side Vakhtang Gorgosali streets. Here, under the shade of huge beech trees, it is pleasant and convenient to admire and photograph the houses on the rock (I lovingly call them “swallow’s nests”). Guesthouses and restaurants settled in these houses a long time ago. One of them, Old Metekhi, is said to be quite good. In the rock below the houses you can see grottoes where hermit monks once lived. In one place a small waterfall falls into the river from a cliff. Closer to the Metekhi Bridge there is a beautiful view of the medieval temple of the same name (XIII century) and the monument to the Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgosali. And where Europe Square and the entrance to the road bridge are now located, there once was a large Metekhi castle, in which Georgian rulers lived; in the 19th century it was demolished and a prison for political prisoners was built here. The prison was demolished during Soviet times, the same fate could have befallen the temple on the initiative of L. Beria, but protests saved the church.
IN The temple contains the relics of the first Georgian saint - Shushanik, who is also revered in the Armenian Church. And there is also an icon hanging there called “100,000 Metekhi Martyrs” about the events of November 13, 1227. The Khorezm Sultan Jala-Ed-Din attacked Tbilisi, he burned the Zion Cathedral, and carried the iconostasis from it to the Metekhi bridge. Not the one that now connects the banks of the Kura, but the one destroyed in the 30s in connection with the construction of the Tbilisi hydroelectric power station. The Sultan ordered the residents of Tbilisi to walk over the icons with their feet, and the soldiers beheaded everyone who refused and threw their bodies into the Kura River. And there were, according to legend, one hundred thousand. The icon depicts a bridge, a burning temple, martyrs and soldiers of the Sultan with weapons in their hands.
Metekhi Temple
Icon of the 100,000 Metekhi Martyrs
Metekhi Temple and monument to Vakhtang Gorgosali
IN We return to Rike Park and, if desired, go to Metekhi Temple. There you can see Shushanik’s grave and the icon I told you about. And from the platform near the temple there is a good view of Old Tbilisi. Then we go to the cable car station located on Metekhi Square. The cable car costs 1 GEL and can be accessed using a Tbilisi metro ticket. We take the cable car up to the Narikala fortress.
TO repost Narikala in Tbilisi is like the Kremlin in Moscow or the Louvre in Paris. It is located in the very center, on a hill, and you should definitely visit it.The fortress was built in the 17th-18th centuries, but some buildings date back to the 5th century. There were no chambers of kings or princes here; the citadel performed only a defensive function. And, as guidebooks and travel sites write, they have never been able to take it by storm. And everyone who owned it was worth it: Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and partly Georgians.
Cable car in Rike Park GPS 41.692016, 44.810678
Bridge of Peace, cable car and Narikala fortress
Narikala fortress at night
By cable car
WITH At the top, from the walls of the fortress, there is a magnificent view of Tbilisi on one side and the botanical garden on the other. In some places you can climb the fortress wall itself. The route along the walls and along the walls of the fortress is about 700-800 meters. During the day, Narikala looks unremarkable, but at night it is decorated with beautiful lighting.
Visiting the fortress is free.
View from the fortress
Sameba, Peace Bridge, Presidential Palace - evening view from the fortress
E then Mother of Kartli or Mother of Georgia, the famous Tbilisi sculpture. She stands on a hill, on the same hill as the Narikala fortress (three hundred meters from the cable car station), and looks at Tbilisi with her metal eyes. In her left hand, the twenty-meter woman holds a cup of wine, symbolizing hospitality - for friends. In the right hand of the sculpture there is a sword - for enemies. The wooden sculpture, lined with metal sheets, was installed in 1958. And in 1963 it appeared in a new look and was already made entirely of aluminum.You can get to the feet of this maiden when visiting Narikala.
WITH You can leave the fortress another way along the streets of the old city. This would be even more logical; the second exit is located at the temple gate, where the route through the fortress ends. We go out onto Orbiri Street and go down.
Exit from the fortress 41.688053, 44.809426
A here we have two options - go left to the old town or right to the sulfur baths and the botanical garden. But I think the sulfur baths and the botanical garden deserve a separate day, so let's go see the old town! And again we go to the Metekhi Bridge. The winding pedestrian streets of old Tbilisi with cafes, guesthouses, flower beds and carved balconies begin here. Take a walk along the streets of Shardeni, Kote Abkhazi (formerly Leselidze), Irakli II. On these streets there is a whole cluster of tourist places: these are mini-hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, galleries, souvenir shops, wine shops, jewelry, pharmacies, exchangers...
Shardeni
WITH The old city is a very popular place among tourists in Tbilisi. These are cozy crooked streets, paved with paving stones, houses of two or three floors, colored facades, tiled roofs.Views of the old city are often depicted in paintings and on magnets. This is truly the very first, oldest district of the city.
The Old Town in paintings by street artists
Old town, view of Metekhi
ABOUT be sure to check out the Zion Cathedral, one of the oldest temples in Tbilisi. Built in the 7th century, until the early 2000s it was the head temple of the city, and to this day it is considered one of the main temples in the country. Griboyedov and Nina Chavchavadze were married in it, and a great Christian relic is kept in it - the cross of St. Nino.
GPS 41.691357, 44.807559
Zion Cathedral
Cross of Saint Nino made of grapevine
A when you walk along Shavteli street 13 past tRezo Gabriadze's Puppet Theater, find out the schedule of performances - you should definitely look here! For example, in bad weather if you have tickets. Rezo Gabriadze is a famous Georgian director and screenwriter who has gained recognition and popularity all over the world. He founded the theater in 1981, and this is his main activity. Most of us are familiar with Rezo as the screenwriter of the films Mimino and Kin-dza-dza. The theater itself is located nearby, in house No. 26. And in the photo below there is a clock tower. Twice a day - at 12-00 and 19-00 a puppet show begins here. An angel puppet appears from a door just under the roof and hits the bell with a hammer, and from the door below more dolls appear, demonstrating the cycle of human life.
I would like to say something about the theater separately. In the off-season, the theater goes on tour, and in the season (summer) tickets are sold out two to three weeks before the performance. A ticket costs about 25 lari. The performances are more adult than children's, and are perceived as real life stories full of human experiences. Children will probably also be interested, but the performances are performed in Georgian with English subtitles. But very little children are not allowed here in order to preserve the intimate atmosphere.
Puppet Theater Rezo Gabriadze
N a little away from the beautiful streets - and old Tbilisi will open up to you as it is, real, without any marafet. Entrances with wooden stairs, colorful well courtyards, openwork balconies. They say that renting accommodation in such houses is very popular among tourists. Take a leisurely walk here without any routes, feed the skinny city cats.
Tbilisi courtyard
U Shavteli's face will lead us to a large crossroads. Across the road you will see a large mycelium. This is the Tbilisi House of Justice. The Houses of Justice in Georgia are an excellent example of the fight against bureaucracy. All government services in the region are concentrated in these buildings. To obtain any document or carry out a transaction, you only need to contact one specialist: whether it is registering a business, registering a car, or obtaining a birth certificate for a baby. In different regions, justice houses, in addition to general civil cases, also have their own purpose. In Rustavi, the House of Justice specializes in customs clearance and registration of cars, issuing driver’s licenses, in Batumi - on business registration, in Tbilisi - on issues of citizenship and civil status.Whether it was the intention of the authorities or an accident, it is difficult not to notice the houses of justice in all cities or confuse them with something - very noticeable buildings.
GPS 41.699086, 44.806624
Z Then we turn left and walk along Baratashvili Street to Freedom Square. The main historical interest here is the foundation and remains of the ancient city wall, which began to be built back in the 5th century. There are also several interesting sculptures here. On Freedom Square, in Pushkin Park, there is an information center where you can get free maps of Tbilisi and the regions, as well as consult on routes. Here we will finish the route of the first day, to the Freedom Square metro station - just a few meters. Or you can turn back to the old city along Kote Abkhazi Street and eat at one of the best and inexpensive restaurants in Tbilisi - Chashnagiri. The khinkali here are excellent, and they cost only 60 kopecks. And you can bring your own wine. St. Kote Abkhazi, 27/15.
Red route - from the metro to Sameba, green - from Sameba to the Vakhtang Gornosali embankment
Blue - from the embankment to the cable car 
The red route is along the Narikala fortress and down to the streets of the old city.
Blue circles are areas of the old city where you can wander around in search of colorful courtyards and nooks and crannies. 
Red route - from Zion Cathedral to the Puppet Theater
Green route - along the city wall to the metro or to the Chashnagiri restaurant
The blue circle is the areas of the old city where you can wander around in search of colorful courtyards and nooks; and metro station "Freedom Square"
The next post will be devoted to further walks around Tbilisi.
