Tbilisi - Capital of Georgia

Brief History of Tbilisi

According to archeological studies, the territory of Tbilisi was settled as early as the 4th century BC. The city itself is over 1500 years old, having been founded in the 5th century AD by King Vakhtang Gorgasali. Colourful legends about Tbilisi’s inception abound and are often associated with its sulfuric hot springs that spew from the ground to this day. According to one tale, King Vakhtang was hunting for pheasants among the dense forest groves near Mtkvari River. The King’s falcon wounded a pheasant, which fell defeated into a hot lake. The healing properties of the water, however, revived the dying bird. The king was so impressed with this discovery that he decided to build a city on the spot and give it the name Tbilisi, meaning ‘Warm’. Shortly thereafter, Georgia’s capital was moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi.

Old Town Tbilisi

Tbilisi - Capital of Georgia

Tbilisi - Capital of Georgia

Things to Do and Sightseeing Tours in Tbilisi

1. Brief history

2. Things to do

3. Parks and shopping

4. Cuisine

5. Public transport

6. How to get to Tbilisi

7. Spoken languages in Tbilisi

8. Currency

9. Is Tbilisi safe?

Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus is the warm and hospitable metropolis of Tbilisi. The city, nearly as old as the snow-capped beauties that surround it, never fails to impress visitors with its auspicious and unmistakable charm.

With more than 1.5 million inhabitants, Tbilisi is the largest city in Georgia, evidenced by its fervent construction efforts: rapidly developing residential complexes, shopping malls and entertainment centers have burst upon the scene and now intermingle with the city’s enduring architecture of old. Tbilisi hotels now cater to every type of budget as the city continues to attract a growing number of foreign investors, businessmen and tourists.

Expect to be greeted by warm-hearted, exuberant citizens who stand ready to welcome guests with a friendly handshake and a glass of wine. Be it Old World history, cultural delights, authentic and long-preserved traditions or outdoor recreation, Tbilisi will prove the ideal backdrop for a vacation of unforgettable memories.

Panorama of Tbilisi

Our Tbilisi Travel Guide will give you a peek into this openhearted city full of color, laughter and beauty.

Brief History of Tbilisi

According to archeological studies, the territory of Tbilisi was settled as early as the 4th century BC. The city itself is over 1500 years old, having been founded in the 5th century AD by King Vakhtang Gorgasali. Colourful legends about Tbilisi’s inception abound and are often associated with its sulfuric hot springs that spew from the ground to this day. According to one tale, King Vakhtang was hunting for pheasants among the dense forest groves near Mtkvari River. The King’s falcon wounded a pheasant, which fell defeated into a hot lake. The healing properties of the water, however, revived the dying bird. The king was so impressed with this discovery that he decided to build a city on the spot and give it the name Tbilisi, meaning ‘Warm’. Shortly thereafter, Georgia’s capital was moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi.

During its long history the city saw numerous conquests and survived centuries-long occupations and devastating invasions. In the 7th century, Arabs came and established the so-called Tbilisi Emirate, which lasted about four centuries. Wars with the Seljuk Turks, and later with the Persians, periodically led to the complete destruction of the city, including the loss of countless architectural masterpieces and material goods. Tbilisi, however, continued to rise from the ashes after each conquest. The last devastating invasion was carried out in 1795 by the Iranian shah Aga-Magamed Khan, who nearly obliterated Tblisi off the map. In the 19th century, the city fell under the control of the Russian Empire and soon after, along with the whole of Georgia, was annexed into the Soviet Union. Around this time the city’s resurrection began with vigorous reconstruction efforts and today, Tbilisi is counted among the most attractive, remarkable cities in the region.

Things to Do in Tbilisi

Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi

Use our Tbilisi Travel Guide to uncover the best attractions in the city. From fortresses to parks, theatres to museums, souvenir shopping to fine dining, Tbilisi is a city that won’t disappoint!

Old Town Tbilisi

Old Town Tbilisi is a neighborhood flavored with hospitality and warmth, offering the simple delights of narrow cobblestone streets, medieval fortresses and caravanserais, not to mention the aroma of freshly baked Georgian shotis puri bread. Besides, where else could you find an Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue and a mosque for both Sunnis and Shiites all located within a five minutes’ walk from each other?

Narikala Fortress is the ultimate symbol of Old Town Tbilisi. This 4th-century fortress, perched atop a hill, was the guardian of the city for centuries, having survived many invasions and attacks. Narikala was rebuilt and restored several times and has existed in its current condition since the 17th century, when King Rostam restored it after the Turco-Persian Wars.

When you tire from walking, why not enjoy Tbilisi while suspended in mid-air in a cable car? The ride costs only a few Georgian lari and provides a truly unique perspective of the city (when Tbilisi weather allows) from its glass-bottomed cars that connect Narikala Fortress with Rike Park.