Tbilisi – The City That Forever Stole My Heart

Along the Kura River

Tbilisi rests gently along the Kura River, the lifeline of the city, winding like a silver thread through its very heart. Standing by the riverbanks, you feel the pulse of the city—the calm flow of water reflecting centuries of history, the hum of life moving around it. The river is both witness and storyteller, carrying whispers of the past while embracing the city’s vibrant present.

Shota Rustaveli Avenue & Liberty Square

Every true journey into Tbilisi begins with Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Walking down this grand boulevard is like being embraced by the spirit of Georgia itself. Theaters, galleries, charming shops, and cafés line the way, each carrying the elegance of the old mixed with the boldness of the new. The walk itself feels like poetry—especially when it leads you straight to Liberty Square, where the golden monument of Saint George rises high, catching the sunlight. Standing there, you can’t help but feel that you are in the very soul of Georgia, where history and freedom shine hand in hand.

The Old Town – Where Time Stands Still

But the true magic begins when you step into Old Tbilisi. The narrow, winding streets carry you back in time. Wooden balconies lean out with colorful flowers, laughter spills from wine bars, and the smell of fresh bread drifts from bakeries. You lose yourself here, on purpose, wandering without a map, discovering hidden corners, cozy restaurants, and lively courtyards. It feels like every step is an embrace, and every turn hides a secret waiting to be shared.

And in the heart of Old Tbilisi stands the Clock Tower—a whimsical, fairy-tale-like tower built by the puppet master Rezo Gabriadze. Its crooked design, like something out of a dream, makes you pause and smile. Each hour, a tiny angel comes out to ring the bell, and children gather with eyes wide open, waiting for the magic. Standing there, you cannot help but feel like time itself has softened in Tbilisi, choosing to dance rather than rush.

That was a piece of my heart shared with you. If you enjoyed it, or have any thoughts, I’d be truly grateful to hear from you.

Narikala Fortress & Mother Georgia

From Old Tbilisi, the cable car lifts you above the rooftops to the mighty Narikala Fortress, guardian of the city for centuries. Here, high on the hill, stands Mother Georgia—tall, strong, and graceful. With a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other, she is the perfect embodiment of the Georgian soul: ready to defend, but always ready to welcome with love. Looking out from here, Tbilisi stretches endlessly—domes, bridges, rivers, hills—all glowing in the light. It’s the kind of view that takes your breath away every time, no matter how often you’ve seen it.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral

High on a hill rises the Holy Trinity Cathedral, or Sameba—one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Its golden dome can be seen from almost every corner of the city, shining like a beacon of faith. Inside, silence and peace wrap around you. You feel the prayers of centuries lingering in the air, giving the place a weight that is both humbling and comforting.

Mtatsminda Park & the Funicular

One of my happiest places in Tbilisi is Mtatsminda Park, reached by the charming funicular railway that climbs the hillside. At the top, the city sparkles beneath you like a sea of stars. The Ferris Wheel turns slowly against the sky, roller coasters echo with laughter, and children run through the park with wide-eyed joy. There is something for everyone—rides for children, thrill for the adventurous, and even a restaurant at the edge of the hill where you can sit with a glass of wine, overlooking the entire city. It’s here that you realize why Tbilisi never leaves you—because it is both excitement and peace, all in one place.

The Chronicles of Georgia

Farther from the city center, by the Tbilisi Sea, rises the monumental Chronicles of Georgia—massive, dark stone pillars etched with the history of the nation. Kings, saints, and heroes are carved into the walls, telling stories of Georgia’s long and proud past. Standing beneath them, you feel small yet deeply connected to something eternal. It is not just a monument—it is a reminder of resilience, pride, and love that defines this country.

The Lakes of Tbilisi

But Tbilisi is not only hills and monuments—it is also embraced by lakes, each one carrying its own story.

• Tbilisi Reservoir (The Tbilisi Sea): Wide and shimmering, stretching like an endless horizon. On quiet evenings, walking by its shores feels like standing at the edge of the world. It’s a place where the city exhales, where you can sit in silence and feel your heart calm.

• Turtle Lake: Small and intimate, surrounded by trees and pathways. Coming here in the morning for a coffee by the water, with the sun glimmering on the surface, feels like a gift. Walking hand in hand with someone you love around the lake, hearing birdsong and the laughter of children, you realize that happiness sometimes hides in the simplest places.

• Lisi Lake: A favorite escape for families and friends. Joggers circle its shores, children play in the fields, and cafés welcome you with warm drinks and views of the setting sun. Sitting here in the evening with a glass of wine, watching the lake glow with golden reflections, is one of those moments you carry forever in your memory.

Rike Park, The Bridge of Peace & The Balloon Ride

Descending back down, you find yourself in Rike Park—a modern heart of the city, full of greenery, laughter, music, and art. From here, you can rise into the skies in a hot air balloon, drifting above Tbilisi as though flying through a dream. The view from the balloon—rust-colored rooftops, church domes, the curves of the river—is unforgettable.

Just across the way is the dazzling Bridge of Peace, a glass and steel wonder that glows beautifully at night, reflecting in the river below. Crossing it feels symbolic—like walking hand in hand between history and the future, tradition and modernity.

Parks, Monasteries & Hidden Corners

Tbilisi also hides treasures of peace and serenity. Vere Park—small, green, and full of life—is one of those places where the city seems to pause, giving you a quiet space in the middle of all the movement. And then there is the Blue Monastery, its name as poetic as the place itself. Stepping inside, surrounded by the soft blue walls, feels like stepping into a sanctuary of stillness. It is places like these that remind you that Tbilisi is not only about energy and movement—it is also about reflection and rest.

A Taste of Tbilisi

No story of love for Tbilisi would be complete without food, wine, and nights filled with music.

Mornings are best started with the perfect cappuccino and breakfast at Entrée, where the aroma of coffee blends with the city slowly awakening outside the window.

The best pork ribs I ever tasted were in HB Restaurant in Saburtalo—tender, smoky, and unforgettable.

And for nights filled with energy, laughter, and music, nothing compares to McLaren’s Irish Pub, where live rock bands create the perfect atmosphere to celebrate life.

But nightlife in Tbilisi stretches far beyond.

• At Fabrika Tbilisi, a former Soviet sewing factory turned into a vibrant cultural hub, you feel the pulse of the city’s young soul—bars, art, and music all gathered in one lively courtyard.

• At Wine Factory N1, Georgia’s ancient tradition of winemaking meets stylish modern spaces, perfect for long evenings of conversation over a glass of Saperavi.

• And then there’s Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, a beautifully restored street that glows at night with music, cafés, and restaurants, inviting you to celebrate life with every step.

Every meal here, every sip of wine, every night of music feels like Tbilisi whispering: “Stay a little longer.”

Why Tbilisi Lives in My Heart

Tbilisi is not just a place—it is a feeling. It is in the warmth of its people, in the sunlight on its hills, in the quiet of its churches, in the laughter of its streets, and in the aroma of wine and coffee that fills the air. It is in its contrasts: ancient yet modern, peaceful yet alive, modest yet endlessly rich.

For me, Tbilisi is love at first sight, and a love that only grows deeper with every visit. It is the city that forever stole my heart—and I know that if you give it a chance, it will steal yours too.

Video Gallery Tbilisi

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Tbilisi, Georgia