Tbilisi: The Coolest City You Haven't Visited Yet

Nadia Petrova

October 1, 2025

4 min read· 65 views

In 1455, when King Vakhtang Gorgasali's falcon fell into a hot spring while hunting, legend says he founded a city around those miraculous waters. Today, as you walk through Tbilisi's stone-paved streets, that same steam still rises from ancient bathhouses, while Soviet-era concrete towers cast shadows over medieval churches. The past lives in every corner of this Georgian capital, where thermal springs bubble beneath your feet and natural wine flows in repurposed factories that once served Stalin's industrial dreams.

A Walk Through Time: Old Town's Sulfur Baths and Ancient Streets

Where history steams beneath your feet

Tbilisi's Old Town is where the city's legend truly begins. Founded in the 5th century, according to Georgian chronicles, Tbilisi owes its existence to the discovery of those very sulfur springs. As I wandered through the labyrinthine streets of Abanotubani, the bath district, I felt as though I'd slipped into another era. The steam rises in gentle plumes from the domed bathhouses, their brick and ceramic exterior weathered but proud. Entering a bath is an exercise in timeless ritual: warmth envelops you, muscles relax, and for a moment, the centuries fall away.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Sulfur Baths

1
Book ahead - Popular baths like Chreli Abano can get busy, so reserve your spot in advance.
2
Bring a towel and swimwear - Some baths provide rentals but having your own is more comfortable.
3
Visit in the late afternoon - It's quieter and the sunset light softens the bathhouse walls beautifully.

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Beautiful mosaic tile designs on a mosque facade with historical architecture in the background.

Chreli Abano Sulfur Baths

One of the most atmospheric traditional bathhouses in Tbilisi's Old Town, offering private and communal pools heated by natural hot springs.

Did you know?

Tbilisi's sulfur baths have been in continuous use for over 1,500 years, making them some of the oldest thermal baths still operating in the world.

Brutalist Beauty: Tbilisi's Soviet Architecture

When concrete meets history

After the serene sulfur baths, I ventured into a very different side of Tbilisi's identity: its Soviet-era brutalist architecture. These stark, imposing buildings feel like relics of a political past yet pulse with renewed creative energy. One of my favorite discoveries was the former Ministry of Highway Construction building on Rustaveli Avenue, its geometric lines framing views of the city below. Nearby, a former Soviet factory has been transformed into a buzzing natural wine bar with exposed concrete walls and industrial chandeliers.

A selection of wine bottles with corks on a restaurant bar counter, ideal for gastronomy themes.

Factory Natural Wine Bar

Housed in a repurposed Soviet industrial building, Factory offers an exceptional selection of Georgian natural wines in an edgy, minimalist setting.

Natural wine culture in Tbilisi is more than a trend; it's a statement of identity. I remember trying a qvevri wine, fermented traditionally in clay vessels buried underground, which tasted earthy and vibrant, perfectly reflecting the country's terroir. These bars offer a unique window into Georgia's ancient winemaking roots intertwined with today's avant-garde spirit.

Navigating Tbilisi's Wine Bars

1
Try the qvevri wines - Unique to Georgia, these offer complex flavors worth experiencing.
2
Visit during evening hours - Bars like Factory come alive after 7pm with live music and a lively crowd.
3
Use public transport or taxis - Many wine bars are scattered around the city, so plan your route.

A Food Scene Exploding with Flavor

Georgian cuisine that makes your mouth water

Tbilisi's food scene left me utterly enchanted. From street food stalls to Michelin-listed restaurants, this city is where centuries-old recipes meet inventive chefs. The national dish, khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, tastes different here in each district. I recall biting into an Imeretian style version on Leselidze Street, its gooey cheese and fluffy dough melting in my mouth for just 5 GEL (about $2 USD).

For a more elevated experience, I booked a table at Shavi Lomi ("Black Lion"), where traditional dishes are reimagined with modern flair. The satsivi chicken, cooked in walnut sauce, was a revelation. Meanwhile, markets like Dezerter Bazaar offer a sensory overload: piles of fresh herbs, bright spices, and bubbling pots of local stews. Every visit felt like a culinary voyage through Georgia's diverse regions.

Luca Polare

4.6

Popular spot for sweet and savory khachapuri and refreshing ice cream.

₾ - budgetKote Afkhazi St, Old Town

Shavi Lomi

4.7

Creative Georgian cuisine in a cozy, artsy setting.

₾₾₾ - mid to highErekle II St, Tbilisi

Dezerter Bazaar

4.5

lively market with fresh produce, spices, and street food.

₾ - budgetBakradze St, Tbilisi

Season	Average High Temp (°C)	Typical Cost per Day (GEL)	Best For
Spring (Mar-May)	15-20	120-200	Mild weather, fewer tourists
Summer (Jun-Aug)	25-32	150-250	Festivals and outdoor dining
Autumn (Sep-Nov)	15-22	120-180	Grape harvest, wine tours
Winter (Dec-Feb)	2-7	100-160	Sulfur baths and cozy cafes

Getting There & Around

Tbilisi is served by Tbilisi International Airport (about 20 minutes from city center by taxi). Public transport includes metro, buses, and minibuses (marshrutkas). Walking is often best in Old Town, but rideshare apps like Bolt are handy for reaching outlying neighborhoods.

Pros

Rich history visible at every corner
Affordable food and drink scene
Unique blend of ancient and Soviet-modern culture
Warm hospitality and lively local festivals

Cons

Language barrier can be a challenge outside tourist areas
Limited public transport after midnight
Some areas unevenly developed

“

"Tbilisi has a soul that refuses to be boxed in - it's messy, beautiful, and endlessly inviting." - Nadia Petrova

In the end, Tbilisi surprised me at every turn. I wandered through winding streets that revealed stunning murals and quiet courtyards at unexpected moments. My Georgian pronunciation stumbled but locals chuckled kindly and shared stories over glasses of amber wine. This city, straddling East and West, past and present, invites you to dive in.

Nadia Petrova

Travel Editor at Vitano Magazine

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