✈️ TLV to Tbilisi (TBS)
Georgia
Tbilisi
CityTBS
IATA1396.7 km
Distance2h 15m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 41.6692, 44.9547
Airlines:
About Tbilisi
Weather in Tbilisi
Understand
Tbilisi (formerly called 'Tiflis' after its Russian name) lies in the centre of eastern Georgia, in the foothills of the Trialeti mountain range. According to Georgian legends, it was founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali who, while hunting, shot a pheasant which fell into a warm spring and was either boiled or healed. Either way, the king was inspired to found a city on the site, and the name of the city derives from the Georgian word tbili meaning "warm". Although the city has been destroyed and rebuilt 29 times, the layout of the Old Town is largely intact with narrow alleys and big crooked houses built around courtyards.
Climate
Tbilisi experiences relatively cold winters and hot summers. Because the city is bounded on most sides by mountain ranges, the close proximity to large bodies of water (Black and Caspian Seas) and the fact that the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range (further to the north) blocks the intrusion of cold air masses from Russia, Tbilisi has a relatively mild micro-climate compared to other cities that possess a similar continental climate along the same latitudes. The average annual temperature in Tbilisi is 12.7 °C (54.9 °F). January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 0.9 °C (33.6 °F). July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 24.4 °C (75.9 °F). The absolute minimum recorded temperature is −24 °C (−11 °F) and the absolute maximum is 40 °C (104 °F). Average annual precipitation is 568 mm (22.4 in). May and June are the wettest months (averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation each) while January is the driest (averaging 20 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation). Snow falls on average 15–25 days per year. The surrounding mountains often trap the clouds within and around the city, mainly during the Spring and Autumn months, resulting in prolonged rainy and/or cloudy weather. Northwesterly winds dominate in most parts of Tbilisi throughout the year. Southeasterly winds are common as well.
Do
41.6879 44.8112 1 Sulphur Baths ( Abanotubani ), Bath Street (აბანოს ქუჩა) ( from Metro Avlabari 1 km SW, south side of the Metekhi bridge ). The main bath district is easy to spot with its small domes on ground level. There are several small baths offering different levels of comfort. The baths are relatively small, and you may have to wait for a pool to become available. English service is not guaranteed. Massages are available; however, they are more like a washing, but well worth it for the experience. You should bring your own towel and beach sandals but also they are available for a small fee, but pricey compared to the 3 lari if you use the public bath. Some travellers have suggested the Royal Baths is a much better alternative to Sulphur Baths (they are next to each other). Sulphur baths tend to double the price at the end of the massage and bath in spite of your original agreed price. Private pool: 50–200 lari/hr; massage/scrub 5–20 lari . 41.688769 44.811347 2 Bath No. 5 ( Public bath ), 4 Mirza Fatali Akhudovi . This is the only public bath in this area right at the beginning, follow the neon light. It is definitely worth the experience, so do not miss it. The men's section has a central shower area, a hot pool and a sauna. The women's public section only provides showers and massage, and are probably not worth it. Massage is 10 lari extra. Bring slippers and towel or rent them there for extra cost. 10 lari men, 6 lari women . ( updated Oct 2025 ) 41.70023 44.75437 3 Turtle Lake (Kus T'ba) ( take a taxi or walk up from Saburtalo ). This lake is in the hilly outskirts of Tbilisi. A popular weekend getaway for families, the lake offers pedal-boat rentals as well as swimming (deckchairs optional) for reasonable prices (swimming entry, without deckchair, is about 3 lari). Alright for a hot summer day, and offering views of the mountains and of the city below. Snackbars, restaurants and fruit cocktail shakers are available overlooking the lake. It's about an hour's pleasant walk from the Saburtalo district along country roads, passing the Ethnographical Museum, or a 10-15 minute (5–10 lari) cab ride from the center. There is also a funicular (cable car), going up from the corner of Vale Park at 74 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue (running daily 08:00–20:00). While the lake itself isn't particularly nice, the views from the hike up to the lake makes it a worthwhile excursion. 41.6857 44.73912 4 Lake Lisi (Lisis T'ba) , Reservoir Road ( 5.1 km SW-W ). Much further out than Turtle Lake (a cab will set you back about 10–15 lari each way), Lake Lisi is much larger and more remote, with long, winding mountain walks surrounding the lake. Unlike Turtle Lake, the entire Lake Lisi is opened up for swimmers. Be warned — there aren't always taxis waiting to take you back. 41.68782 44.80878 5 Climb up to the Narikala Fortress ( Metro Avalabari ). The crumbling ruins of this once-great fortress, standing alongside the Upper Betelmi Churches and the stunning Botanical gardens, offer panoramic views of the city below. It's quite a steep climb, though you could take the cable car instead. Also while the lack of bureaucracy and guard-rails can be liberating for some, you may want to watch your step. Temporarily closed as of May 2024. 41.68567 44.80332 6 Botanical garden , Botanikuri str. N1 ( access via Botanikuri St., or from above through the fortress. Nearest Metro Avalabari. There is another entrance a little south (coming from the Transfiguration monastery), as well as from the top at Mother of Georgia's—pay on your way out. ), ☏ +995 322724306 , info@nbgg.ge . 09:00-18:30 . National botanic garden of Georgia, founded in 1845. Lying in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge near Narikala Fortress. The garden is big and inconsistently maintained. Some nice parts are the Waterfall and the path along the creek upstream in the Mediterranean collection. Also the Parterre in a Central Park is a hidden gem. A fun zipline for over 150 cm tall and under 110 kg sliders is available for 40 lari. 4 lari (adults) . 41.6958 44.78632 7 Mtatsminda park ( Tbilisi Tower ) ( high on the hill; Bus 124 or the funicular railway up from Metro Rustaveli ). Bus until 23:00 . to have fun with your kids, see the views of Tbilisi or to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. You need to buy an access card at a cashiers desk for 2 lari. Funicular ride is also 10 lari one way and you use the access card for that. 41.69927 44.80144 8 Alexander's Garden ( ალექსანდროვის ბაღი ), Dry Bridge Area (მშრალი ხიდი) ( Metro: Freedom Square ). A part of Park April. Football: the men's national soccer team usually play at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena (capacity 54,000), 500 m northwest of the railway station. 41.71211 44.7445 9 Vake Swimming Pool , Chavchavadze Avenue (ჭავჭავაძის გამზირი) . Paragliding around Tbilisi . Find yourself (and your pilot) hanging in the sky with the clouds staring at the gorgeous sprawling Georgian Caucasus mountains below you.
Theatres
41.6943 44.7996 10 Alexander Griboedov Russian State Drama Theatre , Rustaveli Av. 2 ( M1 Liberty Square 200 m ), ☏ +995 32 293 58 11 . 41.69584 44.80656 11 Gabriadze Theatre , Shavteli 13 ( M1 'Liberty Square' 500 m ), ☏ +995 32 2986590 . 41.70107 44.79636 12 Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre ( თბილისის ოპერისა და ბალეტის თეატრი ), Rustaveli Avenue (შოთა რუსთაველის გამზ.), 25 . Beautiful opera house in neo-moorish building. Opera founded in 1851. Tickets (for some shows?) can be bought online at [dead link] . 41.69961 44.79783 13 Rustaveli National Theater ( Shota Rustaveli Theater, შოთა რუსთაველის თეატრი ), Rustaveli Avenue (შოთა რუსთაველის გამზ.), 17 . 41.69677 44.79973 14 Cinema Rustaveli ( კინოთეატრი რუსთაველი ), Shota Rustaveli Ave.(შოთა რუსთაველის გამზ) #5 ( M1 Liberty Square 200 m ). 41.69938 44.7953 15 Tbilisi State Conservatory ( თბილისის სახელმწიფო კონსერვატორია ), Al.Griboyedov Street. (ალ. გრიბოედოვის ქ.) #8-10 ( M1 Liberty Square 500 m ).
Drink
One is never far from a corner store opening late selling the bare essentials of life late into the night, which always include booze and bread. Georgia is known as the cradle of wine having produced wine since the neolithic period; and locals are very proud of this. Georgian wine was and still is the best in post-Soviet culture and there are many wine tasting shops in the upmarket areas of the city where wine culture is greatly respected. Try one of the famous wines from Kakheti or the other popular regions. It is possible to have a great night you may or may not remember for only 10 or 15 lari if you follow students to the cheaper bars where tourists are welcome, but you might be shortchanged a few lari. Nightlife tends to congregate north and northwest of the city centre; do your best to avoid the overpriced drinks in the old town. Also of note (especially for non-drinkers) is the famous Georgian "Laghidze Waters", sweet drinks based on soda and natural fruit and herb syrups, listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia. There is a Laghidze Waters restaurant in Tbilisi selling the genuine article, but Natakhtari is quite similar and sold in corner shops all over.
Stay safe
Tbilisi is very safe after the Rose Revolution. You will be welcomed with the cheerful hospitality that is a hallmark of Georgian culture. The police system was reformed completely and the public's trust in police rose dramatically. The police are usually quick to respond, though usually only Georgian and Russian are spoken. While walking is generally fine, even for solo women, it makes sense to take a bus or taxi home at night. Use common sense and big-city awareness. Night time at the clubs and bars are generally safe but fights between locals can escalate quickly. The taxi service is safe as long as it's a company taxi like "009" or others. The public bus is also a good, safe option for 1 lari. Police Tel: 112 Ambulance tel: 112
Cope
The Government postal service is notorious for being over-priced and unreliable with many thefts, and lost or damaged packages. Use a private postal company for anything important.
Go next
It is worth mentioning that online prices and in-person prices for trips vary widely as of 2022. You can bargain hard or price shop for tours in the old town (there are several competing companies). The tour guide sales people are mostly students who work on commission and many will drop the price in order to make a sale. Competitive pricing for tours is around 2x Marshrutka prices (per person).