DAY 1
Wander the Old Town – Take a Cab to Old Town Tbilisi, the entrance of the Sulphur Baths, and explore on foot. Follow the stream of water which will take you to the waterfall.
There are many alleys to walk within including the old buildings and their doors and mail boxes located on the hill.
Enter the Sulphur Baths and explore them, even if it looks shady. It isn’t shady or dangerous. Find out rates and their availability and book an appointment for the evening, right before you head back to your hotel. Preferably the same day itself.
There is a restaurant located right within this area with a balcony and very cool interiors. Have some Khinkhali or Kachapuri from there along with some Georgian Tea. The tea in Georgia is quite flavorful.
There are a lot of sovereign shops to explore and negotiate prices with, try local sweets: Churchkhela, and Taklpi.
Located within the same area, is a few restaurants leading downstairs, go in to explore them even if you don’t want to eat there. If you feel comfortable you can always book yourself for a dinner for yourself post the Sulphur Bath.
Cross the road, and take the funicular going up the hill. The Mother of Georgia is located there along with a Fort. Explore them all. Walk and sit and take in the views.
You will also find a restaurant here overlooking the view, have another tea on the balcony.
Walk your way down, stopping at the fort and a church.
Walk through the Median Bazar, an underground sovereign shopping area with a lot of history.
Head to your pre-booked Sulphur Bath.
Day 2
Hire a Cab and go to Mtshketa: Hold the Cab there, as you need to come back in the same Cab. Negotiate price up and down when you hire him, telling him you need to be dropped at Mtatsminda Park / TV Tower. P.S: Have a heavy breakfast or carry snacks with you.
Once in Mtshketa explore the ancient streets and the many shops, find a path leading to the lake to take in the view. (The driver may walk in with you, let him as long as you feel comfortable, he may also explain the history of the place etc. My driver got the father of the cathedral to come talk to me, say a little prayer for me and bless me as it was my birthday; was quite beautiful).
Head into the Cathedral located in the center.
Take the cab and go up the hill to Jvari Monastery. Explore the entire place on feet. Take in the amazing view and locate the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers in the waters below you.
Cab your way back to city and up another hill towards Mtatsminda Park / TV Tower. Once there let go of the Cab.
The park is interesting with strange things in it like dinosaurs and plastic garbage animals, nothing fancy as such but the views are quite good. There are many restaurants there, sit at one and have a nice Georgian meal.
Take the Furnicular down to the bottom of the hill, sit at the front so you get an unobstructed view.
Once at the bottom, explore the area on foot.
Head into any of the cafes and rest your tired feet and body.
Day 3
Take a cab to the Trinity Church. Explore the church and the area surrounding it.
You can walk and explore the many shops and street art and cathedrals.
Walk you way down, you will reach the old town, Ride Park, Bridge of Peace.
Go to Leaning clock tower, which has a show every hour.
Find an old restaurant and eat some more Georgian Food.
Go to the Botanical Garden, since its Autumn now, it would be very beautiful. Explore the paths and sit on a bench awing at the beauty of it all. There is also a café inside the park for a quick drink.
Explore the nightlife and the many interesting eateries.
Also head to/ to do:
Rooms Hotel for a drink / dinner (Luxury Hotel).
Rustaveli Avenue – It has a huge Cycle on the footpath, there are many eateries located here, enter them all. There is a place called Khinkhali House. Try Chacha here, it’s very strong and has a bitter taste but you got to try it.
Georgian National Museum.
Fabrika Hostel – For a young and cool vibe.
The Flea Markets on the bridge.
The cathedral opposite the old town on top of the hill.
The Zoo.
Note:
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot to walk.
There would be kids trying to sell you things/roses don’t entertain them.
Buy a Georgian Sim with data, you can get them at the airport.
Although there are exchanges within the city, you do have to search for them, so exchange money in the airport even if you may not get the best deal.
Have Google Maps and Google Translate on your phone.
Take a photo of the Hotel, the street that you are staying on and close-by locations/streets. It’s easier for the cab driver to know how to arrive at your location at the end of the day.
Carry phone charger / back-up charger.
Negotiate cab rates before getting into the cab. 6-12 Lari is a reasonable amount for inner travels.
There are metros, if you are comfortable with using them and can navigate well, then use them as they would be cheaper.
Very rare to find yourself in an unsafe location. But even if you do just walk away from that location, your inner instincts will tell you, so listen to it.
I only found one area in Georgia that was slightly dangerous but that was at 2AM in an underground which I chose to explore, but even there I found the people to be nice, kind and never harmful or as a threat. Just people standing around having a good time and being talkative.
Walk, Walk and Walk as much as you can. The entire experience of a solo trip is quite fantastic. It will show you facets about yourself that you didn’t even know existed.
Be comfortable and confident in all that you do, even if worried inside don’t let that show on your face.
If you are lost or need assistance, ask for it. The people are relatively good and kind to tourists.
I did write a piece on how my experience with the Sulphur baths went, so read that article too.
Connect with me on Instagram for more support if you need it.
Have loads of fun.
