A city in the sunny evening light. In the foreground, there is a densely built-up neighbourhood with red-coloured rooftops. The left half of the picture shows a fortress on a green mountain range. In the background, there is a modern urban area that extends into the mountains.

Tbilisi

Published: 09 July 2025, 17:00

A journey between East and West

Tbilisi, also known by its Georgian name ‘Tbilissi’, is the capital of Georgia and is located in the east of the country. Nestled between wooded hills and crossed by the Kura River, the capital has a unique atmosphere. As the cultural centre of the country, Tbilisi combines Oriental, European and Soviet influences. The historic old town, ‘Dzveli Tiflis’, is particularly charming, with colourful, charming houses with ornately decorated wooden balconies lining the streets and many cafés and restaurants characterising the townscape. From here, the city can be explored on foot. The city's most famous sights include the imposing Narikala Fortress, the famous sulphur baths and the Sameba Cathedral. The combination of centuries-old architecture and a young creative scene gives Tbilisi a special character and makes the city a place of exciting contrasts. Whether hip bars, contemporary art or creative markets – Tbilisi impresses with a wide range of attractions and is therefore particularly worth seeing.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: + 2 hours
Population: ca. 1.2 million
Official language: Georgian
Currency: Lari (GEL)

Highlights of Tbilisi

A fortress sits on a green rock above the town. In front of it is a church. In the foreground are rooftops, and in the background, the town spreads out into the hilly landscape.

The Narikala Fortress, built in the 3rd century under Persian rule, is a central landmark of the Georgian capital. © MagdalenaPaluchowska/stock.adobe.com

View of a glass, wave-shaped pedestrian bridge spanning diagonally across a body of water. Several people can be seen on the bridge. In the background, a city lies on the shore under a clear blue sky.

The Peace Bridge spans the Kura River with a sparkling glass roof. It symbolises the connection between tradition and modernity in Tbilisi. © tverkhovynets/stock.adobe.com

In the foreground, several semi-circular brick domed roofs can be seen. In the background, more houses, green hills and a cloudy sky are visible.

In the south of the old town, the traditional spa district of Abanotubani is lined with domes. The sulphur baths have shaped the city's centuries-old bathing culture. © Martin M303/stock.adobe.com

A cable car travelling over a city. Below, a river, city buildings and green spaces can be seen. Mountains stretch into the distance.

If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of Tbilisi, the best way to get to the 750-metre-high Mtatsminda mountain is by cable car. © bborriss/stock.adobe.com

From a low angle, a cathedral with a golden dome and monumental façade can be seen standing on a spacious square. Columns topped with crosses lead towards the building. Trees frame the image on the left and right. The sky is bright blue.

The Sameba Cathedral is modern in construction but traditional in style. Its enormous dome and forecourt make it an architectural highlight of the city. © Stanislav Samoylik/stock.adobe.com

Exploring the surrounding area of Tbilisi

Tbilisi is an excellent starting point for exploring eastern Georgia. Whether you are interested in culture, nature or cuisine, there are many diverse destinations waiting to be discovered around Tbilisi. And the best thing is that you don't have to travel far to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The rolling hills of the Trialeti Mountains begin right on the outskirts of the city. Longer trips to the impressive mountain world of the Caucasus, such as to Stepantsminda with its view of Mount Kazbek, are also possible in just a few hours – either by car or as part of a guided tour. Tbilisi is not only culturally diverse, but also scenically attractive – ideal for spontaneous discoveries off the beaten track.

Between the Caucasus, monasteries and vineyards

Bird's-eye view of a monastery complex perched on a grassy hill. In the background, a river flows, surrounded by buildings and mountainous terrain.

Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, is located a few kilometres from Tbilisi. Its ancient churches and monasteries make it a worthwhile day trip destination. © Dmytro Kosmenko/stock.adobe.com

In the foreground of the picture is a table with an open bottle of wine, a glass and green grapes. To the left, grapevines extend into the picture and in the background a narrow path runs through overgrown green areas.

Wine lovers take note: the heart of Georgian wine culture lies in Kakheti, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, which delights visitors with its tradition. © caftor/stock.adobe.com

A church standing on a green hill. A narrow path runs in front of it. In the background, huge wooded mountain slopes with veils of clouds can be seen.

A classic day trip: Stepantsminda in the Greater Caucasus. The Trinity Church towers above the village, overlooking Georgia's third-highest mountain. © irisphoto1/stock.adobe.com

Green treetops in a dense forest. In the background, higher mountains stretch out, their peaks shrouded in clouds.

The Lesser Caucasus is ideal for hiking away from the crowds of tourists. Dense forests, extensive meadows and remote villages characterise this peaceful region. © barbarico/stock.adobe.com

A monastery complex built into the rocks, with doors and windows, stands before a vast landscape stretching out under a clear blue sky.

The cave monastery of Davit Gareja is located in the semi-desert of south-eastern Georgia. The complex impresses with its peaceful atmosphere and expansive landscape. © borzywoj/stock.adobe.com