Tblisi is the capital of Georgia, a vibrant city that lies in a valley, surrounded by dramatic hills and divided by the Mtkvari river. The city has a great vibe, young people walking the streets, plenty of good restaurants, and a picturesque “old town” filled with cobble stone streets and hip new buildings. Walking the city, you can feel the Russian influence that still remains both in the culture and the architecture. We arrived during fashion week and were lucky enough to be invited to an event in an old, underground wine cellar where a Belgian artist was exhibiting his collection, it was fascinating. We would have loved to have had 1 more day in Tblisi. We spent 1 full day in Tblisi and left the next morning for Chateau Mukhrani and Mtskheta, both on the way to Kazbegi.

HOTELS:

*The Stamba Hotel: One of the two hotels I would recommend staying in Tblisi, both owned by the Adjara Group. The Stamba is housed in an old soviet printing house and the Adjara Group has done an amazing job of restoring it, maintaining its’ rustic features while adding a modern twist. It contains a casino, a glass bottom roof-top pool, a pink bar and a hip cafe.

*The Rooms Hotel: The sister hotel under the Adjara Group, has a retro/boutique feel and is right next door. Both located in the central neighborhood of Vera. This hipster chic hotel has a happening bar with a dj and hand crafted cocktails served until 2 a.m.. The rooms have rotary dial telephones, vintage light fixtures and old radios. Both are beautiful and well known for their five star service and unique architecture.

SIGHTS:

*Tblisi Hack walking tour: https://tbilisihack.com/grand-tour/. Highly recommend this tour. It was free (of course we tipped) and it was extremely informative, well done and lasted 3 hours. We visited Freedom Square, old town, Freedom Bridge, St. Mary’s Cathedral, a famous bakery, Rike Park and took the cable car to Narika Fortress. The guide talked alot about Georgian history and the changes the country has experienced since the separation from the Soviet Union, which was fascinating!

  • freedom bridge
  • bakery
  • inside the bazar
  • view from the cable car
  • old town
  • the fortress

*Tblisi Food Tour: https://tbilisifreewalkingtours.com/tbilisi-food-tour/ . We wanted to do this but didn’t have the time. Tblisi is famous for its food, so this would be recommended!!

*Chateau Mukhrani: This chateau was recommended by our Georgian friend and is only 20 minutes from the city. The castle was being renovated while we were there but we were able to have a tour of the vineyard and wine cellar. The chateau was founded on the tradition of wine-making and houses a wine bar and restaurant. For tours (@45 minutes) contact: Giorgi.Chikvaidze@mukhrani.com

*Mtskheta: The old capital of Georgia and some say the birthplace of christianity, Mtskheta is @ 30 minutes from Tblisi and on the way to Kazbegi. In Mtskheta visit the Jvari Monastery-a UNESCO world heritage site & the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (people say Jesus’s robe is buried here). Next to the cathedral is the Mtskheta souvenir market for some shopping. Definitely don’t miss having lunch at Salobie, an off the road, small and casual restaurant, one of the best meals we had in Georgia.

*Stalin Museum: We would have loved to have visited the museum in Stalin’s birthplace of Gori; however, with limited time, it was 1 hour from Mtskheta and not on route to Kazbegi.

FOOD: (Georgia is famous for it’s food! The Caucasus mountains and the food were my two favorite parts about visiting this country. Foods to try:

  • Khinkali–dumplings (my favorite)
  • Khatchapuri–open pizza usually with cheese, butter and egg
  • Shashlik–Kebab style beef, chicken or pork
  • Ojakhuri–sizzling plate of beef, chicken or pork
  • Shkmeruli–Georgian garlic chicken
  • Chikhurtma–Chicken soup
  • Gomi–polenta
  • Churchkhela- candied nuts on a stick
  • Lobio–beans in a clay pot

* Republic: One of the restaurants recommended by our Georgian friend, great views, walking distance to the Rooms Hotel and wonderful food. Sit outside on the deck.

*Funicular Complex: We had dinner here another night because of recommendations and also because of its’ location. The restaurant sits at the top of a mountain, overlooking the city, with a funicular that transports you back and forth. If you can sit outside on the deck, it is definitely worth the price! Spectacular views…..

*Other recommended restaurants include: Lolita (across from the Rooms Hotel and same owner); 8,000 vintages; Keto & Kote

The Funicular to the Complex
The Funicular Complex
The view from the complex
Khatchapuri
Churchkhela
Fashion week event in an old wine cellar
  • Great Bar