A five-day, budget-friendly first-timer's guide to Tbilisi, weaving together the Silk Road-era Old Town, sulfur bathhouses, cable-car ridge walks, and Georgia's booming food and wine scene. Currently the second-most trending destination on Tripadvisor's 2026 rankings, Tbilisi delivers authentic Caucasus charm at a fraction of Western European prices.
Days
5
Est. cost
~₾203
Budget
Budget
Best season
May-Jun & Sep
Practical info
Currency & Payments
The currency is the Georgian lari (₾, GEL). Cards are widely accepted in cafes, restaurants and shops, but carry cash for bazaars, marshrutka fares, sulfur-bath scrubs and small bakeries. ATMs are everywhere; TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are reliable. Budget travelers can eat well on ₾30-50 (about $12-18) per day.
Metromoney Transit Card
Tbilisi's metro, buses, marshrutkas and several cable cars are entirely cash-free. Buy a rechargeable Metromoney card (₾2 refundable deposit) from any metro station kiosk or ticket machine, then top it up. Metro rides are ₾1, and a 90-minute transfer window lets you switch between metro and buses for free. One card can be tapped for multiple passengers.
SIM / eSIM
Buy a local SIM at the airport or in town from Magti, Silknet or Cellfie; a tourist package with 20-30GB runs roughly ₾20-35. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) work well if your phone supports them. Coverage in the city is strong and 4G is fast, which is handy for Bolt rideshare and Google Maps.
Weather & Packing
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spots, roughly 10-25C. Summer peaks near 33C in August, so sightsee early morning or evening. Winters drop near -1C with occasional snow. Bring layers, comfortable shoes for cobbled Old Town streets, sun protection in summer, and a light rain jacket.
Etiquette & Tipping
Georgians are famously hospitable; accepting an offer of wine or a toast is a compliment. Dress modestly in churches (women often cover heads with a scarf, shoulders and knees covered for all). Tipping is not obligatory but 10% is appreciated in restaurants; many now add a service charge, so check the bill.
Safety & Language
Tbilisi is very safe for travelers, including solo visitors, with low petty-crime rates. Georgian uses its own alphabet, but English and Russian are widely understood in tourist areas. Learning 'gamarjoba' (hello) and 'madloba' (thank you) goes a long way.
Arrival
Before you go
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Every stop in this guide, grouped by day - see the trip's footprint before you dive in.
DAY 1 Old Town Foundations
DAY 2 Sulfur & Spires
DAY 3 Heights & Panoramas
DAY 4 Markets, Wine & Gardens
DAY 5 Modern Tbilisi & Farewell Feast
Ease into Tbilisi with its atmospheric Old Town: cobbled lanes, balconied houses, and the ridge-top fortress reached by cable car. A gentle first day to get your bearings.
Start at the golden St. George statue on Freedom Square, then wander up grand Rustaveli Avenue past the Parliament, opera house and national museum facades to feel the city's rhythm.
Transit
Relax in modern Rike Park, then board the aerial cable car that glides over the Old Town to the ancient Narikala Fortress ridge with sweeping city views.
Explore the free 4th-century fortress ruins crowning the ridge above the city, with the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) statue nearby holding a sword and a wine cup.
What to order
Adjaruli khachapuri (boat-shaped cheese bread with egg and butter) and a plate of beef-and-pork khinkali; wash it down with house lemonade or a glass of Saperavi red wine.