GEORGIA: Try Tbilisi With Its Distinctive Architecture,Very Safe After The Rose Revolution

Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Kura River with a population of roughly 1.5 million inhabitants.

Tbilisi is known for its distinctive architecture, which reflects the city's storied past and comprises an eclectic mix of Medieval, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Stalinist and Modernist structures.

Present-day Tbilisi is one of the safest cities in Europe and frequently ranks among the most popular emerging destinations thanks to Georgia's growing tourism industry.

Tbilisi 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 some 29 times, the layout of the Old Town is largely intact with narrow alleys and big crooked houses built around

Tbilisi International Airport is 17km southeast of the city centre. A new, modern terminal was inaugurated in 2007. There are ATMs, multiple SIM card vendors, a CIP lounge, and free Wi-Fi (Silknet) in the airport. George W. Bush Avenue leads from the airport to downtown Tbilisi.

The following airlines operate service to/from Tbilisi:

Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air Astana (Almaty), airBaltic (Riga), Air Georgia (Tehran) Alitalia (Roma), Al-Naser Airlines (Baghdad, Najaf), Arkia Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Azerbaijan Airlines (Baku), Belavia (Minsk), Czech Airlines (Prague), Donbassaero (Donetsk), Dniproavia (Dnipropetrovsk), Estonian Air (Tallinn), Euroline (Almaty, Donetsk, Dubai, Kharkiv, Odessa, Vilnius) flydubai (Dubai) Georgian Airways (Amsterdam, Athens, Dubai, Kiev-Boryspil, Minsk, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Tehran-Imam Khomeini, Tel Aviv,Vienna), Iraqi Airways (Baghdad), LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw), Lufthansa (Munich), Pegasus Airlines (Istanbul-Sabiha Gokcen), Qatar Airways (Doha,Baku), SCAT (Aktau), Sky Georgia (Batumi, Antalya), TAM Air (Donetsk, Kharkiv), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-Atatürk), and Ukraine International Airlines (Kiev-Boryspil) Fly Georgia (Baghdad-Baghdad International Airport)

Bus #37 leaves from the right corner of the arrival area every 15-30 minutes, between 07:00 and 20:00 and then every hour until 23:00 to the city centre. At night, there is a bus every 30 minutes. It travels via Samgori (where you can change for the metro), Avlabari, Freedom Square, Rustaveli, Republic Square and Tamar Bridge, to the main train station (Vagzal).

The trip to the city centre can take over 50 minutes. The fare is GEL0.50. Make sure you have exact change since the bus only takes coins and the driver does not carry money (purchase something in the arrival hall before getting on the bus...ATMs will dispense a minimum of GEL5). Do note that stops are not announced and that there isn't much room for luggage.

Taxis between the airport and the city cost 20-30 lari. Standard rates are listed on a board by the taxi rank as you exit the airport, on the right hand side.

Trains from the airport to the main train station cost GEL0.50 and travel time is 30min. The train runs only twice a day in each direction (from main station at 07:55 and 17:20, from the airport at 08:45 and 18:05)

If you are travelling to/from Mestia, there are flights available 5 days per week for GEL75. You can reserve tickets in the Courtyard Mariott on Freedom Square 09:00-13:00 in the Pegasus airlines office.

Note that flights to and from Mestia are cancelled at least 50% of the time due to weather in the mountains; as a result, it's not recommendable to fly to Mestia soon before an international departure.

Domestic trains run between Tbilisi and Batumi, Gori, Kutaisi, Marneuli, Poti, and Zugdidi. International trains run regularly between Tbilisi and Baku and between Tbilisi and Yerevan. A new rail connection with Turkey may be completed in 2017.

An overnight sleeper train runs from Yerevan to Tbilisi on even days of the year with prices starting at AMD8400 (c. USD20) (Nov 2014). In the winter, it departs at 21:30. Tickets can be bought at the Yerevan train station, cash only.

The overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi leaves daily at 20:30 and arrives to Tbilisi at 09:45. The train are equipped with everything and their comfort levels (SV, KP, PL - for 2, 4, and more people respectively) are changing with price, starting from AZN20 (USD19) one way. Online booking is available through Azerbaijani Railways

Luks Karadeniz operates a daily bus from Turkey, costing TRY70.Bus services from Russia have been suspended.

Regular buses or marshrutkas run between Tbilisi and Batumi or Kazbegi as well as Azerbaijan and locations in Armenia.

Neo-Turs bus company offers bus transfers Tbilsi - Thessaloniki - Athens and back, starting from Didube bus station (price: USD100).

The main mini-bus station can be found at Metro station Didube. Buses 21 and 46 lead there from the city center. It's rather large, and you'll find minibuses to almost anywhere. Once at the metro platforms, take the train on the right (going forwards). This direction takes you to the main station and centre. There are no signs in English.

For minibuses to some destinations (e.g. Sighnaghi), you must go to Samgori, at Samgori metro station.

Minibuses from Yerevan will drop you off at Ortachala bus station, which is not easily connected to the metro network, but taxis in Georgia are cheap, or at the train station.

Vans leave from the parking lot in front of Yerevan train station at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 and cost 30 lari. Please note, that drivers might be smoking inside while driving.

Tbilisi is located inland and does not have ferry connections. You may be able to catch a ferry from Ukraine to Batumi, eight hours away.

Main transport inside and outside Tbilisi city is bus and minibus - marshrutka.

Tbilisi has a two-line metro system, which operates 06:00-23:59.

All signs inside the metro are in Georgian and English. Station names are announced in both English and Georgian as well. There are a few system maps in carriages, usually located above one of the carriage doors. It will be hard to find English speakers riding the Metro; Russian, however, is widely spoken. Take a bilingual map with you if you are not proficient with the local alphabet/pronunciation.

A trip with the metro and bus system in Tbilisi costs GEL0.50, but you will have to buy a Metromani card (GEL2) at the counter. You can load the card with any amount you like, and use it for travel on buses, the metro, and the new yellow marshrutkas. Marshrutkas vary in price from GEL0.40-0.80.

At the Samgori station, near the east end of line 1 (red), one can change for bus 37 to the airport. The bus actually goes all the way to the city centre, but roads can become congested, so changing may be a quicker option.

City buses are yellow, and come in various sizes. The bus number and a description of the route are usually listed on signs in the bus windows, but only in Georgian. The city recently installed electronic arrival boards, with reasonably accurate estimated arrival times, at bus stops on major roads. The signs are in English and Georgian, and display the bus number, minutes to arrival, and destination.

Board through any door you like, usually the double doors in the middle are easiest. A journey costs GEL0.50, and exact change is required if you don't have a touch card (which can be purchased at metro stations). If you have a Metromani card, touch it on the top of the card machines and make sure you wait for a paper ticket to be issued. Hold onto the ticket you receive on the bus; you will need to present it to the yellow-shirted ticket checkers.

Marshrutkas are vans which service the side streets of the city; they are independently owned. Like buses, the route is posted in the front window (often only in Georgian), but marshrutkas use a different route numbering system, and the route descriptions may be more general than the buses (e.g. "Vake" rather than a specific street in the Vake area). Fare is (on average) 0.80 GEL; shout "gacheret" when you want to get off, and hand the driver your fare on the way out. In the new yellow Ford Transit vans you can pay also with the electronic card you need for the metro.

Taxis in Tbilisi are typically privately owned vehicles, and don't run on a meter. If you're going anywhere other than the nearest metro station, major hotels, or tourist destinations, or if you don't speak Georgian or Russian, it's likely that your driver will stop multiple times and ask pedestrians for directions. Even then, he may not know how to get to your destination. If the driver has difficulty finding your destination, he will charge you for his trouble. ALWAYS negotiate a price beforehand, and insist on paying before departing. A trip anywhere in the city should never cost more than 15 lari, unless you're going to the airport. Getting a receipt is also really difficult if not impossible!

Taxify - mobile application with hundreds of verified taxi drivers in Tbilisi. Choose taxi by distance, car model and user feedback ratings. App calculates taxi ride fare and local support team monitoring the rides and solving potential issues.

Connect travelers with local drivers. There is one of the big platform for find cheapest cars with drivers in Georgia.

Museums

G. Chitaia Ethnographical Open-Air Museum, Tortoise’s pond lane. Daily, except Monday, 10:00-18:00. 70 houses and thrift buildings characteristic for the various parts of Georgia. 8000 household devices and samples of craft are exposed in the museum Adults: GEL1.5; School Children: GEL0.50; Guided tour: GEL10.

Numismatic Museum, G. Leonidze str.N3/5 (Building of the National Bank of Georgia). Coins dating back to the IV century BC, Kolkhian Tetries, antique coins, Arabian Dirham, coins of then Georgian kings Lasha-Girgi, Rusudan, Demetre I, Giorgi III, also the Turkish coins , Persian Abaz, Austrian and Polish Thalers.

Museum of Art, L. Gudiashvilistreet 1. Daily, except Monday 11:00-16:00. Adults: GEL3; Students: GEL1.5; Guided tour: GEL10.

Simon Janashia Museum, Rustaveli avenue 3,. Daily, except Monday, 11:00-16:00. This museum houses hundreds of thousands of Georgian and Caucasian artefacts of archaeology and ethnography. A permanent exposition chronologically follows the development of Georgia’s material culture from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century. The most valuable exhibits include Homo Ergaster fossils discovered at Dmanisi; the Akhalgori hoard of the 5th century BC which contains unique examples of jewellery, blending Achaemenid and local inspirations; a collection of approximately 80,000 coins, chiefly of Georgian minting; medieval icons and goldsmith pieces brought here from various archaeological sites in Georgia; a lapidary which includes one of the world’s richest collection of Urartian inscriptions, etc. Adults: GEL3; Students: GEL1.5; Guided tour: GEL10.

Puppet Museum, Shavteli N 17a.Tu-Su 11:00-17:00. Free.

Galaktion Tabidze Museum, Marjanishvili N 4. Daily except Su&Mo 11:00-17:00. The museum of the eminent Georgian poet, Galaktion Tabidze.

Art Centres & Galleries

Tiflis Avenue is an art centre and a gallery that represents a variety of Georgian artists working in different media. The gallery is located in an old town, on King Erekle II Street, where exhibitions of art are held regularly. Tiflis Avenue also runs an online art store with the largest selection of contemporary Georgian art. Gallery open Tu-Su 12:00-21:00. Entrance free.

Fotograфia is a limited edition print photography gallery & darkroom representing the work of Tbilisi-based and international photographers. Ilford developing chemicals and 35mm/120mm film are also sold here. Fotograфia is located in Old Tbilisi in-between the Dry Bridge Market and the Opera at 21 Revaz Tabukashvili. Open Tu-Sat 12:00-20:00 and Su 11:00-18:00. Entrance free.

Religious architecture

Mamadaviti, (south –west of Tbilisi on Mtatsminda). Constructed in 1859-1871, domed in 1879.

Sioni Church, (upper Kala).

Sameba Cathedral/Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. Constructed in 2002, the largest church in Georgia and one of the most grandiose orthodox churches. 101 meters high.

Metekhi Church

Anchiskhati - constructed by the king Dachi Ujarmeli in VI century

Kvashveti - Was constructed in 1910 and it is a copy of Samtavisi church of the 11th century

Synagogue, K. Leselidze street. Functioning synagogue constructed in 1910. Women and men are seated separately.

Intresting Sights

Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, (Mtatsminda Mountain, in the churchyard around St. David’s Church - Mamadaviti). Many famous writers, as well as the mother of Joseph Stalin, are buried here.

Old Tbilisi. Perhaps one of the most distinctive pleasures of walking through the Old City, with its old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding streets, and charming shops. Be prepared to see a number of eclectic sights, from the abandoned streetcar near Erekle Street to the art galleries of Chardini Street to the stunning modern art lining Sioni Street.

Sub-neighborhoods include Sololaki, with its elegant restaurants and art nouveau architecture, Old Tbilisi proper - with sites ranging from churches to mosques to sulfur baths, Betelmi - housing two of the city's oldest churches and the stunning vistas of the Narikala Fortress - and Mtsasminda, just up the mountain from Rustaveli Avenues, a more sedate, "livable" district filled with charming old houses and a number of families.

Vake. Located around Chavchavadze and Abashidze avenues, this is one of Tbilisi's posher districts, home to many expats and nouveaux riches. While not quite as atmospheric as Old Tbilisi, Vake is home to some lovely parks, pleasant nineteenth-century architecture, and some of the city's most high-end shopping, including luxe furniture store Missioni. There are also plenty of elegant, if understated, bars and restaurants in this area...In Vake there are two buildings of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi state university. The university is founded by Ivane Javakhishvili in 1918 and is one of the historical buildings in Tbilisi.

The Chronicles of Georgia. Tbilisi city take metro to Guramishivilli station 0.5GEL one way and walk up from there around 5km. Google map will show u.it is Near to Caucasus international University. Stunning big stone architecture to present the chronicles of Georgia. Can be a good hiking place and see the sea from the Top of hill.

Activities

Sulfur Baths. The bath district is called Abanotubani and is on the south side of the Metekhi bridge. It 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 (available for a small fee). Some travelers have suggested the Royal Baths is a much better alternative to Sulfur Baths (they are next to each other). Sulfur baths tends to double the price at the end of the massage and bath in spite of your original agreed price.

Also in other districts you can find sulphur baths. For example in the Kiev-ulica, A bit south east of metro station Marjanishvili, around the corner of hostel Green Stairs, there is an old, characteristic bath. In the evening you can get a private bath for 10 lari (although they call them roubles) and an additional towel is 2 GEL. Public Pool: 2 GEL; Private Pool: 10-80 GEL per hour; Massage 5-20 GEL.

Tea Plantation.

Turtle Lake (Kus Tba), (Take a taxi or walk up from Saburtalo). This lake is located 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). Allright for a hot summer day, and offering views of both the mountains and 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 ten-to-fifteen minute (5-10 lari) cab ride from the center. While the lake itself isn't particularly nice, the views from the hike up to the lake makes it a worthwhile excursion.

Lake Lisi(Lisis Tba). 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.

Climb up to the Narikala Fortress. 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. But be warned - it's quite a steep climb - and while the lack of bureaucracy and guard-rails can be liberating for some, you may want to pay extra care to watch your step. Now, the best way to visit is by aerial tramway, a exciting experience with stunning views of the city, only for 1 Lari. And you can enjoy the way down walking to the mosque and the baths. The usual metro card can be used.

Botanical garden. National botanic garden of Georgia, lying in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge near Narikala Fortres, has not only collection of plants, but is also a lovely park with with scenic waterfall which is great for a dip on a hot summers' day, although you need to avoid the guards. 1 GEL pp.

TV antenna park (high on the hill), (Bus 124 from Rustavelli). bus until 23h. Take the bus up to the park to have fun with your kids, or to take a ride in the Ferris wheel. The ride is 2 Lari, and you need to buy a rechargeable access card at a cashiers desk for 2 lari (one card can be used by many persons). Alternatively, use the funicular for 2 Lari, which has to be loaded onto the park access card (Metromani card not valid). There's also a roller coaster (one ride - 5 lari, minimum of 4 persons) which offers not only some adrenaline but great views on a sunny day.

Fly Caucasus Paragliding (every day 60km from Tbilisi), (Didgori). 10am to 6pm. Paragliding with instructor one hour drive from city. WhatsApp bookings. 199 GEL pp.

Rope park Activity. Rope park. 5 GEL pp.

Citysightseeing Tbilisi (Tbilisi city bus tour, boat cruise and day trips around Georgia), Meidan square (From main - Freedom square head down to Apkhazi (former Leselidze street) until you reach Meidan square. The office is on the left). 9:00-21:00. Enjoy city tour from second floor of open top red bus, take a boat cruise on the river or go a bit further on a day trip to one of exciting regional tours in Georgia!

Citysightseeing Tbilisi flagship red bus is the best way to get acquainted with the city. Trip covers major squares and streets of Tbilisi with multilingual audio guide. All must see places are included with 24 hours ticket flexibility hop on & off as you like. Seasonal boat cruise is another great way to see Tbilisi from different perspective and take unique photos from its terrace. Day trips to Mtskheta old capital, Kakheti wine region and Kazbegi mountains allow you to get closer to the heart of Georgia! http://cstbilisi.com/ from 25 GEL

Shopping

The Saturday flea market ("Dry Bridge Market") by the river (on the "Dry Overpass" and surrounding areas) is one of the best places to get jewellery, antiques and even antiques swords, as well as musical instruments and electronics. Haggling is encouraged, although if you speak little Georgian or Russian you may experience the odd juxtaposition of bargaining for antiques using the type-pad of your vendor's mobile phone.

Find Nana - the kind hearted old seller of the Dry Bridge Market (everybody knows her, just ask). This is if you want to have a real georgian experience in the market, with a few interesting stories, local sweetest tangerines as gifts for a stranger from far away (meaning you) and an honest georgian smile. This market is also active on other days of the week, albeit on a smaller scale.

The daily main marketplace - for fruits and vegetables as well as electronics and DIY/hardware-store type supplies is across the river, near Didube.

Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, and Other Jewellery - Many foreigners visit Georgia to buy jewellery, because of its cheap cost and superior quality.

Art & Paintings – Georgian artists, such as Pirosmani, Gigo Gabashvili, David Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili, Korneli Sanadze, Elene Akhvlediani, Sergo Kobuladze, Simon Virsaladze, Ekaterine Baghdavadze, Maka Kiknadze-Kipiani and others, are famous for their work. In Georgia you will find many various art shops, paintings and painters who sell their works on the streets, including during the Saturday antique market. Their work is amazing and prices are very reasonable as well.

Tiflis Avenue art centre offers artworks by a variety of Georgian artists working in different media. It keeps an online gallery with the largest selection of art in Georgia. Tiflis Avenue keeps a physical gallery in an old town, on King Erekle II Street, where it regularly handles solo and group exhibitions by young or established artists. Open Tuesday-Sunday 12noon-9pm. The quality of art is outstanding and the prices reasonable.

Antiques & Other Misc. Gifts – in Georgia you will able to find many antiques not only from Georgia, but Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Russian and European as well.

Georgian Wine - Georgia is the cradle of wine making, and with 521 original varieties of grape you will be sure to find excellent wines.

Cognac - Georgian cognac is unique as it's made from Georgian wine.

Mineral Waters - Try Borjomi, Sairme, Nabeghlavi mineral waters from famouse Georgian resort places.

Carpets - Outside the cities, you might find an original hand-made carpet for sale.

Chacha - Grape vodka, a Georgian version of Everclear, quite similar to Italian grappa and Iranian Aragh.

Goodwill, Chavchavadze Avenue. Second only to Prospero's Bookstore as an expat paradise, Goodwill offers an enormous range of products - mostly groceries, although the larger out-of-town branch stocks a wider supply - imported from the rest of Europe. From German tuna fish to Italian pasta, Goodwill will satisfy all your brand cravings, albeit for significantly more than you'd pay at home.

Tbilisi Mall, (Bus 121, Minibus 51). Brand new (and not quite finished) is Tbilisi's first and only Western style shopping centre. It is located way out past the suburbs on the way to Mtskheta - take bus 121 from outside Didube station, minibus 51 (which passes through Saburtalo, Heroes Sq., etc), or a taxi for up to 10 lari. Currently there are three floors but only the ground floor is really "open". The middle floor has just a few shops and lots of vacant ones. The top floor is totally empty save for one shop. The mall has potential once more shops open up.

At the moment there's Zara and its cousins Pull & Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius; Topshop, Marks & Spencer, Superdry, Gap, etc. Signs indicate several upcoming tenants including new-to-Georgia American food chains Popeye's Chicken, Burger King and Villa Pizza. At the moment there's no restaurants apart from a little café. However, the real saving grace is the giant Carrefour, hands down the best supermarket in the country. It's absolutely massive, very good quality, and low, low prices. It even maintains a local flavour, including a real Georgian bread kiln with especially good hot and fresh shoti puri for just 70 tetri.

Smarti, Rustaveli Ave. Another good supermarket along the lines of Goodwill (and also seemingly German owned) but located nearer the old town on Rustaveli Ave (near the Radisson and next door to the new Wendy's burger joint). There's also a small café inside where you can get pastries and khachapuri.

Wine Gallery, 39 Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street. 10 am - 10 pm. A wine shop with lots of choices of red and white wine, as well as chacha. It has a ground floor and a basement. In the basement there are 14 types of inexpensive, mostly red wine stored in giant barrels. The cheapest one is 3 GEL for a liter (as of April 2017). Try the semi-sweet red wine for 8 GEL a liter. Sold in plastic bottles. 3 gel on.

SPAR supermarket, 41 Irakli Abashidze Street. 24 hours. A well-stocked supermarket with multiple locations around the city. One of the few shops that seem to sell herbal tea. It has 50% off its hot dishes every night after 8 pm. Go close to 8 pm as the food sells out fast.

Meals

Khinkhali - Georgian dumpling filled with either meat, potatoes, mushrooms, etc. Do not eat the doughy pinched part it's seen as very rude and cheap, but do use it to hold up the khinkali whilst you eat from the bottom and be sure to catch all the gravy from the meat khinkali. The pinched part is also used to keep count of how many khinkhali are eaten by each person.

Pkhali - Vegetable paste topped with pomegranate seeds

Kachapuri - Georgian circular bread often filled with cheese.

Mtsvadi - grilled skewered meat.

Kababi - chopped and seasoned meat which is grilled on a skewer. Often served wrapped in a thin flat bread in Georgia.

Low Class Restaurants

Restaurant Akaki Tsereteli, 67 Akaki Tsereteli Avenue. Georgian/European buffet to choose from. Good quality food: fresh vegetable salads, lean meat and fish. Prices depend on quantity and what you choose. They weigh the food in front of you. An average of 6 GEL for a meal with two kinds of salads, meat and fried potatoes. A very good deal.

Hostel 48a - Near Marjanshvili metro station. The owner is a very hospitable lady.

Middle Class Restaurants

Aquapub, Leselidze (Kote afkhazi). 24. Aquapub International restaurant located in main historical street near freedom square. most delicious Georgian & Iranian Kebab with outdoor sitting, Georgian dance and music

Lucky (family cuisine), Marjanishvili street no : 34 (Kote Marjanishvili St Tbilisi, Gürcistan. burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, all salads, launch menu, soups, grilled chicken, georgia food. low.

Georgian Cuisine

Dzveli Saxli (Old House), 3 Sanapiro St. (Right on the Mtkvari River). 12:00-24:00. Live traditional Georgian music and singing starts at around 6 PM every day, although it's also the perfect place for a quiet post-flea market weekend lunch. Stunning river-views and faux-rural atmosphere - enormous portions at relatively reasonable prices. Credit cards accepted.

Shemoikhede Genatsvale, 25 Leselidze St. Delicious food cheaper than in the restaurants surrounding it. Khinkali are around .50 GEL each. Try the ones filled with potato and beef with greens (seasonings). $7-10.

Cafe Gabriadze, Shavtelis Qucha (Right off Baratashvili street, next to the puppet theatre). Formerly the trendy "Sans Souci," this artsy eatery (owned by master puppeteer Gabriadze himself) has reopened after a lengthy renovation period. With a quirkily bohemian decor and inventive takeoffs of classic Georgian dishes (just try their lobio!), the fare here is a cut above the standard khachapuri-and-khinkhali dinner options.

Tiflisi, 31 Simon Kandelaki St (In the lower-ground level of the tall modern building just uphill from the Little India restaurant). Quite possibly the highest-quality georgian food in the capital, although it's not flashy at all. Smoky (like most), with a few TV's, but has some of the friendliest staff in town (with a smattering of English, English menu too!), with easily the best-cooked and tastiest lamb and other typical georgian dishes. Live low-key jazz some nights, not too obtrusive or loud. And very moderately priced too. Highly recommended.

Kala, 8/10 Erekle II St. 10:00 - 02:00. Hip cafe/restaurant with live Jazz most evenings. Seemingly twinned with its far cheaper neighbor KGBs. Wi-Fi; Credit card payment accepted. Food seems to have gone downhill in recent months, however, and is increasingly overpriced for the quality. Nevertheless, you can't beat nabbing an outside table here on a warm day on one of the Old Town's most atmospheric streets. 20-25 GEL.

KGBs, 8/10 Erekle II St. (right next to Kala). With the tagline "we're still watching you," this painfully hip piece of Soviet Kitsch wouldn't be out of place in Williamsburg. Menu offerings include "Proletariat pizza" and meals advertised as "Lenin's favorite dish." The cheque comes in vintage Soviet working papers. Much cheaper than Kala. 15 GEL.

Khinklis Sakhli (Khinkali House), 37 Rustaveli Ave.. All Khinkali, all the time. 12 GEL.

Machakhela. 10:00 till midnight. Best restaurant chain specialising in Georgian pastries, with 10 locations in Tbilisi. 'Khachapuri'-traditional Georgian cheese pie, baked in wood-fired oven. Credit cards accepted.

Tamada, 37 Orbeliani St (near GTC mall). 09:00 - 02:00. Ethnographic restaurant. Evenings Georgian music and dances. WiFi available. 25 GEL.

Taglaura. Good Georgian food, locally brewed beer, traditional barbeque, live music and outdoor seating. Four locations in Tblisi.

Tsisqvili (Windmill). Amazing menu & food, superb customer service and great design.

Caravan, Purseladze Street. (off Rustaveli Avenue by the cinema).. A travel-themed "literary cafe" with East-meets-West decor, a menu that fuses Georgian classics with Middle Eastern treats, and a whole host of travel books on the shelves. Free wifi. 15 GEL.

Cafe Flowers, Avlabari Ascent (in the pink house overlooking Europa Square). Sporting the most stunning views in Tbilisi, the terrace at Cafe Flowers (so named for the gorgeous flora that adorn the terrace and adjacent garden) overlooks the Old Town from across the river. Food is generally good, although be wary of dairy-based dishes lest you come down with "Saakashvili's Revenge" . 30 GEL.

Lunch ladies, Corner of Zubalashvilebi and Laghidze (From Rustaveli, turn uphill at the big Magti store (number 22). Head uphill past the Music Conservatory and look for a tiny hut on the street corner at the T-junction.). Run by three friendly women, this tiny take-out place serves a wide variety of delicious home-style salads, in addition to a good selection of khatchapuri, at great prices.

Make sure to ask for a "guruli" khatchapuri, a style served with boiled egg inside that is most commonly made during the holidays. If you're looking for a cheap, quick lunch but want to try something besides khatchapuri and lobiani, this is the place to visit. No English, but you can see and point to everything. 5 GEL.

Asian Cuisine

Asian Town, 28 Janashia Street. (5 minutes from Rustaveli metro). Central Asian Cuisine: Uzbek Pilaf, Uygur Laghman, great soups. 10-15 GEL.

Chinese Restaurant, (Off Perovskaya St).

Vong, (I. Abadshize Qucha). Pricey but delicious fusion-Asian cuisine served in a decadently authentic atmosphere

New Asia Restaurant, (Up the hill from Rustaveli at the corner of Lagidze and Griboedovi streets. Oposite of Tbilisi State Conservatoire.).

Qalaquri. Sushi + night club + Middle Eastern atmosphere, 4 floors.

Sushi, (Perovskaya Street). A bit pricey but dependable sushi. Service is usually nice. Same menu and management as Tokyo Restaurant.

Tokyo, (in Vake, on Abashidze Street). Japanese Restaurant

Baan Thai, 4 Tabukashvili St. (Follow the road leading to the Radisson and continue past the Radisson as the road curves right. The restaurant is on the left side of the road, if you see the back side of the Opera house, you've gone too far.). This is the most authentic Thai restaurant in the city, and a favorite of local expats. Operated by a friendly Thai woman, it has good food and quick service, but it's easy to miss because it's on an unremarkable street between the Opera house and Radisson hotel. 25-40GEL.

European/American

Book Corner Cafe, 13B, Tarkhnishvili str. (Vera district). A small, one of a kind art-cafe, with pleasant music and delicious cuisine, in a quiet old neighborhood in the heart of Tbilisi. A perfect venue for spending your evening, in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Every evening you can attend our highly enjoyable events both for Georgian and English speakers.

Cafe de Paris, Saakadze square (in the city center). Famous for it's tasty salads and crepes. Nice place to spend time with friends. Outdoor garden seating.

Cafe Canape, Abashidze Street (Vake). Reasonably priced, charming bistro with fusion French-Georgian cuisine and a neighborhood-y atmosphere. Definitely a brunch place for Vake's "smart set." The khachapuri is out-of-this-world.

Graz Austrian Restaurant, (Behind City Hall off Freedom Square (go to the left of City Hall, back 1 block; restaurant is on your right at the first intersection, down the stairs). Great pepper steaks, soups and bread rolls. Currently closed down - perhaps permanently.

Hadson and Hooker, Beliashvili Street (next to Cruise). American bar/restaurant. Live music every night from 20:30. Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Restaurant Mediterranean, 5 Irakli Abashidze. Lunch, dinner. The lively atmosphere, authentic décor and creative cuisine all reflect the region that inspired the restaurant. The extensive menu has Italian, French, Greek and Spanish influences. Unique dishes, fresh salads and seafood, pasta & risotto, grilled specialties and exclusive desserts have earned “Med” an impeccable reputation. The menu is complemented by an impressive wine list with a large “by-the-glass” selection and a full bar.

Steak Hall, Perovskaya street.

Steak Place, Erekle st.

Zandukeli 40, Zandukeli Street (Straight up the hill from the Philharmony). European bistro with an emphasis on German food. Food and service are among the best in town, prices are very reasonable. Run by one of the longest-lasting expats in Tbilisi, Rainer Kaufmann

Organique Josper Bar, 12 Bambis Rigi str. (near Tamada Statue in Old city). Comfortable restaurant with purely estetic cuisine. Only organic georgian products cooked in specially designed charcoal Josper oven. 16 kinds of bio wine are served by the glass. Favorite places for expats and tourists. Lunch, dinner. WiFi $$.

Ronny's Pizza, 3 Vaja Pshavelas (next to the archive building in Saburtalo). 11am-10pm 11am-11pm Fridays and Sat.. Lunch, dinner, delivery, take out and catering. Ronny's pizza comes in personal size, regular (12 inch) or extra large (18inch) Delivery charge based on kilometers all over Tbilisi. Classic American style pizza with mozzarella. Try the 4X4. The Super sticks with ranch dressing are great. Hot cars and fast pizza it says on the pizza box. Comfortable booth seating and a clean bathroom reminds me of the US. Kid friendly. $$.

Elvis-American Diner- Rustaveli ave. Under the Tbilisi concert hall.

Wendy's, four locations, including Rustaveli 31/13. Have a craving for a Baconator, French fries and a Frosty? For some reason, there are four Wendy's fast food restaurants scattered around Tbilisi, much to the delight of the small American (i.e. Peace Corps) expat community in Tbilisi. The restaurant on Rustaveli has its own game room, party room and café. 10-20 GEL.

Italian cuisine

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso, 26 Chavchavadze Avenue Ave. Premium quality coffee and delicious italian + european food. WiFi.

coffee.ge, Three locations (24 Abashidze Str., 41 Chavchavadze Ave., 154 Aghmashenebeli Ave.). Delicious Pizza and other italian food. Delivers food to your home. WiFi.

Fiorino, 77 Kostava St. - Saakadze square. Fiorino offers best pizzas in Tbilisi, one of the best carpaccios and veal. Relaxing environment and outdoor seating.

Il Garage, Mozashvili street 26 (50m from Vake park). Decent versions of risotto, linguini, lasagna, and an excellent, huge antipasti misto. Pleasant outdoor seating in the summer and affordable prices year round. Run by Alberto - a real Italian.

Prego, Three locations (Saburtalo, intersection of Vazha-Pshavela and Pekini St.; Vake, on Paliashvili, just below the round (UN) garden and the third in the old town, Erekle II st.). The best Italian food in Tbilisi. Prices are reasonable and service is usually good. Look out for the daily specials - usually a bit pricier, but worth it.

Piano, Tabidze Street (right next to People's). This new Italian eatery feels more like a swank New York restaurant than a Georgian-style trattoria, with black-and-white Botticelli-inspired wallpaper and uber-trendy minimalist light fixtures. The food is reasonably priced for the - admittedly expensive - area, but it's good (especially the super-fresh tomato-based sauces) and air-conditioned to boot. Beware of the bread; it's so delicious, you'll be full before your appetizers arrive.

Solemio - Ristorante Italiano Lounge Bar, 27b Mitskevich Street (Saburtalo). 08AM- 02AM. The Made in Italy is a global concept: from olive oil to wine and pasta, at every corner. Consumers interested to enjoy an italian product, which is capable to telling the atmosphere, tradition and pleasure, are welcome to Solemio restaurant. Inaugurated in May 2013 by the Italian Ambassador, Solemio serves classic Italian cuisine (parmigiana, lasagna, bolognese, tiramisu, as well as home-made pasta, fresh sea food, accompanied by a selection of the best Italian and world wines and real Italian espresso coffee) with a modern creative twist. 10-40 EUR.

Vegetarian/Vegan

huֹmmusbar 3 m.Kostava Street. 12PM - 10PM. Restaurant located in tbilisi center opposite to Rustaveli metro station. Go through the arch that is under Kostava number 3 wall sign, cross the yard and enter the huge brown old wooden door in front of you. Stairs will take you to the second floor of an amazingly decorated 120 years old house where you can sit at the terrace and enjoy our mediterranean dishes: Hummus, Msabbaha, baked Falafel, Shakshuka and freshly chopped salads. Event loft next to the huֹmmusbar restaurant is ready to serve businesses and groups in unique cozy atmosphere. Take a bite from nature.

Prospero's Bookstore and Caliban's Coffehouse, 34 Rustaveli Avenue (located in a courtyard by the entrance to the overpass near the opera, adjacent to the Canadian consulate, past the Sony store in the direction of the Rustaveli metro stop). With wireless internet, a bucolic courtyard, and spotless furnishings, this expat bookstore-cum-coffeehouse could be located in London's Notting Hill.

The English books are reasonably priced, but the real gem is the atmosphere - a perfect escape for when Tbilisi's more chaotic pleasures start to become overwhelming. Enjoy an iced coffee or a scrumptious sandwich, effectively bilingual and very helpfull waitstaff, and try to strike up conversations with other foreigners.

Drinking

Georgia is well known as the cradle of wine. Georgian wine was and still is the best in post-Soviet culture. Georgia produces wine, and Georgians respect wine culture. Try one of the famous wines. The region which is popular for its wine production is Kakheti. This place has a great history of wine.

Dublin, 8 Akhvlediani Street (off Rustaveli). until 3:00. Irish pub with live music from 8pm-midnight. Try the meat wrapped in bacon. 30 GEL.

Fahrenheit, 5 Vashlovani Street. Live music everyday.

Hadson & Hooker, 67 Beliashvili Street (Next to Cruise). American bar. Exotic wine tasting every Thursday. Live music every evening/Can-can dancers/Billiards/darts

Marco Polo, 44 Rustaveli Ave. Czech beer Staropramen

Old London, 6 Akhvlediani street.Live music every evening.

Pub Kolkheti, The left bank of the River Mtkvari.

Salve, Shalva Dadiani St 15 (located in the basement of an apartment building on a street off Freedom Square)Features a Nintendo game system. Very popular place.

Scarlet Sails, 25 Leselidze Street. On Fridays live music (light rock).

Toucan, 8 Kiacheli Street. Live music performances 30-35 GEL.

Hangar Bar. Irish pub run by an American couple. Very popular among expats.

Cafe Zazanova (ZazaNova), Revaz Laghidze St. No. 2 Next to Opera. 12P - 2A. New Orleans inspired cafe and club with LIVE MUSIC weeknights and jazz on weekends. Owner Zaza is a renown jazz pianist and lived in New Orleans for over a decade before returning to his Georgian homeland to open a jazz cafe.

CCCP, 26 or 28 Leo Kiacheli St.. Soviet themed bar with paraphernalia from the communist era.

Cafés

Pin Pon Cafe, Ilia Chavchavadze ave 22. 9 am - 9 pm. Specialty coffee and tea cafe with signature organic sandwiches and champagne cocktails in the heart of Vake district. Pets friendly. Free water. 2-7 GEL.

Bamba Rooms Lounge, Bambis Rigi st. 12 (Chardin area). The thing that catches your eye first is the crystal beads. You can’t miss it; it cascades down over the bar, white and glorious. It’s just one of the highlight in an incredibly striking space, designed by young Georgian architects.

The results form one of Tbilisi's most achingly fashionable lounge cafe-bars with both inside and outside.Decent drinks are served alongside a selection of standard European dishes. Dining here becomes more glamorous when it gets to Japanese fusion. By day it’s quite casual, a popular lunch spot; by night it’s altogether different, the crowd is glam and the door policy can be tough.

Cafe Rustaveli, 30 Rustaveli Ave. Currently closed due to bankruptcy, but hopes to reopen following a lawsuit. More a café for food rather than drinks, offers a wide selection of Georgian and "western"-style food in addition to a good selection of coffee, tea, & alcoholic beverages. 2-4 USD.

Coffee Break, 9-11 Ilia Chavchavadze Ave. A great, cozy, non-smoking café with indoor and outdoor seating just a short walk from the university. Good wi-fi. There are a large selection of drink options with good coffee and tea and a few food specials that are inexpensive and tasty. Perfect spot to read and write and enjoy the day or for bigger groups to pull a few tables together and talk. 1-10 GEL.

Entree, 20 Rustaveli Ave. A great cafe with tasty authentic French style pastries, good coffee, and free wi-fi. One of the few cafés that is non-smoking inside. Branches all over including Pekinis K. in Saburtalo, Abashidzis K. in Vake, and Patriashvilis K. in Vera. 5-10 GEL.

Four Seasons, 4 Mickevich Street (Steps from Gamsakhurdia ave). 11AM-1AM. Cozy place with lounge-sitting rooms and unique interior. European cuisine. Prices are affordable and nice music is played. 15 GEL.

Cafe Casablanca, Bambis Riga (Chardini St. Area) (Towards the end of Bambis Riga). With Humphrey Bogart quotes on the menu and enormous "Casablanca" posters on the wall, not to mention the tantalizing white piano indoors, Cafe Casablanca is an homage to one of cinema's most romantic movies. With a menu that blends retro Americana and Moroccan cuisine, and Hollywood-price cocktails, this is one of the most atmospheric bars in the city. Live light jazz and chansons on Saturday.

Elvis Cafe just opened in about July 2010 in the Philharmonic Center (hint: take the underground walkway to get over - traffic is busy and unpredictable). Elvis Cafe offers American, Italian, Thai/Asian fusion cuisine and sushi. They also have a bar (alcohol) and a nice selection of deserts. Food is fast and tasty, very clean and bright. Staff speaks English.

People's Cafe and Restaurant, 10 Tabidze street (steps from Freedom Square). 11AM-2AM. A favorite place for locals and foreigners as well. Great place with terrace and lounge sitting. Winner of the best public place interior award in 2007. Delicious food and friendly staff – place where you can feel at home. 10-15 USD.

SOLEMIO - Lounge Bar - Ristorante Italiano, 27b Mitskevich Street (Saburtalo). 08AM-02AM. A part of Italy at the center of Tbilisi. Consumers interested to enjoy an italian product, which is capable to telling the atmosphere, tradition and pleasure, are welcome to SOLEMIO Lounge Bar - Resturant.

Inaugurated in May 2013 by Italian Ambassador, Solemio, serves classic Italian cuisine with a modern creative twist, rich of regional contaminations, presented by ours Italian Chef, Peppe Buttiglione - Angelo Gravinese - Antonio Tagliente. Proposes SOLEMIO its aperitivo italiano which is a meal in itself. Do not forget the classic, real Italian espresso coffee, a unique experience in Tbilisi, for flavor, preparation, fragrance and body. 5-15 USD.

Clubs

Bamba Rooms Lounge, Bambis Rigi st. 7. A unique and vibrant premier Restaurant & DJ Bar, having one of the chic locations at Tbilisi Chardin area, is one of the liveliest and trendiest spots attracting a younger, faster-living crowd and enthusiastic clubbers. A good combination of a restaurant and a bar for around 300 people is perfect for a quiet, romantic meal in early evenings while towards midnight at weekends the place erupts into a wild party zone. *bamba rooms at bambis rigi street is probably the best and newest club in tbilisi. you will feel like in London-NY with a great interior and nice lounge music and techno. Also beautiful gogo girls.

Buddha Bar, Rikhe, 0144 Tbilisi. 7pm - Late. Opened in March 2012. Latest arm of Buddha Bar asian inspired restaurant/lounge chain. Reservations are highly encouraged and sometimes a must. Reservations can be called in after 12pm daily. An excellent place for sushi and good lounge and electronic music. Expensive.

Cubic, 45 Kostava Str. One of the best places for good house music, real minimal minmal techno and sometimes some breakbeats and dnb. Entrance: 30 GEL.

GURU Club, 12 Rustaveli Ave. ay, Saturday, Sunday 22:00-07:00. Foreign DJs and singers & G.U.R.U. show girls

KalaKuri Restaurant/Club, 13 Shavteli St. (Mtatsminda District). Club: Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00; Restaurant: 12:00-01:00pm; Lounge Bar: 17:00-03:00. Good night club, pop, 90s and modern music.

Night Flight, Baratashvili Street (Under Baratashvili bridge). Open on Fridays and Saturdays.. Best House, Trance, Dance, Club music, finest Georgian and foreign DJs in Tbilisi. Drinks are a bit expensive, but worth it. Entrance: 30 GEL.

Accomodation

As many streets do not have Latin addresses, one should be advised to download and have a map with the accommodation shown clearly, especially in the budget locations. Often street names are given also in Cyrillic script.

Budget Accomodation

Art-Hostel, G. Khandzteli cul-de-sac 2, house 4. checkin: 24 hours; checkout: 11 am. The Art-Hostel is located in the old city of Tbilisi, near the sulfur baths and a five-minute walk from Freedom Square Metro Station. Walk down Leselidze and turn right before the Armenian church on Khachlur Aboviani. Walk about 50 meters until you will see their advertisements. The hostel could equally be considered a museum, as it is run by artists and displays many unique items from their careers. A bed in the dorm will set you back 20-25 GEL while the private room will cost you 60-80 GEL (depending on your negotiation skills). Breakfast, WiFi and interesting stories by the owners are available.

Boombully Rooms & Hostel, Rustaveli Ave. 24 (across from Opera House). Located in historical downtown, near many city attractions and the Old town District, block away from Prospero’s Books. The property is located in a historical building with many green, eco-friendly and sustainable elements, like vintage and re-purposed furniture.The sign on the front of building for Boombully isn't the most noticeable, so watch the building addresses as you pass them.

City Hostel Waltzing Matilda, 11, Al. Chavchavadze str. from Rustaveli near the Opera turn up the hill and go two blocks. Friendly people, amazing view of the city, free wi-fi, possible airport transport for $20. dorm GEL17.

Darchee Hostel, Zandukeli street №9. checkin: 24 hours. Darchee Hostel is located in the heart of Tbilisi, in 5 minutes walk from Rustaveli avenue (and Metro Station). Darchee offers you a cozy, home-spirited atmosphere doubled with Georgian hospitality. from 11 EUR.

Envoy Hostel, 45 Betlemi St (Off Gorgasali Meidan, in the Old Town area). Large terrace with city view. Staff speak excellent English and are very knowledgeable and helpful. Newly renovated and clean, it has a high ratio of bathrooms to beds. Free breakfast is offered daily as well as tea & coffee available all day. Free Wi-Fi, laundry service, airport pick up and air-con / central heating. Offer tours around Georgia as well as Armenia (including a weekly tour that takes you from Tbilisi to Yerevan with sightseeing and a bbq lunch). Extremely pricey and slightly soulless.

Fox Hostel, Griboyedov st. 30. checkin: 24 hours; checkout: "'. Very cozy hostel with friendly staff (English/Georgian/Russian spoken). The entire place is extremely clean ("The Fox" is very popular with Peace Corps volunteers in Georgia, who rave about the cleanliness of the bathroom), and the rooms are spacious and airy. Offers good wifi, pleasant common area, communal kitchen, free coffee and tea, free linens, parking. Great location as well, about 5 min from Rustaveli metro and 15-20 min from Old Town. 20-70 GEL.

GreenHouse Hostel, Akhvlediani Khevi 13 (old Tbilisi). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. One may take advantage for enjoying the exhibition displayed by the owners of the Hostel. You will find friendly artistic environment as you can view Georgian ethnographic items, paintings and patchwork obtained and created by the hosts. €12 - €33.

Green Stairs Hostel, 53 (walk east from Marjanishvili metro station one block, turn right and it'll be a 5min walk on the left). Free wi-fi and a communal fridge. The hostel is very simple, but run by a nice couple who speak English. It's a little cold in the winter, but each room does have a space heater. The owner will drive you to the airport for 20 GEL. 30 GEL/room.

HoneyHostel, Marjanishvili st. checkin: 14.00.; checkout: 11.00.. HoneyHostel Tbilisi, 41 Kote Marjanishvili St (Near Marjanishvili metro station). checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. We have 1 double room 60GEL , 1 triple room 75GEL and 12 beds in dormitory 15 GEL per bed. Luggage storage, 24 hour reception,computer, free wi-fi in room, cable TV, free towels, linen included, air conditioning, guest kitchen, bathroom/shower, laundry. Tours in Georgia,Car service 4WD. €7-13.

Hosfer Hostel, Ritsi St , No.3 (Rustaveli , in front of Opera House , Al.Chavchavadze st. , last alley on your right , this is Ritsi St. , we are at No.3). Located in historical downtown.

Lucky Hostel, Machabeli str. 2-4. checkin: 24 hours; checkout: 12:00 am. Lucky Hostel is located next to Freedom Square in the center of Tbilisi. It's a 3-minute walk from Rustaveli Metro Station. Big neon signs in the windows on Leonidze str. and on Machabeli str. so you cannot miss it. Staff speaks English, Georgian, Polish, Russian, Arabic. They have dorms (15 GEL or 18 GEL with breakfast) and private rooms (60-90 GEL depending on size/no. persons), with a large living room and equipped kitchen available for your use. Great if you want to depend on your own food. Left next door is a fresh local bakery, and an underground fresh vegetable and fruit market. Cheap supermarket on the other side. Free wifi, laundry, luggage storage, fridge etc. available.

Maria Hostel, Freedom Square no.4. checkin: 24 hours; checkout: 12:00 am. Maria Hostel is located in Freedom Square in the centre of Tbilisi. it's a 2-minute walk from Liberty Square Metro Station. beside Marriott Courtyard Hotel and in the same entrance of Citadines Hotel with big sign on the street. staff speak English, Georgian, Russian, Turkish and Arabic.

they have dorms (20 Gel or 25 Gel) and private dorms (30 gel or 35 gel) and private rooms (75-100 Gel depending on no.persons), with living room, Big Bar for all types of drinks and dance with music,equipped kitchen available so you can cook by your self all types of food, free Wifi, Free computer, laundry, luggage storage, two big bathrooms with toilets and also Tour disk for helping you to discover Georgia, and also beside them there is more restaurants, coffee, markets and nightclubs. for any question you can check website.

Niki (Veronica) apartments, Chonkadze St #10. Warm and cosy apartments to stay at, a lovely and hospitable family run this place in Old Tbilisi, so backpackers who are into local lifestyle would be able to feel it by staying in a real georgian house, about 25$ per night/double bed. internet, stove and bath is available.

Old Town Hostel (the best hostel in Georgia 2012 by hostelworld.com), Khodasheni St. 7 (Walk down from Freedom Sq. to Leselidze St and in 2 min you turn on your right (in front of TBC Bank Leselidze branch)). Comfortable beds, clean, cozy, and friendly hostel. Airport transfer is possible. €10-14.

Tbilisi Arrivals Inn, Khostaria str.2. checkin: 24 hours; checkout: 11:30 am - 12:30 am. Tbilisi Arrivals Inn is new and cheap hostel running by nice people. Hostel is located in downtown - a five-minute walk from Rustaveli Metro Station. Rate for dormitory is 15 GEL and for doublebed room 40 GEL. Breakfast and WiFi is included in the price. Probably best rate in the city.
Tbilisi City Hostel, Leselidze Street №17. checkin: 24 hours. Tbilisi City Hostel is located in historical old Tbilisi, a few minutes walking distance from Liberty Square Metro Station, Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi sulfur baths, and several bars, clubs, and restaurants. $18 USD and up.

Tbilisi Rooms Hostel & Tours, Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi Rooms Hostel & Tours is located near Freedom Square in the city centre of Tbilisi. It's a 9-minute walk from Liberty Square Metro Station upwards Shota Rustaveli Ave opposite to the Opera house. checkin: 24; checkout: 12. Hostel is clean and has both private rooms and dormitories, equipped kitchen for self catering, free tea and coffee, free Wifi, laundry (3 GEL), heating, and two shared bathrooms. The friendly staff speak English, Georgian, and Russian. 20-45 GEL.

REST HOSTEL Tbilisi, 68 Dimitri Uznadze St,Near Marjanishvili metro station. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Has 6 beds and one extra bed. Luggage storage, 24 hour reception, internet, computers, free wi-fi in room, cable TV/DVD, free towels, linen included, air conditioning, guest kitchen, bathroom/shower, laundry.Staff speaks Georgian, Russian and English.Airport transfer 20-25GEL.Tours,Car service 4WD. 20GEL.

Middle Class Accomodation

Rustaveli Palace, 10, E.Gabashvili St,Next to Rustaveli McDonald. cozy atmosphere with European standards of service plus Georgian hospitality. B/B. Free WI FI. Friendly Staff Geo, Rus, Eng, Dutch. Single: €70; Double: €88, breakfast included.

Beaumonde, 11 Chavchavadze St (Next to Rustaveli Avenue). A beautiful bed/breakfast with dinner. There are balconies and a roof deck. The breakfast and dinner are very filling. There is free internet. The family that runs the hotel is very warm and welcoming. Staff speaks Georgian, Russian, and some English. Single: €70; Double: €88, breakfast included.

Betsy's Hotel, 32-34 Makashvili Street. 57 rooms.

Hotel Ata, 17, Leselidze Street. checkin: noon; checkout: noon. Double: 100 Lari.

Hotel British House, 32 Belinski Street. A friendly personalised bed & breakfast. €70-100.

Hotel Vere Inn, 53 Barnov street. 5 rooms. Very comfortable hotel in Vere, safe location with very friendly multilingual staff. Free WiFi. US$50-US$100, breakfast included.

Hotel Charm, 11 Chakhrukhadze street. 7 rooms. Very nice hotel with very friendly staff. US$40-US$100, breakfast included.

Hotel Georgian House, 38 Vakhtang VI street. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Single: €35; Double: €45 including breakfast and VAT.

Prestige Hotel, 51 Marjanishvili Street in north, central Tbilisi on a quiet street. Quiet, comfortable, newly renovated. US$50 including breakfast.

Hotel River Side, Brosse Street Turn | Right side of Mtkvari. Really nice, comfortable. friendly staff. Free WiFi. US$110-US$140.

Hotel VIP Victoria, Arakishvili1st al.

TBILOTEL, 8, Daraselia str. a High Class Business and Leisure Hotel. offers 18 very comfortable room, standard and semi-suites, with balconies, Free Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV and international phone. Reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Double: 170-190 Lari.

VIP Hotel, 31, Leselidze Street. This is a lovely hotel in a quiet coutyard with views over the river. The owners are really charming people and the breakfast is excellent.. €50-60 per night.

Hotel White House, Davit Rondeli Street 12. Hotel is about 2 km from Didube metro and bus station. It is not in city center, but you can will bizarre soviet living blocks you would miss otherwise. The place is spotless and breakfast is excellent. 90 GEL per night.

High Class Accomodation

Betsy's Hotel, 32-34 Makashvili St.

Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi, 4 Freedom Square, checkout: 12:00. US$185+ per night.

Hotel Vere Palace, 22-24 Kuchishvili street,Near the Zoo and Hero's Square. 4-star hotel.

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Rose Revolution Square 1. Glass tower overlooking the river. 249 rooms. The fanciest hotel in the city.

Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Issani. 15 minute walk to the Old City and 5 minute walk to a subway station. US$200+ per night.

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, 13 Rustaveli Prospekt. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. Rivals the Radisson Iveria as the city's poshest hotel. This is the place to come for old world columns and curtains style; choose the Radisson for that sleek glass style. €212+ per night.

Safety

Tbilisi is very safe after the Rose Revolution. The police system was reformed completely and the recent polls show that public's trust in police shifted from nearly 10% to 88%. 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 safe, and 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 0.50 lari.

Police Tel: 112.

Ambulance tel: 112.

There are 3 GSM operators of mobile phone service:

Magticom: provides 3G

Geocell: provides 3G, covers all of Georgia, packet data deals available for prepaid. 2 GEL for the SIM, 10 GEL for 1 GB of data. There is a Geocell office in the Marjanishvili metro station.

Beeline: russian company, the cheapest of all sim cards, but does not get the best reception in some areas. buy a sim card at the office on Rustaveli Avenue or Ortachala international bus station,help-line number for Beeline mobile: 110101 from Georgia.

Suggestion

You should make a quick stop in the Tourism Office on the south side of Freedom Square upon arriving in Tbilisi. They provide a free, very detailed map of the city as well as varying levels of competency when it comes to information; they are often out of printed material, and it can take some time to extract maps, brochures, etc, as they keep most of these hidden behind the counter and are often oddly reluctant to part with them, though if you're politely persistent you may be able to get what you need.

They can print out a list of hostels or hotels upon request. They can also give you an English to Georgian vocabulary sheet with all the rudimentary words as well as the Georgian alphabet.

Stop by the Marriott Courtyard if you're lost, the staff are fairly fluent in English, and they are more than happy to provide you with free maps, and help you track down whatever you're looking for on a map before you leave.

Be careful about renting DVDs from Prospero's bookstore, there is quite a selection, but as most of them are pirated, almost half of all their DVD stock is of a poor quality. For your peace of mind, you can check any DVD on a player in the cafe before you rent it



Tourism Observer
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