Exploring Tblisi Georgia

Georgia is a country between Europe and Asia and has an interesting mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and well…wine. We went on the first week of May which is spring season, and is the most ideal time to visit according to locals.

English-speaking tour guides can be booked prior the visit.  I personally suggest going through a trusted travel agency to arrange this in which guests can customise the places they would like to go as well. Riding taxi is fine but only gets challenging as most drivers know how to speak Russian but not that much English.

Tblisi is the capital city of Georgia. A small part of this city is called Old Tblisi, a historical area where most visitors often flock to and see the ecletic buildings and structures built in earlier centuries.

Old Tblisi overlooking Mtkvari River

Exploring the inner streets of the Old town makes an interesting walk. I like this area as there’s so much to see, and most of the best cafe’s and restaurants are found here. There are also plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local wine.

A sneak peek of Old Tblisi, one of the favourite go-to places in Georgia. We went to Machakhela Restaurant where we tried Georgia’s famous Kachapuri and Khinkali. #earlventures #WhereEarlYou

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Found in the old town is the Machakela Restaurant, a popular place to try Georgia’s signature specialties, the Kachapuri and Khinkali. 

The famous ‘I ❤ Tbilisi’ sign which is a subject of many photo ops by most tourists is also found at this restaurant.

  

Note: The real spelling of Tblisi can be  confusing as some spell it with extra “i” (as in Tbilisi) and some spell it as “Tblisi”.

Khinkali Georgian dumpling stuffed with meat and spices.

The streets in the old town are fascinating for their life and colours. Lots of art pieces and handmade crafts are being sold on the street.

The streets of Old Tblisi are fascinating for their life and colours. Lots of art pieces are being sold on the street. #WhereEarlYou #earlventures

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The area also has a good mix of the historic and modern Georgian culture.

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Along the street of Bambis Rigi, there are heaps of restaurants, bars and shisha places that locals and tourists alike seem to love.

The most fascinating is how Georgians pride their wines in the wittiest way possible.

This persuades you to save the planet, yeah? 😉 #WhereEarlYou #earlventures

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“Photographs are like wine, they get better with age.” -J.Burgowski

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Busy evening hours in Old Tblisi district

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We tried a restaurant along Bambis Rigi called the Organique Josper Bar. They serve 100% organic beef steak as a specialty, and of course a selection of good Georgian wines. I’d recommend this place as we had a nice dinner there and the overall experience was excellent.

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One of the historic landmarks found near the Old town is the Metekhi Cathedral. Besidie it is the equestrian statue of Georgia’s King Vakhtang Gorgasali who founded Tblisi in which he built his palace.

Mtekhi Cathedral with the statue of Georgia’s King Vakhtang Gorgasali

The Bridge of Peace is another popular tourist attraction in Tblisi. As the name implies, it was offered as a gift of peace from Russia to Georgia after the Russo-Georgian military dispute.

 

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A few walks away from the bridge, there are cable cars available to ride connecting to Narikala fortress. People come here to enjoy the view and catch a glimpse of the iconic Mother of Georgia statue.

Gazing to the fantastic view of the city in a cable car.
Narikala fortress
Mother of Georgia holding a sword on the right hand and bowl of wine on the left
View from the top overlooking the beautiful garden park

For those who would like to see Tblisi’s high street, European charm, Rustaveli Avenue makes an interesting drive. There are plenty of restaurants and shops around this area, but for those who prefer convenience, shopping in mall is a better option.

Here’s a video of our Georgia adventure in less than 3-minutes:

Are you planning to visit Georgia soon? I would love to know what you wish to see and try. Comment them below. 🙂

Read more blog entries of my Georgia trip.

Earle Hatsumy

A daydreamer who's on a mission to prettify things and see places. She documents every experience hoping to finish a style book she'd look through and laugh at when she gets old.

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