Tbilisi in 3 days: Old Tbilisi, Narikala, Sameba and main attractions

Day 1 — Old Tbilisi and the sulphur baths

Morning

Old Tbilisi (Dzveli Tbilisi)
The historic heart of the city, with irregular lanes, houses with carved wooden balconies and churches dating back to the 5th century. It is the most photogenic and atmospheric part of the capital — the best place to start exploring early in the morning, before the day gets busy.

Metekhi Church
One of Tbilisi's oldest churches, built in the 13th century on a clifftop overlooking the Mtkvari river. It offers one of the most beautiful perspectives of the historic centre and is one of the city's most distinctive visual landmarks.

Bridge of Peace
A modern glass and steel footbridge connecting both banks of the Mtkvari, with views of Old Tbilisi on one side and Rike Garden on the other. The contrast with the medieval architecture around it is one of the most photographed scenes in the capital.

Afternoon

Abanotubani — the sulphur baths neighbourhood
The most distinctive neighbourhood in Tbilisi, recognisable by the domed brick structures that mark the rooftops of the thermal baths. Tbilisi owes its very name to this place — "tbili" means warm in Georgian. The baths use natural sulphur water and can be visited in private cabins.

Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
Hidden among the cobblestone lanes of Abanotubani, this natural 20-metre waterfall appears unexpectedly in the middle of the historic district — one of the city's most surprising sights.

Evening

Narikala Fortress at sunset
The medieval fortress that dominates Tbilisi's skyline, built in the 4th century and expanded over the following centuries. It can be reached on foot or by cable car from Rike Garden. From the top, the view over Old Tbilisi and the Mtkvari river is exceptional — especially in the late afternoon light.

Day 2 — Sameba, Mtatsminda and Vera neighbourhood

Morning

Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity)
The largest cathedral in Georgia and one of the largest in the Orthodox world, consecrated in 2004 on a hilltop overlooking the entire city. The complex is impressive both outside and inside — the gilded interior and frescoes create an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

Vera neighbourhood
A residential and creative neighbourhood near Sameba, with quality cafés, independent art spaces and a more local, relaxed atmosphere. A good place to have Georgian coffee and observe daily life in the city.

Afternoon

Mount Mtatsminda
The city's highest point, accessible by funicular from the centre. At the top there is a historic amusement park and — more importantly — a 360° panoramic view over Tbilisi and the surrounding mountains. The funicular itself is an attraction, climbing the hillside on historic tracks.

Tbilisi Funicular
One of the world's oldest funiculars still in operation, inaugurated in 1905. The ascent takes about 4 minutes and offers progressively wider views of the city as it climbs the slope.

Evening

Dinner at a traditional Georgian restaurant
Georgian cuisine is one of the great surprises of the trip — khachapuri bread filled with cheese, khinkali meat dumplings, chicken satsivi in walnut sauce and natural wine from the Kakheti region are truly unique gastronomic experiences. The Vera area and Rustaveli Avenue have good options.

Day 3 — Fabrika, Rustaveli and local culture

Morning

Fabrika
A former sewing factory converted into a multi-use cultural space, with cafés, restaurants, design hostels, craft shops, studios and a lively central courtyard. It is the epicentre of Tbilisi's creative and young scene — a place with its own energy and a completely different atmosphere to the historic centre.

Dry Bridge Market
An open-air flea market along the riverbank, with hundreds of stalls selling antiques, Soviet-era objects, handmade jewellery, paintings and various curiosities. A great place to find authentic souvenirs and make unexpected discoveries.

Afternoon

Rustaveli Avenue
Tbilisi's main avenue, lined with the National Opera Theatre, Parliament, museums and 19th and 20th-century historic buildings. It is the city's most formal and representative address — different from the organic charm of Old Tbilisi, but equally fascinating.

Georgian National Museum
A museum with a collection spanning from the Stone Age to the Soviet period, including one of the world's largest collections of ancient goldwork — the museum's "Treasury", with gold pieces dating back up to 5,000 years.

Evening

Final walk through Old Tbilisi
Return to the historic centre for a last evening stroll through Tbilisi's illuminated lanes. At night, with churches and fortresses lit up and carved balconies in silhouette, the city takes on an even more special atmosphere — the perfect way to close 3 days in the Georgian capital.