Tbilisi what to see. Lookout over Riquet. The most beloved and inspiring places in the city

Tbilisi is a wonderful city, and its main highlight is a large number of attractions. That is why it is interesting for tourists in any season, because in any weather you will find something to see and do.

Tbilisi is quite big, but all its famous sights are close to each other, thanks to which it is realistic to visit them in 1-2 days.

It is better to move on foot, the distance between them is small, but be patient and wear comfortable shoes, because fascinating places a lot and you have to walk a lot.

So, what to see in Tbilisi in 1-2 days and how much it costs.

Tbilisi attractions on the map

The heart of Tbilisi and its most important attraction is the old part of the city, which is why it is in first place in the must-see list.

The beauty and sophistication of small winding streets lined with paving stones and old cute buildings are hard to convey in words, it must be seen. And the smell and spirit of history hovering here must be inhaled and felt. Only in this way will you understand what old Tbilisi is and why it is admired.

Sulfur baths

There are many sights in old Tbilisi, and the first of them is the sulfur baths. Sulfur springs existed at this place even before the construction of Tbilisi and the emergence of the city is associated with them.

According to the legend, which is more than 1550 years old, the Georgian prince Vakhtang Gorgasali shot a bird, and it fell into the source and boiled. It was after that that he decided to build a city on this place called Tbilisi, from the word warm.

Today, sulfur baths are available to everyone, from above as an attraction and inside as entertainment. Their cost is from five lari per public bath, up to several hundred per individual.

Pushkin himself and Dumas admired the Tbilisi sulfur baths. The most beautiful outwardly is the Orbelian or simply blue sulfur bath, you will definitely notice it.

It is up to you to decide whether or not to take a steam bath, but it is simply necessary to walk along the domes from above and take a few selfies.

Museum next to the sulfur baths

Next to the sulfur baths there is a museum on the territory of the monastery. Initially, if you do not read the sign at the entrance, it resembles an original square or park, and only when you go inside a guide will come up to you and offer to visit the museum with a mini tour for 1 GEL. If you have very little time, then we do not recommend visiting, but if you have a couple of days left, you can drop by.

Canyon and waterfall in the center of the old city

Behind the sulfur baths you can see the canyon. It is small in size, but it is advisable to give it a couple of minutes, especially since at the end there is beautiful waterfall which saves a little on hot summer days.

Narikala fortress

This is the oldest landmark in the city. The exact date of construction has not been established, but in the 4th century, when Tbilisi was founded, it already existed. Due to the fact that the fortress fortifications and she is not few years old, she was subjected to numerous attacks and destruction, but she was always restored.

To date, Narikala acquired its appearance after a strong earthquake in 1827. The heavily ruined majestic walls in the city center remind of ancient history and attract tourists. Entrance to the fortress is free, so it is a must to visit, and the views of Tbilisi from it are unforgettable.

Mother of Kartli

A few meters from the fortress stands the symbol of Tbilisi “Mother Georgia” or “Mother Kartli”. This 20-meter monument was built in honor of the 1500th anniversary of the city and symbolizes the Georgian character. On the one hand, friendliness to all who came from the worlds in the form of a cup of wine, on the other hand, militancy towards enemies in the form of a sword.

There is a small observation deck in front of the statue, from where you can get gorgeous selfies against the backdrop of Tbilisi.

cable car

The cable car in Tbilisi is, first of all, convenient and fast way moving to the Narikala fortress and only then the attraction. It is quite short and cannot be compared with the cable car in Batumi, but still the panorama from it is breathtaking.

The lower station of the Canadian begins in Rike Park near Europe Square, the cost is 2.5 GEL one way. You can ride using a special Metromoney card, which is sold in the window next to it. By the way, it will come in handy for you, since Tbilisi has a unified payment system in public transport.

Puppet Theater Rezo Gabriadze

Not far from the Baratashvili bridge with cool figurines is the famous Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. This is the most popular theater in Tbilisi among locals and tourists. At least every guest of the city comes to look at him, because outwardly he is very attractive and beautiful.

Except appearance, every hour you can see how an angel with golden wings beats the bell. And twice a day (12.00 and 19.00) a free miniature performance “The Cycle of Life” takes place on the tower.

Be sure to visit this magical place when you are in Tbilisi, and if you have time, go to a performance. True, tickets to the theater are quickly sorted out, when we asked, they were sold out 2 weeks in advance. The only way out is to buy tickets in advance on the official website of the puppet theater gabriadze.com.

Flea market “Dry Bridge”

The flea market is a fun and unique place that you can climb for hours, especially if you are lovers of antiquity and painting. There is a bunch of different old and unnecessary little things here, but among all this junk, sometimes really valuable and rare things come across.

Prices for antiques are almost the same everywhere, so if you are offered an antique in good condition at a low price, there is definitely a catch. In the form of souvenirs at the flea market, many people buy records, minankari (cloisonné jewelry), ancient money and candlesticks.

The Dry Bridge is a bit of a popular attraction, so if you're short on time, don't go here. At large stock, go take a look and dive into former times Interesting.

Funicular and pantheon

The Tbilisi funicular is considered an entertaining entertainment and landmark of the city. At any time of the year, it is popular among tourists, and on weekends among local residents, as you can quickly get to the Mtatsminda amusement park by funicular.

You should ride the funicular for the sake of unusual sensations (it is better to sit in the head of the car) and beautiful panorama all over Tbilisi. In addition, in the middle of the path is the Pantheon of writers, artists, scientists and the temple of St. David.

The price of this pleasure is 2.5 GEL for one lift, plus 2 GEL for a special pass card without which you will not be allowed inside. The most profitable way (so as not to pay twice) is to ride the funicular up, and go back down the nice path on foot, it will initially lead to the Pantheon, and then to the city center.

National Museum Georgia is located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, it is impossible to miss it. Many do not dare to go inside and pass by, as they do not really like museums. We recommend visiting this museum because it is really interesting even for not strong fans of history.

Here, in addition to the standard excavations in the form of jugs and jewelry, you will see old Georgian money, clothes, a gun, a unique hall of the Soviet occupation and many real skulls.

In a word, the National Museum of Georgia is quite fascinating and great place, you can walk along it for a long time, and the tour with a guide is at least 3 hours. Entrance fee 7 GEL per person.

Rustaveli Avenue

Rustaveli Avenue is the main street, which is visited by all the guests of the city without exception, and you must. Here are the most majestic and ancient buildings Tbilisi, among them Vorontsov Palace, Parliament of Georgia, National Museum, Opera and Ballet Theatre, Rustaveli Cinema, Tifli Gymnasium, Kavsheti Church, former Majestic Hotel, and today Marriott hotel and many others.

In other words, Rustaveli Avenue requires attention and an immediate walk, the only way to notice all its highlights and details. Therefore, when planning your trips around Tbilisi, give Rustaveli at least two hours of your time.

Aghmashenebeli Avenue

Agmashenebeli Avenue today is considered one of the most beautiful in the new city. It was restored and opened relatively recently, but the work done was not long in coming, and the avenue gained instant popularity.

It is pedestrian big amount illuminations, greenery and cafes. Although its main advantage lies in small two-story houses on both sides, it is difficult to notice them at first, as bright cafes draw all attention to themselves.

Ethnographic open-air museum

A walk through the ethnographic museum takes several hours, which is why they visit it with a large margin of time. It is located not far from Turtle Lake, thanks to which you can initially get to the lake by cable car, walk along it, and then go down to the museum on foot for about 15 minutes.

On the large territory of the museum you will see old national houses and life. different regions Georgia, you will learn how Georgian wine is made according to ancient technologies and notice the versatility of this small but very rich country. The ticket price is only 3 GEL.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden in Tbilisi is much smaller than in Batumi, but still worth a visit, especially since it is located in old Tbilisi, very close to the Narikala fortress.

There are more than three and a half thousand rare plants in the botanical garden, which harmoniously cohabit with each other and delight all visitors. The entrance to the botanical garden is 2 GEL per person, which is a ridiculous price for such a beautiful place.

Sioni Cathedral is located in the old part of the city and is visible from different sides, so you will definitely stumble upon it while walking here. And when you see it, go inside, because for a long time it was considered the main temple of Georgia.

But this is not its leading dignity, the temple is famous for its ancient relic - the cross of St. Nino from the vine, with which she brought Christianity to Georgian land. This shrine is kept inside the temple, on the left side of the altar gate, and on its stone frame is engraved "Honest Cross have mercy on us."

Unfortunately, the vine itself, intertwined with Nino's hair in the form of a cross, is not visible even up close, since it was wrapped in cloth. However, the very presence of such a shrine inspires and fills with pure feelings.

The Bridge of Peace is one of the central sights of Tbilisi today and in combination with it business card. It belongs to the must-see list in the city and is very popular with all tourists, although it causes different associations among local residents.

The Bridge of Peace connects the old part of the city with the new areas and is located near the sulfur baths and the Sioni Cathedral. This grandiose transparent structure in the evening is beautifully illuminated by 30,000 light bulbs. In addition, they, using Morse code, transmit a message that lists all the elements of the periodic table that are in the human body.

Metekhi Temple and Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

Metekhi and Sameba are on the list of key attractions of historical Tbilisi. The first rises above the mighty Kura River on high rock along with a huge monument to the founder of the city - Vakhtang Gorgasali.

Sameba Cathedral was erected on the hill of St. Elijah and it is of such huge size that it can be seen from anywhere in the city. That is why these two temples will in any case fall into your field of vision when visiting Tbilisi and deserve a bet of minutes of your attention.

turtle lake favorite place recreation among Tbilisi residents. It is not large in size, but it is surrounded by beautiful dense forests, which makes it attractive for walking.

Also on the lake there is a small beach, catamarans, a cafe, a jogging track, sports and playgrounds. In a word, you will not get bored on this lake, especially if you meet one of its beautiful inhabitants - a turtle.

Turtle Lake is located far from the city center, only a cable car will help shorten the path, which leads directly to the lake. The fare is 1 GEL one way plus a special card for 2 GEL if you don't already have one. Entrance to the lake is free.

In the old town area are the above interesting streets. On them you will find many original cafes of different directions, try delicious Georgian and European cuisine, and most importantly, taste good local wine.

The spirit of relaxation, joy and fun reigns on these streets, so at least you should definitely take a walk here, especially since they are part of old Tbilisi.

Rike is considered the most beautiful park in Tbilisi. This is one of the favorite vacation spots for local youth and many tourists, because it is located near almost all attractions.

You can come here to stare at the fountains and refresh yourself on a hot summer day, or sit on one of the many benches and admire the Peace Bridge. You can just take a walk and enjoy the green corner or take a ride on the cable car directly to the Narikala fortress and the botanical garden.

Capital of Georgia - interesting city With rich history and glorious modernity. In the arsenal not only architectural masterpieces of the past, cultural monuments, museums and ultra-modern buildings, but also truly unusual, original places that open up to travelers from a completely different side. So, where to go and what to do in Tbilisi for tourists.

Walk along Shota Rustaveli Avenue

The main street of the city, which has a length of about one and a half kilometers, previously bore the name of the famous Russian General Golovin. It is from a walk along its wide sidewalks that you should begin your acquaintance with the city.

New Year's Tbilisi

The avenue is decorated with many bronze sculptures, sprawling plane trees, buildings of the Academy of Sciences, the Government, the National Museum, the Rustaveli Theater, art Gallery, the 5-star Marriott Hotel and some other buildings, the facades of which amaze with beauty and sophisticated design.

There are many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops open here, but picturesque courtyards deserve the closest attention, looking into which you can get acquainted with real life local population.

Take a picture with the characters of "Mimino"

In the heart of Tbilisi, in the ancient district, not far from metro Avlabari, a very kind and atmospheric monument dedicated to the legendary film by George Danelia "Mimino" was erected.

Monument "Mimino" in Tbilisi

Bronze sculptural composition portrays the heroes of Mkrtchan (Rubik Khachikyan), Kikabidze (Valiko Mizandari) and Leonov (Ivan Volokhov), as well as the director himself. It appeared in 2011, when the author of the work - sculptures Zurab Tsereteli, donated it to the city. The attraction evokes the best, brightest feelings, has a special atmosphere and is incredibly popular with residents and guests of the city.

We saw a similar sculpture to the characters of the film in Armenia:

Frozen in bronze frame from the film "Men" (1972)

Buy a trinket at the Flea Market on the Dry Bridge

The so-called "Dry Bridge", built in 1881, once connected the two banks of the Kura branch, but now a busy highway has been laid under it. In the 90s of the last century, a flea market appeared near it, which is now a full-fledged market.

Stalin figurines are quite popular in Georgia

By visiting it, you can fully get acquainted with the local color and life, as well as purchase many interesting gizmos: they sell antiques, old books, records, watches, icons, paintings, dishes, carpets, daggers, coins and national souvenirs.

The market is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, but locals advise coming here on weekends and preferably by 11:00 - the choice of goods will be much wider, and the sellers will be more supportive.

Buy cheese and churchkhela at the Deserter Market

Desertirebi Market is the largest and most chaotic in Tbilisi. It occupies a huge building with total area in 2000 sq. m. near railway station and a sports stadium on Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street.

Interestingly, it got its name in the 20s of the last century, when deserter soldiers sold their things here.

The deserter's market in Tbilisi does not look like a tourist attraction at all

This place is considered a real cultural landmark of the city, as it is great for exploring culinary traditions Georgia.

Anya tries different types of Georgian cheeses

Here you can buy fragrant spices, churchkhela, sauces, homemade wines, cheeses, fruits, nuts, meat and much, much more, and bargaining and tasting each product is a prerequisite for purchasing goods.

Important! The market is open every day except Monday from 07:00 to 17:00.

We took home several varieties of tkemali sauce

Take a selfie on the Bridge of Peace in Rike Park

Narrow, pedestrian bridge Mira connects the two banks of the Kura: Rike Park and Irakli Street 2. It is a spectacular streamlined glass and metal structure, built in 2010 by the Italian Michele de Lucca.

The bridge was built on the initiative of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili

The best view of the attraction opens at night, when it is illuminated by 30,000 multi-colored lanterns. It is interesting that the illumination was thought out separately by the French master Philippe Martineau.

Bridge illuminated at night

Rike Park, which can be reached via the bridge, also opened in 2010. This is a very picturesque recreational area where you can visit playgrounds, a climbing wall, a labyrinth, take a walk, admire the singing fountains, all kinds of sculptures, giant chess and just relax on a bench near a shady alleys.

Kura river in Tbilisi and the famous glass bridge through her

Go around Europe Square

Europe Square, which fits so well into architectural appearance city, one of the newest and most visited in Tbilisi. It has the shape of a circle, around which a road is laid.

Her central part decorated with all sorts of bright flower beds, trees, shrubs and a huge clock on top of a small hill, symbolizing the friendship of Georgia and Russia. There are many benches on which they like to spend time. locals. Near the square there is a cable car leading from. The opening of the funicular took place in 2012. 7 transparent cabins move along it, which in 1 min. 42 p. cover a distance of 600 m.

The road is open from 11:00 to 23:00. The fare is 1 GEL.

Get lost in Old Tbilisi

In the central historical part of Tbilisi, you definitely need to walk around the old city. Old Tbilisi is a small area at the foot of the Narikala fortress with narrow and cozy streets, wooden houses with carved patterns.

Our acquaintance with Tbilisi began with the "holy mountain" - Mtatsminda. View of Tbilisi from the observation deck of the mountain:

A TV tower is installed on the top of Mtatsminda. There is also an amusement park of the same name.

* next photo Tbilisi and some others in the upper right corner are marked with the sign . This means that under such a picture there is another one hidden - similar or from a different angle. To display the second snapshot, click on the first snapshot, to return the first one, click on the second one.

For the sake of the younger generation, we spent one of the days in the park. It was Sunday, the ticket offices of the park opened at 12-00, and the rides were closer to one in the afternoon. Tbilisi residents clearly refer to themselves as "owls":

We made a circle on the Ferris wheel. A new attraction, the booths are completely covered with glass partitions - you won’t get out and fall out with all your desire, LCD monitors are installed in the booths. The wheel spins absolutely silently. There were pleasant impressions.

This photo Tbilisi made from the top of the Ferris wheel through the glass of the booth - higher is possible only from the top of the TV tower. Behind Tbilisi, in a cloudy haze, the Greater Caucasus is visible:

But let's go down the mountain and walk along Shota Rustaveli Avenue - the main street of Tbilisi.

Actually, here he is, Shota Rustaveli:

"Bogdanchiki" - the main route transport Tbilisi. There is also a very deep subway and minibuses.

Rustaveli Avenue - the European half of the face of Tbilisi - well-groomed and clean:

Old Opera theatre with a copper roof now under restoration:

Former Palace of Marxism-Leninism. Now half dismantled, soon it will be a hotel:

Houses of Parliament. Many hot battles took place near its walls:

"From our porch to your palace." A new pedestrian bridge across the Kura and some kind of highway connects the right bank with the presidential palace. Peace Bridge. From above it is glass, built quite recently. Because of his uniform, the opposition immediately called him "Mishin's Pampers". The bridge, by the way, is still unfinished, or rather completed, but only half open, i.e. You can't cross it to the other side. Currently, it serves as a meeting place for lovers and as a tourist place for photography:

View from the bridge to the new presidential palace (also built under M. Saakashvili):

The police dissects the Kura on a boat:

Somewhere turning off Rustavelli, let's take a look at old Tbilisi - already more Asian than European:

Metekhi with the famous balconies over the Kura:

Kura at this time of the year is muddy, sandy in color - it carries a lot of sand from the mountains:

The name "Tbilisi" comes from " warm city", because the city stands on warm springs. The famous sulfur baths are also built on them. Each dome is a separate bath or "suite":

Turtle Lake - in the city center, a favorite vacation spot for citizens. The perimeter of the lake is exactly one kilometer. That would be where school crosses to run!:

Near the lake - Georgian "Skansen" - an ethnographic museum under open sky:

The main attraction of Tbilisi botanical garden- waterfall:

It's time to show the street where we lived. Potbelly stoves have been an indispensable attribute of many houses since the 90s, when Tbilisi residents lived without gas and often without electricity:

The pipes of some bourgeois houses resemble gun barrels:

And the house, so hospitable and welcoming:

How nice on a Tbilisi balcony!

In general, it was very comfortable.

The process of buying churchkhela in the market. Desperate bargaining for 2 lari :)) . It's just accepted to bargain.

Ordinary, non-touristic, but so charming Tbilisi:

with cozy patios

narrow streets:

various balconies:

untouched ruins:

ancient temples:

neighborhood of antiquity and modernity:

Hurry to Tbilisi now, because in a few years it will be completely different: sleek and painted, bright and colorful, but impersonal:

With many parking lots made of glass and concrete

and air conditioners on old facades

Although, there will probably not be a quick restructuring of the city. After all, everything must be done thoroughly, thoughtfully, without fuss and haste.
Here is an example - people work together, four of them - one digs, two observe and give advice, and the fourth is the boss :)) . Rule or exception?

In the meantime, there are such bakeries here:

These doves:

And at the end of March, apricots are already blooming in Tbilisi:

It was Tbilisi in March, and there is also Tbilisi in August

Practical Information

Money exchange. Where to exchange money in Georgia?

Probably everyone already knows that lari is in circulation in Georgia. The rate at the time of our visit was 1.66-1.7 lari for 1 dollar, since then the rate has not changed much.
We have always exchanged cash in banks, it is reliable, there are enough bank exchangers. A passport is required for the exchange. By the way, we have never seen any left exchange offices, money changers, money changers. Here is the order.

Hotels in Tbilisi. Where to stay in Tbilisi?

There are a lot of options where you can spend the night or live in Tbilisi. Dividing into categories, we get three groups: hotels, hostels, private sector. First, briefly about the hotels. Consider three hotels from each star category, for ease of comparison, all prices are converted into dollars. Prices may change over time, as well as stardom. Prices also depend on the season. Here are the summer prices.

Hotel	single number	Double number	Suite	Peculiarities
*5 stars*
Sheraton Metekhi Palace	200	280-310	?	The hotel is located in the old part of the city - Avlabari, not far from the Metekhi temple. 150 rooms. The upper floors offer good panoramic views. Everything in the hotel is five-star.
Marriott	265	355	?	The hotel is located near the Parliament. Everything that should be in five stars. Staying at a Marriott is status, Marriott is Marriott everywhere.
Radisson Blue	350	370-400	?	Well, what can I say - 5 stars. If you have extra money, then you will probably like it here. Location - Rustaveli Avenue, the very center.
*4 stars*
Ambassador	130	200	330	Located in the center of Tbilisi, on the right side of the Kura, not far from the Anchiskhati church. Air conditioning, internet, satellite TV, telephone, mini-bar, some deluxe rooms have a Jacuzzi, ordinary rooms just have a shower. Free parking for hotel guests, security. There is a presidential suite for $650, but if you want to feel like a president, then why bother - check into a 5-star hotel right away, for example, in Marriott.
Narikala Citadel	110	215-250	260	It is located in the area of the Narikala fortress. Excellent panoramic view of the city from the windows of the hotel. Internet WI-FI, mini-bar, TV, air conditioning, breakfast Buffet, safe, luggage room.
Old Tbilisi	115	150	170-185	Internet WI-FI (in the evening), mini-bar, TV, air conditioning, buffet breakfast, safe
*3 stars*
KMM	65	120	160	Air conditioning, internet, satellite TV, refrigerator, telephone, private parking, cafe. 4-storey building, 11 rooms, 4 of which are suites. Located in the Avlabar district, from the 4th floor there is a pleasant view of the old city.
Cruise Hotel	120	150		Air conditioning, internet, satellite TV, safe, telephone, breakfast. The original building in the shape of a ship, looks nice on the outside. 34 numbers on board. Beliashvili street, house 75.
OLD Metekhi	80-150	150-180	180	Internet, air conditioning, satellite TV, breakfast included. The name translates as Old Metekhi, the hotel stands on a rock above the Kura on the Metekhi descent, not far from the Metekhi temple. From the outside it looks nice, from the inside - a great view of the Kura, Mount Mtatsminda, Narikala fortress, baths and part of the old city. We drank coffee in a cafe at this hotel (the coffee turned out to be excellent), through the panoramic windows we admired the views of the Kura and the city.

Two-star hotels (however, like other hotels without a star rating) are not much different in price from three-star ones, and usually do not have breakfast, internet, TV, or a refrigerator.

Hostels in Tbilisi - from 20 lari ($13) per person per bed / bed.

Another good option- private sector. For example, you can stop at 2nd Lvovsky lane, house 7.
We were based there. This big house with separate rooms (his photo is in this photo report), you will have your own room or two. The rooms are well furnished with decent furniture. Cleanliness and tidiness. Politeness and hospitality. There is internet WI-FI, all amenities, kitchen. In the mornings you will have a real homemade Georgian breakfast, and in the evenings (if you want) you can have tea / wine drinking with the owners for interesting unobtrusive conversations. $20 per person, but there will be a discount for families. tel. +995598187377 , mail – [email protected] or [email protected]

What and where to eat in Tbilisi? Cafes and restaurants in Tbilisi

Georgian cuisine is a separate issue. It is a delight in its purest form and a gourmet feast. The whole gamut of feelings from Georgian cuisine can be expressed in one word "Wah!". But you need to know where to eat and in which restaurants they cook well, otherwise you can get the wrong impression.

But first - what you need to try in Georgia.
All dishes of Georgian cuisine can be divided into several areas:

Salads and appetizers: lobio, pkhali, satsivi, ajapsandali, moouni, etc.
Soups: kharcho, chikhirtma, khash, etc.
Main dishes fried in a frying pan or ketse: chakapuli, chanakhi, chakhokhbili, ojakhuri, chkmeruli, kuchmachi, etc. Do not forget to try the baked trout.
Shish kebab in different variations, although now it is very difficult to find an institution where it will be prepared properly. By the way, lamb shish kebab is extremely rare.
Khinkali
Cheeses: Suluguni, Guda, Imeretinsky, Chanakh and various homemade cheeses
Desserts and pastries: khachapuri in various variations, achma, etc.
Strong alcohol - chacha (grape vodka).
Wine is a separate topic, they cannot be counted or described. What we liked - from dry whites - Tsinandali, Mtsvane, from dry reds - Saperavi. In addition, do not forget about the top wines, which can be called the hallmark of Georgia - Kindzmarauli and Khvanchkara.

Now about where you can eat all this in Tbilisi, so as not to be disappointed and without harm to the stomach.
All edalni can be divided into three categories.

Of the known secular restaurants Taglaura can be recommended. We were there, dined, I liked everything - the taste of the dishes, and their volume, and the service, and the atmosphere with the atmosphere of the restaurant. The price of the bill was not too high (by the standards of Moscow - a penny in general!). Our family got something like 80 lari with wine, and at the same time we ordered a lot different dishes(as I remember now - kharcho, khinkali, barbecue, ojakhuri, ajapsandali, a couple of glasses of red wine, something else on the little things). We got up a little, so we ate. Taglaura is delicious, satisfying and authentic!

Of the easier establishments - the so-called dukhans. This is the real Georgian traditional dining room with wooden furniture, subdued light and exclusively Georgian cuisine. The menu is usually only available in Georgian, which is a good sign. Often found in basements. Look for places like this, it will be VERY tasty and inexpensive. This is real Georgian cuisine.

There is also a third branch - establishments, stylized as spirits. In them, the price tag will be closer to the high one, but the quality of the dishes can be disappointing. Although, it can be at a decent level, as lucky. The menu is usually in two languages - Georgian and English, sometimes there is an addition in Russian. In the evenings there is usually a show program. Such establishments are oriented towards visiting tourists and metropolitan residents who want to eat in a public place and watch a traditional music and dance performance. An example is the SOLOLAKIS KARI restaurant.

GALLERY CAFE is a very cozy cafe, a place where artists sometimes gather during the day. During the day it is quite free and good, but in the evening the cafe is very full - it's already a little annoying. It is especially recommended here to try baked trout and various salads, cold appetizers.

SHEMOIKHEDE GENATSVALE is a very popular restaurant chain. Khinkali, chikhirtma, ojakhuri, satsivi are well prepared here. The average bill for two will be about 40 GEL.

And further. If you travel around Georgia outside of Tbilisi, do not neglect the nondescript roadside cafes. Often they are the most tasty food, besides, they will cook (and not warm up) right in front of you, sometimes under your supervision of the cooking process.

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is one ancient cities world, as its history goes back more than one and a half thousand years. During this time, the residents of the city managed to preserve the sights of Tbilisi , which are many centuries old and build new ones. However, the most outstanding attraction of the Georgian capital is what is not expressed in architecture and design finds - it is the unique flavor of a multinational, tolerant city.

The young face of the old city

Old city, Avlabar, the Holy Mount of David, a huge number of church domes towering over the city of Narikala, Metekhi and other Tbilisi sights have long become symbols not only of the capital, but of Georgia as a whole. Tourists always have something to see, hear and feel in the city on the Kura.

On the right bank of the river, the main sights of Tbilisi are concentrated, what to see first , It is up to the tourists themselves to decide, in any case, the impressions of what they saw will remain in their memory for a long time.

Viva-Georgia guides conduct excursions, telling about significant events and monuments. During independent trips around the city of Tbilisi, the sights can be viewed according to the guide.

Theater-goers and connoisseurs of contemporary art can get especially great pleasure from visiting Tbilisi. There are dozens of theaters and exhibition galleries in the capital of Georgia, which present paintings and sculptures of contemporary artists.

So, what are the sights in Tbilisi that you should definitely visit.

Narikala (Shuris tsikhe)

The old fortress, which was built in the 4th century, before the formation of the city itself, performed only a protective function. It is one of the most beloved tourist sites and popular observation deck. Located on one of the rocks of the Sololak Range, Narikala was repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and completed, mainly by the invaders who periodically ruled the city. Tbilisi called it "Shuris tsikhe" - "fortress of revenge (envy)"

Narikala fortress

For more than 400 years, the fortress was owned by the Arabs, then it was captured by the Mongols. According to one version, it was they who gave her the name "Narin-kala", which means "small fortress". Almost no documents and evidence have survived to this day. It is only known that in the XIV century the fortress and Tbilisi suffered from Timur, and later from the Turkmens.

In the era of the Golden Age, the church of St. Nicholas was built in the fortress, later it was destroyed, only the remains of the foundation were preserved.

In the 17th century, a national liberation movement took on a massive scale in Georgia. Periodically, the country was completely liberated from foreign invaders, while the Persian garrison, located in the fortress, was waiting for help from Persia, since it was impossible to drive out the soldiers from there. In those years, the fortress was a multi-tiered formation, later the lower walls were destroyed, and only the upper part was preserved.

Built in the 12th century, the church of St. Nicholas was destroyed by an explosion in 1810. After 17 years, a powerful earthquake thoroughly destroyed part of the walls of the fortress. In 2012, a cable car was laid to the fortress, which allows you to climb the Sololak Range in almost a couple of minutes.

At the end of the 20th century, on the foundation of the once blown up temple, a new one was built, which also bears the name of St. Nicholas.

Mtatsminda

Mount Mtatsminda

The most prominent landmark of Tbilisi, depicted in all the photos, the description of which is given in all guidebooks, is the Holy Mount Mtatsminda. On the slope of the mountain is the temple of David and the pantheon of prominent figures of culture and art. There is also the grave of Alexander Griboyedov, a Russian diplomat, author of the play "Woe from Wit", who is buried with his wife, Princess Nino Chavchavadze.

Railway carriage cable car

The famous Tbilisi tram of the cable car rises to Mtatsminda, which is over a hundred years old. It was built by one of the Belgian tram companies in 1905. Similar structures have become attractions in Odessa and Kyiv. The fully restored funicular has been operating since 2012, after 12 years of inactivity. In 2000, the cable broke and 20 tourists miraculously escaped.

At the top of the mountain there are restaurants, an amusement and recreation park, a children's town "Bombora". At the top of Mtatsminda, graduates of Tbilisi traditionally say goodbye to the school. The city park on the mountain is a place where couples in love meet. There is also a low, but original Tbilisi TV tower on Mtatsminda.

Sulfur baths

Being in Tbilisi and not visiting the sulfur baths is the same as visiting Paris and not climbing the Eiffel Tower, or not going to Notre Dame Cathedral, or not taking a gondola ride in Venice.

Sulfur baths in Tbilisi

Sulfur baths are a symbol of Tbilisi, its pride and an element of urban color. The peculiarity of the Tbilisi baths is that hot springs gush out of the ground and have a healing effect. Hydrogen sulfide from sources kills all living things, including microbes with pathogenic bacteria on the skin.

The attendants in the baths are Azerbaijanis, they also do massage. In addition to the fact that the baths are a landmark of Tbilisi and Georgia, they all represent historical monuments. Most of the baths have preserved the names of their owners, citizens who lived in Tbilisi in the 18th-19th centuries.

Temples of Tbilisi

If we consider the sights of Tbilisi on the map, then you can be surprised not only a large number religious institutions of the city, but also their diversity. Tbilisi is one of the most tolerant cities in the world.

Tsminda Sameba

Church of Holy Etchmiadzin

Surb Gevork

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Metekhi Temple

Church of Anchiskhati

Juma Mosque

Tbilisi Synagogue Beit Rachel

There are Orthodox, Gregorian, Assyrian-Nestorian and catholic church, Protestant prayer houses, a Jewish synagogue, a Muslim mosque - the only one in the world where both Shiites and Sunnis pray at the same time.

During your stay in Tbilisi, you can visit such temples as:

Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), Georgian Orthodox Church;
The Church of Holy Etchmiadzin (near the Avlabar metro station) or Surb Gevorg (at the foot of the Narikala fortress) is an Armenian Gregorian church. The famous ashug Sayat-Nova is buried near the walls of the Church of Surb Gevorg.
Ashkenazi synagogue Beit Rachel;
Catholic Cathedral, a very beautiful building;
Kashvetskaya, Sioni, Assumption Church (Metekhi), Anchiskhati (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin).

This is just a small part places of worship Georgian capital.

Museums of the capital of Georgia

It would not be an exaggeration to call the capital of Georgia, especially the so-called Old Town, an open-air museum. But besides the city, guests of the Georgian capital can visit museums that store valuable artifacts and relics.

National Museum of Georgia

Museum of Art

National Gallery Georgia

Puppet Museum

House Museum of Niko Pirosmani

Tourists are expected:

National Museum of Georgia (Rustaveli st. 3);
Museum of Arts (Lado Gudiashvili street 1);
Museum of History. Caravanserai st. Ceoni 8;
Art Gallery (11 Rustaveli Street);
Puppet Museum (17 Shavteli Street);
House-Museum of Niko Pirosmani (Pirosmani street 01);
Dendrological Museum in the Botanical Garden.

This is only a small fraction of the museums in Tbilisi, which await tourists who want to get to know the history and culture of Georgia.

New sights of the capital

Behind last years the capital of Georgia was actively rebuilt, and new sights appeared on the map of Tbilisi, photos of which adorn the advertising booklets of travel agencies.

Among the new interesting places capitals can be identified updated Riche park. Previously, on the site of the park there was a floodplain of the Kura River (რიყე - floodplain). Now the riverbed is limited by concrete walls, and on the territory of the floodplain there is a park that represents Georgia in miniature.

Riche park

Above the territory of the park, in the form of a not entirely clear art object resembling two pipes, there is a “hidden” concert hall.

Peace Bridge

Peace Bridge- a new glass structure connecting the left-bank city with its right-bank part. It is one of the elements park complex Riche. The bridge is pedestrian and guests of the capital and young couples like to walk along it. Commercials and music videos are often filmed on the bridge.

Tbilisi Presidential Palace

Presidential palace another new building that has become a landmark of Tbilisi. Because of the resemblance, the Tbilisi wits called it the "Reichstag".

Today I will tell you about the sights of Tbilisi and what you can see in the city in 2-3 days.

Tbilisi has become one of our favorite cities - it is the most colorful capital in the Caucasus. The city lies at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, and therefore many peoples have left their traces here. The name of the city is translated as “warm spring”, and indeed Tiflis (as the capital was called until 1936) was founded on warm springs, where sulfur baths are now located.

Tbilisi is a very diverse city, both in terms of architecture and mood: modern buildings, such as the Bridge of Peace or the House of Justice, easily coexist with quiet streets in historical center, and if you turn off the wide, busy Rustaveli Avenue, you will find yourself in cozy courtyards. And the picturesque rocky shores of the Kura ... this city is remembered for a long time!

In Tbilisi, I want to stay longer, take my time and walk around these incredible quarters in the center. It seems that everything is falling apart, the cracks in the houses are the size of a fist, but how colorful and atmospheric!

Hold 20 the best places what to see in Tbilisi:

The capital of Georgia is divided into several districts: the Old City, Avlabari, Rustaveli, Vake, Mtatsminda and others. Traditionally, at the end of the post, I attached a map with all the interesting places in the city, for better orientation.

Narikala can be seen from almost anywhere in the old city, it rises on a cliff above Tbilisi. In the 8th century, the residence of the Arab emirs was located here, it was they who built the fortress. Subsequently, Narikala several times passed from hand to hand to the Georgians, Persians, Turks, and was almost completely destroyed by the explosion of the ammunition depot.

Wonderful views of Tbilisi open from above, and you can get here by going up from the Metekhi bridge past the Armenian church of St. George and further up the stairs.

Another option is to take the lift, which will take you from Rike Park on the other side of the river to Narikala Fortress for 2 lari and 5 minutes.

Address: Narikala hill

Entry fee: for free

Working hours: 09:00-21:00

Sulfur baths are a visiting card and one of the main attractions of Tbilisi. Even Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin himself bathed here, calling them the best baths he had ever visited. It is convenient that all the baths are concentrated in one place and look like the scenery for a movie about Central Asia. All baths are underground on sulfuric hot springs and are covered with a dome. Orbeliani and the Royal Baths are considered the best, I recommend going there.

Address: Abano district

Entry fee: 40-50 lari private rooms, 3 lari common room.

Working hours: 08:00-22:00

3. Old quarters

In Tbilisi, everywhere you can stumble upon ancient buildings from different eras: Arab motifs, merchants' houses, monumental Soviet buildings ... But their greatest concentration in the old city is the area between Narikala Hill, the river and Freedom Square. Central street in this area is Kote Abkhazi with many restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops.