From the blog ‘The Brave Dame, 50 Things to Do in Tbilisi’ by Rose.
1.Bridge of the Hundred Thousand Martyrs
Historically, the bridge is a place of executions, the biggest one being the execution of the martyrs who didn’t renounce their Christian faith. Legend says that Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm made people step on holy icons as a sign of renouncing their Christian faith and converting to Islam. Those who didn’t were killed. That’s how the bridge got its name.
2.Take a boat tour on the Mtkvari River
Touristy? Yes. Fun? I’d like to think so! Next to the bridge of Hundred Thousand Martyrs you’ll find the River Boat Tours, taking you on a relaxing sightseeing tour from the River Mtkvari. A great way to see the city from a different angle while saving your precious feet!
3.Don’t take photos of the Presidential Palace
That’s at least what the guards will tell you. The palace – that looks a little like the Reichstag in Berlin – stands on top of the hill above Rike Park and catches your eye for being surrounded by somewhat traditional buildings.
4.Marvel at the grandeur of Soviet metro stations
The Tbilisi metro is not just great for getting from one point to the other, most metro stations have artsy ceilings that are worth viewing. You might miss your connection, but that’s okay!
5.Go on a street art hunt
Just like any great city, Tbilisi is home to some wonderful street artists and their murals. Wander through the city to find post-war art or just a colorful splash.
6.Smoke hookah
When strolling through beautiful Tbilisi I couldn’t help but notice a whiff of sweet air here and there. Many bars and restaurants offer hookah, also known as shisha or water pipe. Huggo Bar was my favorite for smoking hookah because of their friendly staff and hysterical variety of hookah choices.
7.Visit an art café
Tbilisi is home to many art café’s and galleries, as well as hipster culture and street art. Wander around the old town, Vera or Vake to stumble upon the coolest places. My favorite one is 144 stairs art café (address: Salami Street 14)
8.Relax at Turtle lake
Residents of Tbilisi love their nearby nature! Turtle Lake is excellent for a day of doing nothing. You’ll find families, people walking their dogs and random picnics on any sunny day.
9.Get clean at the Sulphur baths
The Sulphur baths in Abanotubani are one of the highlights of Tbilisi’s old town. Not just the neighborhood with its beautiful blue mosque or the traditional Georgian houses make it worth visiting this area, taking a hot bath will too!
10.Meet other travelers at Leselidze / Kote Apkhazi
I like to see it as ‘the strip’ of Tbilisi, Leselidze (as it is still called by locals) is the place to be for nightlife, tourist shops and hostels. Need something in the middle of the night? Leselidze is there for you!
11.Admire the Juma Mosque
Located in Abanotubani, right between the Narikala Fortress and the Mtkvari river, you’ll find the Juma Mosque. Here muslims from the area come to pray or hang around the Sulphur baths. Abanotubani is a friendly neighborhood which shows the cultural diversity in Tbilisi really well.
12.Eat Khinkali at Khinklis Sakhli
Only the best khinkali is town! Khinkali is a large dumpling filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and broth, which you should eat with your hands. Georgians argue over the best khinkali, as preferences vary. I loved Khinklis Sakhli (although their staff not so much) for their fresh soupy dumplings.
13.Freedom Square
The partly golden statue on Freedom square can be seen from basically everywhere in the city. The square – which was renamed many times – has been home to some famous demonstrations, such as the demonstrations for Independence from the Soviet Union and the Rose Revolution. Fact: George W. Bush escaped death here when somebody threw a grenade during the celebration of the 60th anniversary marking the end of WWII.
14.Meet Georgian hipsters at Moulin Electrique
Located in a hidden alley next to a synagogue, you’ll have your chance to meet the hipsters of Tbilisi. Moulin Electrique is a great place for drinks and conversation in the very center of Tbilisi.
15.Chill with locals in the 9th of April Park
The locals of Tbilisi love to hang around in parks. Parents let their kids play in the colorful fountain of the park, while others marvel at various statues or play a game of backgammon.
16.Enjoy a Georgian Snickers
Churchkhela – or Georgian snickers – is something you have to try while in Georgia! A typical churchkhela is made from walnuts (although sometimes hazelnuts are used) covered in reduced grape juice, and looks like some kind of sausage. Sounds icky but I promise you it’ll be worth a try. Eat them as a snack, for dessert or combine them with a glass of Georgian wine.
17.Spend the day at Lisi Lake
Many locals love to spend their summer days at Lake Lisi, another green spot in Tbilisi. Great for getting a fresh breath of air, away from the traffic jam that is the city.
18.Clear your mind at Sioni Church
It’s difficult not to mention every church in Tbilisi, as they are all unique and worth a visit. However, the Sioni Church is one you absolutely can’t miss. Marvel at the breathtaking frescoes, light a candle or wander around the church to clear your mind. Do make sure you cover yourself up before entering!
19.Try Chacha
Georgians translate is as grappa or brandy and in my opinion this local hooch should come with a warning! Chacha is a strong spirit made of grape residue. Because it is often homemade, alcohol levels range from 40 to 65%.
20.Walk up or down the Betlemi Rise
Between the statue of Mother Georgia and the honking cars of Old Tbilisi, there’s a highlight that can’t be missed. Walk down to see three churches, a small vineyard and one of the best views over the city. A beautiful place for photo ops and history lessons.
Check out the original blog post here: https://www.thebravedame.com/50-things-to-do-in-tbilisi/