Tbilisi is a city that charms its visitors at any time of the year. Each season reveals its unique atmosphere, offering plenty of ways to enjoy local beauty and have a great time. Let’s go through all four seasons to get a better idea of what to do in Tbilisi in 2025.
Winter in Tbilisi: Warm Hospitality Amidst the Chill
Winter in Tbilisi is mild, with snow rarely falling, making winter walks around the city a true pleasure. This is the perfect time to explore the old town and soak in the cozy atmosphere of the streets.
- Old Town and Sulfur Baths: Start your walk in the Abanotubani district, home to the famous sulfur baths—an ideal place to relax in the cold weather. The sulfur baths are an ancient Tbilisi tradition, and visiting them gives you an authentic feel of the city. The water is rich in sulfur, making it great for your skin and helping you relax. You can choose between public baths or rent a private room for more privacy.
- Christmas Markets: In December and January, Tbilisi’s streets come alive with Christmas markets decorated with lights, offering local souvenirs, treats, and drinks. The central square and Rustaveli Avenue become festive with stalls selling mulled wine, traditional sweets like churchkhela, and handmade crafts.
- Museums and Galleries: During the winter months, it’s particularly enjoyable to visit museums. We recommend the Georgian National Museum to learn more about the country’s rich history, including archaeological finds and ancient artifacts. The Museum of Modern Art offers a chance to dive into Georgian art, featuring works by famous artists like Pirosmani and Gudiashvili.
Spring: Awakening Nature and Festivals
Spring is the best time for walks and excursions, as the city blossoms and the temperature becomes comfortable for long outings.
- Rike Park and Cable Car: In spring, Rike Park is a must-visit, where you can enjoy the greenery and various sculptures. From there, you can take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress. Narikala is one of the most iconic historical sites in Tbilisi, built in the 4th century, and still holds the grandeur of ancient architecture. The fortress offers stunning views over the entire city.
- Botanical Garden: The Tbilisi Botanical Garden is incredibly beautiful in spring. Located at the foot of the mountain, it stretches over dozens of hectares. You can see waterfalls, beautiful flower alleys, and rare plants here. The garden also has plenty of secluded spots perfect for a picnic or simply relaxing in nature.
- Wine Festival: Spring in Tbilisi often brings wine festivals, like the “New Wine Spring.” This is a unique opportunity to try local wines such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, enjoy traditional music, and chat with local winemakers who are happy to share insights into Georgian winemaking traditions.
Summer: Outdoor Fun and Urban Adventures
Spring is the best time for walks and excursions, as the city blossoms and the temperature becomes comfortable for long outings.
- Rike Park and Cable Car: In spring, Rike Park is a must-visit, where you can enjoy the greenery and various sculptures. From there, you can take the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress. Narikala is one of the most iconic historical sites in Tbilisi, built in the 4th century, and still holds the grandeur of ancient architecture. The fortress offers stunning views over the entire city.
- Botanical Garden: The Tbilisi Botanical Garden is incredibly beautiful in spring. Located at the foot of the mountain, it stretches over dozens of hectares. You can see waterfalls, beautiful flower alleys, and rare plants here. The garden also has plenty of secluded spots perfect for a picnic or simply relaxing in nature.
- Wine Festival: Spring in Tbilisi often brings wine festivals, like the “New Wine Spring.” This is a unique opportunity to try local wines such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, enjoy traditional music, and chat with local winemakers who are happy to share insights into Georgian winemaking traditions.
Autumn: Golden Season and Culinary Delights
Autumn is one of the most pleasant times to visit Tbilisi. The weather is mild, and the city is enveloped in golden foliage.
- Seasonal Cuisine: In autumn, be sure to visit Georgian restaurants to try dishes made with fresh seasonal produce. We recommend trying satsivi—chicken in a walnut sauce, which is especially popular during this time of year. Autumn fruits and vegetables like figs and pomegranates add a special flavor and aroma to the dishes.
- Tbilisoba: In October, Tbilisi hosts Tbilisoba, one of the city’s most important celebrations. During this time, the city comes alive with concerts, dance performances, and markets featuring local products and crafts. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Georgian culture and traditions and to try the best food and wine from the region.
- Mtatsminda: A walk through Mtatsminda Park in the autumn is a real treat. Mtatsminda is one of Tbilisi’s main amusement parks, with attractions, viewpoints, and restaurants. You can take the funicular to reach the top, offering breathtaking views of the autumn city. At the top of the hill is the Pantheon, where many famous Georgians, including writers and public figures, are buried.
Getting Around Tbilisi
Tbilisi offers various transportation options for tourists:
- Public Transport: The city’s buses and metro are convenient to use. The metro is a fast and inexpensive way to get around, especially during peak hours. Tbilisi’s metro system consists of two lines, covering major parts of the city, making it convenient for tourists.
- Taxis: Taxis in Tbilisi are available and relatively affordable. Use apps like Bolt or Yandex Go to hail a ride. It’s important to agree on the fare in advance if you catch a taxi on the street to avoid misunderstandings.
- Car Rental: If you plan to travel outside the city, renting a car is a great option. There are many car rental agencies in Tbilisi, such as Avis and Enterprise, offering a wide selection of vehicles.
- Car Sharing with Getmancar: A convenient and flexible way to get around is using Getmancar, the only car-sharing service in Tbilisi and Batumi. You can rent a car for a short period through a mobile app, which is especially handy for tourists wanting to explore the city at their own pace. You can reserve a car in advance and leave it at any convenient location after you’re done.
Tips for Tourists
- Walking Tours: Tbilisi is a city best explored on foot. The old town and central areas are full of narrow streets and beautiful courtyards, where you can discover old buildings, unique balconies, and hidden gardens.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress for the season and choose comfortable clothes and shoes for walking along the hilly streets. Some areas of Tbilisi, like Mtatsminda and Narikala Fortress, require good physical fitness due to the inclines.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the local cuisine. Dishes like khashi soup, khachapuri, lobio, and satsivi are a must. Don’t miss the chance to taste local wines as well, since Georgia is considered the birthplace of winemaking.
- Safety: Tbilisi is a safe city for tourists, but as in any other city, you should keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Locals are generally friendly and ready to help if you have questions.
Tbilisi surprises with its hospitality and diversity. Regardless of the season, there is always something interesting to do. Plan your trip and discover the capital of Georgia in 2025!