The largest city in Georgia, Tbilisi, is home to 1.083 million people - more than a third of all residents of the republic. Tbilisi falls in love with itself at first sight. They travel around the city with a guide and independently, and walks leave the most vivid positive impressions. It is not surprising that almost all tourists dream of returning to the Georgian capital again.
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Excursions in Tbilisi
Acquaintance with the city begins from the airport or bus station. From here, travelers find themselves in a modern metropolis with old buildings, bridges, temples and monuments.
Views of Tbilisi
Tbilisi is of considerable age. The city was founded in 458 AD and in the next century became the capital of the strong Iberian kingdom. Archaeologists are sure that settlements along the banks of the Kura River existed much earlier. The artifacts they found indicate that people mastered these places in the 6th century BC.
Initially, the city was called Tiflis. It received its modern name in 1936. In fact, this is the same name, but not written in Greek, but in Georgian. Loosely translated, it means "Warm City".
One of the main tourist attractions of Tbilisi is the picturesque Shota Rustaveli Street, which is located in the historical center of the city.
Sulfur bath in Tbilisi
Tourists love cable cars. Thanks to them, you can climb to elevated places, observation platforms and admire Tbilisi from above. The most popular cable car leads from the green Rike Park to the ancient Narikala fortress.
What is there for children in Tbilisi? Great Zoo, Turtle Lake and Amusement Park on Mount Mtatsminda. Adult tourists enjoy admiring the luxurious botanical garden, visiting old sulfur baths, museums, theaters and exhibition halls.
Old city
The heart of the city - Old Tbilisi is small in size, but you won't be able to get around it in a couple of hours. Buildings on the right bank of the Kura appeared during the reign of Queen Tamara. The old town is still permeated with the enchanting atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Every turn and street hides new landmarks and amazing monuments. The historical part of Tbilisi is very lively. Lavash is baked here, tourists are fed in a cafe, and street musicians play.
Palace of Queen Darejan
Since the Old Town lies on hills and has a lot of paving stones, travelers are advised to walk in comfortable sports shoes. Special routes have been developed for tourists. In order not to get lost, follow the map and look for circles with painted pheasants - the symbols of Tbilisi.
Remains of an ancient fortress, authentic buildings made of clay and stone, original cafes and shops have been preserved in the Old Town. There are more than a hundred small wine shops and cellars where you can taste different varieties of Georgian wines. In this part of Tbilisi there are the famous sulfur baths, where Alexander Pushkin loved to visit, and where the poet celebrated his 30th birthday. The oldest of the baths, Iraklievskaya, is mentioned in city documents of the 16th century.
The Darejan Palace flaunts on the Avlabar Upland. An elegant building was erected for his wife by the powerful ruler Heraclius II. The building hangs over an abyss, and today a Christian women's monastery is located inside it.
Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi
Bridges of Tbilisi
The Kura Valley divides Tbilisi into two halves. Areas on different banks of the river are united by bridges. Some of them are so beautiful that walks to the bridges are included in city tours.
The most visited by tourists - the Peace Pedestrian Bridge connects the ultra-modern Rike Park and Irakli II Street. A luxurious building with a transparent roof is the pride of Tbilisi. His photos are posted on websites and in city guides.
Upstream is the Nikolai Baratashvili Bridge. It's older, but no less attractive. The main decoration of this bridge is full-size sculptures of people jumping into the water, sunbathing on the river bank and just posing. Many tourists come to the bridge specially to take memorable photos with expressive statues.
Statues on the bridge of Nikolai Baratashvili
The Metekhi bridge, important for Tbilisi, leads to an ancient church and a monument to the founder of the city - King Vakhtang Gorgasali. This is the oldest crossing in Tbilisi, the history of which dates back to the 18th century. There are restaurants, sulfur baths and cafes near the bridge.
Ancient temples and monasteries
The most important in Tbilisi is Tsminda Sameba or the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. There are 13 thrones in the representative church, and the chair of the Catholicos of Georgia is located. The huge building has a lower church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and a separate belfry. People come to Tsminda Sameba to pray and pay honors to the patron saint of Georgia - George the Victorious.
Until 2004, the role of the cathedral church of Georgia was played by the Sioni Cathedral, which stands in the Old City. The first church on this site was erected in the 6th century, but then it was completely destroyed by the Arab conquerors. The building, which has survived to this day, appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. A small but very soulful church is decorated with bas-reliefs of saints and crosses. Inside it, you can see colorful frescoes.
Tsminda Sameba Orthodox Cathedral
On Mount Mtatsminda in Tbilisi, there is the Church of St. David. The beautiful temple was built in the second half of the 19th century. There is a spring near him, which is considered curative. Nearby is the Pantheon of writers and public figures of Georgia. This is a large necropolis where the most famous people of Georgia are buried. The writer Alexander Griboyedov and his wife Nino Chavchavadze are buried on Mtatsminda.
The ancient temple of Metekhi flaunts on the banks of the Kura. It has stood here since the 5th century, when the city itself was founded and the first palace appeared. The church was rebuilt and renovated many times, and in 1988 it was returned to believers.
In addition to Orthodox churches, Tbilisi has several Armenian churches, two synagogues, an Islamic Juma mosque and two Catholic cathedrals. All this is the heritage of Tbilisi, which is carefully preserved and respected by local residents.
Sioni Orthodox Cathedral
Georgian cuisine
During your trip to Tbilisi, be sure to try the famous Georgian cuisine. To do this, just go to any restaurant or cafe you like and order food and wine there.
Traditional Georgian dishes are highly appreciated by true gourmets. Many people love khinkali. According to tourists' reviews, Tbilisi makes the best khinkali in Georgia. Local chefs masterfully prepare thin elastic dough and aromatic filling of meat, onions and cilantro. Consider serving sizes when ordering. Usually 8-10 pieces are enough per person. A hearty dish is best eaten in Tbilisi khinkal houses.
Walking around Tbilisi, tourists enjoy eating khachapuri. The city sells square envelopes made of puff pastry with cheese, which Georgians call "penovani", as well as Adjarian khachapuri in the shape of a boat. Meat lovers are delighted with satsivi, chashushuli, ojakhuri and chanakhi, while vegetarians love phali, lobio and ajapsandali.
St David's Church from a bird's eye view
What to bring from Tbilisi
Many beautiful handicrafts are sold in the Georgian capital, which are brought here from different parts of the country. Tourists are eager to buy exquisite coinage, stylized mountain daggers and items of national clothing. Good souvenirs are wine horn and cloisonné enamel jewelry - minankari.
Leaving Tbilisi and not taking home delicious souvenirs is absolutely unforgivable! Residents of Georgia put a lot of soul into alcoholic drinks made from grapes, so travelers are happy to take Georgian wines. It is better to buy alcohol in Georgia in specialized stores.
Delicate pickled cheeses, adjika, aromatic spices and seasonings can become pleasant gifts for family and friends. Go to the famous Deserters Bazaar, which is located next to the Vokzalnaya metro station. Try it and choose what you like.
Metekhi temple
How to get to Tbilisi?
You can get to the main city of Georgia in two ways - by air and by car. There are direct flights from different cities of Russia to Tbilisi and with transfers in Baku, Minsk and Thessaloniki.
Several times a week an intercity bus runs to Tbilisi from Moscow. The ticket costs 45 USD and the journey takes about 36 hours. The simplest way by personal transport is through Vladikavkaz and the Verkhniy Lars border crossing. In addition, people travel to Tbilisi via Armenia and Azerbaijan.
