Tbilisi

Introduction

Georgian orthodox church, Tblisi

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Tbilisi (თბილისი) is the capital of Georgia and is also the largest city in the country. The city is located in the southeast of the country on the Mtkvari River and has well over 1 million inhabitants. People have been living here since over 1,500 years and nowadays the city is the cultural and economic hart of the country and for people flying in to the country, Tbilisi will be there starting point. Recent historical events which were of importance for the country, took place at the central Freedom Square, like the Rose Revolution. But there is an older form of history to be found as well, with churches, mosques and synagoges all mixed together and even standing next to each other! From Tbilisi, it is just a short ride to other interesting regions like the Caucasus Mountains, the wine region of Kakheti and also Armenia is nearby.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

• Metheki Church
• Freedom Square
• Tbilisi Old Town
• Mother Georgia (statue high above the city)
• Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the most important one in the city
• Narikala Fortress

Events and Festivals

Weather

Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit the city (and the country for that matter) as temperatures are mild and pleasant and usually there is not much rain during these months. Summer can be hot (up to 40 °C) while in winter temperatures can drop way below 0 °C.

Getting There

By Plane

Tbilisi International Airport (IATA: TBS; ICAO: UGTB) is the main gateway of the country. There are connections to most neighbouring countries and the Middle East. Direct flights from Europe can be taken from London, Munich, Riga, Vienna, Amsterdam, Kiev and Athens. Comming from Asia is best to connect through Dubai or Istanbul. Direct flights via Moscow and Russia at the time of writing have been suspended.
New connections are showing up though, with Georgia being more and more popular lately and more European countries and former Soviet Union republics now have flights, either directly or not, to and from Tbilisi.

From the airport there are several options to getting to the city centre. There is an infrequent rail service to the main railway station or you can take bus 37 from outside the arrivials hall which also finishes at the main railway station. The buses running this route are 'mini-buses' so if you have alot of luggage it's best to take one of the waiting taxis.

By Train

There are train international connections with both Armenia and Azerbaijan which leave Tbilisi and have their finale destination in Yerevan or Baku respectively. There are alos a multitude of local services which go to the regional centers in Georgia, although its much quicker to take a bus and usually around the same price.

By Car

Being the capital between Europe and Asia and lying on the old Silk Road, Tbiisi is easily accessed both internationaly and localy.

By Bus

There are connections to the countries of Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Greece, either by bus or by marshrutka, the Georgian minibus. Buses traveling as far as Istanbul and Athens can take up to two full days to get there.

By Boat

There are no boat connections in Tbilisi, or even ferries for that matter on the Mtkvari River.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

Metro
Tbilisi, like most ex Soviet capitals, has a Metro (Subway) system. Although the maps shoes 3 lines there are only two with a third "under construction". The red line "Akhmeteli-Varketili" as well as the green line "Saburtalo" both connect with the main railway station, with the former running in roughly a north-south direction while the Saburtalo running east-west. Fairs are very cheap and most stations have the line map in both Georgian and Latin alphabets.

By Foot

Getting around Tbilisi by foot is quite easy. Walking from the Old Town to Rustaveli through Freedom Square take roughly 45 minutes. Be aware that motorists here rarely give way to pedestrians and if trying to cross a busy road stick with what the locals are doing.

By Bike

Riding by bicycle around Tbilisi is only for the very brave. With the Georgian 'style' of driving and that fact that motorists arn't use to cyclists can make it very dangerous. That been said, the hills surrounding Tbilisi are frequented by many mountain bikers. Many take the cable car from the district of Vake up to Turtle Lake and cycle down through the forest or over to the neighbouring mountains.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Hotel Georgian House Tbilisi, rooms from €45, Phone: +99532 791919.

Upscale

Work

Learn

• Tbilisi State University

Keep Connected

Internet

WiFi is spreading slowly and can be found at some establishments, manly higher class hotels and restraunts.
Internet cafes are plentyful and usually found hidden in courtyards of main streets, most are signposted in English.
The tourist information office at City Hall also provides free internet access.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Many Georgians have now have access to a mobile phone and as such public payphone are becomming obsolete. If you do happen to find one it will either be an old Soviet 'token' payphone or one that uses pre purchesed phone cards, both of which can be purchased at neighbouring convience shops. A earier option is to go to one of the many places offering phone services, usually attached to an internet cafe of 'Xerox' shop.

Georgia has three mobile operators: Magti, Bee Line and GeoCell. The best coverage is offered by GeoCell which covers most of the countrie and a fair bit of the mountains. SIM cards can be purchased from all the networks and toped up with scratch cards purchesed from shops or various touch screen 'kiosks' around the city.

Post

External Links

• Official Governmental Website