What to see in Tbilisi in one day: an itinerary from a professional guide

Dawn in Metekhi: Starting the Day with a Panorama

I always recommend my guests to start exploring Tbilisi early in the morning, around 8:00, when the air is still fresh and there are few tourists. The best starting point is the palace district of Metekhi. Here, standing on the observation deck near the ancient Metekhi Church of the 13th century, you will see a breathtaking panorama of the Old Town, which looks especially magical in the morning rays.

“Do you see the river dividing the city? This is the Kura, or as we call it, Mtkvari — a witness to the thousand-year history of Tbilisi,” — this is how I usually begin my story. And the monument to Vakhtang Gorgasali on horseback, towering nearby, seems to confirm my words. It was this king who founded the city, having discovered hot sulfur springs here while hunting.

The Sulfur Baths Quarter: Immersion in History

From Metekhi, we descend to Abanotubani — the famous sulfur baths quarter. Brick domes that look like underground palaces hide Tbilisi’s true treasures.

“You know, these hot springs are the reason the city got its name — ‘Tbili’ means ‘warm’ in Georgian,” I tell her as we pass the Orbeliani Bathhouse with its colourful mosaic façade. If you have an hour or two to spare, be sure to book a session at one of the bathhouses. After a traditional Georgian massage called kese (where you are rubbed with a special glove), you will feel reborn — hundreds of my clients have proven it!

Fig Gorge and Narikala Fortress

Next, our route takes us through Fig Gorge — an amazing natural oasis in the heart of the city with a small waterfall. “Look at these wild fig trees and grape vines climbing the rocks — it’s hard to believe we’re still in the middle of a big city, right?” — I like to ask my groups, watching their amazed faces.

A steep path leads us to the Narikala Fortress — the heart of ancient Tbilisi. The climb takes about 15-20 minutes, but I always say: “Every drop of sweat is worth the views that open up from the fortress walls.” And it really is! All of Tbilisi is at your fingertips: red tiled roofs, church domes, modern glass buildings and picturesque hills around.

Streets of the Old Town and Georgian Lunch

Descending from Narikala, we delve into the labyrinth of streets of Old Tbilisi. Betlemi Street is my favorite place for photo sessions: carved wooden balconies entwined with grapes, multi-colored doors with intricate patterns. Each house here has its own story, which I am happy to tell.

By midday, my tourists usually have an appetite, and I take them to a small family restaurant known only to locals. “Forget about diets for at least a day,” I advise with a smile, when steaming khachapuri, juicy khinkali and homemade wine appear in front of us.

“In Georgia, food is not just about satisfying hunger, it’s a ritual, part of our culture and a way to show hospitality,” I explain, while the hostess puts another portion on our plate, which would be simply impolite to refuse!

The Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

After a hearty lunch, we head to the Bridge of Peace, a futuristic structure made of glass and steel. “This bridge symbolizes Georgia’s aspiration for the future while maintaining a connection with the past,” I say, as we cross the river on this illuminated bridge. And in the evening, when the backlight of 30,000 LED bulbs turns on, the bridge turns into a real light symphony!

Rike Park is located nearby - a great place for a short break. Unique sculptures, musical fountains and stunning views of the Old Town make this park popular among tourists and locals alike.

Rustaveli Avenue: the cultural heart of the city

I usually spend the afternoon on Rustaveli Avenue, the main artery of Tbilisi. The most important cultural and historical attractions are concentrated here: the Rustaveli Theatre with its majestic façade, the National Gallery with its unique collection of Georgian art, Freedom Square with its golden monument to St. George.

“Do you see this building? In Soviet times, it housed the Government House, and now it’s a luxury hotel” — with such historical inserts I try to enliven our walk, showing how different eras intertwine in Tbilisi.

Sunset on Mtatsminda

I suggest finishing the day by climbing Mount Mtatsminda. The cable car will take us to the top in just a few minutes, and the views during the climb are simply breathtaking!

“Mtatsminda means ‘Holy Mountain’ in Georgian,” I explain as we climb up to the Pantheon, the burial place of prominent Georgian writers, poets and public figures. In the evening light, the place radiates a special energy.

At the top, a stunning observation deck awaits us, offering a panoramic view of Tbilisi in the evening. When the city lights up, I usually fall silent, giving my guests time to enjoy this magical spectacle. In the distance, the Sameba Cathedral rises majestically, and the statue of Mother Georgia seems to welcome us with a glass of wine.

An Evening in a Dukhan: Wine, Toasts, and Impressions

“A day cannot be considered complete without a traditional Georgian feast,” I tell my tourists, and we go down to an authentic dukhan (wine cellar). Here, to the sounds of live music, I tell them about the ancient Georgian tradition of winemaking in qvevri — clay jugs buried in the ground.

Over a glass of Saperavi or Kindzmarauli (dry red wines), we sum up the day and share our impressions. I always tell my guests: “You have seen only a small part of what Tbilisi has to offer. But even this is enough to understand that our city is unique, and you will definitely want to come back.”

And you know what? Many actually come back! Some send me messages a year later: “Georgi, we are in Tbilisi again. Show us what we didn’t have time to see last time.”

Why Tbilisi is worth visiting

Over the years of working as a guide, I have realized one important thing: Tbilisi cannot be simply “looked at” — it must be experienced with all your senses. Breathe in the aroma of freshly baked goods on the streets of the Old Town, hear the polyphonic singing in ancient churches, feel the warmth of sulfur springs, taste real Georgian wine, see how the setting sun paints the roofs of houses golden.

Tbilisi is a city that gives emotions. Here everyone will find something for themselves: history buffs will be delighted by the ancient temples and fortresses, lovers of gastronomy will discover the unique Georgian cuisine, art lovers will appreciate the rich museum collections.

But the most important thing is the people. Georgian hospitality is not a myth, but a reality that you will feel from the first minutes of your stay in our city. We are sincerely glad to every guest and are ready to share our culture, history, cuisine.

So if you are wondering whether to include Tbilisi in your route — my answer is unequivocal: definitely worth it! Even if you only have one day, this day will become one of the most vivid memories in your life. And I or my fellow guides will be happy to help you fall in love with our amazing city.

Rent a car for a comfortable trip