Things to Do in Tbilisi

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 packs most of its best experiences into a small area on both banks of the Mtkvari River. The old sulphur baths, the cable car to Narikala, a flea market and a hill-top park can all fit into two relaxed days, and the rest of the time is for wine, food and slow walks. Prices below are in lari (GEL) and are secondary-source figures, so check them before you go.

Sulphur baths in Abanotubani

The domed bathhouses of Abanotubani are the classic Tbilisi experience. Private rooms are priced per room per hour, not per person, so sharing is cheaper. Chreli Abano (also known as the Orbeliani Baths) runs from about 130 to 600 GEL depending on the room and is booked online. Gulo’s Thermal Spa charges about 150 to 300 GEL, is booked by phone or Messenger and stays open until about 03:00. Bath No. 5 has private rooms at roughly 120 to 200 GEL and a public hall at about 6 to 10 GEL, gender-segregated and without swimwear. A kisa scrub costs around 15 to 30 GEL, usually in cash. The Queen’s Bath is shut while it is refurbished. Details are in this sulphur baths guide .

Cable car to Narikala

A cable car climbs from Rike Park to the ridge near Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue. The fare is about 2.50 GEL one way, paid with a Metromoney card or a bank card. The fortress grounds are free, but the stonework is steep and has no handrails in places, so wear shoes with grip.

Dry Bridge market

The Dry Bridge market runs daily and is busiest at weekends. Stalls sell Soviet medals, cameras, paintings and general antiques. Bring cash and expect to haggle.

Mtatsminda Park

Two routes go up the mountain. The Chonkadze Street funicular has run since 1905, and a cableway from Rustaveli Avenue, about 845 m long and a ride of roughly 4 minutes, opened in October 2024. Both use a separate Mtatsminda Park card, about 2 GEL, plus about 10 to 12 GEL one way. The city transit card does not work here. Rustaveli Avenue is where the protests gather, so check the situation before heading there on a Saturday evening.

A supra with polyphonic singing

A supra is the long Georgian feast led by a toastmaster, and polyphonic singing is part of Georgian tradition. Restaurants and guesthouses are the usual places to join one, so ask your host or hotel what is on, and book ahead for groups.

Getting around

The metro and city buses cost 1 GEL a ride with a 90-minute transfer window, and cash is not taken on board. A Metromoney card costs 2 GEL, or tap a bank card at the validator. See this transport guide for more. Cards work well in the centre, but carry lari for markets, minibuses and small shops.

For guided options, a search such as Tbilisi activities and tours shows what is offered.