Walking Itinerary in Tbilisi

Warm, vibrant, colorful, hospitable, and welcoming—these are just a few of the glowing epithets travelers use when speaking of Tbilisi. The capital of Georgia is a city steeped in ancient history, grounded in deep-rooted traditions, and brimming with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of attractions and experiences.

A long weekend is the perfect opportunity to explore Georgia’s charming capital. With a couple of unhurried days, you’ll have time to see the city’s main sights, soak in a traditional bathhouse, visit a museum or two, and indulge in the most delicious khachapuri you’ll ever taste.

High above the city rises the ancient stronghold known as Narikala. The walls of this commanding bastion have borne witness to the full sweep of Tbilisi’s history—indeed, it may well predate the city itself. Shrouded in mystery, Narikala’s origins are still debated by scholars. Some believe the fortress was established by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, while others think he merely renovated it and chose to build his capital at its foot.

Today, the fortress’s imposing walls remain impressively preserved, and within its citadel stands a restored church dedicated to St. Nicholas. You can reach the towers, ramparts, and viewing platforms either on foot via the winding cobbled streets or by taking the scenic cable car from Rike Park. Walking up is well worth the effort for the breathtaking panoramas that unfold from the many terraces along the way. Set aside 2–3 hours for a leisurely stroll through the citadel and its surroundings as you search for the perfect view of the city below.

From the fortress walls, descend into Abanotubani—the very heart of Tbilisi. According to legend, it was here that King Vakhtang shot a pheasant, leading him to the decision to found a new capital for the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The name Abanotubani means “district of baths” in Georgian, and it carries an irresistible blend of Eastern charm and the faint aroma of sulfur.

The healing waters here were famed even in Roman times, and later by the Iberians and Persians, who built domed bathhouses reminiscent of hammams in the Middle East. The most striking of them all is the Orbeliani—or Tiled—Bathhouse, adorned with elegant minarets and a shimmering mosaic façade. It’s this very bathhouse that prompted Pushkin to exclaim in admiration: “Never in my life have I seen anything more luxurious, neither in Russia nor in Turkey, than the Tiflis baths.”

Just beside the bathhouses runs a picturesque ravine, recently enhanced with walking paths, rest areas, and quiet spots to take in the scenery. Known as Fig Gorge, or Legvtakhevi, it traces the course of the Tsavkisistskali River and offers a surprising natural oasis right in the heart of the capital. On sweltering summer days, it provides cool relief, while year-round it offers a scenic and peaceful escape. The gorge culminates in the Legvtakhevi Waterfall.

The Tsavkisistskali River cuts through the Tbilisi canyon and cascades into a lovely waterfall, transporting you, if only momentarily, into the crisp, refreshing beauty of mountain landscapes—without ever leaving the city. The best time to visit is spring, when melting snow feeds the falls and they roar at full strength. However, the trail is open year-round and free to explore, offering natural beauty in every season.

Another green treasure in Tbilisi is its Botanical Garden, a perfect setting for a peaceful walk amid the historic city center. Spanning lush emerald expanses and dotted with footbridges, it features around 4,500 species of flora from around the globe. The garden is organized into thematic sectors and walking trails, where you’ll encounter a rich variety of conifers, deciduous trees, Caucasian natives, and exotic blooms. Spring is the ideal time to visit, when the entire garden bursts into vibrant life.

After your walk through the Botanical Garden, spend another hour or two and continue to Sololaki Street, making your way to the iconic Mother Georgia monument. This 20-meter aluminum statue was crafted by Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. In one hand, she holds a sword to ward off enemies; in the other, a bowl of wine to greet guests in friendship. The best views of this proud figure can be enjoyed from the historic Sololaki neighborhood below.

Sololaki is one of the most authentic, photogenic, and timeworn districts of Tbilisi. Many of its homes are between 100 and 200 years old, and this is the very place to find those quintessential “laundry-strung” Italian courtyards, iron-laced balconies, and ornate entrances echoing the days of Empire. Attics, arcades, and a distinct “Tbilisi spirit” give these streets their unique charm and irresistible atmosphere.

In the dim stairwells of old houses, you’ll still find decorative bas-reliefs, marble staircases, wrought-iron railings, and faded wall murals. Some buildings are architectural kaleidoscopes—featuring colored stained-glass windows, wooden lace balconies, and baroque moldings. A stroll among these aristocratic mansions and twisting pedestrian alleys is a journey into the soul of old Tbilisi. To truly absorb the neighborhood’s ambiance, consider staying in one of Sololaki’s many guesthouses and letting the city’s romantic spirit embrace you.

Let us stroll leisurely through the winding streets of the Old Town, delighting in its historical wonders and sampling the flavors of Georgian delicacies.

The historic heart of Georgia’s capital is known simply as the Old Town — a treasure trove for the curious traveler. This district is where Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks, architectural gems, and cultural monuments are concentrated. Narrow alleyways preserve the layout of medieval times, and many of its buildings are over a thousand years old.

The term “Old Tbilisi” traditionally refers to the area stretching from Pushkin-Baratashvili Street to the banks of the Kura River and the Sololaki Ridge, including the famed bathhouse district and the ancient Narikala Fortress. Though compact in size, this neighborhood could captivate a visitor for an entire day — or even several. With hundreds of points of interest tucked within its lanes, it’s no wonder that since 2007, the Old Town has been included on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

The unofficial gateway to the Old Town is marked by the cheerful sculpture known as Berikaoba, or The Dancing Georgians. Installed in 1981 and created by sculptor A. Monaselidze, this whimsical composition instantly brings smiles to the faces of passersby. Tourists are quick to reach for their cameras, or even to join in the imaginary dance alongside the jubilant figures.

Just a short walk brings you to Shavteli Street, a charming pedestrian lane where you’ll find the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater. This world-renowned artist — famous for films like Kin-dza-dza, Mimino, and Don’t Grieve! — began presenting his fantastical productions here in 1981. Audiences from around the globe have been enchanted by the magic unfolding on this tiny stage.

Next to the theater is a quaint café and the Clock Tower, which stages a brief mechanical performance twice daily. Don’t miss the colorful ceramic tiles decorating the tower — each one was hand-painted by Gabriadze himself. Under the small window, the artist’s personal motto gleams in golden letters: “May the only tears we shed be from slicing onions.” If you plan to attend a show, be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Adjacent to the theater stands the city’s oldest surviving building — the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, dating back to the 6th century. This sacred structure, built between 522 and 534 AD, is Tbilisi’s most ancient church still standing. Historical records confirm its venerable age, and its interior still houses centuries-old frescoes and icons. The basilica remains an active place of worship, open to visitors daily and free of charge.

From here, meander down the picturesque Irakli II Street, passing handmade carpets and cozy cafés, until you reach one of Tbilisi’s most modern and striking landmarks — the Bridge of Peace. This pedestrian bridge spans the Kura River, linking the Old Town with Rike Park. Commissioned by President Mikheil Saakashvili and completed in 2010, the bridge measures 156 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Its steel frame, cloaked in glass, rests on four supports.

By day, use the bridge to cross from the historic district to Rike Park or the aerial cable car station. But come nightfall, it becomes a photographer’s dream — a glittering, futuristic ribbon of light that deserves its own photo session.

Returning to the Old Town, we follow Sioni Street to the majestic Sioni Cathedral — one of the most revered religious sites in Georgia. Its foundation is attributed to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, though the stone church seen today dates from the 7th century. Historically, this was the main cathedral of Tbilisi and the seat of the Georgian Orthodox Catholicos until 2004. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Today, its restored frescoes, iconostasis, and sacred atmosphere reflect its enduring importance.

A short walk down the pedestrian Sioni Street leads to Sioni Square, where a curious bronze figure greets visitors — the Statue of the Tamada, the traditional Georgian toastmaster. Interestingly, this statue is modeled after a 7th-century BC bronze figurine, the original of which is housed in the Georgian National Museum. The monument pays tribute to Georgia’s ancient traditions of wine-making and hospitality.

Exploring the streets of Sioni, Shardeni, and Kote Abkhazi takes time — every corner offers something to tempt you: souvenir shops, traditional eateries, and boutique wine sellers. Seasoned travelers recommend stopping by Café Machakhela in Gorgasali Square — just next to the famous “I Love Tbilisi” installation. This square, often referred to as the “Square of Five Churches,” is considered the beating heart of Old Tbilisi since medieval times.

The café stands out with its two-story building adorned with carpets and wooden balconies carved in traditional style. During the warmer months, the open-air terrace is the perfect spot to relax with a view over the city. The menu is a celebration of Georgian cuisine — khinkali, khachapuri, kharcho, pkhali, fresh salads, and fine wines. Despite its prime location in the historic center, the prices remain reasonable, and both the quality and portion sizes are praised. Whether you’re in the mood for a full Georgian feast or just a glass of wine with a view, Machakhela is the place to be.

From the café terrace, one can see the embankment of the Kura River, the Metekhi Bridge, and the venerable Metekhi Church perched dramatically atop a cliff. This ancient church, standing like an extension of the very rock itself, has overlooked the flow of Tbilisi’s history for over 800 years.

In the Middle Ages, the Metekhi Fortress stood here, complete with a royal palace and fortified walls. The current church was constructed in the 13th century and, like much of Tbilisi’s heritage, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Today, it remains a symbol of resilience and faith. Visitors are welcome to enter the church, where they’ll find exquisite stone carvings and revered icons. Next to the church is a public viewing platform — open 24/7 and free of charge — offering sweeping views of the river and city below.

Today, we’ll take a stroll along Tbilisi’s most majestic streets, discovering the city from its most striking and elegant side — including a view from above, as if from the wings of a bird.

Our journey begins on Rustaveli Avenue — the beating heart of Georgia’s capital. Though it stretches just 1.5 kilometers, don’t expect a brisk walk — the avenue is rich with architectural gems, monuments, and cultural landmarks that demand attention at every turn. With roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, Rustaveli Avenue has long been central to Tbilisi’s identity. Originally named Golovin Avenue, in honor of a tsarist governor of the Caucasus, it once consisted of two parts — Palace Street and the avenue itself.

In 1918, the street was renamed in tribute to Georgia’s legendary medieval poet Shota Rustaveli, whose statue now graces the avenue. Everything one might seek in a grand boulevard can be found here: churches and theatres, palaces and restaurants, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and opulent hotels. But today, we’re here for a particular treasure — the National Museum of Georgia, a veritable trove of cultural and archaeological wonders from across the Caucasus.

Tbilisi’s National Museum of Georgia is the largest museum in the country. It was founded on May 10, 1852, by the Caucasian Department of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, and was originally known as the Caucasus Museum. In 1919, it was renamed the Museum of Georgia. Today, the museum’s collections are housed in several buildings across central Tbilisi, with the main exhibitions displayed along Rustaveli Avenue.

The museum’s central building, designed in 1910, holds its most precious exhibits. The collection is remarkably rich, spanning everything from prehistoric archaeological finds and ancient coinage to elegant ceramics and fine tableware. Visitors can admire exquisite jewelry, an impressive array of icons and religious artifacts, fragments of medieval churches, and rare books. It is best to arrive early in the day and allow at least three to four hours to fully appreciate the experience.

From the museum, it’s just a short walk to another highlight — the Tbilisi Funicular, an iconic landmark and a favorite attraction among both locals and tourists. The funicular connects the city center with Mtatsminda Park, an amusement complex perched atop the mountain. If you’re yearning to rise above the everyday, to soar above the city and drink in its splendor, this is your ticket to do so. Officially opened in 1905, the Tbilisi Funicular has since earned a reputation as one of the most picturesque of its kind in the world.

During the Soviet era, the upper station became home to a lavish “Park of Culture and Leisure” — complete with a planetarium, rides, cafés, and playgrounds. The funicular features three stops: lower, middle, and upper. Seasoned travelers recommend heading straight to the top to enjoy panoramic city views and lunch at the elegant Funicular Restaurant. On the descent, stop at the middle station to visit the Church of St. David and the Pantheon of Prominent Georgians — and be sure to find the grave of Alexander Griboyedov.

After returning to the lower funicular station, we’ll make our way back to Rustaveli Avenue, crossing the Galaktion Tabidze Bridge. A few minutes’ walk takes us into the Chughureti district, where one of the area’s most celebrated streets awaits — David Agmashenebeli Avenue. A stylish and vibrant promenade, it’s beloved by both locals and visitors alike.

In the mid-19th century, the street was known as Mikhailovsky Avenue, in honor of Prince Mikhail of Russia. Today, it bears the name of David the Builder, the revered Georgian monarch who united the fragmented kingdoms into a single, powerful state.
Here, architectural styles blend in charming harmony: baroque and gothic, art nouveau and oriental flair, French elegance, and traditional Georgian balconies. The avenue is a gallery of 19th-century mansions, theatre façades, and once-luxurious income houses. Cozy cafés and souvenir shops line the way, making it the perfect place to toast your acquaintance with Tbilisi — and perhaps to discover a few inspirations for your next adventure in this enchanting city.