City break (noun): a short holiday spent in a city, such as when on business travel.
Before there was bleisure travel, there was the city break—the short space of leisure time that grants you access to the cultural and culinary amenities that big cities offer. In this series from TripIt, we explore some of the world’s best cities for planning a quick getaway or extending a work trip.
With its historic Old Town, thriving café culture, renowned wine scene, and welcoming hospitality, Tbilisi is ideal for a short getaway that blends tradition, food, and contemporary culture.
Here are our tips for making the most of your city break in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Where to fly in
Tbilisi is served by Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located about 11 miles from the city center. The airport handles all major international arrivals and departures. Global airlines like Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, as well as regional carrier Georgian Airways, connect Tbilisi to major hubs like Istanbul, Munich, and Dubai.
Once on the ground, the ride to Tbilisi takes 20-30 minutes via taxi. You can also take the city bus; it departs from the Arrivals hall.
Where to stay during your city break
Tbilisi's neighborhoods each offer a distinct experience, making it easy to find a home base that matches your travel style.
If it's your first visit, Old Tbilisi is hard to beat. Winding cobblestone streets, colorful wooden balconies, historic churches, sulfur baths, and many of the city's biggest attractions are all within walking distance. Boutique hotels like Stamba Hotel, Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, and Shota Rustaveli Boutique Hotel combine Georgian hospitality with stylish design and make excellent bases for exploring the city.
Prefer trendy cafés, wine bars, and nightlife? Head to Vera, one of Tbilisi's most creative neighborhoods. Filled with independent restaurants, galleries, and leafy streets, Vera offers a more local atmosphere while remaining close to the city center.
For shopping, museums, and easy Metro access, consider staying near Rustaveli Avenue. This central district places you close to the Georgian National Museum, the Parliament building, theaters, and many of the city's hotels.
Vacation rentals are also available throughout Tbilisi, particularly in Old Tbilisi and Vera, offering travelers additional space and the opportunity to experience the city like a local.
How to get around
Part of Tbilisi’s charm is its walkability, though many of the city's streets are steep, uneven, or cobblestoned. Plan accordingly by packing comfortable shoes for walking from place to place.
When walking isn’t feasible or desirable, you can take the Tbilisi Metro. Its two lines connect many of the city's neighborhoods and attractions.
Traveling outside the Metro’s reach? Buses and minibuses provide extensive coverage throughout the city. Taxis are also plentiful and affordable, but ride-hailing apps (Bolt is the most popular one) are the preferred way to get around. Uber is not available in Georgia.
Tip: When possible, use an app rather than a hailing taxi from the street. Pricing is transparent, and the app helps you overcome any language barriers.
Where to eat
Tbilisi is becoming one of the region’s most interesting culinary cities, with a growing community of chefs showcasing new takes on centuries-old traditions. That said, no visit is complete without trying Georgian classics like khinkali (soup dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), badrijani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste), as well as local cheeses and wines.
Looking for a traditional meal? Restaurants like Shavi Lomi, Barbarestan, and Keto & Kote showcase regional Georgian cuisine with elevated presentations while remaining rooted in local traditions.
Wine lovers shouldn't miss DADI, an intimate wine bar specializing in Georgian natural wines paired with seasonal small plates. It's an excellent introduction to Georgia's 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition.
Coffee culture is thriving in Tbilisi, too. Daily Grind is a local favorite known for expertly prepared espresso drinks, friendly staff, and excellent pastries. You'll also find independent cafés scattered throughout Vera and Old Tbilisi, perfect for lingering over coffee between sightseeing stops.
For something sweet, stop by one of the city's many bakeries for fresh churchkhela, pastries, or locally made desserts.
Tip: Use TripIt’s Nearby Places feature to easily find restaurants, cafés, and bars within walking distance of your hotel. Simply tap the restaurants option to view an interactive map, explore reviews and hours, and save spots directly to your itinerary for later.
Want a more hands-on experience? Join a Georgian cooking class where you'll learn to make traditional favorites like khinkali and khachapuri from scratch. Many classes also include wine pairings and introductions to Georgian culinary traditions.
What to do on your city break
If it's your first time in Tbilisi, begin with a walk through Old Tbilisi. Wander narrow alleyways lined with colorful balconies, stop inside centuries-old churches, and admire the mix of Georgian, Persian, Ottoman, and Soviet architecture that tells the story of the city's rich history.
One of Tbilisi's most unique experiences is visiting the historic Abanotubani sulfur baths. These naturally heated bathhouses have been welcoming visitors for centuries and remain one of the city's most interesting attractions.
Looking for unique souvenirs? Head to the Dry Bridge Market, a sprawling open-air flea market where local vendors sell vintage cameras, Soviet memorabilia, artwork, books, rugs, jewelry, antiques, and more. It's one of the best places in the city to browse and discover one-of-a-kind finds.
For locally made gifts, stop by Gallery Orange.Iri, an art gallery featuring handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and artwork created by Georgian artists and artisans.
Tip: Most restaurants, hotels, and shops accept contactless payments, but smaller businesses, markets, and some neighborhood cafés still prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city, making it simple to withdraw Georgian lari after arriving.
Looking for family-friendly fun in Tbilisi? Visit Rike Park, home to the Bridge of Peace, art installations, biking trails, cafés, as well as a dedicated kids’ play area. Want a scenic ride? You can take the cable car from the park to Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of the city, the Kura River, and the iconic Mother of Georgia statue.
Adults only? Wine lovers can book tastings throughout the city to learn about Georgia's ancient qvevri winemaking techniques and sample indigenous grape varieties that are rarely found elsewhere in the world. Or, head to Monograph Terrace for rooftop cocktails and late-night bites.
Want to explore beyond Tbilisi? I recommend booking a wine tour to Kakheti or another one of Georgia’s wine regions. Unlike many European destinations, wine isn't just something to drink there. It's one of the country's defining cultural experiences and one of the strongest reasons to visit.
Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Tbilisi
Q: What airport do you fly into for Tbilisi?
A: Most travelers arrive through Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located about 11 miles southeast of the city center. Taxis typically reach downtown in 20-30 minutes, while public buses provide an affordable alternative.
Q: Where should I stay in Tbilisi?
A: Old Tbilisi is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions and historic streets. Vera is perfect for travelers interested in cafés, nightlife, and local culture, while Rustaveli Avenue offers convenient access to museums, shopping, and public transportation.
Q: Is it easy to use public transportation in Tbilisi?
A: Yes. The Metro is inexpensive and easy to navigate, while buses and marshrutkas reach neighborhoods beyond the rail system. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are widely used and offer one of the easiest ways to travel around the city.
Q: Where should I eat in Tbilisi?
A: Sample traditional Georgian cuisine at restaurants like Shavi Lomi, Barbarestan, or Keto & Kote, enjoy natural wines at DADI, and stop by Daily Grind or one of the city's many specialty cafés for excellent coffee and pastries. Don't leave without trying khinkali, khachapuri, and Georgian wine.
Q: What are the top things to do in Tbilisi?
A: Explore Old Tbilisi, ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress, relax in the historic sulfur baths, browse the Dry Bridge Market, shop for locally made art at Gallery Orange.Iri, take a Georgian cooking class, and experience the country's renowned wine culture through a tasting or vineyard excursion.