Tbilisi lies on both banks of the Kura River (locally known as
Mtkvari) and is surrounded by hills and mountains. Historically,
Tbilisi has been home to people of multiple cultural, ethnic, and
religious backgrounds. Synagogues, Orthodox cathedrals, Armenian
churches and a mosque are all within shouting distance of each other,
while old bazaars and merchant’s mansions allude to the city’s history
as a trading hub. Because of its location on the crossroads between
Europe and Asia, and its proximity to the lucrative Silk Road,
throughout history, Tbilisi was a point of contention among various
global powers. To this day the city's location ensures its position as
an important transit route for energy and trade projects. Tbilisi's
history is reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of medieval,
neoclassical, Beaux Arts, Art Nouveau, Stalinist, and Modern
structures.
Georgia's growing popularity as an international tourist destination
has put Tbilisi on the global travel map. With the country hosting
more than 9 million international visitors in 2019, the capital saw
major investments in the hospitality industry. It now is the leading
tourist destination in the region, offering exquisite cityscapes, Art
Deco, Russian, Eastern and Soviet architecture, national museums and
galleries, cultural attractions, festivals, historical landmarks and
exceptional, traditional Georgian cuisine along with a wide range of
international restaurants. The city is well-known, due to its
complicated history, as a melting pot of cultures, a diverse
metropolis with a palette of attractions.
Tbilisi has important landmarks and sightseeing locations. The
Parliament and the government (State Chancellery) buildings of
Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Sameba Cathedral, the
Vorontsov's Palace (also known as the Children's Palace today), the
National Public Library of the Parliament of Georgia, the National
Bank of Georgia, Tbilisi Circus, The Bridge of Peace, and many state
museums are in Tbilisi. During the Soviet times, Tbilisi continuously
ranked in the top four cities in the Soviet Union for the number of
museums.
Out of the city's historic landmarks, the most notable are the
Narikala fortress (4th–17th century), Anchiskhati Basilica (6th
century, built up in the 16th century), Sioni Cathedral (8th century,
later rebuilt), and Church of Metekhi, Open Air Museum of Ethnography,
Sulfur Bath, and Tbilisi Old City.
Beyond traditional attractions, Tbilisi has developed burgeoning
nightclub culture which started to attract international media
attention in the 2010s. The leading clubs such as Bassiani, Mtkvarze,
Khidi, and Café Gallery have featured major international DJs as well
as local performers.
Best period to visit: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Tbilisi Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)
• Narikala Fortress
• Tbilisi sulfur baths
• Tbilisi Aerial Tramway
• Tbilisi Funicular
• Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue
• Metekhi Church
• Sioni Cathedral
• Colourful domed 17th-century baths
• Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tsminda Sameba)
• Turtle Lake
• Mtatsminda Park
• Georgian National Museum (Saqartvelos Erovnuli Muzeumi)
• Open Air Museum of Ethnography (Etnografiuli Muzeumi)