With a population of over 1.5 million, Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia. It is lying on both banks of the river Mtkvari among the hills. Tbilisi was found in the 5th century by King Vakhtang I of Iberia (Vakhtang Gorgasali) and since then has been the home of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic people. It is predominantly an Orthodox Christian city, but can still boast having a Catholic church, Orthodox church, Synagogue, Minaret, and Gregorian church, all in one district.
The legend
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King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting near the Mtskheta, the capital city, when his falcon caught an injured pheasant. Both birds fell into hot springs and died. When the king found the birds in the hot sulphur springs, he decided to build a new capital on that spot. He named the city – Tbilisi, which is derived from the Georgian word ‘Tbili’ which means warm. When exploring the old city, you will definitely come across the sulphur baths and right opposite, on the other bank of Mtkvari, you will notice a statue of a man on a horse. This is the monument to King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.
Districts
Photo Source: Anna Everywhere
There are 10 districts in Tbilisi. As a tourist you will probably wander around the 3 or 4 main central districts, but all of them hide something special for guests.
Mtatsminda/Sololaki
A central district with small paved streets and old buildings with traditional Tbilisi style balconies. Major tourist destinations include Rustaveli avenue (the main street of the city), Freedom Square (The heart of the city) plus all major museums and places of interest.
Krtsanisi
Krtsanisi district, the oldest part of Tbilisi, is the location where Tbilisi was founded according to the legend. Places to see are Abanotubani – the famous sulfur baths and a hidden waterfall, Narikala fortress, and the Botanical garden.
Chugureti
A picturesque area mainly built by German expats. Situated on the left bank of the river Mtkvari. The main street is Aghmashenebeli Avenue, a newly renovated pedestrian street with a selection of restaurants and souvenir shops. Dry bridge bordering with the Dedaena Park offers, is home to the most famous antique street market in the city. Here you can artifacts of the Soviet Era, paintings, jewelry and cutlery straight from the locals’ possessions.
Isani
Another area on the left bank that includes Avlabari district. Here you will find houses perched on top of a rock above the river. Places to see are Sameba Cathedral, Presidential Palace and restaurants looking over the Mtkvari river.
Vake
A posh, business area with a density of bars and restaurants. Places to see include both Mziuri and Vake park, Turtle Lake and the Museum of Ethnology. As part of a smaller region within Vake, there is a lovely, authentic Tbilisi style district – Vera, where the most prominent thing to see is Tbilisi Music Hall.
Didube
Places to see include Dynamo stadium, an open market of fresh products and second-hand clothes, and the Central Train Station.
Saburtalo
A soviet era residential area in the west part of Tbilisi. Places to see are limited to Lisi lake, and several shopping malls.
Gldani
A communist built district in the north part of Tbilisi that borders with Tbilisi sea. It is the largest residential area in the city. Places to see are limited to Tbilisi sea and aqua parks.
Nadzaladevi and Samgori are more residential areas that will probably never fall into your must-see list.
