What to see in Tbilisi. The most atmospheric place in the city…. Museums of the capital of Georgia

Tbilisi and its environs are becoming more and more popular and favorite places among tourists and independent travelers. In addition to attractive prices, stunning nature and tasty food, it combines notes of Italian, French, Dutch architecture. But they are combined in a completely unimaginable extravaganza, characteristic only of Georgia.

Here are a few places to visit in and around Tbilisi to get a little idea of ​​the place.

1. Shota Rustaveli Avenue

Shota Rustaveli Avenue is probably the most popular avenue among people who still remember Soviet Georgia. It was there that the secular evening walks to the opera house, the Lagidzevsky waters flowed like a sweet river (lemonade, which has no analogues in the world) and an immeasurable amount of khachapuri and achma was eaten.

The first Tbilisi school still stands on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, where the children of the most famous people of Georgia studied, including the current President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Nowadays, the places of old small eateries have been replaced by more expensive cafes, restaurants and shops. But, since then, at the beginning of the street, there has been a collapse of local art and souvenirs. The entire avenue is decorated with small bronze figurines, and in the evening the lights are turned on.

Until now, the most popular souvenir from Georgia is a wine horn.

2. Shardeni street

Shardeni Street is one of the parts of Tbilisi that has completely changed thanks to Saakashvili's transformation plan. The street is decorated in a European, closer to French, style with small cafes, art galleries and souvenir shops.

It's just nice to walk along the street, taking breaks for a cup of coffee, sometimes feeling like in the center of Paris.

At the beginning of the street you can see the monument "Mother of Kartli" - a woman with a sword in one hand and wine in the other. The monument symbolizes Georgia's attitude towards strangers and friends.

On Shardeni you can see an enlarged copy of a bronze archaeological find from the 7th century BC. - Tamada.

3. Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is one of the buildings of the new Georgia. This is a pedestrian bridge over the Kura, built in 2010, as a symbol connecting the old and new Georgia. The bridge symbolically stretches between old Tbilisi - Metekhi district and the new one - with Saakashvili's palace and Rike park.

The shape of the bridge was designed by the Italian architect Michele de Lucchi. It looks most advantageous in the evening, when the backlight turns on and the bridge begins to shimmer, as if strewn with large diamonds. The lighting of the Peace Bridge was designed by French designer Philippe Martineau.

4. Rike Park

Rike Park is located opposite the Peace Bridge, next to the Saakashvili Palace. Rike Park, one of the most clear examples modern Georgia. Its opening took place in 2010. It harmoniously combines dancing fountains with a holographic show, huge human-sized chess pieces and a small playground. During the day, you can ride a segway, and in the evening, together with the locals, admire the center of Tbilisi in multi-colored lights.

5. Mtatsminda Amusement Park

Mtatsminda is one of the oldest parks in Tbilisi, it is located on a mountain hill. A few years ago, an amusement park for children opened there. The park has almost everything that is in amusement parks major cities world for children of all ages. Of the interesting - in the park there is a Ferris wheel, from which in clear weather a beautiful view of the city opens.

But the main highlight of Mtatsminda is not so much the attractions as the general architectural appearance of the buildings. These are surreal houses, fairy tale characters, unusual shapes and unexpected color combinations.

On New Year's days, the Georgian Santa Claus (Tovli Babua) comes to the park and congratulates the kids on the holiday.

6. Tsminda Sameba or Cathedral Holy Trinity

Georgia is a country that adopted Christianity back in the 4th century, and throughout history (even in the Soviet period) managed to remain a confidently Orthodox country. For this reason, most of population in the country are extremely religious and observe the basic canons of faith.

Tsminda Samebe plays a huge role for Orthodox Georgia. The cathedral was built main temple country for the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ, entirely through donations. Inside the temple is decorated with drawings and frescoes, and the floor is lined with mosaics. All the most important services are held in the temple. Around the temple there is a wonderful park with a pond where white and black swans live.

7. Mtskheta (about 20 km from Tbilisi)

Mtskheta– ancient city, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli (the state on the site of which Georgia is now located) until the 5th century. The city is located in a lowland, on the way of the confluence of the legendary rivers - Kura and Aragvi. Many famous artists praised the beauty of the nature of these places.

So, the action of Lermontov's poem "Mtsyri", known to everyone since the school bench, takes place here. The ancient heritage of the city is felt in every stone. There is even a story that Mtskheta was founded by the descendants of Noah.

8. Svetitskhoveli

On the territory of Mtskheta stands one of the most important churches for Orthodox Christians - Svetitskhoveli. Before the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul, it was the largest Orthodox church. Svetitskhoveli is protected by UNESCO and is part of the monuments world heritage.

9.Jvari

The current temple and monastery of Jvari were also built in the vicinity of Mtskheta on the mountain. From the hill you can see the confluence of the rivers and the city of Mtskheta itself. The history of the temple is full of mysteries, to the extent that the exact date of construction is not clear. It is only known that in 545 a small church stood on the site of the current temple.

The temple itself is made of stone and has an extremely unusual architectural appearance, it differs from the churches we are used to.

10. Sighnaghi - the city of love (about 110 km from Tbilisi, Kakheti)

Sighnaghi became a city of love not so long ago, thanks to the plan for the transformation of Georgia put forward by Saakashvili. Until that moment, Sighnaghi was a charming ancient city with a miraculously preserved fortress wall. In addition, St. Nino, who baptized Georgia in the 4th century, is buried in its vicinity. But the most exciting thing about this place is the opening views of the Alazani Valley.

The Alazani Valley has its own specific microclimate, which allows local farmers to grow an unusual grape variety and produce wine from it that has no analogues in the world.

The very same city of love is a combination of Georgian-Italian architects. Small houses, narrow streets, paved roads and evening lighting create a feeling of romantic ease. It is here that lovers from all over Georgia come to legitimize their relationship or just to make beautiful photo shoots.

By the way, it is in Sighnaghi that the only 24-hour registry office in Georgia (perhaps in the whole of Transcaucasia) operates.

The capital of Georgia is an 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 a total area of ​​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 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

The narrow, pedestrian Peace Bridge connects the two banks of the Mtkvari: 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

Most best view 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 by a bridge, also opened in 2010. This is a very picturesque recreational area where you can visit playgrounds, climbing wall, labyrinth, take a walk, admire the singing fountains, all kinds of sculptures, giant chess and just relax on a bench near a shady alley.

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.

As a rule, everyone’s vacations are short, but you want to see everything at once, so during a vacation in Georgia, Tbilisi is given at best a couple of days. In this article I will talk about the sights of Tbilisi that you can see in one day.

Let me remind you that I lived in Tbilisi for a little over a month in February-March and rented this apartment at the Tsereteli metro station for $ 30, and in 2016 I rented.

If you go with a company or at least two, it turns out to be more profitable than living in a hotel or hostel.

Before you go to explore old Tbilisi, you need to understand one thing. What is important in Georgia? That's right - the atmosphere and the people! I understand that everyone is now armed to the teeth with navigators, smartphones with applications and virtual cards, but try to just forget all this at home, go outside and talk to people about how to get to this or that place.

Believe me, it's worth it! You will find out where and at what time it is best to buy cheese, how to get to one place or another for free, why not all Georgians are satisfied with the policy of the new president and other interesting things.

To feel Georgia, you need to talk, otherwise you just look at the sights, take pictures of the churches and never understand where this most advertised Georgian magic is.

Yesterday you exchanged a few words with a Georgian television operator, and today you are standing at the foot of Mount Kazbek with his friends. Anything can happen in Georgia!

Sights of Tbilisi.

It is most logical to start the walk from the Avlabari metro station - from there you can walk to most key places. Listed below are my favorite sights in Tbilisi in the order in which they are convenient to visit in terms of logistics.

Tsminda Sameba

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi was completed 10 years ago on the hill of St. Elias. According to rumors, the cathedral was built at the expense of Georgian billionaires. They also donated money for construction. simple people. Many jewels donated by the citizens of Tbilisi can be seen in the temple near the icons.

There are real sapphires, emeralds and other valuable stones. Tsminda Sameba was built on the site of an old Armenian cemetery, which caused a big scandal and dissatisfaction on the part of the Armenian diaspora in Georgia, since during the excavation of the pit, graves were opened, which were not subsequently reburied.

How to get there: St. Elijah Hill, 5 minutes walk from Avlabari metro station

Armenian Church of Etchmiadzin

Nor Echmiadzin Church (“New Echmiadzin”, Ejmiatsin Armenian Church, Tbilisi) was built in the 18th century by settlers from (a kind of Armenian Vatican).

At the entrance is a khachkar - a cross carved on a stone stele. Throughout Armenia, there are several thousand khachkars. If you put them together, you can read the history of the country. We look at the khachkar, go to the church, get acquainted with the Armenians (optional). Forgive me Georgians, but this is my favorite church in Tbilisi. It is simple, but with its own special energy. After her visit, I again felt an unbearable desire to go to Armenia.

How to get there: 100 meters from Avlabari metro station

Church and Metekhi area

The Metekhi region perched on a rock overhanging the Kura River. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali founded his first palace on this site in the 5th century when the city was appointed the capital of the country.

During the Mongol invasion, the palace and the church that stood in that place were razed to the ground, but in the 13th century a new temple was reborn from the ashes, then the Persians did not like the church, and during the 15-17th centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt by the Georgian kings.

Near the Metekhi temple there is a monument to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, and a wonderful view of the Kura opens from the Metekhi bridge.

Europe Square and Rike Park

On Europe Square you can walk along cozy park Rike, where young people gather in the evenings, and then get closer to some of the newly built attractions that can be seen in most photos of the center of Tbilisi.

Peace Bridge

Glass bridge built in 2010 on the initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili. The architect was Italian, the designer was French. The bridge turned out to be very pretty. Recently, the new authorities wanted to demolish this bridge, but so far they seem to have left it.

State Theater of Music and Drama

Two huge glass pipes that are visible from anywhere in the center of Tbilisi. Despite the fact that the building looks quite finished, interior decoration To date, it has not even begun, and construction has been frozen for an indefinite period.

Presidential palace

The Palace of the President of Georgia is located in historic district near Avlabari metro station on a rock. The construction was initiated by the same former President of the country Mikheil Saakashvili.

Cableway Tbilisi

After a cursory inspection of the objects listed above, we return to Europe Square and sit on the cable car. If you have a card that can also be used on the metro, then one-way travel on it will cost 2 lari ($1). In 3 minutes we go up to the observation deck overlooking the center of Tbilisi.

Narikala fortress

If, having risen on the funicular, you stand with your back to the city, then on the left you can see the path leading to the Narikala fortress. The history of the building dates back more than 1500 years, the most significant destruction was brought to the fortress by the earthquake of 1827, during which many walls and the Church of St. Nicholas were destroyed. This is perhaps the main attraction of Tbilisi. From the walls of the fortress, stunning views of the entire city open up.

Also, the Narikala fortress can be reached on foot along the streets of old Tbilisi in 7 minutes, so as not to pay for the funicular.

Statue of Mother Kartli

The statue of Mother Georgia is located on the top of the Sololaki hill. If, having climbed the cable car, stand with your back to the city, then you need to go to the statue to the right. The monument reflects the character of the Georgian people. In one hand, the statue holds a cup of wine to greet those who come in peace, and in the other hand holds a sword to strike down enemies.

Church of Tabori

This modern Temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord called Tabori is located on the mountain of the same name and is visible from almost anywhere in Tbilisi. The only way to get to the church is on foot.

Meydan Square

Excursions in Tbilisi

If finances and time allow, I recommend ordering a tour of Tbilisi. Below is a list of the most popular excursions in Tbilisi, which are highly rated by travelers. You can scroll through the list and click "View All" to see full list excursions to the cities of Georgia, which can be ordered.

Old Tbilisi in 1 day. My TOP 13 best attractions!

A beautiful and interesting city attracts tourists to visit it regardless of the season, holidays and weather. Although, frankly, in the summer it can be really stuffy and hot. And if in, travelers go for the sake of, then the capital of the country is loved for its incredible variety of attractions. So Tbilisi will be able to please both small tourists: a zoo, Turtle Lake, an amusement park on Mount Mtatsminda, and their parents: a botanical garden,.

Some of the ones listed below memorable places do not require an investment of finance or cost mere pennies. Therefore, staying in the capital will be quite affordable for you and interesting vacation. We recommend that you carefully read our list of attractions, choosing from them the most suitable and affordable.

Tbilisi sightseeing route

Tbilisi - amazing city. Every day you can find new places in it, admire the unusual combination of seemingly incompatible buildings and even entire neighborhoods, be surprised and enjoy the peaceful coexistence Orthodox churches, a Muslim mosque and a Jewish synagogue.

Near the bell tower on the territory of the temple of Tsminda Sameba there is a poultry house and a small pond.

You can spend a month here, immersing yourself in the local flavor, or a couple of days, seeing all the beauty of the city, and maybe even its heart…

To fall in love with Tbilisi, it is best to walk around it with local guide. It so happened that in 2018, on the advice of friends, we bought private tour and spent a fantastic 12 hours with Dina. Fascinating stories, new Amazing places, including front doors, as well as a pleasant company - that's what awaits you on a walk with a guide. By the way, if you didn’t manage to find a “delicious” place with good Georgian cuisine, focused not only on tourists, or you don’t know which bathhouse is better and how to order it, ask the guide about it during the tour. They will guide you and help you make the right choice. Dina can be found on the website: Georgia4travel.ru.

If you are traveling without a guide, we recommend starting with; from the main one in Georgia or from the new modern one. Any of the selected options will bring not only a lot of joy and positive impressions, but will also allow you to get acquainted with the local beauties of the city.

The main sights that we managed to visit during our stay in Tbilisi, we sorted into groups for convenience. We will try to characterize and describe each of them in detail.

Bridges and parks

Since the Kura River flows through the whole of Tbilisi, there are quite a lot of bridges in the city. The most interesting and visited by tourists are only four of them: ultra-modern, Nikolai Baratashvili bridge, Metekhi bridge and famous. Each of them is valuable and magnificent in its own way, not only for travelers, but also for the local population. For two of them, we have separate, more detailed articles (highlighted in blue).

Heydar Aliyev Park modestly sheltered in the area, Abanotubani. Very green, well-groomed and equipped, the square attracts connoisseurs a relaxing holiday. There is always a bench for rest and a drinking fountain in it to refresh yourself in the summer heat. And what are the magnificent flower beds flaunting around.

Cable car and funicular

If we compare these two attractions, then, to tell the truth, we liked the cable car much more than the funicular, which is popular far beyond Tbilisi. Perhaps this conclusion was facilitated by a huge queue and further clogging of the car during the ascent and descent from Mount Mtatsminda.

Sulfur baths and waterfall in the city center

We have written a good and very detailed article about the sulfur baths of the capital of Georgia: Here we will try to briefly outline the essence of this attraction.

Sulfur baths are located in very convenient location- in the Abanotubani district, next to the Heydar Aliyev square. There are more than 10 of them in total. Each one is different in terms of furnishings, area, cost, and the like. Only a few of them have common rooms, which, to be honest, is not always good. It is better to go to the bath with your individual set of bath accessories or, at least, with a towel, slippers and a washcloth. Do not be afraid of the specific smell of sulfur - the body quickly gets used to it, however, you will smell so sweet for a long time.

Additionally, you can order a massage, but you should not expect much pleasure from it. The average cost of bathing in sulfur springs is approximately 30 lari GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
30 lari = 9.93 euros;
30 lari = 11.4 dollars;
30 lari = 756.6 rubles;
30 lari = 319.2 hryvnia;
30 lari = 25.5 Belarusian rubles.
/hour for an individual room and 3 lari GEORGIAN LAR RATE:
3 lari = 0.99 euros;
3 lari = 1.14 dollars;
3 lari = 75.66 rubles;
3 lari = 31.92 hryvnia;
3 lari = 2.55 Belarusian rubles.
Rates and prices may not be accurate. for the general.

Right next to the baths waterfall. It is not long to go to it, and most importantly, it is very pleasant: not so long ago, the fig gorge was ennobled. In addition, they brought a small river flowing through it outside. Now locals and guests of the city gather near the waterfall. In hot summer days it is impossible to tear oneself away from the reservoir - the coolness beckons everyone around to it.

Museums, theaters, temples

There are also enough museums and theaters in Tbilisi. Some of the most interesting and popular with tourists are located along. Among them: Opera theatre, Shota Rustaveli Drama Theatre, National Gallery Georgia (“Blue Gallery”), the main cinema “Rustaveli”, the Georgian National Museum, the Griboyedov Theater, the puppet theater of Rizo Gabriadze. No less beautiful and interesting buildings: Vorontsov Palace, Academy of Sciences, former building Parliament of Georgia. And completes this wonderful composition - who has seen many magnificent events in her life. You can read about each of these places detailed information in the relevant articles: and

Presidential palace does not apply to museums, let alone theaters. Nevertheless, it can also be "examined", at least externally. Although, according to rumors, excursions are held on it: you just need to pre-arrange your trip (two weeks or even a month in advance) and sign up for a “walk”. The palace is clearly visible from and.

temples

Tbilisi is inhabited by a huge number of believers of various faiths. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many temples in the city. We personally visited the most interesting and located on the way of our journey.

The following equally delightful temples are - Armenian churches Surb Gevorg and Etchmiadzin. They are old and very revered in Tbilisi. They are cozy, calm, homely, warm and pleasant to be in. Surb Gevorg Church is also the cathedral church of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia.

If you are interested in Tbilisi temples, we recommend reading about them in a special article:

Map of Tbilisi with attractions

The most interesting, in our opinion, sights (mentioned above in the article) we put on the map of the city of Tbilisi. It can be enlarged by clicking on the rectangle in the upper right corner or by scrolling the mouse wheel. To disable "unnecessary" groups of attractions, you should click on the icon in the upper left corner and uncheck the extra checkboxes in the catalog that opens.

Video of cute places in Tbilisi

— 20€ from a person. Ring route around Tbilisi on a double-decker red bus, the ticket is valid for 24 hours, you can get off at any stop (the route is in the description at the link)

Sights of Tbilisi, day 1

Abanotubani

Coordinates: 41.688233, 44.811047

Abanotubani - quarter in the center of Tbilisi, famous complex sulfur baths. According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali hunted a pheasant in this area and found hot spring. To celebrate, I decided to build a city around the source and move the capital here from. This is how Tbilisi was born.

The area of ​​sulfur baths is usually offered to end the walk in order to take a steam bath after a busy day.

Reviews about the baths are different, decide for yourself whether you want this, for a start you can just look at the round roofs and drink pomegranate juice in the Heydar Aliyev Square.

Hot water in this place rises from the bowels of the earth from a depth of 2500 meters. They say it's good for the skin.

The baths have common rooms for 3-4 lari per hour (75-100 rubles) and private rooms with swimming pools from 30 to 150 GEL(750-3700 r) depending on the bath, mekise services (massage or scrub) - from 10 GEL (250 r).

Canyon with a waterfall in the center of Tbilisi

Coordinates: 41.68674, 44.80903

Behind the sulfur baths, the Legvtakhevi gorge begins. We get along the Tsavkisistskali river (try to pronounce it) to the end and see a waterfall right in the center of Tbilisi.

Vakhtang Gorgasali Square

Coordinates: 41.689829, 44.808903

All paths lead to Vakhtang Gorgasali Square (aka Meydan or Maidan). Here we have the inscription I love Tbilisi.

〠 Machakhela(Samikitno) - A popular cafe on the square, 2 floors and a balcony with a view. I used to recommend it because it was delicious and cheap. Now it's completely messed up. The portions are small, the wait is long, the food is tasteless. Can I have a drink citric lemonade on the balcony, but it is better to eat elsewhere.

Shardeni street

Coordinates: 41.690333, 44.808641

Pedestrian short street of old Tbilisi with cafes, restaurants and hookahs. It got its name in honor of a French traveler who visited Tbilisi.

In the summer it loses its charm due to the crowds of tourists. If you don't see it, you won't really lose anything, but you can go and see it. Prices in cafes on Shardeni are high.

Metekhi Church

Coordinates: 41.690102, 44.811155

We leave Shardeni, cross the river on the bridge and climb to the observation deck to the Metekhi Church (there is King Gorgasali on horseback).

From the observation deck we see the Narikala fortress and the houses of the old city - in 10 minutes we will be at the top.

Peristsvaleba Monastery and Darejan Palace

Coordinates: 41.691675, 44.812271

On the territory of the palace "Sachino" (aka Darejan) there is now a small convent.

This place is located on a rock next to the Metekhi church. From the walls there is a pleasant view of the city (Europe Square, Peace Bridge, old Tbilisi), and they also have a chic round balcony.

Europe Square and cable car

Coordinates: 41.692011, 44.810719

Cable car opening hours: 11.00-23.00

We cross the road to Europe Square. We see the beautiful Rike Park, but we will return here later. Now our goal is the lower station of the cable car.

Narikala fortress

Coordinates: 41.688044, 44.808498

From the upper station of the cable car, following the sign, we rise to the Narikala fortress. This fortification at the end of the Sololak Range was built more than 1500 years ago.

Entrance to the fortress is free, the views of Tbilisi are wonderful both during the day and at sunset, when the lights are turned on. Highest point- near the cross above the fortress, we go there.

You can get to Narikala not only by cable car, but also on foot, climbing the mountain along a cobbled street from Meydan Square.

There is also a staircase leading from the Botanical Garden to the western wall of the fortress. From this ladder beautiful view to Tabori temple and Abanotubani area.

Statue of Mother Kartli

Coordinates: 41.688214, 44.804565

From the Narikala Fortress we walk to the statue of Mother Georgia, on the way we stop at the observation platforms.

The Mother of Kartli monument was built on the top of the Sololak hill 60 years ago in honor of the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi.

At first, the statue was wooden, then aluminum, in the 90s it was replaced by the one that towers over Tbilisi today.

IN right hand Mother Kartli holds a sword to greet those who have come with war, and in her left is a cup of wine for guests who have come in peace.

Staircase in Sololaki

Coordinates: 41.688597, 44.804299

From the statue of Mother Kartli we go down the stairs to old district Sololaki, periodically stopping at the observation decks. Here it seems that you can reach the roofs of Tbilisi churches with your hand.

Sololaki

Going down the stairs, we get to Betlemi Street in the Sololaki area.

Sololaki is once an elite district in the very center of Tbilisi, the active development of which has been going on since the end of the 19th century. Now most of the buildings, which are more than 100 years old, are in a deplorable state and, if they cause admiration, then mixed with sadness.

I am glad that there are scaffolding - there is hope that Sololaki will be restored.

It is better to walk around the Sololaki area with a guide (for example, they praise) to find out the history of the houses and the people who built them.

On your own, without knowing the details, you will see just old houses. The doors of some of them hide the breathtaking beauty of the front doors.

〠 There are several iconic cafes in Sololaki. For example, Pur Pur (cool interior), Rachinsky dukhan (basement serving delicious champignons on ketsi)

front kaleidoscope

Coordinates: 41.689937, 44.805739

There is a sign on the building Gallery 27

The front door is open with Mon to Sun from 11.00 to 20.00

old wooden a private house in the Sololaki district, remarkable both in itself and in its front door with stained-glass windows. Magic place.

Better to come in the morning sunny weather when patterns cover the entire floor. After dinner, the drawings are not so bright, but still beautiful. Gift shop inside.

Frida Kahlo in Tbilisi

On Instagram this summer, pictures from Tbilisi with a portrait of Frida Kahlo often began to flicker.

People ask where to look, where to run.

An image of the Mexican artist can be found on a wall in the entrance of the Check Point Hotel in Sololaki.

Coordinates: 41.689005, 44.806361

Freedom Square

Coordinates: 41.693419, 44.801507

Freedom Square is noisy and lively, Tbilisi is completely different here.

We do not linger and go down Pushkin Street, look at the masonry left over from ancient times.

Shavteni and the Gabriadze Theater

We see a monument to a lamplighter and a sculpture of dancing Georgians ( 41.696677, 44.806714 ).

If you wish, you can go to the Baratashvili bridge. There are also sculptures on it, and also a view of the House of Justice (there is also the National Bank of Georgia).

If we do not go to the bridge, then we immediately turn onto Shavteni street, coordinates: 41.696031, 44.806571 .

Here puppet theater Rezo Gabriadze, hostels, cafes, ripe grapes hanging overhead (autumn).

Pay attention to the theater tower. Every hour, a golden-winged angel appears from the painted doors and knocks on the bell with a hammer.

Daily at 12.00 And 19.00 you can see a mini-performance in the tower - "The Cycle of Life".

〠 The cafe on the first floor of the theater is often advised to visit. Prices for Tbilisi are high, and there are tea and donuts in other places. IMHO, you can safely skip the cafe.

Tickets for performances (in Georgian with subtitles) at the puppet theater cost from 10 to 30 GEL($4-12) you can watch the repertoire and order in advance on the theater website

Peace Bridge

Coordinates: 41.693065, 44.808319

We reach pedestrian bridge Mira, follow it to Rike Park.

The Bridge of Peace was designed by an Italian architect and was built during Saakashvili's time, but this bright glass structure still irritates some citizens.

The new authorities even intended to demolish the Peace Bridge, but they never implemented their idea (and it’s good!)

Rike Park

Coordinates: 41.694100, 44.809518

Rike Park is pleasant all year round. There are playgrounds, benches, walking paths. The area is completely pedestrian.

If you want to see flowering bushes in early spring or late autumn when Tbilisi looks bare, you can go here - there is always some kind of greenery and flowers in the park.

There is also a monument to Ronald Reagan. The 40th President of the United States sits on a bench and looks at the Presidential Palace. You can sit next to.

Two pipes in Tbilisi

Right under the Presidential Palace, you can see the "chicken thighs" - a futuristic cultural complex that was built a long time ago, but never opened to visitors.

Just today, one intolerant woman wrote a comment about pipes on my blog: “This is some kind of ugliness built by Saakashvili, which has not yet become either a theater or something like that.”

In general, not everyone likes the building, people have a different sense of perception of beauty. My opinion does not coincide with the opinion of the author of the comment.

Palace of the President

The presidential palace was also built under Saakashvili. Onlookers are not allowed into the territory, but you can look at the building while walking in Rike Park.

Lookout over Riquet

Coordinates: 41.693126, 44.811551

We walk along Rike Park, climb the stairs to the observation deck.

〠 Near the observation deck there is Cafe Flowers (pink house with white stairs). Here you can order wine with cheese and enjoy the view of Rike Park and Mount Mtatsminda. A glass of wine - from 7 lari ($ 3), a bottle - from 23 lari ($ 10).

Monument to Mimino

Coordinates: 41.69187, 44.81564

At the Avlabari metro station there is a monument to the heroes of Mimino. The author is Zurab Tsereteli. On the way to the Sameba temple, we taxi to the monument to our favorite heroes (for someone not very beloved).

Cathedral of Tsminda Sameba

Coordinates: 41.697516, 44.816543

Church of the Holy Trinity - main Cathedral Tbilisi, visible from anywhere.

The history of the construction of the cathedral on the site of the former Armenian cemetery is quite scandalous (the Armenian diaspora was against it, you can understand them).

Cathedral is interesting appearance, as well as its interior decoration. Firstly, the building is gigantic, and secondly, you can find real gems on the icons.

〠 There is a cafe on site Lagidze water- here delicious creamy lemonade and Adjarian khachapuri are almost the same as in Adjara (almost, but not the same - in Batumi they make it tastier, but the lemonade is really delicious).

Leselidze

The itinerary of the first day does not include the tourist street Kote Abkhazi (aka Leselidze). This is the longest street that runs through the entire old Tbilisi from Freedom Square to Maidan.

In any case, you will get to Leselidze, even if you do not plan to do this, because. all the roads of the old city one way or another lead here.

Tbilisi itinerary for 2 days

We learned what to see in Tbilisi in one day, and now more about the second day. Today we will look into "Tbilisi Europe" and go for a walk along the avenues along the route:

Tbilisi sights on the map:

David Agmashenebeli Avenue

On the second day, you can come to the metro station Marjanishvili and walk along David Agmashenebeli Avenue to the Dry Bridge.

〠 Near Marjanishvili you can eat the most delicious ice cream in the city in a cafe Luca Polare behind 5 lari(2$ / 130 r)

Near the Marjanishvili metro station there is a fashionable place today - Fabrika Tbilisi. Something like a Moscow Flacon. This is a large hostel in a former garment factory. You can live (there are shared rooms and private rooms), or you can just spend the evening swinging in a hammock with a cup of coffee.

Now back to the street. Agmashenebeli Avenue has recently been improved, part of it is pedestrian. There are street musicians, dozens of cafes, shops, restored old houses. In the summer there are festivals and festivities. An analogue of the Moscow Arbat and a "piece of Europe" in the center of Tbilisi.

Many call this area Turkish because Turkish restaurants and hookahs predominate here. Prices are not low, the exchange rate is unfavorable (suddenly decide to change), but you should definitely walk along the pedestrian street.

It is especially pleasant here in the evening, when the lights are turned on, and the cafes are filled with vacationers. During the day is also good.

In the Marjanishvili metro area there are several decent cheap hotels and hostels, I recommend reading about how to understand in which area of ​​the city it is more convenient to rent a house.

dry bridge

Coordinates: 41.701123, 44.802914

Flea market in Tbilisi. The range of products on offer last years pretty weird. They mostly sell junk. You can buy someone's worn shoes or disposable slippers with the logo of the Sheraton Hotel.

Sometimes there is a chance to find something interesting: souvenirs, handmade toys, old coins, dishes. It’s not worth going to the Dry Bridge on purpose, but if you pass by, you can take a look.

Rustaveli Avenue

Through the square on April 9, we exit to Shota Rustaveli Avenue. This is the main avenue of Tbilisi. Here and there near the houses there are bronze figures, do not miss it.

You can walk all the way to the Rustaveli metro station, look at the monumental buildings of the Soviet era and at the big bike standing at the beginning of the avenue.

There are several theaters and museums on Rustaveli, but I am not an expert on them, so I will not mislead you by recommending any particular one. For me, Tbilisi is still not museums, but city streets, people, music and food.

Mount Mtatsminda

Coordinates: 41.695393, 44.791808

In Tbilisi there is a funicular to Mount Mtatsminda. To travel, you need to buy a non-refundable card for 2 lari(50 r) and pay 2.5 lari for climbing into one side(at night 3.5 GEL).

To visit Mtatsminda or not is a personal matter for everyone. I love this place and every time I am in Tbilisi, my feet bring me here. Looking at your favorite city from the mountain is especially nice on a hot day or at sunset.

The disadvantage of the funicular is that the trailer does not go until a sufficient number of people have gathered in it.

There is an amusement park on the mountain: a Ferris wheel, a TV tower, attractions for children, viewing rooms overlooking the city. When it’s hellishly hot in Tbilisi in the summer, it’s pretty cool and comfortable on Mtatsminda.

Here is the temple and the graves of Alexander Griboyedov, Stalin's mother. A total of 48 graves of poets, dancers, writers, artists, scientists.

Where to go?

If you have a strong desire, in the afternoon you can go to Vake Park, ride a cable car and take a walk near the Turtle Lake. If not, then we leave this entertainment for the next day or next year?!

Tbilisi itinerary for 3 days

What else to see in Tbilisi, when it seems that you have seen everything?

In the first two days we saw a lot, it's time to get out of the center. Today we have on the agenda the natural sights of Tbilisi and the purchase of souvenirs, if you suddenly need it.

Route 1: Vake Park and Turtle Lake

Vake Park

Route 2: Lisi Lake and UFO

We go for a walk and relax on Lisi Lake. In summer there are a lot of people here, there is a well-equipped pebble beach. Sunbed - 4 lari, bicycles for rent 10 lari(there is a cycle path around the lake).

On the way, do not forget to stop by to look at the “Flying Saucer” of service 112

The 112 Emergency Response Center in Tbilisi is like 911 in the US. United service: police, fire, ambulance.

People call on urgent matters, including to report how they saw a flying saucer in the area.

Plate coordinates: 41.737818, 44.755711

Located on Mukhran Machavariani street, 1.5 km from Lisi Lake.

Route 3: Tbilisi Sea

A popular vacation spot for locals. Of course, this is not a sea, but a reservoir, but in summer the Tbilisi Sea is full of people, as it is the largest body of water in the city.

On the Tbilisi Sea aquapark, google Gino Paradise (30 lari on weekdays 40 lari on the weekend).

You can go to see the memorial "History of Georgia" by Tsereteli (a huge monument), take a walk along the sea or relax there.

Option 4: Botanical Garden and Tabori Temple

If we are in love with the center of Tbilisi and do not want to leave it for anything, then we continue to explore not the most popular sights.

We buy khachapuri with lemonade and go on a picnic, so that later we can go down to the Sololaki area again and visit another couple of front doors.

Or, after the garden, we put on comfortable shoes and go up to to see from above how small, cozy and charming Tbilisi really is.

Route 5

Even on this day, you can go for churchkhela, cheese, souvenirs.

In the same place, nearby, go for products from cloisonné enamel minakari to the Gold Exchange (Sadguris moedani metro station, Vokzalnaya Square, the lower floor of the Tbilisi railway station).

Tasty khinkali and comfortable shoes!

Your Mila Demenkova

TOP-23 sights of Tbilisi in 1-2 days