Tbilisi in 3 days on a budget: itinerary with khinkali and no overspending

First day belongs to the historic center — the Abanotubani quarter and Narikala Fortress.

Morning

Start with a walk through Abanotubani — the sulphur bath quarter at the foot of the fortress. The recognizable bath domes are Tbilisi's symbol. You can simply walk for free, photographing the architecture, or step inside a bath. Orbeliani Bath (Chreli-Abano) with its beautiful Moorish facade is one of the oldest — common section from 15 lari (about €5).

Breakfast: at any local bakery buy shotis puri (Georgian bread baked in a tandoor) — 1-2 lari per loaf. Pair it with imeruli khachapuri at a nearby cafe — 8-12 lari.

Afternoon

Climb to Narikala Fortress — on foot through the Botanical Garden (entry 2 lari) or by cable car from Rike Park (2.5 lari with Metromoney). The view of Tbilisi from the fortress is free and stunning. The fortress itself is open free.

Descend through the Old City (Kala) — labyrinth of cobbled streets, carved wooden balconies and small churches. Visit Metekhi Church on the cliff above the Mtkvari — free entry, dark and atmospheric inside.

Lunch: head to Pasanauri on Agmashenebeli Avenue or any khinkali spot in the Old City. Khinkali — 1.5-2 lari each, usually 5-6 ordered. Total lunch — 10-15 lari.

Evening

In the evening walk down Rustaveli Avenue — Tbilisi's main street. Along the way: Georgian National Museum (entry 15 lari, but if you don't want to spend, the colonnaded building looks great from outside), Opera and Ballet Theatre, parliament.

For dinner — mtsvadi (shashlik) and wine at any budget dukhan in the Old City alleys. Glass of house wine — 3-5 lari.

Second day — a short trip out. Mtskheta is 20 km from Tbilisi, Georgia's ancient capital with UNESCO monasteries.

Morning

Reach Mtskheta most easily by marshrutka from Didube bus station (Didube metro) — 1 lari one way. 30-40 minute trip.

In Mtskheta visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral — Georgia's main Orthodox church and burial site of Georgian kings. Free entry. Construction began in the 4th century — one of the world's oldest Christian cathedrals.

Bring breakfast from Tbilisi or buy khachapuri in Mtskheta from local vendors.

Afternoon

On foot from Svetitskhoveli (about 3 km or 40 minutes) or by taxi (10 lari) you can reach Jvari Monastery — perched on the mountain above the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari. Lermontov wrote 'Mtsyri' here. Free entry, view over Tbilisi and the valley.

Lunch in Mtskheta: any cafe near the cathedral — khinkali, lobiani (bean pie, 5-8 lari), chashushuli (stewed beef). Lunch for two — 40-60 lari.

Evening

Return to Tbilisi and head to Fabrika — a former sewing factory transformed into a cultural hub with bar, food, shops. It's the heart of young Tbilisi. Local beer — 8-12 lari, atmosphere — free.

If you still have energy — the Marjanishvili district with its bars and restaurants for the youth crowd, where prices are noticeably lower than in the tourist center.

Last day — local color and nature within the city.

Morning

Head to Dezertirka Market (Dezertirska Bazroba) — Tbilisi's main city market. Not a tourist spot; this is where Georgians shop. Huge selection of spices, cheeses, churchkhela, dried fruits at wholesale prices. Try sulguni right at the counter — vendors always offer samples. Reach via Freedom Square metro + 15 minutes on foot, or by tram.

Breakfast at the market — hot lobiani or Adjarian khachapuri boat with egg, sold right there. 10-15 lari.

Afternoon

Take bus 50 or marshrutka to Tbilisi Sea (Tbilisi Sea) — an artificial reservoir within the city. In summer locals come to swim; in winter just to walk along the water. Free beach access; some zones charge (5-10 lari). A quiet spot without tourists — just local families.

Lunch: bring food from the market or eat at cafes by the reservoir — matsoni (Georgian yogurt), bread, greens. Very cheap and homestyle.

Evening

Last evening in the Vere quarter — a quiet area with cafes and restaurants popular with local intelligentsia. Prices here are lower than the tourist Old City.

For a farewell dinner — Culinarium Khasheria on Shardeni Street or any dukhan in the Old City alleys. Try khashi (rich beef soup) — the national dish and great Georgian send-off. Runs 15-25 lari.

Rain in Tbilisi is no reason to stay in the hotel. Here's what to do:

• Sulphur baths (Abanotubani) — an hour in hot sulphur water costs less than many museums (from 15 lari for a common section), and the after-feeling is like a reset. Especially nice in the rain.
• Georgian National Museum (Rustaveli Avenue, 3) — Colchian gold and the famed Stalin-era exhibition. Entry 15 lari, 2-3 hours easily.
• Fabrika (Agmashenebeli St., 8) — former sewing factory with dozens of venues inside. Covered galleries, bars, cafes, shops. Rain outside, life inside.
• Dezertirka Market — huge covered market where Tbilisians shop. Wandering rows of cheeses, spices and churchkhela is entertainment in itself. Dry and warm.
• Galleria Tbilisi (Rustaveli Avenue, 2-4) — shopping center in the very heart of the city, multiple floors. Shops, food court, cafes — saves you from a long downpour.

Tip: Tbilisi rains hit sharply but briefly, especially in spring. Take an umbrella and don't change plans — in 30-40 minutes the sun is usually back.