If you’re wondering how to spend two days in Tbilisi, Georgia, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some of the city’s best attractions and things to do. We’ve included everything from walking through the old town to visiting the Orbeliani baths and the Narikala Fortress. You’ll also find out about the food and drink in this Georgian capital.
Walking tour of Tbilisi’s old town
If you are interested in seeing the sights of the old town of Tbilisi, consider taking a walking tour. Walking tours are free and cover the most important sights in the city’s old town. They begin at Freedom Square and end at Pushkin Park. To book a tour, contact the organization you are interested in and ask about its schedule.
The best walking tours are run by professional guides. There are also free walking tours that are run by small companies. One of these tours is the Old Tbilisi Free Tour, which is perfect for first-time visitors to Tbilisi. The tour covers the central part of the city and all the main landmarks.
The city’s old town is full of architectural treasures and must-see attractions. The main street, Rustaveli Avenue, is lined with important buildings. The Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater are located along this street. You may be surprised by the amount of history and beauty that this city offers.
There is also a small group tour that meets at the local market. This tour is limited to seven people, and you will get to interact with vendors. The tour also includes a dinner at a family-run restaurant. A popular tour starts at 6pm and showcases the city’s nighttime attractions.
During the summer months, it is essential to book a tour in advance. A good meal in a city like Tbilisi will cost you less than $5 USD, while a beer or coffee costs less than $0.30. A taxi ride in Tbilisi will cost you no more than $2. You may also want to consider tipping, which is not compulsory but has become more popular over the years.
The Anchiskhati Basilica Church is one of Tbilisi’s oldest houses of worship. Built in the 6th century, this Georgian Orthodox cathedral is the oldest house of worship in the city.
Visiting the Orbeliani baths
If you are spending 2 days in Tbilisi, you’ll want to include a visit to the Orbeliani Baths on your itinerary. The public bathhouses are situated on the Abanotubani area of the old town and are easily identifiable by their dome-shaped bricks. The baths were originally built in the 17th century and have been reopened to the public in recent years. They were also visited by writers like Dumas and Puskin.
The Orbeliani Baths are an ideal way to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing in the city. There are different types of baths, each with its own charm and uniqueness. You can choose between a private room and a shared one, and you’ll pay between thirty and seventy GEL for an hour of bathing. Some baths are more expensive than others, so you might want to book a private one for an extra fee.
The Orbeliani Baths are the most spectacular of the four. You’ll be awed by the blue tiles and Persian-style architecture. Volunteers will be happy to give you some background on the history of these buildings and explain how they were used for various purposes. The museum’s free interactive map will give you directions to restaurants and hotels.
The Anchiskhati Basilica is another historic landmark in Tbilisi that’s well worth a visit. Built by the king of Georgia’s son in the 6th century, the Anchiskhati Basilica is an ideal place to take in the city’s history and culture. The church is also the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. Its icon is of Mother Georgia and holds a cup of wine. Visitors are advised to wear a scarf or other protective clothing when entering it.
Tbilisi is full of interesting landmarks, some of which are distinctly different from the rest of the city. They’re all well worth a visit. The Orbeliani Bath is a popular destination in Tbilisi, and you’ll want to include a visit to the Orbeliani Bath on your itinerary. It’s a great way to start your Tbilisi itinerary.
Visiting the Narikala Fortress
One of the most popular things to do in Tbilisi is to visit the Narikala Fortress. The fortress dates back to the 4th century and was built mostly by Arabs. Unfortunately, an explosion of Russian ammunition in 1827 damaged much of the fortress. You can also visit the 12th-century Church of St Nicholas, which was recently rebuilt. The fortress also has a scenic overlook of the city, which you can see from its walls.
One of the best places to grab a coffee in Tbilisi is the Galklion Tibidze street. The area has several great cafes and restaurants, including the oldest Georgian restaurant. While you are in the neighborhood, don’t forget to check out the public baths. These are especially popular in the winter months.
There are three metro stations in Tbilisi, so you can easily get around by metro. The city also has taxis available all hours of the day. Another great option is the Gulo’s Thermal Spa, which has a traditional Georgian feel and a “scrub.” It’s essential to wear a swimsuit and a top, and make sure to reserve a table in advance.
After a day or two exploring the Old Town and the Narikala Fortress, you can explore the “cool” part of the city, the area around Rustaveli Avenue. If you’d like to meet hipsters and digital nomads, try the cafes along the street.
If you have time, you can also enjoy the markets in the area, including the market. Then, go for a night crawl and visit the local bars and clubs. You can also go to the Tbilisi Clock Tower. It features free shows at noon and 7 pm.
After your Tbilisi visit, you can head to Bakuriani, located at 1,700 metres in the Borjomi region. Bakuriani boasts dozens of alpine slopes and cross-country trails for skiing and hiking. The town also offers horseback tours, sledding, and long walks through snowy forests.
If you are into antiques, the city’s famous flea market is worth checking out. The market is open 10 AM to 17 PM every day and is conveniently located near the leaning clock tower. If you have the time, you can also browse the stalls on Dry Bridge. You will be delighted by the unique finds in this market. The locals are friendly and helpful and you won’t have any trouble picking up a bargain.
Eating at Pasanauri and Zakhar Zakharich
A food tour in Tbilisi would be incomplete without sampling local cuisine. The city’s restaurants are filled with local specialties, such as khinkali, a type of dumpling stuffed with beef, lamb, or mutton. While most khinkali is machine-mixed, Zakhar Zakharich employs four people to create the dough by hand. They produce up to 1,500 khinkali every day.
Pasanauri specializes in Georgian cuisine, and there are many branches in the city. Zakhar Zakharich, a big blue restaurant under the Dry Bridge Market, is another must-visit. This Tbilisi restaurant is famous for its khinkali.
Among the many delicious Georgian delicacies are Khinkali, which originated in a mountain village. These dumplings are a staple of the region’s food culture, and are often ordered by the shovelload. While preparing them, they are labor intensive and vary in consistency and stuffing. In some regions, they are stuffed with cheese or potato puree.