Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a city that blends its rich history with a modern life. Located in a valley along the banks of the Mtkvari River, it is surrounded by mountains, giving it a unique and beautiful setting. The city’s origins are steeped in legend, with its name deriving from the Georgian word “Tbili,” meaning warm, a nod to its natural sulfur hot springs. According to the legend, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, while hunting in the 5th century, shot a pheasant that fell into one of these hot springs and was boiled. Struck by the area’s natural beauty and the healing properties of the springs, the king decided to establish a city here, giving birth to Tbilisi.
Over the centuries, Tbilisi has been a cultural and political crossroads between Europe and Asia, where East meets West. Its location along the ancient Silk Road made it a hub for trade, culture, and ideas. For these reasons Tbilisi has always been a point of contention among various global powers. The city has been ruled by Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Russians, each leaving their mark on its identity. Despite periods of destruction, Tbilisi has always risen, rebuilding itself and preserving its unique spirit. The city’s location to this day 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 the Modern structures. Historically, Tbilisi has been home to people of multiple cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and a mosque for both Sunnis and Shiites are all located within a five minutes walk in Old Tbilisi. Wondering through the streets of Tbilisi, you’ll encounter ancient churches, modern glass structures, and historic bathhouses, all standing side by side. The Old Town, with its narrow, winding streets, colorful balconies, and traditional houses, invites visitors to step back in time. Landmarks like the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), Narikala Fortress, and the iconic Bridge of Peace showcase the city’s blend of ancient heritage and contemporary innovation. Above it all towers the statue of Kartlis Deda, the Mother of Georgia, symbolizing the hospitality and strength of the Georgian people.
Old Tbilisi is the main place for visitors, where buildings are kept in old cultural way, as they looked like ancient times ago. Narikala Fortress is the ultimate symbol of Old Town Tbilisi. This 4th-century fortress, perched atop a hill, was the guardian of the city for centuries, having survived many invasions and attacks. Narikala was rebuilt and restored several times and has existed in its current condition since the 17th century, when King Rostam restored it after the Turco-Persian Wars. In Abanotubani, one of the most popular streests in Old Tbilisi, tourists can visit old Tbilisian sulfur baths and see a waterfall coming from Botanical garden of Tbilisi.
Close to Abanotubani is one of the busiest boulevards in Tbilisi – Shardeni Street, packed with cafes, restaurants, clubs and souvenir shops. Dine and window-shop your way up the promenade until you reach the Bridge of Peace. Near to the Bridge there is a cable car, which transports its visitors up to Narikala fortress and to the statue of “Mother of Georgia” from where opens beautiful views on Tbilisi.
Alongside with old Tbilisi, Mtastminda park is one of the most popular place as for tourists also for locals, located on one of the highest places in Tbilisi (770 meters). There is a funicular on top of the mountain, from where opens the best view on Tbilisi. You can find various Cafes, Souvenirs shops, child entertainment center, wedding house, picnic zones and a big Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain. Fresh air, fun rides, attractions and constant events will let you relax, have fun and enjoy your free time with your friends and family members.
Alongside with these facilities there is lot more visitors can explore in Tbilisi throughout the tour, which will help them to get known to Georgia and its capital closer.