Old Town Tbilisi

Old Town Tbilisi is the oldest and most historic part of the Georgian capital Tbilisi. It encompasses the districts that were known as “Tiflis” until 1936 and today forms the cultural and tourist center of the city. Here, centuries-old history, lively traditions, and modern city life come together.

The Old Town Tbilisi includes the districts of Abanotubani with its famous sulfur baths, Kala, Isani–Avlabari, Sololaki, Mtazminda, Vere, Ortachala, Chughureti, Didube, and Nadsaladewi. These neighborhoods are home to most of Tbilisi’s historical sights – from old churches and fortresses to traditional houses with wooden balconies and lively squares and alleys.

Old Town Tbilisi is the ideal starting point for getting to know the city. No other place conveys the atmosphere and character of Tbilisi so authentically. Since 2007, Old Tbilisi has also been a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

According to legend, Tbilisi owes its origins to the hot sulfur springs that still characterize the cityscape today. The first settlements were established here as early as the 4th century. In the 5th century, the Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali began the systematic expansion of the city, which became the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli under his successor, Dachi.

Thanks to its strategic location, Tbilisi quickly developed into the natural center of the Caucasus region. Over the centuries, the city was under the changing influence of great empires, including Arab, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian rule. This diversity has had a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Old Tbilisi and contributes to the special charm of the historic district.

Today, Old Tbilisi is a living open-air museum where history, architecture, religion, and everyday life blend harmoniously. A stroll through the narrow streets of Old Tbilisi is a journey through the past – and an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Georgia.

Old Tbilisi is one of Georgia’s most fascinating attractions and an absolute highlight for every visitor. It is one of Georgia’s top travel destinations. We recommend a three-hour city tour to experience the special atmosphere of this historic city and enjoy its diversity at your leisure.

For good reason, we start almost all of our cultural tours with a guided tour of Tbilisi. This way, Old Town Tbilisi becomes the gateway to the Georgian travel experience on the very first day of the trip – both on our 14-day round trip of Georgia or 7-day round trip of Georgia, as well as on the photo tour or even the cycling tour in Georgia, which also starts with a city tour of the old town.

During our city tour in Tbilisi, we visit the most important sights of the old town, including Freedom Square, the ruins of the old city wall, the famous puppet theater with the clock tower and the bell angel, the Anchiskhati Church, the modern Peace Bridge, and the Metekhi Church. Of course, the traditional sulfur baths, the synagogue, and the mosque are also not to be missed – impressive testimonies to the multicultural character of the city.

The tour is rounded off with a cable car ride that offers a magnificent view over the old town and the Mtkvari River. Numerous other interesting places and hidden corners make this city tour an unforgettable experience.