Georgia · City Guide
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is one of Europe's most captivating and undervisited capitals, an ancient city of extraordinary character combining carved wooden balconies, ancient churches and Persian-era bathhouses with a vibrant contemporary café culture, outstanding Georgian cuisine and wine, the dramatic Narikala fortress above the old town and a warmth of hospitality that makes visitors immediately feel welcome. From the Abanotubani sulphur bath district and Sameba Cathedral to the excellent natural wine bars of the old town, Tbilisi is genuinely special.
Elect's take
"Tbilisi is the European capital that most surprised me in recent years. The combination of the extraordinary old town architecture, the best natural wine culture in the world, outstanding food and the warmth of Georgian hospitality creates something I found genuinely captivating and difficult to leave."
The old town of Tbilisi climbs the hill above the Mtkvari River in a beautiful accumulation of carved wooden balconies, ancient churches, Persian-era caravanserais and crumbling plaster buildings of extraordinary character. The Abanotubani sulphur bath district, housed in distinctive domed bathhouses fed by natural hot springs, provides one of the most atmospheric and genuinely ancient bathing experiences in the world. The Narikala fortress provides panoramic views across the old town from above. Georgian natural wine culture — produced in qvevri clay vessels buried in the earth, a 8000-year-old tradition — is experiencing a global renaissance and the wine bars of the old town are outstanding. The food — khinkali dumplings, khachapuri cheese bread, walnut sauces — is extraordinary.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Tbilisi Old Town
A beautiful accumulation of carved wooden balconies, ancient churches and historic character.
Sulphur Bathhouses
Ancient domed bathhouses fed by natural hot springs in the Abanotubani district.
Georgian Natural Wine
The world's oldest wine culture in qvevri clay vessels, now experiencing a global renaissance.
Georgian Cuisine
Outstanding khinkali dumplings, khachapuri cheese bread and extraordinary walnut sauces.
Narikala Fortress
A dramatic fortress above the old town with panoramic views over Tbilisi.
Sameba Cathedral
Georgia's largest cathedral, a magnificent contemporary building above the old town.
