Where to Stay in Tbilisi (Best Places & Spots)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Tbilisi | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I’ve spent many months living in Georgia’s capital city. In this guide, I share the best neighborhoods and accommodations around Tbilisi.

If it’s your first time visiting, I suggest staying near Liberty Square — specifically, at the Makmani Boutique Hotel. You can’t beat its classic Georgian aesthetic and location right in the heart of the city.

But there are several other great spots to stay depending on what you’re looking for. Scroll down to see suggestions for every preference, from luxurious hotels to trendy hostels (like Fabrika, my top-recommended budget pick).

7 Best Places to Stay in Tbilisi

Just looking for a quick answer on where to stay in Tbilisi? Here are my top picks: 

• 🌟 Best Overall Hotel – Old Town Mtatsminda
• 📍 Best Location – Makmani Boutique Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – The Biltmore
• 👪 Best for F7amilies – Lowell Hotel
• 💻 Best for Business – Radisson Blu Iveria
• 🏨 Best Boutique – Folk Boutique Hotel
• 🏰 Best Near Narikala Fortress – IOTA Hotel Tbilisi
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Fabrika

Ok, let’s do a deep dive into the best areas of the city:  

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Tbilisi

Tbilisi sits on the banks of the Mtkvari River, surrounded by hills and mountains. Liberty Square (with the neighborhood of Sololaki behind it) and Rustaveli Avenue form the heart of Tbilisi. Old Tbilisi occupies the space immediately below Liberty Square, bordered by the Mtkvari River on the north. 

Just across the river, the Avlabari area occupies a central hill with panoramic views of the city. Chugureti is a historical neighborhood at the foot of this hill to the north (on the same side of the river as Avlabari). Mtatsminda is the hill to the west of the city center where the distinctive TV tower stands.

The neighborhoods of Vera and Vake make up the southwestern part of Tbilisi, beginning at the northern end of Rustaveli Avenue.

Liberty Square/Sololaki

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Liberty Square/Sololaki Hotels: Makmani Boutique Hotel • ibis Styles Tbilisi Center • IOTA Hotel Tbilisi

Liberty Square is in the heart of the city, located at the beginning of the historic neighborhood of Sololaki. Many of Tbilisi’s most famous tourist attractions are within walking distance, and there are a ton of restaurants, cafes, and bars here, making this the best place for first-time visitors.

Hotels here offer fantastic comfort and services at rates that are often lower than their Western equivalents. The ibis Styles Tbilisi, for example, features a fantastic rooftop bar and modern rooms with a bright, eclectic atmosphere.

The Makmani Boutique Hotel is another great choice, hidden away in the charming backstreets behind Liberty Square. The rooms are clean and cozy, and the property is situated in a peaceful, rustic courtyard. Some rooms also have a terrace or a balcony with classic Georgian woodcarving motifs.

Pros of Staying in Liberty Square/Sololaki:

• Closest to popular attractions, bars, and restaurants
• Easy to get around on foot
• Central location for accessing other sites 

Cons of Staying in Liberty Square/Sololaki:

• Some hotels can be expensive
• Restaurants are more expensive here
• Almost always crowded
• Lots of political graffiti on the side streets off the square

Rustaveli Avenue

👉 Best Area For Luxury & Business Travelers | ✨ Best Rustaveli Avenue Hotels: Radisson Blu Iveria • The Biltmore • Tbilisi Marriott

Rustaveli Avenue is to Tbilisi what 5th Avenue is to New York City. It’s the perfect location for living the high life in Tbilisi. Museums, theaters, and the famous opera house are all within a few minutes’ walk of prestigious hotels, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Radisson Blu Iveria.

Each property offers world-class amenities and private rooms. Those on the upper floors have some of the best views of the city and beyond. The Radisson’s amenities, efficient Wi-Fi, professional staff, and great loyalty program make it a top choice for business travelers.

Georgian restaurants, gift shops, and street vendors selling art and traditional handicrafts add to the colorful mix in this area. Plus, the open area outside the Rustaveli Metro Station sometimes sees spontaneous performances of Georgian folk dance. 

Pros of Staying on Rustaveli Avenue:

• The best historical and art museums in town are here
• Lots of great restaurants and cafes
• Good place to find souvenirs

Cons of Staying on Rustaveli Avenue:

• Hotels can be pricier than other parts of town
• Louder and more crowded than other places in Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Old Tbilisi Hotels: Namaste Hostel • TbiliSee Hotel • Folk Boutique Hotel

Tbilisi’s Old Town (specifically the space between Liberty Square and the Mtkvari River) is the best place to find cheap hostels and unique boutique hotels. Folk Boutique Hotel is one of the most distinctive properties in Tbilisi, featuring a unique aesthetic based on traditional Georgian attire.

This part of town trades modern architecture for charming, historic buildings. Here, wooden balconies overhang many winding, quiet streets paved with cobblestones. Art Nouveau decor adorns many venerable buildings, and the whole neighborhood breathes old-world charm.

Sioni Cathedral is the most well-known landmark here, famous for its historical significance and religious frescoes showing a variety of different styles from medieval Byzantine to more modern schools of art. Old Town is also home to the Meidan Bazaar, an underground market selling all manner of Georgian memorabilia from wine to swords!

Pros of Staying in Old Town:

• Quaint atmosphere
• Hostels and boutique hotels are low cost and centrally located
• Small, charming cafes and restaurants

Cons of Staying in Old Town:

• Winding backstreets can be confusing at times
• Restaurants closer to the main streets are a little more expensive
• The lower part of the Old Town isn’t the best for driving

Mtatsminda

👉 Best Area For Repeat Visits | ✨ Best Mtatsminda Hotels: Old Town Mtatsminda • Hotel Adamo • Tbilisi View Hotel

Mtatsminda, like Sololaki, is part of the broader area of Old Tbilisi, but it has a few characteristics that set it apart and make it a great place for repeat visits. And, believe me, you will want to come back to Georgia!

It’s a little quieter here (by Georgian standards) because there are not as many bars, restaurants, or cafes as in the above-mentioned neighborhoods. There are still some very good options, though. Mtatsminda is right above Rustaveli Avenue, so you are close to all of its attractions, but without all the hustle and bustle of staying right on the street.

Properties here tend to be smaller, cozy, home-like places, such as Old Town Mtatsminda. Many properties also have great views of eastern Tbilisi and the Caucasus mountains in the distance.

All of this adds up to give Mtatsminda a more authentic, local feeling. You’ll see fewer tourists walking the backstreets here and more locals going about their everyday lives. The streets here are often steep, which could be a hassle for some travelers, but also very useful for walking off all that good, but heavy Georgian cuisine!

Pros of Staying in Mtatsminda:

• Affordable hotels
• Small but quality selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants
• Central, but quiet (by Georgian standards)
• Great views from some properties

Cons of Staying in Mtatsminda:

• Smaller selection of restaurants, etc. may make it less favorable for a first-time trip
• Steeper streets may not be to every traveler’s liking
• Smaller selection of hotels and properties

Avlabari

👉 Best Area For City Views | ✨ Best Avlabari Hotels: Sandali Metekhi Boutique Hotel • Hotel Best Tbilisi • Hotel 21, Tbilisi

Avlabari occupies the hill opposite Tbilisi’s Old Town. The banks of the Mtkvari River are lined by popular restaurants and hotels featuring traditional Georgian architecture.

One plus of staying here is that many places have excellent views of the Tbilisi skyline and, from many properties further up the hill, the Caucasus Mountains. Sandali Metekhi Boutique Hotel is a fantastic choice for its views of the heart of Tbilisi, with most rooms having balconies over the river.

Hotel 21, Tbilisi has some of the best views in town from its rooftop terrace, which is the perfect place to watch the sun go down after a day of adventure.

The highlight of this neighborhood is the massive Holy Trinity Cathedral, called Sameba in Georgian. The views from the sprawling courtyard here make for some of the best panoramas. Rike Park is one of the best places to go in town in spring and summer, especially if you are traveling with children.

Pros of Staying in Avlabari:

• Properties offer great amenities at low prices
• Best place for seeing the Tbilisi skyline (and best sunset views in the city)
• Down-to-earth, everyday neighborhood vibe

Cons of Staying in Avlabari:

• Not as many restaurants, etc. beyond the ones along the riverbank
• Can be a little crowded and noisy in the more central parts
• More touristy feeling along the riverside.

Chugureti

👉 Best Area For Affordable Luxury | ✨ Best Chugureti Hotels: Marjan Plaza Hotel • Heritage Hotel and Suites • Fabrika 

Chugureti features several high-quality hotels with fantastic amenities at shockingly low prices. Marjan Plaza Hotel, for instance, features a spa, sauna, pool, and more with rooms for less than $100. Similar hotels along Rustaveli Avenue generally cost double that rate!

There are also a few simpler options available in Chugureti. Fabrika, a former Soviet sewing factory, now functions as one of the best hostels outside Old Tbilisi. Fabrika offers both dorm-room and private-room accommodations. It also has on-site restaurants and boutique shops. You’ll know you’re getting close when you see funky street art everywhere.

Chugureti lies to the northeast of the city center, across the river but still within walking distance. Davit Agmashenebeli Avenue is the main road here and bustles with cafes and restaurants. You can also find a good wine cellar or hidden restaurant a little off the main drag, too.

Chugureti has two metro stations. Marjanishvili Metro Station opens on Agmashenebeli Avenue, one of the most picturesque streets in the city, complete with tons of restaurants, bars, and shops. Station Square Metro Station, a bit further north, is the main hub for the metro and Georgia’s railroad.

Pros of Staying in Chugureti:

• Lots of cozy restaurants with outdoor seating
• More affordable restaurants, a little off the beaten path
• Easy access to transportation beyond Tbilisi
• Areas off the main road still have an authentic, local feel to them

Cons of Staying in Chugureti:

• Agmashenebeli Avenue feels less Georgian and a bit more touristy
• Noisy and crowded at times on Agmashenebeli Avenue (especially at night)

Vera and Vake

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Vera and Vake Hotels: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi • Royal Plaza Hotel • Lowell Hotel

Vera and Vake feature some of the best accommodation options for families visiting Georgia. For example, Lowell Hotel offers family rooms, cribs on request, an excellent breakfast, and an airport shuttle service.

Vera and Vake are twin neighborhoods just west of the city center. Vera is the closer of the two to the center. The Rustaveli Metro Station is the nearest metro station, located about a 5-minute walk from Vera proper. Other forms of public transport (minibuses, for instance) are the best way to get further into the neighborhood.

This part of Tbilisi is one of the greenest parts of town. The main street here, Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, is a tree-lined boulevard featuring trendy cafes and stores. Vake Park is perfect for a stroll and letting the kids get out a little energy. The much humbler Vera Park is also pleasant, but better suited for sitting and taking in the atmosphere.

Pros of Staying in Vera and Vake:

• More peaceful than city center neighborhoods
• Cozy cafes and restaurants
• Great parks for walking or letting children play

Cons of Staying in Vera and Vake:

• The metro doesn’t run here, so getting around takes a little more effort
• Vera gets crowded around rush hour
• Restaurants, etc. tend to be more expensive here

Tips for Staying in Tbilisi

Learn a Little Georgian

Most people you’ll meet in more touristed destinations in Georgia will speak at least a little English, especially the younger generations. But Georgians take pride in their culture and love it when foreigners make the effort to learn more than basic travel phrases. Prospero’s Books on Rustaveli Avenue is a great place to pick up phrasebooks and local history books as well.

Georgian Drinking Culture: Wine and Spirits

Though intricate, understanding the local drinking culture is one of my key Georgia travel tips. Wine is the age-old standby, along with certain spirits, and one doesn’t drink without a toast.

Toasting is more than a simple “cheers” here. Toasts are meant to be heartfelt words, even blessings at times. As a visitor, you won’t be obliged to match your host’s eloquence, but give it your best shot (no pun intended)!

Georgian Drinking Culture: Beer

Beer is more of a casual hang-out drink, so you can drink it without a toast. Beer was, in fact, only used for toasting enemies in traditional Georgian culture. This attitude has loosened up a little in recent years, so friends may use it for toasts from time to time.

Avoid Talking About Politics

Georgia’s relations with Russia have been tenuous at the very best in recent years.

Many Georgians have pro-European leanings, but this is also a nuanced issue for many people. Relations with other neighbors (Türkiye, Armenia, and Azerbaijan) have also been complicated at times, so it’s better to avoid talking about politics altogether during your stay.

Frequent demonstrations take place outside the Parliament building. It’s best to give them a wide berth as they have, at times, gotten ugly. 

Hostel Private Rooms

Tbilisi has several great hostels offering private rooms, as well as dorm rooms. The private rooms are a great option if, like me, you prefer a little more personal space. Prices are reasonable, too. This also gives you the chance to mingle with fellow travelers more than in hotels. 

Drinking The Tap Water

Local tap water is considered safe to drink by many visitors and commentators. I, however, have found that most times that I’ve done so, I’ve felt a little under the weather the next day.

It’s nothing serious and passes with a good night’s rest, but I’d advise sticking to bottled water. There’s plenty available in most stores, with larger bottles costing below a dollar. Alternatively, plan to include a filtration water bottle on your Georgia packing list.

Restaurants and Service

Georgian food is some of the best in the world. Georgian people are some of the most profoundly hospitable in the world. Unfortunately, this attitude does not always carry over into the restaurant sphere.

Georgian restaurants have achieved mild notoriety for sometimes spotty, slow service. Things have gotten better in recent years and most popular places tend to be quicker and more courteous. A food tour ensures a more hospitable experience overall. Consider booking one with our friends at Eat This! 

Crossing the Street

Remember that game Frogger? That’s what crossing the street in Tbilisi can seem like at first. There are, of course, crosswalks regulated by traffic lights. The largest streets also have pedestrian underpasses.  

The rest of the time, though, you’ll see locals playing real-life Frogger, especially on the back streets. Thankfully, this is the established way to cross the street and drivers know to slow down. Shadow a few locals if you find it too intimidating to cross the street solo.

Getting Around Town

Tbilisi has several options for public transport. Buses and minibuses (known as marshrutkas) operate on fixed routes. The city’s metro system connects the core regions and is the fastest way to get around town. These options can be paid for by scanning your credit card. There’s also the option to get a Metro Card at the nearest Metro station and load it with lari.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt and Yandex Taxi) offer a little more speed at a higher price. Tbilisi, however, has terrible traffic, especially in the evenings. Georgians are also among the most aggressive drivers. 

👉 Car Rental Info: Don’t miss my Tbilisi car rental guide if you’re planning to drive in and around the city. Be sure to book with Discover Cars, too — it guarantees the best rates! 

Stay Central

Quieter places on the edge of town may tempt you when deciding where to stay. This will, however, put you at the mercy of the horrific traffic. Places further from the city center may not have as many English-speaking staff. They will also have far fewer restaurants and stores located close enough for convenience.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Tbilisi is an overall safe city, despite the hair-raising nature of its roads. The city has a few modern medical centers with English-speaking staff, and prices for services are low compared to most Western countries. Having the extra help from reliable companies, though, makes your stay that much more enjoyable.

Bring Good Shoes

Tbilisi proper sprawls out beyond the areas mentioned above. Most of the popular attractions in the city center, though, are within walking distance of each other. Walking may also be the fastest way to beat evening traffic (together with taking the nearest metro). It’s also a great way to work off all that tasty Georgian food and wine.

Street Animals

You’ll notice quite a few strays roaming the streets of Tbilisi, but don’t worry. The dogs are generally not aggressive. I only encountered one “territorial” dog in my two years here. It was right after the COVID-19 curfews ended, so he was probably not happy with seeing humans on “his” turf again. 

It’s best to leave the cats and dogs be, either way. They may often have fleas and other parasites. You will also want to watch your step in many places…

👉 Read Next: Where to Stay in Georgia

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Tbilisi for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Tbilisi for first-timers are Freedom Square and Old Tbilisi. Freedom Square offers easy access to attractions, restaurants, wine bars, and more. Old Tbilisi is right next to the square and is a great choice for budget travelers. 

What are safe areas to stay in Tbilisi?

The safest areas to stay in Tbilisi include Liberty Square/Sololaki, Rustaveli Avenue, Vera, and Vake. But all of Tbilisi is safe compared to many other cities of its size worldwide. Visitors should, though, follow the same common-sense precautions they would anywhere else. Female solo travelers, for instance, would do best to not go too far off the main streets later at night.

What are the best areas to stay in Tbilisi on a budget?

The best areas to stay in Tbilisi on a budget include Old Tbilisi and Chugureti. There are several affordable hotels and hostels in Old Tbilisi, which is close to many main attractions. Chugureti also has some of the best hostel prices, but it is a little further from key sites. 

What is the best month to visit Tbilisi?

September is the best month to visit Georgia, Tbilisi included. The peak tourist season is over, and the summer heat starts to fade by mid-month. Crowd levels tend to drop, as do prices for accommodations.

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Thanks for reading my guide! Check out my list of the best day trips from Tbilisi next.