Tbilisi in Winter – Why Visit & Best Things To Do

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Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 03:18 pm

Have you ever considered visiting Tbilisi in winter? If not, this guide is here to convince you that winter might just be the perfect time to visit Tbilisi, Georgia’s fascinating capital.

Is Tbilisi Worth Visiting in Winter?

We recently spent four weeks in Tbilisi in winter. Before getting there, we didn’t know what to expect as this would be our first time in the Georgian capital. Therefore, we couldn’t help but wonder: Is Tbilisi worth visiting? And in winter for that matter?

Well, our questions couldn’t be more eloquently answered. Tbilisi made us fall instantly in love with it as we felt at home right from the start.

In terms of weather, it lightly rained or snowed for a total of four or five non-consecutive days in the entire month we spent there.

Winter temperatures in Tbilisi were low but not extremely so. And this is coming from two people used to spending the mildest winters in Athens. After all, Tbilisi translates to “warm place” and that says it all.

With its abundance of warm cosy cafés and restaurants, several landmarks, museums and monuments, gorgeous architecture and, of course, Tbilisi’s sulphur baths, the Georgian capital is definitely worth a visit.

Unlike other European capitals that can get quite busy with tourists even in the low season, Tbilisi retains its authentic character, allowing you to genuinely mingle with locals. For all this, we can’t recommend visiting Tbilisi in winter enough.

Where Is Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is the capital of the beautiful country of Georgia in Eastern Europe. The city stretches along both sides of the Kura River. The Georgian capital boasts a historic location along the once-thriving Silk Road.

How Many Days in Tbilisi?

Although Tbilisi is a fairly small city without major attractions, you need four to five full days to enjoy the city’s unparalleled vibes, check out the cosiest places for delicious food and quality local wine, feel the hospitality of Georgians and plan at least one day trip to a nearby region.

How To Get Around Tbilisi in Winter

A great way to explore Tbilisi in winter is on foot. The city is compact without many inclines, perfect for a warming-up walk.

If it’s raining or for longer distances, you can use a riding app, like Bolt. For two people, the cost is similar to public transportation and the drivers are very polite and helpful.

Unfortunately, we don’t have any insights on public transport. During our one-month stay in Tbilisi, we never used the metro or buses. We either walked or ordered Bolt rides.

FAQs About Visiting Tbilisi in Winter

Is Tbilisi cold in winter?

The average temperature in Tbilisi during the winter months ranges between 0°C and 10°C. Moreover, all indoor spaces are very warm.

We stayed in Tbilisi from mid-January to the end of February. From our experience, winter in Tbilisi was quite mild with little rainfall and sunny weather. So, we’d say that, no, Tbilisi is not that cold in winter.

When is Christmas in Tbilisi?

Georgia follows the Julian Calendar as the main religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. That means that most main religious holidays, like Christmas, are celebrated 13 days later than in the West.

Therefore, Georgian Christmas is on January 7 and the Orthodox New Year’s Day is on January 14. However, the festive season starts in early December.

Watch our YouTube video about the best places to visit in Tbilisi:

Travel Resources For Your Winter Trip To Tbilisi

27 Things To Do in Tbilisi in Winter

1. Soak in Historic Sulphur Baths

Winter in Tbilisi is the best time to enjoy the city’s several sulphur baths.

Situated in the Abanotubani district at the edge of the Old Town, Tbilisi’s bathhouses with their distinct domes stand out for their unique architecture, but also the characteristic smell coming from the sulphur waters.

Tbilisi literally means warm place. Legend has it that King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the hot springs during a hunting trip with his falcon and decided to found a new city on these grounds.

There were about 65 bathhouses in the 13th century, a testament to the city’s prosperity during the Silk Road period. With water temperatures of nearly 40°C, the thermal baths were used for medical reasons back in the day.

Nowadays, much fewer in numbers, the baths are mostly used for entertainment and as tourist attractions. Tbilisi Baths have nothing to do with Budapest Baths or the experience of a Turkish Bath.

There are public bathhouses with communal rooms and private ones. In a private bathhouse, which we recommend, you can book your private room for one to twelve people.

A private room usually consists of a resting room with a sofa, TV and other amenities, a bathroom, a plunge pool with hot sulphur water and showers.

Depending on how many people you are and how luxurious you want your experience to be, you can also book a private bath with a sauna or massage room.

During our one-month stay in Tbilisi, we visited Chreli Abano Spa, probably the most popular bath with its emblematic Persian-style facade, and King Erekle’s Bath.

Both times, we had a great experience escaping the winter cold in a plunge pool with hot sulphur waters.

Speaking of hot waters, if you’re planning to extend your Georgia trip beyond Tbilisi, consider visiting the region of Upper Svaneti and Mestia in winter for a chance to soak in a hot tub surrounded by dazzlingly white snow.

2. Taste Georgian Food

Tbilisi – and the entire country for that matter – is an underrated food heaven.

Influenced by the greater area of the Caucasus Mountains, Middle East and Eastern Europe, traditional Georgian cuisine is one of several good reasons we would go back to Georgia in a heartbeat.

Although Georgian food is meat-based, there is a great variety of vegetarian Georgian dishes with cheese, beans and vegetables.

Khinkali, these delicious dumplings filled with herbs, cheese or mushrooms, and Khachapuri, a hearty pie filled with cheese, are a tribute to local gastronomy.

Not to mention the Georgian Supra, a traditional feast among family, friends and guests accompanied by songs, toast-making and loads of traditional Georgian food. Read more about the Georgian Supra here.

3. Join a Cooking Class

Food is a serious matter for Georgians and the best way to delve into Georgian cuisine is to join a cooking class. As we were visiting Tbilisi in winter, we picked this indoor Georgian cooking class which could easily be adapted for vegetarians.

During this cooking class, we had a great time wrapping Khinkali and making Khachapuri from scratch in a cosy and warm environment.

The chef taught us the secrets of Khinkali techniques while narrating stories about the city. After the cooking class, we enjoyed a mouthwatering meal that consisted of our creations, local wine, cheese and salad.

4. Experience a Traditional Georgian Dance Performance

Speaking of food, if you’re looking for a first-class experience of Georgian cuisine, Ethnographer Restaurant is a must-visit not only for the exquisite food but also for its unparalleled ambience, warm indoor space and spectacular shows with traditional dances and live music.

Therefore, make a reservation for a traditional dinner with dance on Georgian time, which means later than 8 PM. The restaurant is situated a bit outside the city centre, so take a taxi or order a Bolt to get there.

5. Enjoy The Views From The Chronicles of Georgia

Set atop a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea, The Chronicles of Georgia is a monumental sculpture that records the history of Georgia. The massive columns depict the Kings and Queens of Georgia and various religious scenes.

The sculpture was erected in 1985 when Georgia was part of the USSR. However, it was never completed as its construction stopped after the fall of the USSR.

The church next to the sculpture is dedicated to Saint Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia.

Keep in mind that there are quite a few steps to get to the structure and, on winter days, it might be windy and cold. However, the stunning panoramic views from the hill are absolutely rewarding.

6. Cross The Bridge of Peace

Many bridges connect the two sides of the city over the Kura River. Among them, the Bridge of Peace is undoubtedly the most impressive.

The Italian architect Michele de Lucchi used glass to design a remarkable wavy roof over the steel walkway. Cross the Bridge of Peace at night for a spectacular show of the bridge’s lights.

Opened in 2010, the contemporary footbridge connects the Old Town and Rike Park. The latter is a great place to spend a sunny winter morning, strolling past interesting sculptures.

From there, you can continue to the Instagram-worthy Queen Darejan’s Palace.

7. Wander Around Tbilisi Old Town

Old Tbilisi refers to a wide area that includes many districts. In this article, by Old Town, we mean the historic part called Kala. It covers the area between Narikala Hill, Kura River and Freedom Square. On Google Maps, Kala is the city’s most densely populated area.

Although it’s the most touristic part of Tbilisi, the Old Town is worth spending a few hours in its maze of narrow streets and back alleys.

The unique Clock Tower next to the Gabriadge Puppet Theatre is only one of Old Tbilisi’s attractions. If you’re running out of time, this guided walking tour will take you on a stroll through the Old Town’s highlights.

8. Step Inside Tbilisi’s History & Wine Museums

The Tbilisi History & Wine Museums are housed in a gorgeous 19th-century building, the perfect place to spend a rainy or cold day in winter. Since the 1500s, the building has been a Caravanserai, which is a historic inn with shops for travellers and caravans.

At the History Museum, we liked the scale models of old Georgian houses and the clothes and accessories from previous centuries. Situated on the underground floor, the Wine Museum takes you on a journey into Georgia’s 8000-year-old wine history.

Walk around the corridors of the upper floors to see old photos from Tbilisi and enjoy a splendid view of the building’s inner courtyard.

9. Get in The Depths of Meidan Bazaar

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Meidan Square was a commercial hub along the Silk Road trade route. Merchants and caravans from East and West gathered here to do business.

Meidan Bazaar is a small market in an underground passage where you can find local products, such as wine, cheese and spices, and all kinds of Georgian souvenirs to bring back home.

10. Explore Narikala Hill

With gorgeous panoramic views of the Old Town, Abanotubani and the Botanical Garden, Narikala Hill is home to two of the city’s top attractions: Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia.

The uphill hike is a good option for winter weather. Yet, taking the cable car from Rike Park is much more amusing and effortless and one of the best things to do in Tbilisi in its own right.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century AD. Throughout the centuries, it changed hands between Persians, Arabs, Ottomans, Mongols and Georgians.

When it was under Russian occupation in the 19th century, it was destroyed by an explosion or an earthquake.

Near the entrance, the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas is the only restored building within the fortress. Walk along the 16th and 17th-century fortification walls for superb views of the Old Town and Kura River.

Mother of Georgia Statue

A short walk from Narikala Fortress, the 20-metre high Mother of Georgia Statue – or Kartlis Deda in Georgian – overlooks the city holding a cup of wine and a sword.

The wine symbolises Georgian hospitality whereas the sword is a visual reminder of the willingness to protect the country from the enemy.

Made of aluminium, the imposing statue was erected in the 1950s for the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi’s founding.

A nice way to get back to the Old Town is via the Betlemi Street Stairs that start near the Mother of Georgia Statue.

11. Stroll Through The Botanical Garden

With over 4000 species of plants, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia in Tbilisi is ideal for a relaxing walk at the foot of Narikala Hill. The main entrance is situated near Narikala Fortress at the edge of Abanotubani.

The visitor’s path passes through plants, flowers and trees next to a stream that leads to an impressive waterfall that flows under a footbridge.

On your way there, you’ll come across the door of a tunnel that was initially a separate entrance to the garden, later converted into the largest nightclub in Georgia.

12. Buy Vintage Treasures at The Dry Bridge Flea Market

Covered markets are ideal for winter months. However, the open-air flea market near Dry Bridge is something you shouldn’t miss.

The Dry Bridge Market dates back to the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, when locals started selling some of their personal belongings to earn money.

Nowadays, among antique cutlery, vintage cameras, books, paintings and other items, this is the best place to buy USSR-era objects, such as Soviet coins. Alternatively, you can buy Stalin-themed souvenirs, such as socks. We bought both.

The market is open every day until late afternoon.

13. Relish The Warm Interiors of Rustaveli Avenue’s Museums

Named after Shota Rustaveli, a Georgian poet, Rustaveli Avenue starts from Freedom (or Liberty) Square and ends at Rose Revolution Square, near the Giant Bicycle Monument.

An interesting fact for first-timers in Tbilisi is that there aren’t any pedestrian crossings on Rustaveli Avenue. If you want to cross the street, look out for a green sign on the sidewalk that leads to one of the underground passages.

Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi’s main street. It’s lined with imposing buildings, such as the Georgian National Opera Theatre, the Georgian Parliament and several interesting museums.

The latter are the best places to spend a few hours in a warm and comfy environment. Among many museums along the avenue and around we visited the following three:

Georgian National Museum & Museum of Soviet Occupation

The Georgian National Museum features an incredible Archaeological Treasury with jewels and artefacts from the Colchis era.

On the top floor of the same building, you can also visit the Museum of Soviet Occupation for an overview of Georgia’s history during that period.

Georgian Museum of Fine Arts

A few steps from the Georgian National Museum, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is home to incredible artworks by over 100 Georgian artists, most of which were created during the Soviet period.

Tbilisi State Academy of Arts

Situated on a Rustaveli Avenue side street, the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts is a must-visit. For us, it was the most impressive of all the museums we visited in Tbilisi.

The 19th-century historic building houses one of the oldest universities in Tbilisi and you can visit the stunning Mirror Halls decorated in a unique oriental style.

14. Warm Up at The Art Palace of Georgia

Located in the Chugureti neighbourhood, the Art Palace of Georgia is the city’s Museum of Cultural History, another remarkable art space you should visit during your winter trip to Tbilisi.

The museum is housed in a magnificent 19th-century mansion decorated with stunning frescoes and elaborate furnishings. The museum’s rich collection features exhibits related to the Georgian arts: theatre, opera and cinema.

15. Laze Under The Winter Sun at Turtle Lake

If you’re visiting Tbilisi in winter, this doesn’t mean you can’t explore parks and other outdoor spaces. Located on a hill over Vake Park, Turtle Lake is a popular place in the summer months.

In the winter, you can walk around the lake without crowds and enjoy a delightful winter landscape covered with snow if you’re lucky enough. So, don’t get discouraged if the weather is cold.

The best part is that you can take in panoramic views from the warmth of a rustic café restaurant near the shore.

A fun way to get to Turtle Lake is by a Soviet-era cable car from Vake Park. If weather conditions are not perfect, you will find the cable car station closed, like we did. In that case, take a taxi or Bolt to get to the lake instead.

On your way back, enjoy a nice downhill walk to the fascinating Open Air Museum of Ethnography for a glimpse into local architecture and culture.

16. Pet All The Stray Dogs

Another interesting thing you should know before your trip to Tbilisi is that there are a lot of street dogs. At first, we felt uncomfortable and a bit scared, to be honest. But, soon, we realised how calm and friendly most of them were.

Stray dogs in Tbilisi wear an ear tag which means they are tagged, neutered and vaccinated. Most of them behave like puppies, no matter their large size. So, don’t hesitate to pet these enormous puppies at heart.

17. Marvel at Tbilisi’s Architecture

One of the main reasons to visit Tbilisi is its stunning architecture. With ornate wooden balconies, communal courtyards, spiral staircases and handpainted walls, buildings in the capital city of Georgia are one of a kind.

Some are fully renovated, but most look neglected and about to collapse. The latter adds to Tbilisi’s charm for sure, especially when you realise that the apartments inside are in great condition.

Although we spent a month in Tbilisi and had plenty of time to explore on our own, we decided to join an architectural walking tour with a local guide to discover the hidden spots in Tbilisi. Because locals always know best. And we couldn’t be more right.

During this tour, Baia, a local born and raised in Tbilisi, guided us through the Sololaki district and showed us hand-painted hallways, unique residential houses and hidden courtyards we would never have found ourselves.

18. Step Back in Time at Stalin’s Underground Printing House

Located in the Avlabari district, Stalin’s Underground Printing House Museum is a mandatory stop for Soviet history enthusiasts.

Born in Gori, Georgia, Joseph Stalin was the Soviet Union’s leader from 1924 until his death in 1953. In his young years, he used this house to set up a printing installation for revolutionary proclamations against the Russian Tsar.

This house is now a museum where you can see a small collection of Soviet photos, documents and propaganda material and, of course, the printing house. The highlight is the shaft connecting the house with an underground room where the printing room was.

The visit is guided by one of the two communist-at-heart keepers of the museum. They barely speak English but you’re given a leaflet with all the information in English. Body language will do the rest.

19. Admire Tbilisi’s Churches

Georgian people are quite religious. The predominant religion in Georgia is Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Tbilisi is home to several beautiful churches that are worth visiting for their architecture and splendour alone, no matter if you’re religious or not.

Completed in 2004, after a decade of construction work during a turbulent period for Georgia, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is one of the largest and tallest in the world.

Also known as Sameba, the massive Tbilisi Cathedral is impressive from the outside yet quite plain inside. The panoramic views from the Cathedral’s terrace are outstanding.

Another church worth stopping by is Metekhi, a lovely church that dates back to the Middle Ages, with gorgeous views of Tbilisi Old Town from atop Metekhi Cliff.

The Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral is another important church for the locals, situated in the heart of the Old Town.

Last but not least, the Church of The Red Gospel is an 18th-century Armenian church that has been either blown up – Georgian authorities deny this – or destroyed by an earthquake. It now stands in ruins, offering unique photo opportunities.

20. Escape The Cold at Tbilisi’s Wine Bars

Georgia is considered the cradle of wine as Georgians were the first to make wine in 6000 BC.

Wine in Georgia is made in Qvevri. These are traditional clay vessels, buried under the ground. This wine-making method gives Georgian wine its distinct taste that doesn’t remind of European-style wines.

Tbilisi boasts numerous wine bars, perfect for a Georgian wine tasting on a winter day. One of our favourites is the 8000 Vintages wine bar, near the Opera and Ballet Theatre on Rustaveli Avenue.

21. Discover Tbilisi’s Craft Beer Scene in Sololaki

Wine may be intertwined with Georgian culture, but the up-and-coming craft beer scene must not be overlooked.

Our two favourite beer pubs in Tbilisi are in the Sololaki neighbourhood. At Black Dog Bar and Tsota Tsota Craft Beer Pub, we tried incredible craft beers that ranged from uncomplicated lager beers to disturbingly good tomato or Khinkali-flavoured ones.

22. Savour Coffee & Cake at Tbilisi’s Nostalgic Cafés

Everybody knows that the coffee and cake ritual is the antidote to the colder months. Thankfully, Tbilisi boasts a terrific coffee culture.

With smart decors, vintage furniture, good quality coffee and delicious cakes and pastries, cafés in Tbilisi are fantastic places to hang out. Café Linville and Matasse 1822 are two of our favourite spots.

23. Walk Along The Skybridge

Old Tbilisi is marked by European-style buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries. Yet, venturing outside the city centre, the architectural landscape becomes different with Soviet-era Brutalist structures being an integral part of the city’s architecture, too.

One of the most iconic Brutalist structures is the Skybridge, which connects three blocks of flats in the Saburtalo district.

The standard way to access the Skybridge is via the lift located in the building on the lower end of the slope. You need some small change (cash) to use the lift.

However, currently, the lift is closed for restoration work. Therefore, it’s better to take a Bolt to the higher building on the hill instead.

24. Spend a Day at Mtatsminda Park

Located at the highest point of Tbilisi, the Soviet-era Mtatsminda Park is not only an amusement park with a nostalgic aura but also one of the best viewpoints in Tbilisi.

The best way to get to Mtatsminda Park is to take the funicular from the Lower Funicular Station. The funicular ride is one of the most memorable things to do in Tbilisi in its own right.

Before it reaches the top, the funicular makes a stop at the Pantheon, the resting place of several prominent Georgians.

We’d like to be honest with you here. The real reason we visited Mtatsminda Park not once, not twice, but three times was to savour the Soviet-era Ponchiki doughnuts at Café Funicular.

Crunchy, puffy and filled with rich vanilla custard, Ponchiki is the true highlight of Mtatsminda Park.

25. Have Fun at Fabrika

A former Soviet sewing factory, Fabrika is one of Tbilisi’s hotspots. The marble relief above the main entrance is a remnant of its Soviet past.

Fabrika now houses the largest hostel in Tbilisi. Besides that, though, the inner courtyard is a vibrant cultural hub with artist shops, a coworking space and cosy cafés, ideal for an evening out even in the winter season.

26. Plan a Day Trip

Apart from all the best things to do in Tbilisi, there are also several easy day trips you can take from Tbilisi, even in winter. Depending on your interests, Georgia has something for everyone. Below you’ll find two day trips we enjoyed during our stay in Tbilisi in winter.

Signagi Winter Wine Tour

If you’re travelling on a tight schedule, this is one of the best day trips from Tbilisi for a taste of the Kakheti wine region in Eastern Georgia.

It focuses on Signagi (or Sighnaghi), a tiny quaint town with cobbled streets and impressive fortification walls. Besides the stroll around Signagi, this wine-focused winter tour takes you to three wineries in the region.

With over ten wine tastings, a full-course lunch and dinner and a traditional Supra feast at the end of the tour, this is the most authentic experience you could ever ask for in Georgia.

When booking the tour, remember to use our code triptome5 for a 5% discount.

Mtskheta, Jvari, Gori & Uplistsikhe Guided Tour

Another fantastic day trip from Tbilisi is this organised day tour, perfect for history lovers. Mtskheta, Georgia’s old capital, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the embellished Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the imposing Jvari Monastery on the hill.

Before arriving in Gori to visit Stalin’s Museum, the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe was the highlight for us.

27. Hit The Slopes in Gudauri

Skiing fans – and winter sports enthusiasts in general – have yet another reason to visit Tbilisi in winter. Georgia is considered a skier’s heaven with many ski resorts scattered across the country. Gudauri is the closest to Tbilisi.

Although you can visit the Gudauri ski resort on a day trip from Tbilisi, we’d recommend spending a couple of days at one of the mountain resorts to make the most of your time hitting the slopes.

That’s pretty much all the help we can give you as we have no idea about winter sports whatsoever.

How To Get To Tbilisi

The city of Tbilisi is not as well-connected to Europe – or elsewhere – as you might expect. Moreover, most, if not all, flights arrive and depart during the night.

If there isn’t a direct flight to Tbilisi from where you are, the best countries for transit are Greece and Turkey. This way, you could easily visit Athens as well or spend a few days in Istanbul.

Read our guide on how to book a flight for beginners and find the best deals for your flights to Tbilisi.

Tbilisi International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. The best way to get from the airport to the city centre is by booking a private transfer in advance.

We always use Welcome Pickups as their experienced drivers are locals and English-speaking. It’s the most stress-free solution if your flight arrives – or leaves – in the dead of night.

Where To Stay in Tbilisi

Apart from Tbilisi Old Town, where we stayed, anywhere around Rustaveli Avenue, the up-and-coming Vera neighbourhood or even Chugureti on the other side of the river is a great place to stay in Tbilisi. Here are a couple of hotel recommendations in Tbilisi:

The Blue Fox Hotel: A few steps from the Clock Tower in the Old Town, this 4-star hotel is a fine example of traditional Georgian architecture, offering a memorable experience in Tbilisi.

Qarvasla Hotel: Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this 5-star hotel is your chance to splurge on a luxury stay without spending a fortune.

We have no doubt that Tbilisi must be a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. So far, we’ve only been to Tbilisi in winter and we can’t recommend it enough.

With its mild, pleasant weather, homelike cafés and restaurants and several points of interest, Tbilisi is a fantastic place to enjoy an unforgettable winter city break.

WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria