Are you planning to visit the Caucasus region, specifically Georgia and its capital city, Tbilisi? Before you go, it’s a good idea to plan what you want to see and experience. Our article, One day in Tbilisi, can be a helpful addition to your Tbilisi itinerary. In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do, must-try local food, and useful tips on how to get around, so you can make the most of your stay.
Georgia is a mountainous country located between the Black and Caspian Seas, with a history that spans thousands of years. Known as the cradle of wine, Georgia boasts over 8,000 years of winemaking tradition and is also one of the world’s oldest Christian nations. Its capital, Tbilisi, is home to more than a third of the country’s population and serves as a perfect blend of old and new, with historic architecture, natural sulfur baths, and a vibrant food scene. This article can also serve as a Tbilisi travel guide, helping you navigate and enjoy the highlights of the city.
For more 1-day itineraries, check out our article on 1 Day in Dubai for another great travel suggestion.
Table of Contents
DAYTIME ACTIVITIES FOR ONE DAY IN TBILISI
Leaning clock tower
The unique clock tower, one of the main architectural attractions in Tbilisi, is located in the old city center. Although it is a relatively new addition (2010), it has quickly become a landmark of the city. Every hour, a little angel emerges from the tower to ring the bell with a hammer. This attraction draws many tourists and is also a great spot for photos. Nearby is the Gabriadze Theater, one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, both of which were created by the same visionary artist, Rezo Gabriadze. If you have a passion for art and theater, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting this puppet theater.
Holy trinity Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), located on Elia Hill, offers breathtaking views of Tbilisi and the surrounding landscape. Completed in 2004, the cathedral draws inspiration from Georgia’s rich tradition and history. It symbolizes the unity of the Georgian people and is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but visitors should be mindful of religious practices. If you don’t have a scarf, one will be provided upon entry.
Narikala Fortress
The remains of an ancient fortress on a hill overlooking the city, dating back to the 4th century, are among the oldest preserved monuments in the region. You can visit it by hiking from the Old Town or by taking a scenic cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the city. The cable car operates year-round and is affordable for all travelers—the ride takes 5 minutes and costs 2.50 lari (0.80 €) one way. Additionally, the cable car runs between Rustaveli and Mtatsminda Park, and you can choose to either take the cable car or use the funicular that operates from Vilnius Square.
🚃 Book your cable car or funicular rides with GetYourGuide :
1.Tbilisi: Old and New City Guided Tour with 2 Cable Car Rides (3 hours)
2.Tbilisi: Sightseeing Tour, Wine or Beer Tasting, & Cable Car (3 hours)
3.Tbilisi: Old Town Sights & Funicular Ride to Mtatsminda Park (5 hours)
The Peace Bridge
A contrasting modern, bow-shaped pedestrian bridge over the Kura River connects the old part of the city with Rike Park. In the evening, it is illuminated with many LEDs. In the park, you will find attractions such as a hot air balloon, a riverboat ride, or a cable car that takes you to the Mother of Georgia monument.
➡️ You can book your tours in Tbilisi here ⬅️
Meidan Bazar
The bazaar hidden underground in the old part of Tbilisi is an interesting place to explore, offering handmade souvenirs, antiques, spices, handicrafts, and wine. It is located beneath Vakhtang Gorgasali Square in the Kala district of Old Tbilisi. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth a visit for the experience alone, though keep in mind that prices here can be quite high.
As frequent travelers, we know firsthand how important it is to have reliable health insurance while on the road. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a travel hiccup, the right coverage can make all the difference. That’s why we recommend SafetyWing—they offer two great options:
Essential Plan: Starting at just $2/day, this plan is perfect for short-term trips. It covers emergency medical expenses up to $250,000, plus travel interruptions and lost luggage. You can also add coverage for adventure sports and electronics theft if needed.
Complete Plan: Ideal for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers. It includes routine check-ups, mental health care, maternity coverage, trip protection, and up to $1.5 million in emergency medical coverage—all across 170+ countries, including your home country.
Travel smarter and with peace of mind—explore SafetyWing and get covered today!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Nutsubidze Skybridge
If you’re into architecture, Tbilisi offers several fascinating gems to explore. We visited the Nutsubidze Skybridge, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. You can visit on your own or book a tour.You can also find guided tours that focus not only on the city’s unique Soviet-era architecture but also on other architectural styles that reflect Tbilisi’s diverse history and culture.
🏄🏻♂️ Book your Soviet tour with GetYourGuide :
Tbilisi: The Urbex and Soviet Tour of Tbilisi (5 hours)
details of the Nutsubidze Skybridge buildings
Try local food
Georgia’s most iconic and beloved dishes – Khinkali
During your visit to Tbilisi, you should definitely try Georgian cuisine. Among its most famous dishes are khachapuri, khinkali, and badrijani. During our stay, we were daily customers at the restaurant Tiflisi Vorontsovze, where you can enjoy authentic Georgian food. Our favorite was khinkali — dumplings typically filled with a mixture of beef and pork, herbs, onions, and broth.
➡️ Check out best restaurants in Tbilisi with Tripadvisor ⬅️
Treat yourself in a sulfur bath
The city of Tbilisi is built on thermal waters rich in sulfur. The word ‘tbili’ means ‘warm’ in Georgian, reflecting the city’s connection to its natural hot springs. The thermal sulfur baths have a rich history, especially in the Abanotubani district, where you’ll find several historic bathhouses. These iconic baths are an experience you definitely shouldn’t miss during your one day in Tbilisi.
EVENING ACTIVITIES FOR ONE DAY IN TBILISI
Tbilisi’s nightlife offers a wide range of options for spending an evening in the city. You’ll find clubs, wine bars, and live music venues scattered throughout the Vera, Sololaki, and Chugureti districts, as well as underground and rooftop bars—there’s truly something for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed evening and clubs aren’t your thing, a walk through the old district or a cruise on the Kura River is a great alternative.
🎉 Book your evening activities with GetYourGuide :
1. Tbilisi: River Sightseeing Boat Ride with Welcome Drink (30 minutes)
2. City Pub Crawl with welcome shots in game format (4 hours)
HOW TO GET AROUND DURING YOUR ONE DAY IN TBILISI
Tbilisi offers several affordable transportation options. Many tourist attractions are located in the Old Town area, which you can easily walk to, but be prepared for hilly terrain.
⬇️ Check out our other articles on traveling in Georgia ⬇️
🚂 The Tbilisi–Batumi Train
🚌 Tbilisi to Batumi Bus
By Metro
Tbilisi has a reliable and affordable metro system with two lines connecting key locations like Rustaveli Avenue and Tbilisi Railway Station. In addition, the city is well-connected by buses and trams in areas where the metro doesn’t reach.
By Taxi
You can hail a taxi directly on the street or use popular taxi apps like Yandex or Bolt. These apps offer fast, cashless transportation and are often cheaper than street-hailing taxis.
➡️ Buy your e-sim card for your one day in Tbilisi ⬅️
Cable Car and Funicular
Another great way to reach places like Mtatsminda or Narikala Fortress, the cable cars and funicular offer affordable rides with scenic views of the city.
By Walk
If you’re staying near the main tourist attractions, walking is a great option, especially in the Old Town (Altstadt), where there are many picturesque streets. However, be aware that areas like Mtatsminda and Narikala are located on steep hills, which may make walking challenging, particularly in the summer months.
Rent a Car
If you prefer greater independence and plan to explore beyond the capital, renting a car is a good choice. However, driving within the city can be challenging due to narrow streets and heavy traffic.
➡️ Rent a car with Discover cars ⬅️
Tbilisi Transport Company provides a Metromoney card, which allows you to travel around the city by bus, metro, minibuses, and the cable car. You can buy the card at any metro station or at the Rike-Narikala cable car station. It costs 2 lari (0,65€) , and you can also top up the card at the same locations.
Check out official website of Tbilisi Public Transport for more informations.
WHERE TO STAY IN TBILISI
When deciding where to stay during your one day in Tbilisi, the city offers a variety of locations depending on the atmosphere you’re looking for. If you want to stay close to several attractions or if you’re in Tbilisi for the first time, the Old Town district (Altstadt) is a popular choice.
For a more peaceful stay in a quiet neighborhood, the Vera district is a great option. It’s still within walking distance of many Tbilisi attractions, offering a balance of tranquility and accessibility.
If you’re looking for accommodation with a view of the city, the popular Mtatsminda district is a top pick. It’s nearby, and you can also take the funicular to reach the city center, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
Another popular area is around Chugureti District (Fabrika) , a former factory converted into a creative hub. This area is home to hostels, small boutique hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces. It’s especially popular among young travelers, digital nomads, and artists.
🗺️ Adventure awaits – Get the Essential Plan for your next trip with SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance! ✅
Each of these areas offers a different experience depending on your preferences. We stayed near Fabrika, where we enjoyed drinks and good pizza in the evenings. However, it can be a busy area, so it might not suit everyone.
Planning to do more activities around Tbilisi? Book your tours with GetYourGuide
1. Kakheti Wine Region, Including 7 Wine Tastings (12 hours)
2. Tbilisi: Kazbegi Full-Day Group Tour (12 hours)
Q&A
How many days in Tbilisi is enough?
Depending on whether you’re only visiting the capital, Tbilisi, or planning to explore more of the country, one or two days will be enough to see the city and its main attractions.
Is Tbilisi a walkable city?
Some parts of Tbilisi are within walking distance and the city is well-connected by public transport. However, for certain attractions, it’s better to use public transport, a taxi, or even the cable car or funicular, as they are located on steep hills that may not be pleasant to walk, especially in hot weather.
Is Georgia a cheap country to visit?
Georgia is an affordable destination for all types of travelers, with food, drinks, and transportation being particularly cheap compared to other countries.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
Did you know…
If you book something through our links, you support us at no additional cost to you.
Thank you! 🙏
Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYourGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
