🇬🇪 Tbilisi and Kakheti: the ideal route around Georgia

Tbilisi is a city I went to without any expectations. Even with slight skepticism, they say, the place is too “pop”. But I radically changed my opinion from the first minutes there. Stunning juicy khinkali, street art of various shapes and sizes, a combination of antiquity and modern installations and a little mulled wine with cognac only strengthened my love at first sight.

No matter what you like and prefer when traveling, Georgia will satisfy any of your needs. But for now let's focus on the capital.

Tbilisi is an endless art object. You can come there without any plan at all. Because every street and every courtyard will surprise you with something: everywhere there are murals, fancy arches, patterned balconies, even advertising signs and those are colorful.⠀

Old city

All roads will lead you there. The city center is impossible to miss: ancient streets, cable car, monuments, temples, a hot air balloon, a modern bridge – charge your phones and cameras, and choose comfortable shoes. Tbilisi will not disappoint. The ancient part of the city is replete with architectural monuments , ancient buildings, colorful balconies and bright details. In just one center, lined with cobblestones, you can walk all day, enjoying the views and relaxing in cafes with open verandas and amazing hearty Georgian cuisine, which deserves a separate text.

Church of the Holy Trinity 

Tsminda Sameba is a symbol of New Georgia. Despite the traditions, the style of the temple is modernism, albeit with a touch of antiquity. It was erected only in 2004. There was a scandal: the temple was built on the site of an old Armenian cemetery.

The foundation was laid according to all Christian traditions; at the base of the temple there are objects from holy places: Mount Zion and Jordan, the land of Jerusalem, etc. This is the main cathedral of the city, its bright golden dome is visible from anywhere in Tbilisi. From the top there is a beautiful view of the center. 

Cable car

This is not just transport, it is an attraction that is in great demand. Even if you are afraid of heights, you can take a ride, it won’t be scary. I judge from the experience of people with phobias. The cabins are new, comfortable, everything is extremely safe. The views are amazing. And this will save you from having to climb the same fortress or the statue of “Mother of Kartli” on your own two feet. My legs then tingle, I warn you, although going down on foot is quite a pleasant experience, like any walk in Tbilisi. Now I’m writing this and I want to go there again.

Narikala Fortress

It is believed that the fortress appeared long before the city itself and served an important function – protective. Today it is one of the main business cards of the capital, which cannot be missed. You can go up by cable car or on foot. At your disposal there is also a park and an observation deck with a cool view.

Narikala is not only an ancient landmark. This is also the indescribable energy of the ancient city and the atmosphere of centuries-old history, a place that definitely should not be missed.

Botanical Garden

A green and calm place in the city center, the garden collection contains more than 3,500 rare plants. It is especially good there in the warm season. Everything is blooming, fragrant, there are many flowers, fountains are working. The Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays.

Legvtakhevi waterfall

Few famous cities can boast a waterfall right in their center, but Tbilisi can. The waterfall got its name thanks to the gorge, which was excavated and restored only in 2012. You can walk there at any time of the day; the stunning view opens even at night. 

Mother Georgia (Mother Kartli)

Monument of the last century. The statue was erected in 1958. And it quickly became the calling card of the whole country. Mother Kartli was built on top of Sololaki Hill in honor of the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi. Initially, the statue was wooden, then aluminum; the statue acquired its current appearance in the 90s.

This is a woman who looks at Tbilisi and holds a cup of wine and a sword in her hands. Such symbolism shows the mentality of Georgians and the peculiarity of the people: cordiality and hospitality, but also the utmost readiness to defend themselves from enemies. There is also an observation deck nearby.

Juma mosque

Juma Mosque (from Arabic – “Friday”) is the only mosque in Tbilisi. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century, but today we see its restored copy. The first building was destroyed. When walking around the Old Town, you can’t miss it, even at night it’s illuminated. 

Bridge of Peace

The bridge was designed by an Italian back in the time of Saakashvili in 2010, the locals did not approve, there was even talk of demolition. But the bridge of peace survived. Now it is a recognizable stylish place where you can take great photos and where musicians play.

At night there is lighting, multi-colored and with patterns. Its idea is this: the lights light up in a clear sequence, creating Morse code signals that convey the names of chemical elements. This is how the designer conveyed the connection between man and nature.

Clock tower

The clock tower (or the angel) is also a relatively young and architecturally unusual building, built in 2010. Every hour you can see a small puppet show on it – “The Cycle of Life”. The angel and human figures show different times and events in history. 

Balloon

I didn't have enough time to ride it. I really regret it and will fill in the gap someday. But even in the panorama of the city itself, the ball looks, although bright, but organic. For 20 dollars they will lift you 150 meters above the city and circle you for about 15 minutes. Although the locals say that you can see the same view for less from any observation deck, who am I not to believe them, but still take a closer look at the attraction. 

Abanotubani 

Abanotubani is a quarter in the center of Tbilisi, famous for its sulfur baths complex. Be sure to go there and take a steam bath, don’t let the smell bother you. Inside, everything is not so scary, but the sensations are unforgettable. Hot water rises from the depths of the earth from 2500 meters. Steaming in sulfur baths is extremely beneficial for the skin (and mood). It is also believed that Tbilisi arose there. According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali hunted a pheasant in that place, which fell to the ground and was boiled – and that’s how the first hot spring was discovered. Then the capital was moved from Mtskheta to the newly emerging Tbilisi. 

Bathhouse Orbeliani 

One of the most beautiful and colorful baths in the complex. The colorful bathhouse was visited not only by townspeople, but also by dozens of famous people. Including the writers Dumas and Pushkin, two halls in the bathhouse were even named after them. There are both common rooms and private rooms, you can order a steam bath, massage, scrubbing, cocktails.

Factory 

A party place, a creative multifunctional space in the city center, with a lot of lighting, graffiti, bars and cafes. In general, this is a hostel on the site of a former Soviet garment factory. All the action takes place in the courtyard. 

Kakheti

The capital of Georgia is an amazing city, where different cultures and lifestyles easily coexist. You will see ancient streets, massive monuments, breathtaking panoramas of the city, houses entwined with vines and much more. But if you have time and want to go somewhere outside the city, then usually everyone recommends Mtskheta – the first historical capital of Georgia, but I recommend Kakheti. Wine region and Alazani Valley. 

If you want to stroll through monasteries and vineyards, ride over an abyss on a zipline, see the city of love and taste wine, this is the place for you. The most convenient way is to book an excursion or group transfer around Kakheti.

The first point on the program will be Sighnaghi – a bright city on the top of a mountain range, above the abyss I recommend an extreme developmental treatment – zipline riding. And there, almost like in Vegas, you can easily and quickly get married without unnecessary bureaucracy. This is one of the reasons why the place is called “the city of love.”

3 km from Sighnaghi in the Alazani Valley is the monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe. The views from there are amazing, I advise you to stop by, and for a snack – any winery you like with a tasting.

Tbilisi, Kakheti, and the whole of Georgia as a whole are amazing places to recharge, quality rest, delicious food, inspiration and new acquaintances. This is exactly the country where you should visit at least once in your life. Its popularity is absolutely justified. 

In the capital, you can walk with a clear plan, or you can wander aimlessly for hours wherever your feet lead – and in any case you will be happy. Tbilisi is a city of eye-catching details with pleasant surprises at every turn, and Kakheti will be a pleasant addition to the trip. I recommend to everyone!