Tbilisi in a Weekend: The Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary

Tbilisi, one of the oldest cities in Europe, amazes with its many layers. Persian-style baths stand next to the avant-garde Bridge of Peace, and the smell of freshly baked shoti bread mingles with the scent of sulfur from the bathhouses.

Friday evening. Arrive in time for sunset. Climb up to Narikala Fortress — the view of the city glowing orange is worth every step. Head down to Abanotubani (the sulfur bath district) and book a private bath for an hour. Have dinner on Shardeni Street, the heart of Tbilisi’s food quarter.

Saturday. Morning at the Dry Bridge (a flea market with Soviet antiques, jewelry and icons). Khinkali at any local eatery. After lunch, a walk past Metekhi, Sioni and Anchiskhati. Take the funicular up Mount Mtatsminda to the hilltop park with its roller coaster. In the evening, wine in one of the Old Town bars.

Getting there from Batumi: a marshrutka (minibus) takes 4 hours (7–8 lari), or take the night train (16 lari). The best areas to stay are Old Tbilisi or Vera.