Experiencing Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, country in the Caucasus region. Since my travels so far have only been to south, west and Central Europe, Tbilisi is a very special trip for me. I am not sure can I qualify it as my first non-European destination; the Georgians would heavily disagree. Its continental status is questionable. Geographically speaking, it is in Asia, but politically and culture wise I would say it's European. Going by only that you can guess how interesting Georgia is, and Tbilisi as its capital.

Tbilisi is full of contrast, a clash of cultures and architecture.

Public transport is cheap, but everything can be done and seen on foot as well, so I suggest walking.

The gem of Tbilisi must be the old town. Right next to the old sulphur bath house follow the stream that leads between the cliffs. The view is glorious: a waterfall going down from the cliffs, a few old houses with colourful wooden terraces directly on the cliffs.

Another must do is the Narikala fortress, either by climbing many stairs or taking the cable car to get to the top. I was there after nightfall and the view was amazing. Right next to the fortress is the statue Mother of Georgia from the socialist period. Beneath Mother of Georgia is also a nice balcony to enjoy the city view.

A modern piece of architecture to see would be the bridge called ‘’Bridge of peace’’. It has an interesting design and gets lip up in the evening. After passing the bridge on the side of river Mtkvari opposite from the city center is station for the cable car that takes you to Narikala fortress. A bit further from the station is a small hill where Metekhi church is.

Ferris wheel is another nice sight, perhaps more for couples. Keep exploring the city to find so many different styles of architecture. My city is known as the place where ‘ ‘east meets west’’, but it doesn’t come close to Tbilisi, where west meets east, past meets the future, orient meets Soviet socialism, and more.

After all that walking and exploring take a rest at one of the many coffee places and pubs to relax. Take your pick at one of the places going from ‘’I love Tbilisi’’ sign uphill towards the fortress. Then there is the witty KGB place right in the city center. I would recommend going to bar Warszawa just for the chachacello (lemon cha cha).

Speaking of drinks, it is time to mention Georgian food and drinks. First there is aforementioned chacha, Georgian schnaps, hard liquor. Some have rakija, some have palinka, some vodka, and the Georgians have chacha. If you’re feeling tough, you can even try the chachacheli, which is basically a stronger chacha, a much stronger chaha – around 80% strong. Chachacheli can be bought in Generator 9.8, a cute social caffee with interesting people. Interesting to know: Georgia is one of the first, if not the first, countries to produce wine! So Georgian wine is a must! Btw, if you are offered lemonade, in Generator 9.8 for example, it is not lemonade but some type of soda.

Photo: Georgian pear lemonade

Fear not, foodies. Tbilisi is not just for drunkies. The most interesting food for me was Kachapuri adjaruli. It’s a pastry filled with delicious melting cheese, butter and a raw egg. Khinkali is another traditional food, it is similar to pasta with different types of filling. What I especially loved is churchkhela. Churchkhela are actually walnuts on a string in a gelatinized grape juice. It’s sold widely everywhere on the street. I brought several back home with me for gifts.

On the subject of gifts, I found great souvenirs for good prices in the underpasses (passages beneath the streets).

The prices are similar to those in the Balkans, therefore Tbilisi is very affordable for most people.

Another big plus is safety. With regard to theft, pickpocketing and similar, I believe it is safer than Denmark for example.

Learning a few words of Georgian or Russian will definitely come in handy, because only young people speak English.

Hope you enjoy the charming Tbilisi!