Old Tbilisi (Dzveli Tbilisi) is one of Europe's most charming historical quarters. Nestled beneath the ancient 4th-century Narikala Fortress along the Mtkvari River, this maze of cobblestone alleys is famed for its ornate pastel-painted wooden balconies, centuries-old sulfur bathhouses, and secluded Italianate courtyards.
The 7-Stop Self-Guided Walking Route
This 3-kilometer walking tour takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, leaving plenty of time for photography, rooftop coffee, and wine tasting.
Stop 1: The Bridge of Peace & Rike Park
Begin at the futuristic glass-and-steel Bridge of Peace spanning the Mtkvari River. Stroll through Rike Park to the base station of the Tbilisi Aerial Cable Car.
Stop 2: Cable Car to Narikala Fortress & Mother of Georgia
Ride the cable car (2.5 GEL with a Metromoney card) up the ridge to Narikala Fortress. Walk along the scenic mountain ridge path to the towering 20-meter aluminum statue of Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) holding a bowl of wine for guests and a sword for enemies.
Stop 3: Betlemi Street & Carved Wooden Balconies
Descend down the historic Betlemi Stairs into the heart of Old Tbilisi. Photograph the picturesque pastel-blue carved wooden balconies overlooking quiet pomegranate courtyards.
Stop 4: Abanotubani Domed Sulfur Baths
Walk to the brick-domed roofs of Abanotubani where natural hot sulfuric thermal springs have revitalized travelers from Marco Polo to Alexander Pushkin for centuries. Admire the Persian-mosaic facade of the historic Chreli Abano bathhouse.
Stop 5: Leghvtakhevi Waterfall & Canyon
Just behind the sulfur baths, follow the wooden boardwalk through a dramatic natural canyon that leads directly to the 22-meter-high Leghvtakhevi Waterfall in the center of the city.
Stop 6: The Clock Tower of Rezo Gabriadze
Walk north toward Shavteli Street to marvel at the whimsical, leaning fairytale Marionette Clock Tower designed by master puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze. At the top of every hour, a mechanical angel emerges to strike the bell.
Stop 7: Traditional Khachapuri & Amber Wine at Sioni
Conclude your walk near Sioni Cathedral with a piping-hot cheese-filled Adjaruli Khachapuri and a glass of traditional 8,000-year Qvevri amber wine at a cozy cellar tavern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to book the sulfur baths in advance?
For public communal baths, walk-ins are fine. For private VIP rooms (like at Gulo's, Chreli Abano, or Royal Bath), booking 1 to 3 days in advance is highly recommended.
