Tbilisi tours

Things to do in Tbilisi

Perched between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is a city of striking contrasts—where Persian bathhouses sit beneath Soviet-era balconies, where medieval churches share alleyways with cutting-edge art spaces. Georgia’s vibrant capital is far more than a stop between wine country and the Caucasus Mountains. It’s a living story told through architecture, food, and deeply rooted hospitality. With your private guide, you won’t just visit Tbilisi’s landmarks—you’ll experience the city’s pulse. Whether you’re exploring tucked-away courtyards, discussing local politics over khachapuri, or navigating the city’s evolving creative districts, your guide curates each moment around what fascinates you. No tour buses. No rush. Just meaningful connection. Must-See Attractions That Shape the City Tbilisi’s most famous landmarks tell powerful stories—of conquest, resilience, and cultural fusion. Your guide brings those stories to life with personal context and historical nuance. Old Tbilisi and Abanotubani Wander the atmospheric streets of the old town, where colorful balconies lean over cobbled lanes. Your guide explains how Persians, Russians, and traders from the Silk Road left their mark here. Sulfur Baths District Visit the iconic domed bathhouses of Abanotubani, still in use after centuries. Your guide shares the legends behind the healing waters—and may even suggest a local’s favorite for a soak. Narikala Fortress Climb or ride the cable car to this ancient citadel for sweeping city views. Your guide recounts battles and rebirths, and points out how Tbilisi has grown around this high ridge for over 1,500 years. Mother Georgia (Kartlis Deda) This monumental statue tells you everything about Georgia’s spirit: sword in one hand, wine in the other. With your guide, decode the symbolism and hear how locals interpret her meaning. Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica Step into sacred spaces dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Your guide shares how Georgia’s Orthodox faith shaped national identity—and how religion remains central in daily life. Explore Tbilisi Off the Beaten Path Beyond its headline attractions, Tbilisi reveals its soul through side streets, small museums, and deeply local traditions. Your guide opens doors into these quieter, richer experiences. Dry Bridge Flea Market and Artist Encounters Wander through antique stalls and Soviet memorabilia. Your guide introduces you to local artists and collectors, offering stories behind the objects—and maybe even a conversation over coffee. Sololaki’s Crumbling Grandeur Explore this atmospheric neighborhood where decaying mansions whisper of aristocratic pasts. Your guide points out architectural details, hidden staircases, and the stories behind once-glorious homes. Soviet Tbilisi and Urban Grit Curious about Georgia’s 20th-century past? Your guide can take you to brutalist landmarks, hidden statues, and repurposed factories that now host everything from artists’ studios to techno raves. Tbilisi’s Synagogues, Mosques, and Churches Discover a city built on tolerance. Your guide explains how Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities have coexisted here for centuries—often just steps apart. Local Wine Bars and Supra Culture Taste Georgia’s signature qvevri wines in hidden neighborhood bars. Your guide may even introduce you to tamada (toastmaster) traditions and the poetic, emotional art of the Georgian table. Day Trip Ideas with Your Guide Tbilisi makes an ideal base for day trips into Georgia’s wine country, spiritual heartlands, or rugged landscapes. Your guide handles logistics and tailors the experience to your interests. Mtskheta – Georgia’s Spiritual Capital A short drive brings you to this UNESCO-listed town. With your guide, explore the hilltop Jvari Monastery and the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral—deeply symbolic to Georgian identity. Kakheti Wine Region Visit family-owned vineyards producing natural wines in clay pots, a method unchanged for 8,000 years. Your guide shares not just tasting notes, but stories of resilience, harvest rituals, and village life. Uplistsikhe Cave Town Explore this ancient rock-hewn city carved into cliffs. Your guide helps you imagine life in these chambers—from royal rituals to everyday survival along the Silk Road. Dashbashi Canyon and Glass Bridge For something more adventurous, head into Georgia’s wild beauty. Your guide leads you through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and new skybridges that blend nature with bold design. Travel Tips for Your Visit Tbilisi is welcoming and walkable—but your guide’s tips ensure you experience it like a local, not just a visitor. Best Times to Visit Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. Winters are cozy with snow-dusted rooftops; summers are hot but lively with festivals. What to Wear Dress is casual but modest when visiting churches. Good walking shoes are a must for hilly streets and uneven stone paths. Layers are ideal year-round. Local Etiquette Hospitality is sacred. If you’re offered bread or wine, it’s more than a snack—it’s a gesture of trust. Your guide helps navigate customs around toasts, temples, and table manners. Getting Around Tbilisi’s old town is best explored on foot. Your guide can help arrange taxis, marshrutkas, or private vehicles for longer excursions—often avoiding apps in favor of trusted local drivers. Explore Tbilisi Your Way Tbilisi is a city of stories—layered, surprising, and waiting to be shared. With a private guide from ToursByLocals, you move beyond sightseeing into true connection. Whether you're drawn to hidden courtyards, wine cellars, mountaintop monasteries, or flea market finds, your tour is tailored, insightful, and deeply personal. Let Tbilisi speak to you—through the voice of someone who calls it home.