Darija Stojanovic 
Gamarjoba, traveler (that’s “hi” in Georgian!), and welcome to Tbilisi! This charming city, with more than 2,500 years of urban history and 8,000 years of winemaking history, is the new tourist hotspot for adventurers heading to the Caucasus region!
I visited Tbilisi for a week, read all the travel guides about it, and compared ALL the hotels across the city, so I’m more than ready to help you plan your trip!
Stay in the Old Town for your first visit to Tbilisi: it is central, walkable and full of landmarks, bars and hotels for every budget. Choose Rustaveli for views, Avlabari for budget, Vera for families, and Vake for upscale calm.
Just remember to book your stay in advance, as Tbilisi is super crowded with tourists and you don’t want to miss out on the perfect spot!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here’s a shortlist of all the best hotels located in Tbilisi Old Town:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Old Town – where to stay in Tbilisi for the first time
- 2. Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue – an area with great views
- 3. Avlabari – best place to stay in Tbilisi for budget travelers
- 4. Vera – where to stay in Tbilisi for families
- 5. Chugureti and Marjanishvili – where to stay for hip vibes
- 6. Vake – best place to stay in Tbilisi for luxury
- BONUS: Enjoy the Tbilisi nightlife in these top 4 bars
- FAQs about where to stay in Tbilisi
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
This map will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia, that I will be talking about in this post:
- Old Town: for first-timers
- Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue: for the urban experience
- Avlabari: for budget
- Vera: for families
- Chugureti and Marjanishvili: for trendy vibes
- Vake: for luxury
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | First-timers, nightlife | Historic, central, lively | Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel (9.0) |
| Mtatsminda & Rustaveli | Views, shopping, museums | Grand boulevard | The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel (8.6) |
| Avlabari | Budget travelers | Local, affordable | Hotel Best Tbilisi (9.3) |
| Vera | Families | Green, quiet, trendy | Rooms Hotel Tbilisi (8.5) |
| Vake | Luxury, longer stays | Upscale, leafy (taxi/Bolt, no metro) | Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers (8.9) |
1. Old Town – where to stay in Tbilisi for the first time
There’s no better way to explore Tbilisi than to base yourself in the heart of the city! With small, colorful houses placed one right next to the other and narrow cobbled streets, this area of Tbilisi is so dreamy! In fact, I call it the best area to stay for first-timers!
This neighborhood is full of old churches, museums, and other landmarks, and even though some require renovation, they just add to the area’s charm. The residential architecture found in the Old Town is also worth taking in, as many of the buildings date back to the 18th century. Since the city is extremely old, you can find structures from back in the 5th century, too!
The Old Town consists of Liberty Square (also known as Freedom Square), the Abanotubani area with the traditional Sulfur baths, as well as Sololaki with trendy cafes and colorful homes.
Over the years, this area of Tbilisi has just gotten better and better. Now, the streets are filled with art shops, wine houses, and many other interesting places that will keep you away from your hotel!
You must try local dishes like khinkali (Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat) and khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread), and pair them with red wine. There are tons of restaurants here, but I especially recommend the Restaurant Hide (map).
Nearby is the beautiful National Botanical Garden (map), with stunning views and nature. We came to Tbilisi for a friend’s wedding, and they actually took their wedding photos here! So you can imagine how beautiful it is.
All the other attractions, like the beautiful Narikala Fortress or the Mother of Georgia Statue adjacent to it, are pretty much within walking distance of anywhere you stay here (you can take a cable car to the statue).
Finally, you can cross the beautiful bow-shaped Bridge of Peace (map) to get to Avlabari, another vibrant area known for affordable accommodation and delicious restaurants, or walk past Freedom Square to reach Rustaveli Avenue and the city’s newer districts.
I love the beautiful and chic design of this Georgian luxury hotel! One of the best places to stay in Tbilisi, which has private rooms and a bar. You can go for a swim in the morning and then eat a delicious breakfast on the terrace. I would hit the sauna after that long trip to the city!
Other accommodation options in Old Town
A perfect stay in Tbilisi Old Town that has great views of the city, unique rooms, a bar, and a beautiful terrace
A dreamy boutique hotel in the Old Town area with unique Georgian family rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms
This beautiful apartment has a great location, private rooms, a nice kitchen, and free parking
Things to do in Old Town
- Go on a walking tour around the Old Town, drink wine, and ride a cable car
- Take a traditional sulfur Georgian bath at the Royal Baths
- Take a picture of the unique Mother of Georgia statue
- Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in Liberty Square (Freedom Square)
- Check out the architecture of the Anchiskhati Basilica
- Visit the Georgian National Youth Palace (map)
2. Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue – an area with great views
The biggest district in Tbilisi, located West of the Old Town, was named after the mountain Mtatsminda, the city’s symbol and its highest point. It’s a lovely area to stay in, especially because it’s so close to the Old Town. Rustaveli Avenue is just a minute’s walk away and is the main street in town, connecting Liberty Square with the rest of the city.
Rustaveli Avenue is full of nice shops, so if you’re looking for where to stay in Tbilisi to treat yourself to some new clothes or souvenirs, then definitely check out this area! It’s also home to major museums such as the Georgian National Museum and the National Gallery.
I loved walking in Dedaena Park, just 2 blocks from Rustaveli Ave by the Kura River (Garetubani district). They have a bunch of flea markets here, with the Dry Bridge Market (map) being the most popular one! I’d say this is the perfect place to buy some unique souvenirs!
Mtatsminda is known for its panoramic views and the lovely Mtatsminda Park (map) filled with fun adrenaline-boosting rides! If we have any hiker lovers among us, I recommend checking out the Tbilisi TV Tower trail, but only if you are an experienced hiker. The views as you climb up are the best!
If you’re looking for an easier route, I think you’ll love the Mtatsminda Pantheon hike. It’s one of my favorite spots here, as it’s very bohemian, and it’s where the most prominent writers, authors, and artists in Georgia are buried!
Here, you’ll experience the authentic local atmosphere, with some old Georgian residential spots in this neighborhood. You’ll find the best hotels here. However, the prices might be a bit high as the Old Town is located within walking distance.
One of the best luxurious hotels in Tbilisi with views of the city that will leave you breathless! Order room service and enjoy your breakfast while looking outside the big windows! I love it; it’s like a scene in a movie! There’s also a swimming pool and a bar if you’re in the mood for some day drinking!
Other accommodation options in Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue
A brand new, renovated hotel with a convenient location and modern amenities
One of the best hotels in Tbilisi, great for budget guests, close to all attractions, and it has cozy rooms
This apartment has a stunning view of the city and a thoughtfully decorated vintage interior
Things to do in Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue
- Go shopping on Rustaveli Avenue
- Have fun in the Mtatsminda Amusement Park and ride the Ferris Wheel
- Climb the Tbilisi TV Tower trail and see the panoramic views of the city
- Visit the Georgian National Museum
- Have a fun Georgian cooking class (make khinkali & khachapuri)
- Go to Rustaveli metro station and explore the city center
- Go on a day tour of Georgia’s breathtaking mountains
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3. Avlabari – best place to stay in Tbilisi for budget travelers
Located just across the Kura River from the Old Town, there’s only a 20-minute walk to Tbilisi’s City Center from Avlabari. This is one of the best places to stay in Tbilisi for all budget travelers, as you can find cheap hotels, but at the same time, you’re really close to all the big attractions.
As you cross the Bridge of Peace, which connects Old Tbilisi and Avlabari, you’ll enter Rike Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Tbilisi after Mtatsminda Park, if you ask me! I loved walking along its gardens and taking pictures of the colorful flowers. If you want to hop on that air balloon ride, know that it’s here! This is also a great spot for panoramic views of the Narikala Fortress!
Although many landmarks are within walking distance, you also have a metro station in this area, so don’t worry if your feet give up on you!
One of the top attractions in the city, the Sameba Cathedral, or the Holy Trinity Cathedral (map), is located here! I’ll forever remember our visit to the cathedral: as we were walking inside, a priest approached my husband and our friend and asked them to help install a giant cross on the wall. After they finished the job, together with the priest and the construction workers, we engaged in a deep discussion about values in life, religion, and spirituality. It was a very special experience. We now like to joke about how we went to Tbilisi to help build a cathedral!
The Sameba Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world – it’s 101 meters (331 feet) high!
Now, Avlabari is a lively neighborhood with many cafes, restaurants, shops, and clubs. Grab some food in one of the many restaurants in the area or buy souvenirs at the countless shops before spending an evening bar-hopping!
The area is also home to most of Tbilisi’s gay community. It can get a little loud at night, and some people love that about this neighborhood. However, I don’t recommend Avlabari for couples looking for a quiet, romantic evening.
You still have to see all the Georgian architecture in Avlabari, including a fortress and the Metekhi Virgin Mary Assumption Church, which has such a cool location (map)!
Sandali Metekhi Boutique Hotel
This fabulous boutique hotel is just 250 m from the metro station and within walking distance of Old Tbilisi. It has a terrace with fabulous city views, modern rooms with fancy lighting, a delicious complimentary breakfast, and super polite staff.
Other accommodation options in Avlabari
A 3-star hotel with clean and cozy rooms, free parking, and a central location next to the metro
An excellent value for money with duplexes that are perfect for families
A great place to stay in Avlabari, this old house has a backyard, a lovely kitchen, and private rooms
Things to do in Avlabari
- Go on a walking tour to discover the city’s highlights
- Admire the Georgian architecture of the Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Visit the Presidential Palace in Avlabari
- Walk along the Rike Park and hop on an air balloon ride
- See the Queen Darejan Palace
4. Vera – where to stay in Tbilisi for families
Vera is located on the West side of the city, just between Vake and Mtatsminda. It’s a 30-minute walk from the Old Town and a great base for families and anyone looking for a chilled, quiet neighborhood.
Still, Vera is an up-and-coming area that is becoming super trendy as we speak. Chavchavadze Avenue (map), one of the city’s main avenues, runs through Vera and Vake, and it’s a beautiful, tree-lined boulevard for walking, shopping, and people-watching.
This residential neighborhood is known for its beautiful green location and parks at every corner. I particularly recommend it for families, as there are plenty of picnic spots and playgrounds to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy the atmosphere in Tbilisi, Georgia.
I’m sure the families will also love spending a fun afternoon at the Tbilisi Zoo in the adjacent Saburtalo neighborhood! I know I loved it so much when I was traveling with my parents as a kid!
When you want to visit Old Tbilisi, just head down Rustaveli Avenue, and you’ll reach Freedom Square (from which the Old Town begins) in less than 30 minutes. It’s a great walk where you’ll pass numerous shops, eateries, and cafés, all for you to relax and explore local cuisine.
If you love some good old traditional Georgian aesthetics, then I highly recommend this place! It’s definitely one of the best hotels in Tbilisi; just a look at the uniquely designed private rooms, and they will steal your heart! You can have dinner with a view on the terrace that has huge windows, and if you’re in the mood, you can hit the gym!
Other accommodation options in Vera
One of the best places to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia that offers cozy rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast
One of the best hotels in the city for families that offers breakfast, a nice sun terrace, and spacious rooms
Check out this minimalistic budget apartment that has a kitchen, a backyard, and an indoor fireplace
Things to do in Vera
- Have a picnic with the family in Vera Park (map)
- Eat a delicious dinner at Varazi House
- Take the kids to Tbilisi Zoo to see all the cute animals
- Explore the beautiful Blue Monastery
- Take a walk to see Tbilisi’s Old Town
- Visit the Iakob Nikoladze House-Museum in Vera
5. Chugureti and Marjanishvili – where to stay for hip vibes
Located East of the Old Town across the river, these areas are very friendly and full of trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. Marjanishvili is closer to the Old Town, while Chugureti spreads further North and East.
I love it when I find raw places that haven’t been touched up to look good for the tourists! Marjanishvili and Chugureti are full of cool, hip street art, not to mention the old Soviet mosaics and monuments! I love it, it’s so original! Speaking of originality, in this neighborhood, you’ll find the coolest hostel you’ve ever seen – this area is known for its unusual accommodations.
The center of all the action in the area is around the Fabrika (map), this cool, redesigned industrial center that’s now a hotspot for chic bars, street art, and nightlife.
Dive into the local cuisine and wine bars and find some really cheap restaurants here. The best one is Barbarestan (map). It’s among the top eateries that you have to try here, and it’s inspired by one of the most popular feminists in Georgia, Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze.
You can use the Marjanishvili, Tsereteli, and Station Square metro lines to see other parts of Tbilisi.
HIDDEN GEM: Just a short taxi drive away is the Gardenia Shevardnadze (map), the most romantic botanical garden with old homes and authentic 19th-century décor. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the entire town, and I definitely recommend it if you want to take some Insta-perfect pictures! We visited with friends and never wanted to leave. Everything was just so cute!
This 5-star experience combines authentic Georgian charm and architecture with modern luxury. It’s nestled in an old building, has an on-site bar and restaurant, and even lets you rent a bike or a car. Their spacious King Suites are excellent for couples!
Other accommodation options in Marjanishvili
Stay in Tbilisi in one of the best hotels that is great for couples and offers guests room service
A top-rated budget hostel in Tbilisi that has a courtyard with many restaurants and bars and private rooms
Guests will love this great budget place with a bohemian design that has a kitchen and a patio
Things to do in Marjanishvili
- Explore the beautiful urban street art in Tbilisi
- Hop on a Soviet tour of the city
- Eat dinner at the friendly Barbarestan
- Take pictures of old Soviet Mosaics
- Have fun at the Museums of Selfies
- Walk along the bank of the Mtkvari River
- Catch a play at the Marjanishvili Theatre
6. Vake – best place to stay in Tbilisi for luxury
Located in the Western part of Tbilisi, this area is perfect for travelers who aren’t afraid to go all out when they’re on holiday! It’s 7.6 km (4.7 miles) West of the Old Town and bordered by Vera on the East.
Important politicians and wealthy people in Georgia used to live in this neighborhood, so the luxurious hotels here are a bit pricier, but they are so worth it!
Vake is one of the best areas of Tbilisi, home to a mix of old, vintage houses and new buildings. Of course, you’ll find tons of luxurious restaurants and bars. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can head to Rustaveli Avenue and walk towards the City Center or get a bus if you’re not really in the mood to walk.
To the East of the district, closer to Vera, is a top-rated Wine Factory N1 (map), a trendy spot with restaurants, a wine cellar, and TONS of people in the evening.
Another interesting attraction I recommend for history lovers is the Tbilisi Museum of Ethnography (map). It’s set outdoors and has stunning examples of traditional Georgian architecture and artifacts!
This posh area in Tbilisi, Georgia, is covered by the huge Vake Park. The views of the city are great here, and there’s a bit of history surrounding the place, as there’s a WWII memorial (map) and a grand fountain that looks so majestic!
This area is trendy and great to live in, but if you’re only spending a couple of days in Tbilisi without a car, I don’t recommend it, as it lacks a reliable metro connection to the rest of the city. This is the only reason I’ve listed it last. On the other hand, if you’re visiting by car or planning a longer stay, you should definitely consider this district, too.
This hotel screams luxury and elegance! It’s set in a high-rise building, so it offers posh rooms with the most scenic city and mountain views. The variety of rooms caters to solo travelers, business travelers, couples, and families. There’s also an on-site fitness center, a bar, and room service for your comfort.
Other accommodation options in Vake
Guests will love this great hotel in Vake that has rooms with a cute balcony and seating area for couples
A lovely 3-star hotel with clean rooms, airport shuttle services, and a cute terrace overlooking the city
Enjoy luxury with comfort like no other in Vake in this magazine-like apartment
Things to do in Vake
- Take a stroll in the friendly Vake Park
- Have fun visiting the Wine Factory N1 in Vake
- Try authentic Georgian dishes at Restaurant Tabla (map)
- Visit the Open Air Museum of Ethnography
- Hop on a ride to the jaw-dropping Chronicle of Georgia (map)
- Visit the Vake Turtle Lake
| 👑 Luxury price: | $160 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $70 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $30 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Ambassadori Tbilisi |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Ibis Styles |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Fabrika Hostel & Suites |
BONUS: Enjoy the Tbilisi nightlife in these top 4 bars
Over the years, the capital of Georgia has undergone significant changes, and the bohemian atmosphere of the city and the magic of the Tbilisi Old Town have drawn a wide range of tourists!
This town is definitely close to becoming a party hub in the area, so let’s see which are the most amazing bars and nightclubs that you should visit. Since the Old Town is the most popular and frequented by tourists, all the cool bars are located here.
1. Bassiani
For all of you who like to party until the sun rises, I recommend going to Bassiani (map) in the Old Town. It’s located in an old swimming pool at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, and I’ve heard numerous times that it’s called the “Berghain of the Caucasus” (Berghain is the famous techno club in Berlin). That means you know it will be fun and super exclusive!
They bring a lot of famous DJs and it can be tricky to get inside, and you have to register online and get verified in order to get in.
2. Sakhelosno Bar
Located in Tbilisi Old Town, close to Freedom Square, Sakhelosno Bar (map) is perfect if you love going out on a weekday, as most bars are usually closed late at night! Designed with cool graffiti, this friendly bar doesn’t have Wi-Fi, so get ready to mingle all night and listen to some live music!
3. Black Dog Bar
Are you traveling with your furry friend? Well, now you both can party the night away at this cool, pet-friendly bar. Black Dog Bar (map) is located in Tbilisi’s best area, the Old Town. You can enjoy some nice craft beer and pub food and mingle with the friendly staff here!
4. Chacha Bar
Do you love unique cocktails? Then head to the Chacha Time Bar (map), it’s open every day until 2 am! They also serve the best shashlik (BBQ meat) and burgers, so you won’t go hungry here either!
FAQs about where to stay in Tbilisi
🏙️ Which is the best area to stay in Tbilisi?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Tbilisi for the best experience, I highly recommend the Old Town area. It has all the big landmarks in the city, and everything is within walking distance. Plus, you’ll find both budget and luxury stays here.
💰 Is Tbilisi cheap or expensive?
Budget travelers or backpackers usually overlook Tbilisi, but the truth is that Georgia’s capital city has some of the cheapest accommodations, a nice hostel, and restaurants.
💭 How many days should I spend in Tbilisi?
To get the full experience of Georgia’s beautiful capital city, I recommend staying in Tbilisi for 3 to 4 days.
❓What hotels in Tbilisi City have nice views?
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tbilisi to enjoy the city’s beautiful views, I recommend the Ibis Styles Hotel in Old Town or the Hotel Passport in Avlabari.
🏨 What are the best hotels in Tbilisi Old Town?
Some of Tbilisi’s best hotels located in the Old Town are Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel and Doors Meidan Design Hotel.
✅ What are safe areas to stay in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi is a very safe city overall, and there are no particular unsafe areas. Staying in Old Tbilisi, Mtatsminda, Avlabari, Vera, or Vake is equally safe, especially for tourists!
🪩 Where to stay in Tbilisi for nightlife?
Stay anywhere in Old Tbilisi, and you’ll be steps from bars, late-night dining, and clubs. Tbilisi is a city that sleeps late and lives at night, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to chill in the evening. However, the area just South of Freedom Square is the hotspot for bars!
👨👩👧👦 Where to stay in Tbilisi with family?
Most of Tbilisi is family-friendly; just choose the area based on your interest or budget. Old Tbilisi is best for active sightseeing, Avlabari for budget, and Vake for luxury.
🚶 Is Tbilisi a walkable city, and how do you get around?
The Old Town is very walkable, though some streets are steep. For longer trips, the metro is cheap and easy in the center, with Bolt rideshare widely used and inexpensive. Note that Vake sits further out with no nearby metro, so plan on taxis there.
✈️ How do you get from Tbilisi Airport to the city center?
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) sits about 17 km east of the center. Bus 337 (formerly bus 37) runs to Freedom Square and Rustaveli roughly every 20 minutes from early morning until late evening for 1 GEL, while a Bolt, taxi, or a private airport transfer takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
🌞 What is the best time of year to visit Tbilisi?
Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Tbilisi, with warm, comfortable weather that is ideal for walking through the Old Town and taking day trips. Summer is hot, and winter is cold but cheaper and good for nearby skiing.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it from me! I hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Tbilisi, which hotel or hostel is the best for you, and what activity you want to do first!
I know I’ve given you tons of hotel options, but here are my top two favorites, both located in Tbilisi Old Town. Just make sure you book them in advance, as this city is getting more attention from travelers every day!
- Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel – An elegant luxury hotel with a fitness center
- ibis Styles – A trendy hotel in the heart of Tbilisi
Explore the beautiful Old Town of Tbilisi, eat the amazing traditional food, and go out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife!
Do leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions for our traveling community!
Safe travels,
Darija
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Well done! Now i know where to go and what to do, cheers Victoria.
Hi Moe, you are most welcome!
If you haven’t read our post on Things to do in Tbilisi, be sure to check it out too!
Thanks so much for the overview, it helped me a lot as a first time visitors of Tbilisi!
Beautiful Article, really informative for first timers to Georgia . Keep doing this Amazing work.