With a history that dates back to the sixth century AD, Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary is already an important landmark in Tbilisi. But its age also makes it the oldest surviving church in the city, and what a history it has had over the years.
History of Tbilisi
I’m typically not much of a shopper, but I always make an exception for local markets and bazaars, especially ones as significant as Meidan Bazar. This indoor bazaar on Gorgasali Street in Old Tbilisi used to be part of the Silk Road. As such, it was a hotspot for merchants traveling between Europe and Asia.
No list of the best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia is complete without mentioning the Mother of Georgia Monument. Also known as Kartlis Deda, this twenty-meter-tall (roughly 65 feet tall) statue overlooks Tbilisi from atop Sololaki Hill.
This beautiful area of the city, known for its architecture and example of Georgian urban heritage, is so significant, it’s on UNESCO’s tentative list. That means it’s currently in the running to being named a World Heritage Site. I suggest a walking tour to experience everything up close!
It consists of two walled sections between the Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi and the famous sulfur baths. It has been captured by the Persians, the Umayyad Dynasty, and the Mongols in its history, and also withstood an 1827 earthquake that resulted in part of the fortress being demolished.
My Time in Tbilisi
+0322 55 07 77
Tbilisi, Georgia
Explore the Tbilisi Historic District
2/7 Tbilisi, Georgia
Metekhi St.
Stop by Freedom Square
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
Tbilisi, Georgia
MRQ5+4R8
See Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral
As you will learn soon after arriving in Georgia, this is a cheese-loving culture. It is everywhere in Georgia. And I got an up-close look at how the country’s favorite cheese, sulguni, is made at Tserti Restaurant.
The haphazard-looking building is a functioning clock tower. Above the clock face, a mannequin of an angel strikes a bell once ever hour. Below the clock is a depiction of the circle of life! It’s a very unusual structure, but one that’s also extremely memorable. One of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia, for sure!
Metekhi St. Virgin Church
Tbilisi, Georgia
2 Tona – Craft Beer & Brewery
Some locals protested its construction, arguing that such a lavish modern structure would take away from the beauty of the Old Town’s historical buildings. Take a trip to Tbilisi and see what you think!
The beef tamtaki was extremely creamy and velvety, almost like a decadent pasta dish. But my favorite was the suckling pig, which had been roasted to perfection, with an irresistibly crunchy skin and juicy, fatty meat. It’s a must try and one of my favorite things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Check out my VIDEO: Making Georgian Cheese & Bread!! Tbilisi Attractions Tour | Georgia
Enjoy Authentic Georgian Cuisine at Tserti
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Try Georgian Craft Beer at 2 Tona
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Check out my VIDEO: Amazing Georgian Food & Wine!! Chronicles of Georgia + Cathedral Visit | Tbilisi, Georgia
Explore Narikala Fortress
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Shop at Meidan Bazaar
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Try Georgian Food & Wine at Poliphonia Wine Bar
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
The market is made up of an interesting collection of vendors. Some are known for selling Soviet memorabilia, while others sell handmade artwork and crafts. Others sell household essentials, wood carvings, intricate daggers, traditional Svan hats, and even old-school cameras!
Dine with a Local Family
Founded in 1884, this incredible factory is any brandy lover’s dream. The moment you step into their cellar, the brandy aroma emanating from the barrels hits you in the face! It’s not just brandy in barrels there, though.
Just a two-minute drive from the Sulfur Baths and Leghvtakhevi Waterfall is Rigi, one of Tbilisi’s best restaurants. This rustic but modern spot offers traditional Georgian cuisine, from khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) to khinkali (dumplings) to kebabs with lavash bread.
2 Tona Brewery is an awesome microbrewery in Tbilisi. They brew eight core beers, but they also have seasonal beers. I loved their light Czech pilsner, crisp barley wine, fruity Helles, and a pair of citrusy IPAs. But their chocolatey stout with hints of espresso was my jam!
The Meal
If beautiful historical churches are your thing, there are several in the Historic District. One of the most prominent is Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral, also known as Sioni Cathedral of Dormition, a house of worship that dates back to the 6th and 7th centuries.
I’ve explored dozens of fortresses throughout the world and each one is a bit different. To fully explore Narikala, you’ll have to follow a wild, grassy path up to the citadel. I recommend being extra careful heading up and down, but the views from the very top are gorgeous! It’s easily one of the top things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia!
+995 599 40 43 30
Tbilisi, Georgia
Along the springs is a wooden boardwalk that winds its way through a gorge of sorts, with buildings clinging to the edges. At the end of the boardwalk is Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, a beautiful slice of nature in the middle of the city!
The cathedral reminded me of ones I visited in the neighboring country of Armenia back in 2019. It was similar to some of the ancient churches of Etchmiadzin. Even unfinished, it’s still quite breathtaking!
One of the most impressive sites in the Tbilisi area, the Chronicles of Georgia, is actually located roughly 30 minutes outside the capital. The massive monument brings to mind other huge structures like Stonehenge, except the Chronicles of Georgia is fairly young.
Check out my VIDEO: Traditional Street Food in Georgia!! Narikala Fortress + Silk Road Bazaar | Tbilisi, Georgia
Tour JSC Sarajishvili Brandy Factory
0102
15 Alexander Kazbegi Ave.
Clock Tower
People might be surprised to hear that there are sulfur baths and a waterfall in the middle of Tbilisi. They’re both hidden natural gems among the modern and historical buildings of the Abanotubani neighborhood.
+995 555 69 68 96
Anchiskhati Basilica
Conclusion
Tbilisi, Georgia
