Tbilisi Landmarks and Viewpoints

October 29, 2026

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Russian-occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and against all but essential travel to areas next to their boundary lines. Anti-government protests have continued for well over a year in central Tbilisi, around the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue. They have sometimes turned violent, often on Saturday evenings and political anniversaries, so keep away from them. Read the FCDO advice for Georgia and check travel.state.gov before you book.

Tbilisi’s main sights are close together and mostly free, which makes it easy to see a lot on foot with a few short taxi rides. The ones below cover the fortress, the cathedral, a pedestrian bridge, a medieval church and a Soviet-era monument on a hill. Figures are from secondary sources, so check hours and fares on the day.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala is the old citadel above Abanotubani, with origins in the 4th century that were expanded over the centuries by later rulers. Entry to the grounds is free. The stonework is steep and has no handrails in places, so wear sturdy shoes and take care with children. You can ride the Rike Park cable car, about 2.50 GEL one way with a Metromoney or bank card, or walk up the stairs from Betlemi Street. St Nicholas Church stands inside the walls.

Sameba Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral, called Sameba, stands on Elia Hill in Avlabari and was built between 1995 and 2004. At about 86 m to the tip of its cross it is the third-tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world. Entry is free. It is a working church, so cover shoulders and knees, and women should expect to cover their heads. Scarves and wraps are available at the door. Opening hours differ between sources, so check before you go, and keep photography respectful during services.

Bridge of Peace

This pedestrian bridge of steel and glass, about 150 m long, was designed by an Italian architect and opened in 2010. It links Old Town to Rike Park, and LED lighting switches on at dusk.

Metekhi Church and the Vakhtang Gorgasali statue

Metekhi Church is a 13th-century church on a cliff above the Mtkvari. In front of it stands an equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the traditional founder of the city. Entry is free, and the viewpoint looks across to Narikala.

Chronicle of Georgia

Zurab Tsereteli’s monument sits on a hill above Tbilisi Sea and is open at all hours. It has sixteen tall pillars carved with kings, queens and scenes from the Bible. The public transport route there has not been confirmed, so take a taxi or a ride-hailing app, which is likely to cost about 15 to 20 GEL from the centre. Weather exposes the hill, so bring a layer.

Getting around

The metro and buses cost 1 GEL a ride with a 90-minute transfer window. They accept bank-card taps or a Metromoney card, but not cash. Old Town and the river sights are walkable. Protests gather at the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, so plan evening walks elsewhere on Saturdays. The Sameba cathedral article gives the height and dates.

For a guided walk past these sights, a search such as Tbilisi sightseeing tours lists the options.