The Best Tbilisi Itinerary Highlights in 2 Days

This Tbilisi itinerary highlights how to explore Georgia’s incredible capital city in just 2 days. Tbilisi is a one-of-a-kind city, and there is no other place like it in the world. Understand that this metropolis has deep-rooted traditions that are being fused with a spirited, youthful vibe. As part of the ancient silk road route, find Turkish influence mixed in with a strong Orthodox Christian population.

On Day 1, explore the bustling Old Town city center. The next day, delve deeper into the city’s hip left bank. Tbilisi, a city of contrasts and traditions, the capital of a country finding its own voice that continues to be suppressed by Soviet ways. Don’t overlook this incredible city.

Here’s the perfect 2 day Tbilisi itinerary.

Table of Contents

• Day 1: Tbilisi Itinerary Old Town Highlights
• Day 2: Discover Tbilisi’s Trendy Left Bank
• Travel Deeper: Tbilisi Itinerary
• Budget Sleeping Options in Tbilisi
• Tbilisi, the Gateway to Incredible Georgia
• The Best Tbilisi Itinerary Highlights in 2 Days

Day 1: Tbilisi Itinerary Old Town Highlights

Welcome to Tbilisi! On Day 1 of this Tbilisi itinerary, focus on the charming Old Town. Start the day at the local bakery, or tone. Get better acquainted with the city from locals on an interactive free walking tour. Casually browse the Dry Bridge flea market to see unusual trinkets and soviet memorabilia. Spend the afternoon exploring a museum or orthodox church. Take a casual stroll throughout the city. Visit the renowned puppet theater. Or totally relax, and sip on local wine at a wine bar. Watch the sunset from the crumbling hilltop Narikala Fortress. As the night falls, indulge in a traditional dinner. Finally, end the night with a soothing sulfur bath.

Seek out a Tone for Breakfast

Welcome to Georgia! First and foremost, start the day like most locals do and seek out a Tone. These local bakeries warm up their clay oven in the wee hours of the morning and pump out fresh bread throughout most of the day. The cooking process involves the dough being pressed against the side of the warm oven walls and is cooked to perfection. The best way to enjoy the bread is piping hot and fresh “off the side” of the oven. The best and most authentic tones have no signage, so the easiest way to find them is to follow your nose!

Breakfast Suggestion: Karavanserai Bakery is actually located underground in the heart of Old Town offering up delicious bread and other fresh baked goodies. Try the Lobiani, which includes a hearty kidney bean filling baked into the iconic bread.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Tbilisi isn’t necessarily an early city, but it’s nice to wander around Old Town in the morning before the city comes alive. One of the best ways to get a better understanding of the city is to take a free walking tour. Tbilisi Hack offers two very different tour options. For those first timers to Tbilisi, I suggest taking the Tbilisi Grand Tour. The Grand Tour focuses on the main tourist attractions of Tbilisi, but in a fun and engaging tour.

Meet a friendly and proud guide at the bustling Liberty Square. These informative locals weave you through Old Town with fun facts, interesting history, and a general overview on how to appreciate and best explore the city. The tour is interactive with the chance to visit bakeries, indulge in local treats, ride the cable car, and so much more. The Grand Tour is an exceptional introduction of Tbilisi.

If you have time, Tbilisi Hack offers another unusual tour option twice a week, the Alternative Walking Tour, which focuses on the “up and coming” left bank of Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Hack’s Grand Tour Practicalities

• Cost: Free, but the guides rely solely on tips. Share the love!
• Daily: 12:00
• Meeting Spot: Freedom Square
  • In front of the Burberry Store
• Sign up for Tbilisi Hack Grand Tour here!

Browse the Famous Dry Bridge

Although you’ll pass by Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge flea market on most tours, take the time to go back and really explore it. There are make-shift vendors set up along the bridge selling old memorabilia from the soviet times, but there’s also a modern artisanal section. Located along the river, this unique market is awesome to stroll through or people watch from a bench. Appreciate the unusual trinkets for sale and bring home a one-of-a-kind bizarre souvenir.

Browse the Dry Bridge Bazaar

• Daily: 11:00 – 17:00
• Where: Vendors scatter along the right bank of Zviad Gamskhurdia, Tbilisi
• It’s totally acceptable to bargain
• Busiest on the Weekends

After strolling the Dry Bridge, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in Old Town.

Lunch

In Old Town, there’s a great mix of traditional eateries and modern fusion cafes and restaurants. Nearby is the awesome Sofia Melnikovas Fantastiuri Duqani .

Lunch Suggestion: Sofia Melnikovas Fantastiuri Duqani serves up traditional dishes in a lovely outdoor patio. More importantly, this local spot is known for their homemade Khinkali, or delicious Georgian dumplings.

Miscellaneous Afternoon Activities

After lunch, choose an activity that best suits your interests, or enjoy a lazy afternoon wandering about the Old Town of Tbilisi.

• Dive into the history and culture by exploring the popular Georgian National Museum
• Grab an ice cream cone from Cone Culture and stroll the nearby parks.
• Visit one of many Orthodox Churches scattered around the city.
• Wander by the unique clock tower of the Gabriadze Theater, or stay for a puppet show.
• Relax at a Unique Wine Bar in Tbilisi
• Or, include a mixture of diverse activities!

Catch Sunset at Narikala Fortress

No Tbilisi itinerary is complete without catching a sunset from the hilltop Narikala Fortress. There are two ways to reach the fortress. First, either hike up the charming streets from the area of Meidan Bazaar, or take the cable car from Rike Park. Rike Park is close to the visually stunning Peace Bridge.

The fortress is free to wander about, and although it’s open 24 hours, try to come a little before sunset to climb around on the walls. Towards the back of the fortress, there are views of the nearby Tbilisi Botanical Garden. At sunset, exit the fortress to walk along the many winding paths that lead to hidden view points of the city.

After sunset, indulge in a traditional Georgian feast, or a “Supra.”

Supra Feast

Large groups of friends usually gather for a “Supra,” where everyone shares and passes around plentiful dishes while the wine continues to flow throughout the meal. Don’t forget to end the night with a shot of “chacha,” or the beloved potent grape brandy.

Dinner Suggestion: Salobie Bia serves up traditional dishes in an artistic space. The food is made with love, and the presentation is on point. A must-eat while visiting Tbilisi.

Psst… Browse all my favorite places to eat in Tbilisi

After an incredible feast, end the night at the soothing sulfur baths.

Relax at the Old Town Sulfur Baths

By this time, you’ll realize that Tbilisi is well known for its natural sulfur hot springs. In fact, these stinky waters may be the origins on how the city got its name. Tbilisi literally translates to a “warm place.” The best place to indulge in these hot therapeutic waters is in Old Town. Look for the Turkish influenced bath domes and smell the pungent scent of rotten eggs. These fragrant waters are said to contain healing properties and are excellent for one’s skin, hair, and nails.

There’s a wide range of sulfur baths to choose from, some cheap and frequented by locals, and others more expensive and mostly catering to the tourists. The bathing experience can range from private to public. The sulfur baths are open late, usually until wee hours in the morning, so they make for a relaxing experience right before bed!

Local Tip: Locals highly recommend Gulo’s Thermal Spa, and Walk-ins are more than welcomed!

There are add-ons at the baths, including saunas and massages for skin exfoliation. People have mixed reviews on these oftentimes “rough” scrub downs.

Honest Opinion: Are the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths Worth It?

Day 2: Discover Tbilisi’s Trendy Left Bank

Day 2 of this Tbilisi itinerary is all about the city’s trendy left bank. First, enjoy the Dezerter Bazaar, an extremely lively and local market. It’s easy to spend a few hours here people watching. Next, head towards the hip area around Marjanishvili Metro Station. With urban street art, modern cafes, and hidden gems, this area is an incredible contrast from Tbilisi’s Old Town. Today, spend time at a wine cellar and again, savor traditional meals. Foodies will want to have an unforgettable culinary experience at Barbarestan. The best way to end the night is to catch a sporadic and peppy street performance.

Start the Morning at Dezerter Bazaar

First, do as the locals do and head to the large authentic market, Dezerter Bazaar. This sprawling marketplace offers everything from fresh meats, bright and colorful seasonings, and a wide range of produces. Notice something that looks like a purple sausage? It’s actually churchkhela, a favorite local snack made from nuts, sugar, and grapes.

All the senses are engaged at this market. Look for butchers showcasing pig heads and fishermen filleting fresh catches. Locals can be seen carting large bags of produces slung on top of their shoulders. Smell the Turkish seasonings and pickled goodies, sold right from the pickling plastic containers. The market is bustling with sounds of vendors shouting out prices and cars are moving in and out, loading up their trunks full of large watermelons.

The Dezerter Market is large and covers quite a few blocks. It connects with other smaller markets, over multiple streets. Don’t underestimate those nearby staircases leading to the market. Sometimes the shops and vendors are selling underground; these unique areas are known as “underground bazaars.” Grab a quick breakfast or snack, and enjoy the people watching at this authentic and thriving market.

How to Reach the Dezerter Bazaar

• Between Mikheili Tsinamdzghvrishvili St & Abastumani St.
  • Take the Metro to Station Square if you don’t feel like walking
• The market is in the general area, as it is quite large
  • Daily: 7:00 – 5:00

After exploring the market, head towards Marjanishvili Metro Station, by either hoping on the subway, or taking the scenic stroll along the river.

Visit the Hip Neighborhood Around Marjanishvili Metro Station

The area around Marjanishvili Metro Station is hip and trendy, a welcomed contrast from the traditional views of Old Town. In this area, find a creative and youthful urban street art culture. It’s easy to see the political influence and how Georgia is finding its voice against the Russian occupancy.

This area of Tbilisi has a plethora of traditional restaurants, wine shops, and new modern culinary establishments. Relax in one of many parks, stroll along the Mtkvar River, or find peace in the beautiful and inviting “Italian courtyards.” Fall in love with the vibe and contrasting area of Tbilisi’s left bank. It’s hard to not feel a different pulse on its vibrant streets.

Travel Deeper: 11 Things to Do Around Lively Marjanishvili Street

Local Lunch Suggestion: Grab a cheap and delicious lunch at Mapshalia. This tiny little establishment is pumping out filling, home-cooked Georgian plates of food for more than reasonable prices. Snag a table early before it packs full of locals savoring a sufficient lunch.

After lunch, head to a wine cellar to understand the regional Kakheti wine.

Visit a Wine Cellar

On the trendy left bank, there are a wide range of wine shops, garden terraces, and even a wine cellar to sample Georgia’s most cherished treasure: WINE! Many are nestled away on quiet street corners. Stepping into a cellar or wine shop is like walking into an interactive and tasty classroom. Get a lesson to get a better understanding about Georgia’s distinct wine making process.

Places I love: Lerika Wine Cellar is an intimate private home cellar tucked away on Giorgi Mazniashvili St.

Don’t Miss Dinner at Barbarestan

Barbarestan is more than anything the ultimate culinary experience on Tbilisi’s left bank. The restaurant focuses on original recipes by Georgia’s original feminist, Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze. Written in 1914, her cookbook “Complete Cooking,” was romantically revitalized after being found in Tbilisi’s very own Dry Bridge Market. Barbare was not only Georgia’s original feminist, but a beloved poet and writer.

Dining at Barbarestan is a highlight on any Tbilisi itinerary. Not only is the food beautiful and delicious, but there is an actual team of waiters catering to your every service needs. Any wannabe foodies should not miss this culinary treat.

Dinning Tip: Barbarestan is a little more formal and it’s almost essential to have a reservation.

Make reservations online here

Catch a Street Performance

After an incredible day on Tbilisi’s left bank, don’t be shocked to wander into an entertaining street performance. Many musicians perform near the Marjanishvili Metro Station. Locals can be seen jovially singing and dancing along to performers playing ancient Georgian instruments. An authentic street performance is the perfect “cherry on top” of this splendid Tbilisi itinerary.

Travel Deeper: Tbilisi Itinerary

This is just a basic two day Tbilisi itinerary. However, the city is so alive and unique, you may just want to spend more time exploring the hidden gems throughout the city. Slow down and relax in one of the many parks or hidden “Italian courtyards.” Seek out a waterfall in the bustling city center. Of course, try to eat as much food as possible!

Travel Deeper: 22 Things you MUST do in Tbilisi

Budget Sleeping Options in Tbilisi

These are two great budget sleeping options while exploring Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Art Gate Hostel is the perfect hostel to get a taste of the famous Georgian hospitality. Alex is an excellent host and loves to share insider tips to explore the entire country of Georgia. Find simple shared rooms that are clean, a welcoming host in a central location, and free laundry. The balcony offers welcoming views of the city.

Check the availability of Tbilisi Art Gate Hostel here.

Fabrika Hostel is THE place to sleep on the left bank of Tbilisi. Once an old soviet sewing factory, this hostel is now a hip and urban cultural center. In this artistic space, find political street art, garden terraces, or join in on special events like movie screenings, yoga classes, and other neighborhood initiatives and programs.

Check out the availability at Fabrika Hostel here.

Tbilisi, the Gateway to Incredible Georgia

Tbilisi is the gateway to explore the rest of the Caucasus country of Georgia. With un-welcomed Russian troops occupying two sections to the north, it’s impossible to make a complete circuit of the country. Instead, Tbilisi acts as THE transportation hub to reach the other diverse and worthwhile sections of the beautiful country of Georgia.

Itinerary Planning: The Best Highlights of Georgia

Close to Tbilisi is the lovely Kakheti Wine Region. The hilltop village of Sighnaghi makes an ideal base to explore this famous wine region. After Sighnaghi and the wine region, take a scenic road trip with some worthwhile pit-stops to the mountain village of Kazbegi.

Kazbegi is a beautiful mountain village that offers up diverse adventures for any type of traveler. From Kazbegi, hike to the base of the Gergeti Glacier. Take a day trip to the worthwhile Truso Valley. Another great day trip option is to head to the tiny village of Juta to gaze upon the spectacular “Georgian Dolomites.” Adventurous hikers may wish to hike from Juta through the Chaukhi Pass, past the Abudelauri Lakes to spend the night in Roshka.

Western Georgia Itinerary Suggestions

Those who love mountains should add-on the Upper Svaneti Region and visit Mestia.

This region is most famous for the iconic Svan Towers and have their own unique culture, which includes ancient blood-feuds. One of the most popular things to do here is to start the 4 day multi-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli. This trail passes by untouched villages, glaciers, and ice capped mountain peaks.

Travel Tip: The Best Way to Reach Mestia from Tbilisi

Finally, Georgia’s Coastal city of Batumi warrants a stop. Although known more as a “Sin City,” due to its appealing casinos, night clubs, and “ladies of the night,” Batumi has a thriving food scene.

The Best Tbilisi Itinerary Highlights in 2 Days

In short, this Tbilisi 2 day itinerary showcases the classic highlights of Old Town and the city’s trendy left bank. On Day 1, take the interactive free walking tour and browse the the Dry Bridge flea market. All day seek out local and authentic eateries. Watch the sunset from the hilltop Narikala Fortress. At night, unwind by soaking in the local sulfur baths. On Day 2, focus on the more modern area around the Marjanishvili Metro Station. The trendy left bank area is filled with urban street art and almost a punk-like flair.

Finally, Tbilisi is the main transportation hub for all of Georgia. This makes it possible to pass through this vibrant city multiple times and spend more than a couple of days here. Don’t miss the chance to visit intriguing regions like the Kakheti wine region. Explore the mountains in Kazbegi and the Upper Svaneti Region. Both regions are extremely diverse. Relax in the coastal city of Batumi. A quick trip through Tbilisi is almost always required.

Have you visited Tbilisi? Did you follow a similar Tbilisi itinerary? What did you think of this thriving city of contrasts? How many days did you stay? Am I missing any incredible hidden gems? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.