Visiting Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a great opportunity to experience its historic architecture, as well as its rich traditions and culture. The city is known for its Soviet Modernist structures, Eastern Orthodox churches, and ornate art nouveau buildings.
Old Town
Located in the heart of the city, the Old Town of Tbilisi, also known as Dzveli Tbilisi, is a fascinating place to visit. It is home to a large number of cultural sites and historical buildings. It also offers excellent views. It is best explored by foot.
The Old Town of Tbilisi is a kaleidoscope of cobbled streets, low houses, and wooden structures. A number of religious and educational sites are found here. It is also a great place to get a taste of Georgian culture. There are several Eastern Orthodox churches here and most of them are open to visitors.
The Cathedral of the Great Trinity is the third-largest orthodox temple in the world. It was built to commemorate 1500 years of the Georgian patriarchate. It is 85 meters high.
The oldest church in Tbilisi is the Anchiskhati Basilica. It was built in the 6th century by Dachi, the son of King Gorgasali.
The Tbilisi Presidential Palace is also located here. The park has quiet paths and music fountains. It is a popular recreational area in the Old Town of Tbilisi. It is also the place where all entertainment facilities are located. It is also home to a number of different restaurants and bars.
During the Golden Age of Georgia, the settlement developed below walls of an elevated citadel. It later continued down to the river. The fortifications kept the settlement protected. It was further developed under the Arabs, who called it a "fortified place."
Tbilisi was the first capital of Georgia. It has been sacked 29 times and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has been ruled by a variety of empires. It is also the largest city in Georgia. It has been influenced by various cultures, including Greek, Persian, and Ottoman.
Narikala Fortress
Located on a high hill, the Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi is one of the city's most admired sights. It is one of the city's oldest structures and was built by Arabs in the 8th century.
Visitors can take a cable car from Rike Park to the Narikala Fortress. The ride takes about 2 minutes, costs 2.5 GEL one way and runs between 10 am and 11 pm during the winter season.
You can also walk to the fortress. The path to the fort leads through the forest and branches off in several directions. The best view of the fortress can be had from the hill above Abanotubani.
After visiting the fortress, you can continue your tour by visiting the National Botanical Garden. This park is surrounded by the fortress, and contains over 4,500 taxonomic groups. The garden is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance to the garden is located near the main gate. Its main attraction is the waterfall.
The church inside the fortress was rebuilt in 1997. The interior is decorated with frescoes and icons. The walls feature scenes from the Bible and Georgian history.
The entrance to the Botanical Garden is around the main gate of the fortress. There are ticket offices and a sharp flight of stairs leading to the garden. Those who aren't comfortable with climbing stairs should go to the ticket office. The entrance fee is 4 GEL.
The outline of the Narikala Fortress is on the cover of countless tourist guidebooks. It is one of the most photographed sights in Georgia.
The path to the fortress can be walked through some of Tbilisi's oldest neighborhoods. You can reach the fortress from a nearby cable car, or by foot. Whether you are walking or taking a cable car, you'll enjoy the amazing views of the city from the fortress.
Sulfur baths
Located in the Abanotubani district, the sulfur baths in Tbilisi are a part of Georgia's rich cultural history. In the past, these were a popular place for recreation and amusement. They also were used for therapeutic purposes.
These baths are built in the Persian architectural style and are constructed from brick. The walls are often covered in mosaic stones.
The sulfur baths in Tbilisi are located in the Abanotubani district of the old town. They are one of the highlights of Tbilisi. The area is close to the Old Median and the river.
They are open year round and offer a variety of treatments and massages. Sulfur water is said to have healing properties, and it can help with various diseases. They are available at a variety of prices. They are also available for communal use, which is a unique way to experience them.
Visiting a sulfur bath is an excellent way to spend an evening in Tbilisi during the spring or winter months. There are both public and private baths, but the latter will have more facilities and more amenities.
They can be enjoyed for just a few minutes or for an hour. You should wear a swimsuit, and you should have a copy of your passport. It is also a good idea to book ahead. The baths tend to fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to get a reservation as early as possible.
While visiting the sulfur baths, it is a good idea to get kisa. This is a traditional treatment that combines peeling and massage. It's also a good idea to wear dry underwear.
It is said that the sulphur water helps to strengthen your immune system. It is also believed that it can help your circulation.
Wine cellar
Amongst the many wine shops in Tbilisi, there are also some great wine bars to try out. These establishments all offer wine tastings and are a great way to spend a romantic date night. They also offer advice on wine, so you can make your own bottle.
The Vino Underground Tbilisi is a natural wine bar, with a selection of organic wines from local and foreign producers. The staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable, and will be happy to point out great choices at every price point. The wine is served by the glass, and you can take advantage of a wide range of special offers, from charcuterie boards to seasonal small plate menus.
The Wine Library is a great place to buy bottled wine, and is open everyday from 11am to midnight. They organize their wines by origin, so you can easily find what you're looking for. They also have a table open in the evenings, so you can get wine and enjoy a meal without having to leave the shop.
One of the biggest wineries in Georgia, Telavi Wine Cellar, has a range of single vineyard wines called Kondoli. Their qvevri wine has a cherry and smoked wood flavour, which is considered the best in Georgia.
The Reserve wine bar in Tbilisi is an air conditioned main room, and offers a variety of different wines at reasonable prices. They have a garden area, and the wine bar staff are happy to talk about Georgian winemaking. They also offer bottles of high-end wines, and charge a small fee for each glass. They don't require reservations.
The Reserve wine bar overlooks the Parliament, and the staff are very welcoming. They have a wide range of rare varieties, and are happy to help you choose a bottle.
Shopping
Located in the heart of Tbilisi, the Galleria Tbilisi mall is a multifunctional shopping complex. It has everything to offer for an entire day of fun-filled shopping.
Aside from being a great shopping destination, the mall is a place to experience some of the best Georgia has to offer. The mall is home to a lot of restaurants, amusement rides and bowling lanes, as well as a large entertainment area for children. It also has a cafeteria.
The Tbilisi mall is a four-floor facility with stores including LC Walkiki, Miniso, Marks and Spencer, and New Yorker. The mall is located at the 16th km Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue in the city. It has escalators to get to the second floor and a kids play zone.
The Black Dog Studio & Shop is a great place to buy cool notebooks and paper goods. It is also a nice place to shop for unique souvenirs. Originally, it was a small store located on Fabrika street. Now it is a part of the Materiel Tbilisi brand portfolio.
The Dry Market is a great place to buy original Eastern European souvenirs and Soviet kitsch. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The market sells a range of items, including handmade jewelry, glass and enamel, and Azerbaijani souvenirs.
The Cafe-Cum-Bookstore is a great place to buy a wide selection of books on design and art. The book store also offers translated poetry books, and a regional section devoted to the history of the Caucasus.
Another great place to shop in Tbilisi is the Lilo shopping center, which is home to a variety of goods, from jewelry to cosmetics to clothes. It is a great place to get a good deal on big-ticket items.
