Old Tbilisi Building

Admission: Free to wander the district; entry fees apply at individual museums and baths (e.g., Narikala cable car, sulfur-bath facilities)

Old Tbilisi is the historic core of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, comprising a compact district of narrow streets, traditional houses, churches, and public baths along the Mtkvari (Kura) River. It is the city’s principal heritage quarter and a focus for tourism.

Key attractions include the hilltop Narikala fortress, the sulphur-bath quarter of Abanotubani, and multiple historic churches such as Sioni and Metekhi, all within a short walking distance of each other. The district is known for its layered urban fabric with wooden balconies and stone streets.

The area developed over many centuries and reflects periods of medieval, Ottoman, Persian, and Russian influence in its architecture and urban plan. Conservation and adaptive reuse have made the district accessible to visitors while retaining much of its historic character.

Old Tbilisi sits along the right bank of the Mtkvari River in central Tbilisi; the district spreads up steep hills behind the riverfront and is a short walk from the modern city centre.

• Practical tip: The district is compact and best explored on foot; narrow streets and stairways connect viewpoints, baths, and historic churches.
• Architecture: Distinctive wooden balconied houses and tiled roofs date from varied periods, giving the area a mixed architectural character from medieval to 19th century urban fabric.

What to See#

• Narikala Fortress: Narikala fortress overlooks the district from a hill and provides panoramic views over the Mtkvari River and the old city below.
• Abanotubani (sulphur baths): The Abanotubani quarter contains the traditional sulphur bathhouses that have operated on natural hot springs for centuries and remain a tourist attraction.
• Sioni and Metekhi churches: Historic churches such as Sioni Cathedral and Metekhi Church sit within the old town and reflect religious and architectural continuity across centuries.

Old Tbilisi is in central Tbilisi, reachable on foot from Rustaveli Avenue or by taxi across the Metekhi Bridge. The nearest metro stations are Avlabari (on the east bank) and Liberty Square (a 15-20 minute walk). From Tbilisi International Airport expect a 20-30 minute taxi ride into the old town depending on traffic.

• Walk the Meidan Bazaar and then climb the narrow streets toward the Narikala Fortress for the best skyline views of the old roofs and cable cars.
• Try local satsivi or khinkali in a courtyard restaurant - the food reveals as much of Old Tbilisi's history as any museum.
• Look for carved wooden balconies and the small synagogues and churches tucked into side lanes - they tell the city's story of coexistence.