The capital city of Georgia has a history dating back to the 5th century. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It lies at an altitude of 380 m and is at the same latitude as Rome or Barcelona. The local currency is called Lari (€ 1= 3,1 Lari). To get around the city you can use the underground, the local marquis (yellow minibuses) or the taxi. Taxi fares are affordable, but we recommend negotiating the price before you set off.
We also recommend visiting the old town and in particular Gorgasali Square, which the local people call Maidan. Another interesting destination are the Ruins of Narikala Fortress. The fortress offers an amazing view of the city. It is within walking distance from Maidan or accessible by cable car if your starting point is Rike Park.
Also worth mentioning is Rike Park. You will reach it when you cross the Maidan's Peace Bridge. It used to serve as a place of rest for camel caravans traveling from Persia. Nowadays there is a dancing fountain here and a cabin lift station taking people up to the ruins of the Narikala Fortress. Iraklije II Square comprises the historic center of Tbilisi. It has a pedestrian zone area full of art galleries, cozy cafés and bars.
In Liberty Square, near the Liberty Square Metro Station, which is the shape of a roundabout, you will find a gilded column called the Monument of Victory and Freedom. You will also find here the local town hall and the main tourist office. There are many luxury shops specializing in designer labels from around the world.
Rustaveli Boulevard starts in the Square of Liberty and is lined by plane trees. The National Museum, the National Gallery, the State Opera and the Theater and the Museum of Modern Art are all located along the boulevard.
There are numerus religious buildings in Tbilisi. We recommend visiting not only Sameba, the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church constructed between 1995 and 2004, but also the traditional seat of the Georgian patriarch - the Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral, where Saint Nino´s cross has been preserved. Other places of interest include the oldest Anchischati church built in the 6th century, the Metechi Church of Assumption with a giant statue of King Vachtang Gorgasali sitting on a horse and gazing at the city he founded and also the Armenian Church of St. George, founded by Armenian buyer Umek in 1251.
A hot springs spa is located near Majdan. The old spa houses are hidden underground and are easily recognizable thanks to their brick cupolas. The most noticeable of the houses- the Chreli spa house built in the late 17th century became famous after Pushkin had visited it in 1829.
The botanical garden which has been around since 1936 is also beautiful. It is a unique garden with an area of 128 hectares, 4,500 plant species, 2,300 species of trees and more than 900 tropical plants.
Above the city, at Mount Mtacminda, at an altitude of 727 meters, you will also find an amusement park. You can spot it from the distance thanks to a giant Ferris wheel at the site. It is accessible by gondola lift.
