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Tbilisi's Old Town and Narikala Fortress

No. 94 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Tbilisi

Georgia

Georgia's capital in a river gorge: sulphur baths, balconied old houses, wine bars and mountain views.

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Photo: Saskia Heijltjes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Tbilisi is No. 94 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Georgia's capital stretches along the Mtkvari River between steep hills in the South Caucasus.

Its Old Town mixes churches, domed sulphur baths and wooden balconies with modern architecture, and the city is a great place to discover Georgian wine, made in clay qvevri, and dishes such as khachapuri and khinkali.

The Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari, Tbilisi
The Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari, Tbilisi. Photo: falco, CC0, source

Best time to go

May, June, September and October are warm and pleasant; autumn is the grape harvest season.

July and August are hot. Winters are fairly mild, with occasional snow.

Top sights

  • 1

    Abanotubani

    The sulphur bath district, with brick domes and private bathing rooms.

  • 2

    Narikala Fortress

    An ancient fortress above the Old Town, reached by cable car, with views over the city.

  • 3

    Bridge of Peace

    A glass-and-steel footbridge over the river, lit up at night.

  • 4

    Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

    The large Georgian Orthodox cathedral on Elia Hill.

  • 5

    Rustaveli Avenue

    The main boulevard, with the opera house, theatres and the Georgian National Museum.

  • 6

    Mtskheta

    Georgia's ancient capital and UNESCO site, about 25 km north, with Jvari Monastery.

Getting there

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is about 17 km south-east of the centre; bus 337 and taxis take 30 to 40 minutes.

Getting around

Two metro lines and buses run on contactless cards. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Yandex Go are cheap and widely used. The Old Town is walkable but hilly.

Practical tips

Currency
Georgian lari (GEL). Cards are widely accepted in the city.
Language
Georgian. English is spoken in hotels and many restaurants.
Safety
Tbilisi is generally safe. The emergency number is 112.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can visit Georgia visa-free for up to one year. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and F.

Official information: Georgia Travel (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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