Arrive into Tbilisi and settle into your centrally located guesthouse or boutique hotel in the Old Town, then take a gentle orientation walk along Rustaveli Avenue toward Freedom Square to feel the city’s pulse. Pop into a nearby café such as Fabrika’s sister spots or Café Leila for a strong Georgian coffee and khachapuri to fuel up before exploring — wander down narrow cobbled lanes toward Meidan Bazaar and admire the carved wooden balconies and colorful doors.
After lunch, deepen your Old Town exploration by visiting the 13th-century Metekhi Church and the cliffside statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali for panoramic views of the Mtkvari River; continue across the Bridge of Peace to Rike Park and the modern glass architecture. Spend time inside the National Gallery or the tiny Museum of Georgian National Costume if the mood strikes, then browse artisan shops and bookstalls around Shardeni Street, sampling street snacks like churchkhela and buying a handcrafted souvenir.
As dusk falls, return to the Old Town for a convivial dinner at a traditional restaurant such as Café Littera or Barbarestan to taste pkhali, mtsvadi, and a glass of qvevri wine while Georgian polyphonic music plays softly. Finish the night with a leisurely stroll past the illuminated Narikala silhouette from the riverside promenade or stop at a cozy bar on Leselidze or Meidan for a digestif — an easy, atmospheric first evening that sets the tone for tomorrow’s historic heights and baths.
Start the day with a short climb or cable-car ride up to Narikala Fortress to watch the city wake beneath you and linger by the 4th-5th century fortress walls and the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) statue for sweeping views of the Mtkvari River and Old Town. From there, wander down through the peaceful botanical gardens to the 7th-century St. Nicholas and 12th-century St. Mary churches, pausing to admire frescoes and light a candle in the intimate stone interiors.
After descending into the Sololaki neighborhood, enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a local favorite such as Café Littera or Azarphesha, sampling khinkali and a glass of qvevri wine, then stroll the elegant Sololaki streets to see classical balconies and Art Nouveau facades. Visit the tiny Anchiskhati Basilica and pop into the nearby Georgian National Museum branch or small galleries on Leselidze before meandering toward the Abanotubani sulphur bath district to book an evening soak.
As twilight falls, surrender to a restorative sulphur bath experience in one of Abanotubani’s ornate domed bathhouses—Orbeliani Baths or Gulo’s Thermal Spa—for a traditional scrub and relaxation that locals swear by. Finish the night with a warm dinner at a nearby tavern like Pur Pur or Shavi Lomi, savoring slow-cooked dishes and toasting the day’s views with a glass of amber wine, feeling ready for tomorrow’s markets and modern art.
Begin your day at the Dry Bridge Market, where you can rummage through stalls of Soviet-era memorabilia, vintage jewelry and folk crafts while sipping a takeaway coffee from a nearby kiosk; don’t miss the impromptu art sellers and the famous flea-market atmosphere for unique souvenirs. From there, walk to Fabrika — the former textile factory turned creative hub — to explore contemporary galleries, street art, and design shops while pausing for a late-morning brunch in the communal café.
After lunch at Fabrika, head to nearby modern art spaces such as the Tbilisi Design Factory pop-ups or the Armenian Reconciliation Park galleries, then take a short taxi up to Mtatsminda for panoramic city views and a relaxed stroll through the park. Visit the Mtatsminda Pantheon and ride the funicular if you haven’t yet, enjoying pastries and a hot drink at the hilltop café while watching the city’s rooftops glitter below.
Return to the Old Town for an intimate wine-tasting experience at a qvevri-focused bar like Vino Underground or Schuchmann Wine Bar, sampling amber and red Georgian wines paired with cheese and pkhali as the perfect send-off. Finish your weekend with a celebratory dinner at a favorite such as Barbarestan or Café Littera, toasting the trip with new favorites and reflecting on the city’s mix of history, art and culinary delights.