Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting? East Meets West! An Expats Rundown!

Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting? Absolutely! Here’s Why!

As an Expat who has lived in Tbilisi for almost 4 years, people often ask me if it is worth visiting. My answer is always an emphatic, “Yes“! Here’s why…

Tbilisi is a city with a rich history and a unique culture. It is a melting pot of East and West, where traditional Georgian architecture and cuisine meet Soviet-style architecture and food.

The result is a fascinating and diverse city that is well worth exploring.

So, if you’ve been thinking about visiting the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, but you’re not sure if it’s worth your time, let me help you make up your mind.

In this post, we’ll outline some of the best reasons to add Tbilisi to your travel itinerary.

From the rich culture and history to the delicious food and stunning natural scenery, there’s something for everyone in Tbilisi.

For example, one of the best things about Tbilisi is that it is incredibly affordable. You can get a delicious meal at a local restaurant for less than $15, and a bottle of good Georgian wine will only set you back $10.

Hotel prices are also very reasonable, with 4-star hotels starting at around $80 per night. This makes Tbilisi an ideal destination for somewhat, budget-conscious travelers.

Another reason to visit Tbilisi is for its stunning natural scenery.

The city is nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities nearby.

In addition, the thermal baths in the center of town are not to be missed!

Let’s go over these excellent reasons why Tbilisi is definitely worth a visit in more detail!

The Culture, History, and Architecture.

One of the best things about Tbilisi is that it truly is a city where East meets West.

You’ll find traditional Georgian architecture side-by-side with Soviet-era buildings, and you can sample both traditional Georgian cuisine as well as dishes from other parts of the former Soviet Union.

It’s also a city with a long and rich history; walk through the Old Town and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

The Food.

If you’re a foodie, then you’ll want to add Tbilisi to your travel list.

The city is renowned for its delicious food, and you’ll find plenty of culinary delights to tempt your taste buds.

Traditional Georgian dishes like khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (a cheese-filled bread) are must-tries, but be sure to leave room for some more unusual fare like boiled sheep’s head!

The Costs.

Tbilisi is an incredibly affordable city to visit; in fact, it was recently named one of the cheapest cities in Europe by Forbes magazine.

Your money will go a long way in Tbilisi, which means you can splurge on a nice hotel or enjoy some extra activities without having to worry about breaking the bank.

The Natural Scenery.

In addition to being affordably priced, Tbilisi is also blessed with some incredible natural scenery.

The Mtkvari River runs through the heart of the city, and there are several parks and green spaces where you can relax and take in the fresh air.

Just outside of the city center, you’ll also find yourself surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterfalls. Perfect for a day trip or hike!

Activities.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Tbilisi; from exploring centuries-old churches and museums to strolling through outdoor markets or taking a dip in one of the many thermal baths, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, consider signing up for a wine tour or ‘qvevri’ cooking class, two unique experiences that you can only have in Georgia!

The Thermal Baths.

Last but not least, don’t forget to add a visit (or two) to one of Tbilisi’s famous thermal baths to your itinerary.

These baths are fed by natural hot springs and are said to have healing properties, so even if you don’t think they’ll do wonders for your health, they’re still worth checking out for their historical value alone.

Besides, who doesn’t love spending a few hours relaxing in a warm pool?

Conclusion.

So, there you have it, my top reasons why I think Tbilisi is definitely worth visiting.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Tbilisi is worth visiting!

Whether you’re interested in history and culture or food and wine (or all of the above), Tbilisi has something to offer everyone.

If you’re looking for an affordable city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, then Tbilisi should definitely be at the top of your list.

So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket today!

Bon voyage!