What to See in Tbilisi
Explore 33 landmarks, monuments, and attractions in Tbilisi, Georgia. From iconic sights to hidden gems — curated from real traveler experiences.
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Sameba Cathedral
Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world. Sameba is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones.…
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The Sameba Cathedral was erected on the Elia Hill, which rises above the left bank of the Kura River (Mtkvari) in the historic neighborhood of Avlabari in Old Tbilisi on the grounds of what was once a park, and before that the largest Armenian cemetery in Tbilisi, a tiny portion of that cemetery now forms the Armenian Pantheon. Designed in a traditional Georgian style but with an exaggerated vertical emphasis, and regarded as an eyesore by many and venerated by as many others, the Sameba Cathedral has a cruciform plan with a dome over a crossing which rests on eight columns. At the same time, the parameters of the dome are independent from the apses, imparting a more monumental look to the dome and the church in general. The dome is surmounted by a 7.5 m tall cross covered with gold. The cathedral consists of nine chapels (chapels of the Archangels, John the Baptist, Saint Nino, Saint George, Saint Nicholas, the Twelve Apostles, and All Saints); five of them are situated in a large, underground compartment. The overall area of the cathedral, including its large narthex, is 0.5 ha and the volume it occupies is 137 m³. The interior of the church measures 56 m × 44 m, with an interior area of 2,380 m². The height of the cathedral from the ground to the top of the cross is 105.5 m. The underground chapel occupies 35,550 m³. The height is 13 m. Natural materials are used for construction. The floor is made of marble tiles and the altar will also be decorated with mosaic. The painting of the murals is being executed by a group of artists guided by Amiran Goglidze. The Sameba complex consists of the main cathedral church, a free-standing bell-tower, the residence of the Patriarch, a monastery, a clerical seminary and theological academy, several workshops, places for rest, etc.
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Old Tbilisi
Perhaps one of the most distinctive pleasures of walking through the Old City, with its old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding streets, and charming shops. Be prepared to see a number of eclectic sights, from the abandoned streetcar near Erekle Street to the art galleries of Chardini Street to the stunning modern art lining Sioni Street.…
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Sub-neighborhoods include Sololaki, with its elegant restaurants and art nouveau architecture, Old Tbilisi proper — with sites ranging from churches to mosques to sulfur baths, Betlemi — housing two of the city's oldest churches and the stunning vistas of the Narikala Fortress — and Mtsasminda, just up the mountain from Rustaveli Avenues, a more sedate, "livable" district filled with charming old houses and a number of families. A large section has been refurbished in recent years turning parts into a sterile, tourist-trade and therefore purely overly consumption attuned quarter. Bars and restaurants largely overpriced. Even Segway rental is available — given the state of Tbilisi pavements a ridiculous proposition.
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Kashveti Church of St. George
A copy of 11th century Samtavisi church. The Kashveti church was constructed between 1904 and 1910 by the architect L. Bilfeldt, who based his design on the medieval Samtavisi Cathedral. The construction was sponsored by the Georgian nobility and bourgeoisie. Kashveti was built on the site of a damaged church built of brick at the request of the Amilakhvari family in 1753.…
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Significant contributions to the current church’s ornate design were made by N. Agladze. Kashveti’s frescoes were painted by the influential Georgian painter, Lado Gudiashvili, in 1947. The name "Kashveti" is derived from Georgian words kva for a "stone" and shva "to give birth." Legend has it the prominent 6th century monk David of Gareja of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers was accused by a woman of making her a pregnant in Tbilisi. David prophesied his denial would be proved when she gave birth to a stone. She did, and the place received the name of "kashveti."
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Janashia Museum
Official websiteThis museum houses Georgian and Caucasian artifacts of archeology and ethnography. A permanent exposition chronologically follows the development of Georgia’s material culture from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century.…
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The most valuable exhibits include Homo ergaster fossils discovered at Dmanisi; the Akhalgori hoard of the 5th century BC which contains unique examples of jewelry, blending Achaemenid and local inspirations; a collection of approximately 80,000 coins, chiefly of Georgian minting; medieval icons and goldsmith pieces brought here from various archaeological sites in Georgia; a lapidary which includes one of the world’s richest collection of Urartian inscriptions, etc. Subsection: the Museum of Soviet Occupation is located on the 4th floor.
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Anchiskhati ("Basilica of St. Mary")
Constructed began at the time of king Dachi Ujarmeli in VI cent. This is the oldest church in town. Anchiskhati Basilica is a three-span basilica, divided by two abutments forming horseshoe shaped conches, which indicates the antiquity of its construction. Originally constructed of blocks of yellow tuff stone, the 1958–1964 restoration made extensive use of brick.…
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The structure has entrances on three sides, but today only the western entrance is in use. Aside from the altarpiece, which was painted in 1683 by order of Catholicos Nikoloz Amilakhvari, all of the remaining paintings in the church date from the 19th century.
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Vake Park Area
This is one of Tbilisi's posher districts, home to many expats and nouveaux riches. While not quite as atmospheric as Old Tbilisi, Vake is home to some lovely parks, pleasant nineteenth-century architecture, and some of the city's most high-end shopping, including luxury furniture store Missioni. There are also plenty of elegant, if understated, bars and restaurants in this area.…
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In Vake there are two buildings of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi state university. The university is founded by Ivane Javakhishvili in 1918 and is one of the historical buildings in Tbilisi.
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G. Chitaia Ethnographical Open-Air Museum
Official website70 houses and thrift buildings characteristic for the various parts of all Georgia. 8000 household devices and samples of craft are shown in the museum. The museum covers the area of 50 ha and is divided into 11 zones.…
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The area is in a poor state of repair, many houses are destroyed and there is almost no explanation without a guide (August 2014).
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Numismatic Museum
Official websiteCoins dating back to the 4th century BC, Kolkhian Tetries, antique coins, Arabian Dirham, coins of then Georgian kings Lasha-Girgi, Rusudan, Demetre I, Giorgi III, also Turkish coins, Persian Abaz, Austrian and Polish Thalers.[This museum has moved to Kvareli.]
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Ascension Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary?
The church was built, which starts from the XIII century. The church is an example of eclectic architecture and has been built with pseudo-gothic and Baroco elements. The interior is decorated with thematic vitrages. Height: 23 m.
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Presidential Palace
Official websiteInaugurated in summer 2009, an architectural monstrosity above the river, designed by Italian architect Michele De Luki. Guided tours [http://president.gov.ge/en/ may be booked] seven work days in advance.
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Jumah Mosque
Turkish Sunni mosque, along the road from the Botanical Gardens to the Sulphur Baths. The usual dress code and entry restrictions for non-Muslims apply.
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Armenian Cathedral of S. Gevorg
Official websiteBuilt in 1251 AD, and seat of the Armenian Archbishop of Georgia. Tomb of the famous Caucasian bard Sayat-Nova is located in front of the church.
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Children's Art Gallery of the Chardin University
The museum houses exhibits about 20 thousand (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, woven, embroidered, metal and wood products).
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Norashen Armenian Church
Boarded up Armenian Church, used as a library in Soviet times. Originally built in 1487, with a lot of new work in the mid-1600s.
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Dmanisi archaeological site
— a bronze age settlement and the 1.8 million year-old fossilized remains of the first human in Europe have been discovered here
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Tourism Office
- upon arriving in Tbilisi. They provide a free, very detailed booklet with a map of the city but little other information.
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Uplistsikhe
Uplistsikhe — a 3,600 year old Silk Road cave city that was a major regional center of Caucasian pagan religion
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David Gareja
— a 6th century cave monastery on a mountain lying just meters away from Azerbaijan, with beautiful frescos
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Metekhi Church ("Church of Assumption")
Goes back to the reign of St. Demeritus II. late 13th cent. Rebuilt 17th cent. Unusual in design.
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Telavi
see an old fortress, the Alaverdi Cathedral, and a basis for exploring the mountains of Tusheti
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Museum of Fine Art
Official websitePhotographing the museum building and permanent exhibitions for personal purposes is permitted
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Synagogue
Functioning synagogue constructed in 1910. Women and men are seated separately.
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Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures
Many famous writers, as well as the mother of Joseph Stalin, are buried here.
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Ananuri
— a castle and monastery overlooking the beautiful Zhinvali Reservoir
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Galaktion Tabidze Museum
The museum of the eminent Georgian poet, Galaktion Tabidze.
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Mtskheta
A UNESCO world heritage site, about 30 minutes by minibus
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City Hall
Before City Hall stay the Monument of St. George
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Shida Kartli
NW ~100—km is a region (Mkhare) in Georgia.
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Mamadaviti
Constructed in 1859–1871, domed in 1879.
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Sighnaghi
a restored wine town.
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Rustavi
Sioni Church
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Gudauri
Ski resort
Exploring Tbilisi: A Guide for Solo Travelers
Tbilisi is one of Georgia's most rewarding cities to explore on foot. With 33 documented sightseeing spots — from grand monuments and historic churches to hidden squares and local museums — the city rewards curiosity at every turn. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great sightseeing day in Tbilisi, whether you have a single afternoon or an entire week.
How to See Tbilisi Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist
The best way to discover Tbilisi is on foot, moving between neighborhoods rather than rushing between landmarks on a tour bus. Start your day early — most major sights in Tbilisi are significantly less crowded before 9am. Many iconic spots, such as Sameba Cathedral and Old Tbilisi, look entirely different at dawn versus midday, and you'll get far better photographs without the crowds.
Budget at least 30–45 minutes for each major attraction in Tbilisi, and don't underestimate walking distances between them. The city's neighborhoods are best experienced by wandering rather than following a rigid itinerary. If something unexpected catches your eye — a courtyard, a street market, a viewpoint — follow it. The most memorable moments in Tbilisi rarely appear on any official list.
Planning Your Sightseeing in Tbilisi
Before you visit major paid attractions in Tbilisi, check whether they offer discounts for students, young travelers, or EU residents. Many museums and monuments have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, or offer combined tickets with nearby sites that save significant money. Some of Tbilisi's best sights are entirely free — outdoor landmarks, historic streets, and public spaces cost nothing to explore and can be more atmospheric than ticketed attractions.
If you're visiting Tbilisi as a solo traveler, consider joining a free walking tour. They typically depart from main squares in the morning and cover the city's most important sights in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable local guide. These tours are also excellent for meeting other travelers — you'll often find the group ends up exploring Tbilisi together for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing in Tbilisi with Fellow Travelers
Solo sightseeing in Tbilisi is perfectly enjoyable, but exploring with others can transform the experience. When you share a landmark with a fellow traveler, you see it through their eyes — their questions, their stories, their cultural context. A French traveler will notice different things about Tbilisi's architecture than a Japanese one. That exchange of perspectives is what makes travel memorable.
Nomax is a free travel companion app that helps solo travelers in Tbilisi find each other and plan sightseeing together. Browse profiles of travelers currently in Tbilisi, join group activities like city walks and museum visits, or post your own sightseeing plan and invite others to join. Many travelers in Tbilisi use Nomax to find companions for specific attractions — someone to split a taxi to an outlying monument, or a walking partner for the old town.
What Makes Tbilisi Worth Seeing
Tbilisi offers 33 documented sights in this guide alone — and that's only the beginning. Sameba Cathedral, Old Tbilisi, Kashveti Church of St. George are among the most visited, but the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and viewpoints are equally rewarding for the traveler willing to explore beyond the main itinerary. Georgia's history, culture, and architecture are all visible in Tbilisi's streets and buildings, making it one of the best cities in the region for sightseeing.
Whether you're spending a single day or a full week in Tbilisi, this guide gives you a starting point for building your own itinerary. The sights are ordered by the richness of their documentation, with the most detailed descriptions at the top. Use the coordinates to navigate with any map app, and check the hours and entry prices before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing in other Georgia cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi has 33 notable sights including Sameba Cathedral, Old Tbilisi, Kashveti Church of St. George. This guide covers landmarks, monuments, churches, museums, and hidden gems curated from traveler experiences and editorial sources.
How many days do you need to see Tbilisi?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days exploring Tbilisi to cover the major sights comfortably. A focused itinerary can cover the top 10–15 highlights in 2 days. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers and plan a shared sightseeing itinerary for Tbilisi.
Are there free things to see in Tbilisi?
Yes — many of Tbilisi's best sights are free or low-cost. Several POIs in this guide are listed as free entry. Check individual entries above for price information.
What is the best time to visit Tbilisi's sightseeing spots?
Early mornings (before 9am) are the best time to visit popular sights in Tbilisi to avoid crowds. Many monuments and outdoor attractions are also magical at dusk. Use Nomax to find fellow travelers who can share timing tips and join you for a sightseeing day.
How do I meet other travelers to explore Tbilisi with?
Download Nomax — the free travel companion app — to instantly see solo travelers near you in Tbilisi. Join sightseeing activities, meet travelers at the same landmarks, and chat before you meet up. It's the easiest way to explore Tbilisi with company.
Is Tbilisi good for solo travelers?
Tbilisi is popular with solo travelers for its rich sightseeing, accessible public transport, and welcoming atmosphere. The Nomax app helps solo travelers find companions in Tbilisi so you never have to explore alone — from guided walks to museum visits to spontaneous meetups.
Explore Tbilisi with fellow travelers
Download Nomax to find travel companions in Tbilisi, join sightseeing activities, and make your trip unforgettable.
Download Nomax — FreeAvailable on iOS and Android. Free forever.
Travel tips from Wikivoyage contributors, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
