Start your journey by exploring Georgian culture at the Georgian National Museum. The museum has a collection of more than 3 million items that cover Georgia's history, art, and culture from the Stone Age to modern times. One of the highlights is the Treasury room that showcases the finest examples of Georgian goldsmithery.
Old Tbilisi is home to many historical landmarks and traditional sulfur baths. You can take a cable car up the hill to the Narikala Fortress, a symbol of the city that dates back to the 4th century. Then stroll through the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town, which is a mixture of different cultures that have influenced Tbilisi's history. In the evening, unwind at one of the sulfur bathhouses, like the famous Orbeliani Bathhouse.
Georgian wine is one of the oldest wine traditions in the world dating back 8000 years. The Georgians are proud of their unique Qvevri wine-making method, which is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the Georgian Wine Museum, you can learn more about Georgian wine history and taste some of the best wines of the country.
Georgian cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and unique dishes. A cooking class is an excellent way to experience Georgian traditions and learn how to cook some of the signature dishes. You can learn how to make Khinkali (dumplings), Khachapuri (cheese bread), and other savory Georgian dishes.
The Art Museum of Georgia is one of the most important cultural legacy institutions in the country. It has a vast collection of Georgian art, from medieval frescoes to contemporary exhibitions. One of the highlights of the museum is the display of Niko Pirosmani's works, a self-taught genius of Georgian painting who was rediscovered in the 20th century.
Rustaveli Avenue is the central street of Tbilisi, named after Georgia's national poet, Shota Rustaveli. The avenue is lined with many cultural institutions like the National Opera and Ballet Theater, the Rustaveli Cinema, and the Georgian Parliament building. You can also find many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
End your journey by enjoying the beauty of Georgian Opera and Ballet performances at the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theater. The theater is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the fusion of traditional Georgian and modern European styles. You can enjoy productions of popular operas such as Carmen and Tosca and the famous Georgian ballet Sukhishvili.
Public transportation in Tbilisi is very affordable and convenient. The metro system is clean, reliable, and covers most of the city's attractions. You can use a metro card that you can buy at any metro station for $2. You can also use buses, minibusses, and taxis to get around the city, but make sure to negotiate with the taxi driver before you take the ride. Expect to pay around $5-10 for a taxi ride. If you prefer renting a car, the daily rate is around $20-30.
If you have more time, you can visit other regions of Georgia such as Kakheti, a wine region in the east, or the Black Sea coast. If you have less time, you can skip some of the museums and focus on the main landmarks in the Old Town and Rustaveli Avenue. Make sure to try different Georgian dishes, such as Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Mtsvadi, while you are in Tbilisi.
The main airport in Tbilisi is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). It is located 17 km southeast of the city center and serves many airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Georgian Airways. The airport has a shuttle bus service that runs every hour, connecting the airport to the city center for $2. You can also take a taxi from the airport to the city center for around $15-20.