Where to stay in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi isn’t a very large city, so whichever neighborhood you choose, it’s almost always good. But each neighborhood has its own vibe. For instance, the Old Town (Kala) is perfect if you’re visiting Tbilisi for the first time, Vera is the neighborhood to stay in if you’re traveling with kids, Chugureti is for hipsters, and Avlabari is for those traveling to Georgia on a budget.
Old Town (Kala)
Old Town is the oldest part of the city, officially named Kala. The name comes from the Narikala Fortress, one of Tbilisi’s landmarks. This neighborhood also includes the Abanotubani district where the traditional sulfur baths are located. Old Town is cozy and quaint with its narrow streets and charming houses with colorful balconies.
If you choose to stay in Old Town, you’ll be in the heart of Tbilisi. This means plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of nearly all the attractions. Otherwise, you can take the metro at Freedom Square (also known as Liberty Square), the bus on Rustaveli Avenue, or order a Bolt taxi via the app.
Staying in Old Town often means small hotel rooms that are overpriced because this is a popular neighborhood where many tourists want to stay. So, for me, this wouldn’t be the first choice for accommodation in Tbilisi, but it’s great to stroll through.
Sololaki
The Sololaki neighborhood stretches west from Freedom Square towards Mtatsminda and is easily distinguishable from Old Town by its neatly grid-like streets. Once a desirable suburb where the city’s wealthiest merchants and businessmen built their European-style mansions, Sololaki boasts some very beautiful examples of Art Nouveau and neo-Moorish architecture. Almost every facade and staircase in Sololaki is a work of art.
I find Sololaki a very pleasant neighborhood to stay in Tbilisi. The narrow streets, houses with beautiful balconies, interesting courtyards, and trendy cafes make this my favorite area in Tbilisi. If you’re considering staying in this part of Tbilisi, keep in mind that the buildings are old and therefore can be noisy. Many buildings in the area are listed monuments, so you will mainly find boutique-style hotels here.
Mtatsminda
The Mtatsminda neighborhood lies northwest of the old city and is named after Mtatsminda Mountain, the highest point in Tbilisi and a city symbol. It’s a pleasant area to stay in, especially because it’s so close to the old city. Shota Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi with many shops and important buildings, lies in the middle of the neighborhood.
There is quite a bit of greenery in Mtatsminda, such as Dedena Park and 9 April Park (my favorite), plus many cafes and restaurants. The best is Kvarts Coffee, where a free portrait is drawn on your coffee cup.
Keep in mind that the western streets climb the mountain and are not suitable for people with mobility issues. In Mtatsminda, you’ll mostly find good hotels that are, however, quite expensive due to the favorable location
Vera
The Vera neighborhood, formerly Skvireti, lies to the north and is seen as the most child-friendly neighborhood in the city. So, if you’re going to Tbilisi with kids, choose accommodation in Vera. Vera is a quiet neighborhood known for its green spaces with parks and playgrounds on every corner.
But Vera is not only suitable for families with children. It’s also the trendiest neighborhood in Tbilisi. You’ll find one cafe after another, many restaurants, and wine bars, with trendy boutiques, artistic ateliers, and coworking spaces in between. Trendy means expensive, so staying in this part of Tbilisi can be pricier than in other neighborhoods. If you want to stay in Vera, bring good shoes because this neighborhood is quite hilly.
Chugureti
On the other side of the Mtkvari River, also known as Kura, lies the Chugureti neighborhood, also known as Marjanishvili, Vorontsovi, or Plekhanovi. This area was once a German colony called Neu Tiflis. The last pedestrianized section of Davit Agmashenebeli Avenue still bears this name. If, like me, you travel to Tbilisi by train, you will arrive at the station in the north of Chugureti.
From the southern part of the neighborhood, it’s a 10-minute walk to the old town, and in the northern part, you can take the metro to Liberty Square. But the neighborhood itself is also great to wander through. Chugureti is a neighborhood after my own heart, raw and full of street art and graffiti. But also full of trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. If you love nightlife, this is the place to be.
Avlabari
Also on the ‘other’ side of the river lies the up-and-coming Avlabari neighborhood. Traditionally, this is the Armenian neighborhood. Now it’s the perfect place to stay for budget travelers. Hotels here are cheaper than in the rest of the city, yet it’s a 10-20 minute walk to the old town. If you don’t feel like walking, you can also take the metro here.
Avlabari is a neighborhood that is changing rapidly. New parks, squares, and shops are constantly appearing. There aren’t many restaurants in this neighborhood yet, but new ones are regularly opening. Long live Bolt taxis that take you anywhere for a few lari.
If you want to stay in Avlabari, I would choose accommodation near Rike Park or the metro station. That way, you’ll be most centrally located.
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