Where to eat, sleep and shop in Tbilisi, Georgia

Soak in sulphur baths and sample culinary curiosities in the Georgian capital

Emiratis can enter Georgia without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period. Sophie Ibbotson

Why Tbilisi?

A complex crush of cultures and influences makes Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, a popular long-weekend break crammed with historical and culinary attractions. Travellers from the UAE can take advantage of the frequent flights and short flight times (just three and a half hours) to enjoy the city sprawled beneath a 17th-century fortress, with the Mtkvari River flowing through it.

Snug between the Black and Caspian seas and on the border of Europe’s highest mountain range, Georgia sits at the ancient crossroads between Asia and Europe on the Silk Road. Several lengthy periods of conquest and invasion have lent it resilience; most recently, emerging from the era of Soviet rule and the 2003 Rose Revolution.

Tbilisi is derived from the word tbili, meaning "warm" in Georgian – a reference to the city's hot springs, which are located in the sulphuric baths on the east bank.

The old town has a Eurasian character with winding streets and dilapidated facades attracting tourists aplenty. Leafy squares, impressive churches of various denominations, museums and contemporary architecture give broad appeal.

Find your feet

The Narikala fortress is a prominent feature of the city's skyline, and the easiest way to get up is by cable car – 2.50 Georgian lari (Dh4) one way – from Rike Park. If you're fit, it's a 25-minute walk (though steep), from restaurant-lined Meidan. From the fortress, walk to the looming statue of Mother Georgia bearing a sword and a chalice (just before sunset is the best time) and soak in the views of Tbilisi below. From here, you can take a scenic amble to the Shahtakhti Fortress which has the remnants of a seventh-to-ninth-century observatory.

The Peace Bridge in Tbilisi, which opened in 2010. GNTA

From the Peace Bridge, an avant-garde glass-and-steel construction, you will mingle with tourists and locals. Look out over the Mtkvari River for more curious, futuristic architecture such as the two metal tubes at the north end of Rike Park that form a music concert hall and exhibition centre.

A comfortable bed

In the Vera neighbourhood, once favoured by artists and intellectuals, Rooms Hotel (www.roomshotels.com/tbilisi) a four-star property, is discreetly located on a leafy street. Once a publishing house, the interior reflects this with a plush library lounge with a fireplace, and dark furnishings in rooms with high ceilings. Double rooms cost from 669 lari (Dh1,002).

While it caters to conferences and larger groups, you can't get more central than the Courtyard by Marriott overlooking Freedom Square. The hotel has a fitness centre and is a five-minute walk from the Old Town. Doubles cost from 283 lari (Dh423). 

Named after the renowned Georgian poet, boutique hotel Shota @ Rustaveli, on a peaceful side street off Rustaveli Avenue, prides itself in eco-friendly fixtures, high-quality German linen and spacious rooms. Doubles cost from 445 lari (Dh667).

Meet the locals

Abanotubani is Tbilis's ancient sulphur bath district. Join the locals and soak away your cares – Abano No 5 is the oldest at about 300 years. There are also private rooms, which cost about 60 lari (Dh90). At the Royal Bath, which has only private rooms, you can book a scrub or massage for 15 lari (Dh22), or pay 90 lari (Dh135) for a sauna, plus hot and cold tubs for two.

At the Dry Bridge Flea Market (Martis Park) you will find an eclectic collection of old items (daggers, coins, jewellery, paintings) offered by ex-professors and sellers who scour estates. It's a great place to strike up a conversation and buy a small heirloom.

The sixth-century Medieval-style Sioni Orthodox Church in the Old Town is home to the cross of St Nino – sit on a ledge or bench outside where you can observe local families arriving to worship. You're welcome to visit the outstanding murals inside between services.

Tbilisi's old town. GNTA

Book a table

In a hidden garden with tables spread under the large trees, Tekuna Gachechiladze serves her "nouveau Georgian" plates at Cafe Littera outside the rambling Georgian Writer's Union building. Georgian favourites such lamb with adjika (red pepper paste), get a special twist. The average price for a main is 35 lari (Dh52).

A meal in Georgia. Ishay Govender-Ypma

The family-run Ezo, which means "yard", is a casual space in a backyard serving fresh organic produce and unfussy Georgian fare. The pkhali (walnut and vegetable paté) and the grilled meat platter, as well as a plate of cheese and salad, is an excellent meal to share. Mains cost 20 lari (Dh30) on average.

Under the Dry Bridge, locals gather at Zakhar Zakharich for handmade khinkali – pleated soup dumplings. Fillings include beef, cheese, potato and seasonal wild mushrooms – for about 15 lari (Dh22). It's perfect with salty Borjomi –carbonated spring water with a dash of tarragon soda.

A street of restaurants in Tbilisi. Ishay Govender-Ypma

Shoppers’ paradise

A visit to Tbilisi isn't complete without a gander around the 2,000-square-metre Dezerter Bazaar (Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street) near the railway station, named after absconding soldiers who sold their arms here in the 1920s. Unless you speak Georgian, it's best to book a tour with Culinary Backstreets, who will guide you through an encyclopedia of Georgian produce and specialities. Tours cost 209 lari (Dh313) for a full day with food and drinks.

A shop in Tbilisi. Ishay Govender-Ypma

What to avoid

Groups from Europe sometimes arrive en masse to take advantage of the cheap food and nightlife – they can be rowdy.

Don’t miss

If you're travelling with children, make sure to visit the amusement park (rides cost 1 to 5 lari [Dh1.50 to Dh7.50]) on the top of Mount Mtatsminda, with a breathtaking ride up in a modern funicular (2 to 3 lari, Dh3 to Dh4, 50) – you will need to buy a ticket at the office.

________________________

Read more:

Santorini on a budget: How to make your euro go further in one of the world's most recognisable islands

Google reveals UAE's most popular travel search queries

Where to eat, sleep and shop in Nagasaki, Japan

________________________