What to See in Tbilisi in 2 Days: Main Attractions

Tbilisi is worth visiting not only because it is the capital of Georgia but also due to its fascinating ancient history and numerous historical monuments. The mountain landscape surrounding the city is equally impressive. One of the greatest pleasures is to ascend to various viewpoints. In this article, we will explore what to see in Tbilisi: all the iconic attractions that this vibrant city has to offer.

Old Town is aptly named; it’s not just a collection of historical buildings but a colorful area where Eastern and Western architectural styles meet. Here, you’ll find some truly ancient homes that are in urgent need of renovation, while others have already been beautifully restored.

Visitors love to explore the famous Tbilisi balconies, capturing photos of the intricately carved wooden designs that define the old city. From Old Town, it’s easy to access several other attractions:

• Sulfur Baths
• Freedom Square
• Botanical Garden
• Legvtakhevi Waterfall
• Narikala Fortress

From Personal Experience

The Old Town is packed with historical buildings, giving you a great sense of Georgian architecture in a short amount of time. Plus, the renowned sulfur baths are just around the corner. You’ll also find plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can savor delicious Georgian dishes or enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Narikala Fortress is one of Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views of Rike Park and the Mtkvari River. This ancient fortress dates back to the 4th century, though only a small part of its walls remains today due to an explosion in the early 19th century.

At the same elevation as Narikala, you’ll find the monument known as “Mother Kartli,” which adds to the area’s cultural significance. The entrance to the Botanical Garden is also just a short distance away.

Visiting Narikala is not just about exploring a historical site; it’s about soaking in the rich history and stunning scenery that define Tbilisi. It’s definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the city!

Established in the mid-19th century, the Tbilisi Botanical Garden was created on the site of a former park that belonged to the Georgian royal family. It’s nestled at the foot of the ancient Narikala Fortress in a beautiful canyon.

Is a visit to the Tbilisi Botanical Garden worth it? While the park is relatively small, a leisurely stroll can take anywhere from one to three hours. What makes this garden special is its waterfall, where you can cool off on hot days, and a viewpoint that offers stunning views of Narikala Fortress and the city. Visitors will also enjoy the bamboo grove and a tiny Japanese garden, which even features fragments of lava from Japan’s Mount Fuji. In total, the garden boasts around 3,500 plant species.

How to Get to the Tbilisi Botanical Garden

• Cable Car: You can take the cable car from Rike Park (the fare is 2.5 lari).
• On Foot: If you prefer walking, start from the sulfur baths (Abanotubani) and follow Botanical Street until you reach the viewpoint overlooking Legvtakhevi Waterfall; you’ll find the main entrance to the garden nearby.
• Taxi: A taxi is another convenient option.
• By Car: There’s parking available if you’re driving.

The entrance fee for the botanical garden is 4 lari. It’s open from 9 AM to 7 PM, extending to 9 PM during the summer months. Be sure to arrive before closing time; once you’re in, you can explore as long as you like since visitors aren’t rushed out.

From Personal Experience

There aren’t any cafes in the garden, just vending machines with drinks and snacks, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food. Many visitors pack blankets and enjoy picnics on the lawns. On hot days, both kids and adults love to cool off in the waterfall, so don’t forget to bring towels!

The funicular in Tbilisi takes you up to Mount Mtatsminda, where you’ll find an amusement park and a charming residential area. While there are other ways to get there, like city buses, many tourists prefer the funicular for the unique experience it offers. Here are some tips to make the most of your ride!

Operating Hours, Ticket Prices, and Cards

The funicular runs from 9 AM to 11 PM, with carriages departing every 10 minutes. Each carriage can hold about 60 passengers. If you want to enjoy stunning views of the old city during your ride, it’s a good idea to arrive early and snag a seat by the panoramic window in the lower carriage. Mornings tend to be less crowded.

The funicular makes one stop at the Pantheon, where you can explore a cemetery that holds the graves of many important historical and cultural figures, including Griboedov and his wife. There’s also a church nearby with a spring of holy water.

A one-way ticket on the funicular costs 10 lari. Tickets are electronic and loaded onto a plastic card for the amusement park, which costs an additional 2 lari. You can buy one card for your family or group and share it; just remember that you need this card to ride.

Getting to the lower station is easy! You can walk from Freedom Square or Rustaveli Metro Station—just keep an eye out for the TV tower and Ferris wheel as your landmarks. Many tourists also opt for a taxi.

As of fall 2024, there’s an exciting new option for getting up Mount Mtatsminda: a cable car with its lower station located right at 52 Rustaveli Street. You’ll need a similar card for this ride as well, and a single trip costs 12 lari. Enjoy your adventure!

From Personal Experience

Once you reach Mtatsminda via the funicular, don’t miss out on visiting the café on the first floor of the upper station building. There’s often a line to get in because trying their famous cream-filled donuts is a must for many visitors (and locals) in Tbilisi.

For your return trip from Mtatsminda, consider walking down the stairs; it’s a lovely trail to see more of the area and visit the Pantheon and Griboedov’s grave along the way.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Tsminda Sameba, is one of Georgia’s main cathedrals, alongside the one in Mtskheta. It stands prominently on Elia Hill and is visible from many parts of the city. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the old town, the funicular line, and Mount Mtatsminda.

The area around the cathedral features fountains and benches where visitors can relax. You can easily reach the cathedral by taking the metro to Avlabari station and then walking a short distance uphill.

The Ethnographic Museum is located on a hill along the way to Turtle Lake, offering stunning views of the Vake district and the city. It features traditional houses and crafts from all regions of Georgia, with a total of 70 buildings on display. Here, you can see:

• Flat-roofed stone houses from Eastern Georgia
• Watchtowers from mountainous regions like Svaneti and Khevsureti
• Wooden houses with gable roofs from Western Georgia
• Kakhetian and Kartlian water mills

Inside the houses, you can explore traditional costumes, ceramics, furniture, and various household items. Each summer, the museum hosts a folk culture festival. Additionally, there’s a restaurant called Rachasubani where you can try traditional Georgian dishes.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM in the summer and until 5 PM in the winter. Admission is 20 lari.

The Chronicle of Georgia is located relatively far from the city center, and there is no metro station nearby. The easiest way to get there is by car, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This monumental memorial was erected in 1980 by the renowned sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. The Chronicle consists of an impressive structure featuring 16 columns that rise 30 meters high. The lower section is adorned with bronze and stone panels depicting biblical scenes, while the upper part showcases stories from the chronicles of Georgian kings and heroes.

Situated on a hill, the Chronicle offers fantastic views of Tbilisi, including the so-called Tbilisi Sea (actually a reservoir). On nice days, you can walk down to the shore and enjoy a stroll along the sandy beach.

Visiting Information

To reach the Chronicle of Georgia, you can drive or take a taxi, as public transportation options are limited. It’s a bit of a trek, but the stunning views and impressive monument make it worthwhile.

Tbilisi has a well-developed public transportation network, making it easy to get around the city by metro or bus. However, if you want to explore all the sights at a leisurely pace, it’s best to set aside 2-3 full days for your visit.

If you arrive directly in Tbilisi by plane, you can book a transfer through GoTrip to your hotel. A driver will meet you with a sign bearing your name in the arrivals area and take you to your destination. After that, you’ll need to choose your own transportation options around the city.

You can also arrange a transfer to Tbilisi from any other city in Georgia. GoTrip only includes reliable drivers in their network (with at least 5 years of experience) who undergo training. On our website, you can select a driver based on language skills, reviews, and photos, as well as choose a vehicle that meets your needs. You can pay for the transfer in cash at the end of the trip, and the price will always be the same as listed on the site.

Book a transfer from Kutaisi to Tbilisi
Book a transfer from Batumi to Tbilisi

This option is also great for tourists visiting Tbilisi from other cities (like Batumi or Kutaisi) for one or two days.