In a previous article, I explored why Georgia should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Today, I want to focus on its vibrant capital, Tbilisi. As home to the country’s largest international airport, Tbilisi is where most journeys to Georgia begin. Even if you don’t arrive by air, the city is easily accessible via bus, train, or minivan. Tbilisi offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern living, immersing you in Georgian culture while treating you to stunning scenery at every turn.
Brief History
Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century when King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting in the woods, and found this area. He saw that it was strategically a great location for a city as it is a valley surrounded by mountains, and a river flows right through the city giving it a constant water supply. Today you can see a statue of him holding his hand up opposite of the river from the Meiden Bazaar.
Tbilisi has a rich and complex history as the heart of Georgia. It first became the capital of the Iberian Kingdom, or eastern Georgia. By the 12th century, after a period of conflict, western and eastern Georgia were united, and Tbilisi was declared the capital of the unified Kingdom of Georgia. Over the centuries, the city endured countless invasions and battles as Georgia found itself embroiled in numerous wars.
Georgia was part of the Soviet Union for most of the 20th century. However, following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Georgia regained its independence, and Tbilisi reclaimed its status as the nation’s capital. Despite this newfound freedom, the city faced a challenging decade marked by political instability, widespread corruption, and rising crime.
In 2003, the people of Georgia rallied together in what became known as the Rose Revolution, a series of mass protests demanding change. Since then, Tbilisi has transformed significantly—crime rates have dropped, the economy has improved, and the city has undergone major infrastructure development. Today, Tbilisi stands as a vibrant and resilient capital, a symbol of Georgia’s progress and determination.
Things to do in Tbilisi
I often start my journey in a new city with a free walking tour. These tours not only highlight the most significant landmarks in the city center but also offer rich insights into the historical and modern context behind them. During the tour, guides often share recommendations for other must-visit spots, such as museums, restaurants, or even day trips. It's also a fantastic opportunity to connect with a local guide, who can answer any questions you have—whether about the tour itself or your planned itinerary. Plus, since these tours are tip-based, you get to decide their value, making them both flexible and budget-friendly.
Wandering through historic old towns often feels like an adventure, revealing countless hidden gems—and Tbilisi is no exception. While a free tour will introduce you to many fascinating spots, taking the time to explore further on your own is highly rewarding. You'll come across charming architecture, unique shops, and mouthwatering local cuisine. One standout attraction you shouldn’t miss is the iconic clock tower, a true symbol of the city. However, don’t confine your exploration to just the old town—there’s plenty to discover in other parts of Tbilisi as well.
The Mother of Georgia statue is a striking landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in Tbilisi, perched high on a hill near the historic Narikala Fortress. You can reach it by hiking up the hill or taking a cable car ride. Once at the top, you're rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city. The statue itself is rich in symbolism and meaning. If you take a closer look, you'll notice she holds a cup of wine in one hand and a sword in the other. This duality represents Georgia's core values. For those who visit with good intentions, the cup of wine reflects the nation’s renowned hospitality. On the other hand, the sword signifies Georgia's readiness to defend itself against those with ill intentions. The statue is also a tribute to motherhood, a cornerstone of Georgian culture. Throughout its history, Georgia faced frequent wars, with men often away fighting. During these times, women took on crucial roles at home. The Mother of Georgia embodies both the nurturing spirit and resilience of the nation, making it a powerful and enduring symbol.
Georgia was on the silk road, and served as a place for merchants to exchange goods. You can still see a taste of that culture with the market places (or bazaars). Two large ones are the Meiden Bazaar in the old city, and the Desert Bazaar near the central station. There are also merchants selling goods in every underground passage in the city.
Christianity is a huge part of Georgian history, and is still very prevalent today. There are many incredible churches and monasteries spread throughout the country. If you walk through the city, you’ll see many of them, and they are generally open for the public to visit. The largest one is the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It also is will lit in the dark and can be seen from many different spots in the city.
Day Trips from Tbilisi
Tbilisi serves as an excellent base for a variety of day trips, offering a chance to explore rich history, stunning natural landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional food and wine. For planning such adventures, I highly recommend using Get Your Guide, which provides a fantastic selection of tour options.
In my opinion, the ultimate day trip from Tbilisi is a journey to Kazbegi. This tour is packed with scenic viewpoints and captivating historical landmarks. Some of the highlights you can expect to visit include:
- Zhinvali Reservoir which offers breathtaking views (the theme of this tour)
- Ananuri fortress which offers some very interesting story and even more breathtaking views
- The Friendship Monument which is a controversial monument that also provides even better scenery
- Gergeti Trinity Church which shows a church with interesting architecture and the best scenery of this trip!
Another great day tour is one that takes you to Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori, and Uplistsikhe. Mtskheta is the old capital of the Iberian kingdom (East Georgia). The highlight of your visit here will be the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral as it’s the most important church in all of Georgia. It is an architectural marvel with a lot of history and symbolism that is very important to Georgia’s history. It was so impressive in fact that the king at the time thanked the architect who built this church by cutting off his arm so he could not build another architectural masterpiece (strange way to say thanks).
This day tour includes a visit to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin. There you can visit a museum dedicated to him showing his rise to power and prominence in Soviet history. One interesting thing I noted here was that before visiting this museum, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of young Stalin. I have always seen him as an older man after he rose to national power. The museum is interesting, but it does conveniently gloss over any mention of his many atrocities.
The highlight of this tour for me was undoubtedly Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave city steeped in history. Although we were given just over an hour to explore, I could have easily spent several hours wandering through its fascinating ruins. Once a formidable fortress for centuries, Uplistsikhe faced devastation in the 13th century when it was ravaged by the Mongols. Since then, it has remained completely abandoned, yet its haunting beauty and historical significance continue to captivate visitors.
The Kakheti Wine Region tour is another option if you want to appreciate the great wine culture of Georgia. You can see the fascinating fermentation process at some of these wineries, and have many wine tastings while you’re at it.
Conclusion
Tbilisi is an incredible city that should be on everyone’s list. You can find almost anything you’d want in a tourist destination here. I touched on a handful of the many things that Tbilisi has to offer. I hope you have the chance to go here and discover the city all for yourself.
Add comment
Comments