When in Tbilisi

Roxanne Castro
Aug 17, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Aug 18, 2019

Looking for historical places, alfresco dining, warm people and lots of wine? Tbilisi should be on your list for your next getaway!

April 25 to 28, 2018 Flying through Air Arabia, I was able to experience little bit of Europe. My best friend and I left Sharjah International Airport (United Arab Emirates) at 22:40 hrs last April 24, 2018. It was smooth check in as there is a separate line for those who checked in online and we only had hand carry luggage.

TIP: Do the online check in to avoid long queue and ensure hand carry luggage is maximum 10 kg if you are flying Air Arabia. They are not strict in check in counter but they are strictly checking before going to the boarding gate. Ensure also you bought a travel insurance as you will be asked at the boarding gate.

We landed in Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport at 01:55 am and since I know it's going to be very early morning arrival, I already arranged with our hotel an airport transfer since this is both our first time.

LOG INN BOUTIQUE HOTEL3 Gurjani Dead End, Avlabari, Tbilisi

We checked in at Log Inn Boutique Hotel near Avlabari Metro Station. It's a 3 star hotel but staff is friendly and they welcomed us warmly even at 03:00 am. They speak English and Russian too. Breakfast and WiFi is included but ensure to bring adapter for your gadgets. Basics like Air condition, flat screen TV, towels, slippers, shower amenities, hair dryer and water are provided. Going to reception, to breakfast and to the room requires you to use the stairs but don't worry it's not a long way up.

FIRST DAY Since my best friend and I did not plan what exactly to do in Georgia, on our first day we walked a lot. Avlabari station is just less than 5 minutes by walk from the hotel however if you plan to go to the area of Freedom Square, just go by foot. Normally most of the shops and tours start at 10:00 am so no need to wake up early.

STOPS: Metekhi St. Virgin Church, Europe Square, Bridge of Peace, Vakhtang Gorgasali Square, The Sioni Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, Liberty Square and Galleria Tbilisi

SOME PEOPLE TRY TO OVERSELL: Do not buy from small shops that sell 20 gel for an adapter which you can use for 1 gadget only. Go to SPAR Supermarket, I found adapter that can be used for more than 4 devices and it's only 10 gel. Taxi from Meidan Square (I love you Tbilisi) will ask you to pay 10-20 gel to Avlabari metro station. Normal rate is only 4 to 5 gel so better go by foot as it is only 15 minutes.

SOME PEOPLE TRY TO HARDSELL: When walking around, there are some people who suddenly stops you being friendly wearing costumes or having pet monkeys. They will say it is okay to take photo but if you do not speak the language, you will lose some money in the end. Luckily, I can speak few words in Russian.

SECOND DAY: KAZBEGI There are lots of tour guides and travel desk in Georgia. Every corner, you will see a shop or a car with ads that sell Kazbegi, Batumi, Kakheti, Mtskheta, Meskheti and many more. If you see and you are facing I love Tbilisi sign, find Chateau Mukhrani restaurant on your left side. You will see an office that sells tour packages. We booked our tour there and we are satisfied. We booked Kazbegi tour. There are only four of us for the day so the trip is very comfortable.

STOPS: Jinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Castle, Aragvi River, Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument and Gergeti Trinity Church

THIRD DAY: KAKHETI I got intrigued hearing the City of Love in Georgia. We visited Kakheti on our third day and since we booked again in the same tour operator, they were so kind enough to give us a discount. They gave us our private car and our own tour guide who was very accommodating and ensure that we get to know a lot about Georgia for our day trip. After our trip, he dropped us at Meidan Square so we can do last minute shopping.

STOPS: Signagi, Bodbe Monastry, Signagi Museum, Cradle of Wine

TIP: Buy souvenirs not on the side where the Sulfur Bath is. Walk a little bit more going to Liberty Square. There are difference in prices.

On our last day, we visited the The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba). It is truly breathtaking even on the outside. It is 5 minute walk from our hotel.