Top 10 things to do in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, an ancient, colorful and beautiful city. Here, the fates of many famous people were bizarrely intertwined. The city was glorified in poems, songs and novels. His beauties spread fame all over the world. And his hospitality and cordiality have long become a legend. And today, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Tbilisi to feel its irrepressible energy combined with millennial wisdom, to walk along the ancient narrow streets and modern wide squares, admire the beauty of wild mountain gorges and landscaped parks, taste the famous Georgian cuisine, passed down from generation to generation. generation and spend the night in bars and clubs with newfangled DJs from all over the world.
And in order not to get confused and see the most important historical heritage of Tbilisi, I have collected for you a small Top 10 ideas for traveling to Tbilisi.

Climb to the monument of Mother Kartli and admire the panorama of the city

The monument stands on a hill and depicts a stately woman. In one hand she holds a cup of wine for friends and guests, and in the other a sword for enemies. The monument itself has undergone several changes. The first sample was made of wood, the second in 1963 was cast from aluminum. The third, already final version, appeared in the 90s and underwent changes in the dress and headdress. At the feet of the monument there is a bench, sitting on it you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city. The best way to get to the monument is by cable car. This is not only the fastest way (only 2 minutes), but also the most pleasant one. Near the monument there are stalls where you can buy souvenirs and Georgian sweets.

Wander through the ruins of Narikala Fortress

The fortress is located next to the “Mother of Kartli” monument, so you won’t have to go far. The date of foundation of the fortress is not known for certain. The fortress itself, though poorly preserved, gives a fairly good idea of ​​its former greatness. Archaeologists have found evidence that the fortress already existed at least during the period of domination of the territory by the Persians, but the greatest scope for strengthening and construction was given to it during the reign of King David IV, whose reign dates back to 1089-1125. The fortress was strengthened, completed and expanded. It was an important component in the defense of the city. But after the earthquake in the 19th century it was badly damaged and was no longer used, falling into decay and desolation. Today this place is visited by tourists and pilgrims. Within the walls of the fortress there is a restored temple of St. Nicholas. However, the fortress itself as a whole looks abandoned, although this also has its own charm of walking through the ruins.

Hang a padlock on the arched bridge across the Tsavkisistskali River

Descending from the fortress, you will certainly come to the Tsavkisistskali River and its waterfall. On a hot summer day, this is a particularly pleasant place. The shade and coolness of the gorge, the sound of water falling from the cliff and the sellers of ice cream made from saperavi - you can’t imagine a better escape from the summer heat. Arched bridges are thrown across the river, whose railings are hung with locks. Someone hung them up by making a wish, couples conditionally sealed their love, avid travelers just left their mark. But who would not be guided by anything, but it turned out very beautiful and unusual. Therefore, if you suddenly also need to wish or “fasten” something, you know where to do it.

Visit Metekhi Temple

Built on a rock above the Kura River, the Metekhi Church - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another visiting card of the city. The chronicle tells that the first temple was built here in the 5th century. This is an old, haunted place. Saint Shushanik was buried here, Queen Tamara prayed here, the Temple was defiled, destroyed, reconquered and rebuilt more and more beautifully. In the Soviet period, the church, by that time used as a prison and barracks, was tried to be completely demolished. And only in 1988 the temple was returned to believers. Next to the temple stands an impressive monument to Vakhtang Gorgasal, the Georgian king who founded Tbilisi. His palace was right next to the temple. The cliff offers a breathtaking view of the city and the river. The area of ​​sulfur baths is especially well visible. And although today's temple is a remake, it was created taking into account all historical canons.

Walk around the Jewish quarter

There is a real Jewish quarter in the area of ​​old Tbilisi. It was formed around the Great or Sephardic Synagogue. Sometimes it is also called the synagogue of the Jews from Akhaltsikhe. The synagogue is located next to Jerusalem Square and is surrounded by shops where you can buy Jewish goods and items for Jewish rituals. Next to the synagogue is a stone chanukia with the image of the Star of David. Within the walls of the synagogue there are two prayer halls. The big one is open only on Shabbat and holidays. Its walls are painted with sacred verses, prayers and scenes from the Tanakh. It has both a male and a female part. The small hall is decorated more modestly and has only a male part. The building is an important architectural monument and historically emphasizes the diversity of cultures of Tbilisi.

Take a photo on the glass bridge of Peace

The bridge, created in Italy and brought from it disassembled, is made of glass and steel, has 4 pillars and an impressive futuristic look. This futurism is especially emphasized against the background of ancient fortresses, cathedrals and monuments of Tbilisi. Like a guest from the future, the Bridge of Peace spans the Kura River, connecting the historical part of old Tbilisi and the modern, newly created Rike Park. According to the creator Michele De Lucci, the bridge is “a hymn to life and peace between people and nations”. The most beautiful view opens from the bridge at night, when the city is shrouded in illumination lights.

Look at the monument to the American president in Rike Park

Rike Park is the youngest and therefore not yet the greenest park in Tbilisi. But on the other hand, it is the most modern and has all the tourist infrastructure. There are cafes and public toilets, playgrounds for children, art objects, a concert hall in the form of two scrolls (unfortunately, it has not yet been completed), a climbing wall, fountains and countless walking paths. The park was a project promoted by President Saakashvili, it was built with state money as well. There is one unusual monument in the park - the 40th President Ronald Reagan, it was opened in 2011 with the participation of President Saakashvili.

Admire the plants in Tbilisi Botanical Garden

Tbilisi is a green city, but nevertheless there is a location that is as overgrown with greenery and decorated with flower beds - the Botanical Garden of the city. Its landscape is characterized by paths going uphill, and then going down into the gorge. By the way, in the gorge you will see a beautiful and powerful waterfall. Don't expect anything unusual from the Botanical Garden. It's just nice to walk in the shade of trees and admire the flowers in the flower beds. I remember most of all the bamboo forest and the lone gazebo on the rock.

Soak in the springs of the Sulfur Baths

The famous Sulfur Baths are very popular among tourists, locals are not to be found there. Entertainment, I'll tell you, at one time. But nevertheless, at the end of the day, why not relax after long walks around the city.

Learn to distinguish Saperavi from Kindzmarauli

Georgian wine is the talk of the town. His fame has long been ahead of him. Everything here is related to wine: ice cream from wine, churchkhela from wine, wine jugs as elements of interior decor, graffiti on the walls, and those are related to wine. The two most famous varieties - Saperavi and Kindzmarauli, have long become synonymous with Georgia. Wine tours in Tbilisi with visits to wineries and tastings are among the most popular from year to year. A bottle of Georgian wine is the most desired souvenir from Tbilisi.