Looking for the best place to stay in Tbilisi? This local guide reveals the 7 most incredible neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Old Town to the trendy vibes of Vake. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, traveling on a budget, or seeking the perfect area for nightlife, discover where to base yourself in Georgia’s captivating capital.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Tbilisi 💎
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel
- 🔮 Boutique hotel: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
- ✨ 5-Star: Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Fabrika Hostel & Suites
- ✈️ Near Airport: Marcos Hotel
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Stamba Hotel
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Holiday Inn
Each neighborhood offers its own unique character – from luxury hotels overlooking ancient fortress walls to cozy guesthouses tucked away in leafy residential districts. You’ll find detailed insights on the best areas for shopping, family-friendly stays, and authentic local experiences.
This guide breaks down exactly where to stay in Tbilisi based on your travel style, with handpicked hotel recommendations for every budget. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on the most convenient locations for exploring top attractions.
Quick Tbilisi Neighborhood Guide 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Old Town
- 👦🏻 For Families: Vera
- 👛 For Shopping: Rustaveli Avenue
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Vake
- 💸 On a Budget: Avlabari
- 🌆 Best Views: Mtatsminda
- 🔮 For Local Vibe: Chugureti, Sololaki
1. Old Town – Where to Stay in Tbilisi for the First Time 🔥
Tbilisi’s atmospheric Old Town offers visitors the chance to step back in time.
🏰 Ancient fortress: The most iconic landmark of Old Tbilisi is Narikala Fortress – an ancient citadel established back in the 4th century AD, which overlooks the city from a nearby hilltop. While parts of the fortress lie in ruins, it is still very impressive.
📍 Old Tbilisi centers around three key areas perfect for exploring on foot:
- Shardeni Street – it’s home to many cafes ideal for whiling away an afternoon over good Georgian wine.
- Erekle Street – this street leads past several notable churches and on towards the sulfur bath houses.
- Bambis Rigi – this web of narrow winding alleyways is dotted by small shops selling crafts, antiques, and jewelery.
Also, don’t miss Old Town attractions such as the Sioni Cathedral, the Great Synagogue, and the Bathhouses.
🚇 Metro access: The easiest way to reach Old Tbilisi is via metro, or by walking from other tourist destinations like Rustaveli Avenue.
👣 Walkable: As the area is quite compact, once there it’s very convenient to explore on foot. Friendly locals make this atmospheric quarter safe to visit.
All hotels in the Old Town โ
Recommended hotels in Tbilisi Old Town 🏨
Luxury hotels:
- Luxury inn – a luxury boutique hotel in a historic mansion with a gourmet restaurant.
- Luxury Duplex Studios – luxury apartments in the city center with panoramic views offering premium service.
- Glarros OldTown – a chic hotel in an old building, famous for its Georgian restaurant and magnificent views of the city.
Medium price range:
- Meidan View – a modern hotel overlooking the central square, known for its spacious suites.
- Betlemi Hotel – a cozy hotel in a quiet alley of the old town, famous for its warm welcome and delicious homemade food.
- Hotel Nicolas – a comfortable boutique hotel in a historic building, popular for its authentic atmosphere.
Budget hotels:
- Sabina Guesthouse – a mini-hotel with a homely feel, modest rooms compensate for the hospitality of the hosts.
- Homestay Nika – small cozy hotel, only a few rooms, but very hospitable hosts.
- Namaste Hostel – inexpensive hostel in the heart of the old city, all attractions are within walking distance.
2. Avlabari – Best Place to Stay in Tbilisi on a Budget 💸
🌉 Peaceful neighborhood: Avlabari district is located right across the Metekhi Bridge from the Old City, but still retains a peaceful atmosphere and allows you to take a break from the bustling city center.
📍 Well-located: The neighborhood stands only a 20-30 minute walk from Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue, and other major city attractions. Or if you prefer public transport, Avlabari has its own metro station on the city’s two lines.
🔝 While small, Avlabari packs in some worthwhile attractions:
- Peace Bridge – the pedestrian footbridge has become an architectural icon
- Agmashenebeli Avenue – stroll this popular shopping street filled with boutiques and eateries
- Galleries – view modern art at the many trendy galleries, like Bridge and Weekend Gallery
Also relax at one of Avlabari’s cozy cafés, like The Stairs and Coffee Line.
🍛 Tasty restaurants: For traditional Georgian fare, visit eateries like Khinkali House, Tiflis or Matehi Shadow restaurant.
🛍️ Unique shops: And for unique souvenirs, check out the craft and antique stores on Betlemi Street, a 7-minute walk across the Metekhi Bridge.
Recommended hotels in Avlabari 🏨
Hotels of medium price category:
- Hotel Classic – a cozy small hotel in typical Georgian style with friendly staff and good value for money.
- Georgian House – an elegant boutique hotel with a charming courtyard offering comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.
- Hotel Avlabari – a modern hotel with good facilities, located in a quiet neighborhood near the old town.
Budget hotels:
- Guest House - Avlabari – a guest house with a homely atmosphere and attentive staff, suitable for inexpensive family vacations.
- Tiflisi Hostel – a popular hostel with comfortable beds and common areas, the best choice for young people and budget travelers.
- Elia Boutique Hostel – a charming small hostel with designer interiors and friendly atmosphere at an affordable price.
3. Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue – Where to Stay for Shopping & City Views 🛒
🌇 Scenic views: Mtatsminda neighborhood offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Georgia’s capital.
🎡 Family fun: Mtatsminda Park is the jewel of the neighborhood. Easily accessible by foot, bus, or metro from downtown, this family-friendly park features:
- An iconic Ferris wheel
- Amusement rides
- Cafes and restaurants with gorgeous city vistas
- Walking paths through pine groves
🎭 Cultural heart: Meanwhile, along the left bank of the Mtkvari River lies Tbilisi’s cultural heart: Rustaveli Avenue. This central thoroughfare honors the legendary medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli.
🔥 Some key attractions to see on Rustaveli Avenue include:
- Rustaveli Theater (Georgia’s national theater)
- Kashueti Church
- Multiple museums like the National Gallery, Georgian Museum of Fine Arts and Georgian National Museum
And of course don’t miss Liberty square, a lively square with a gilded statue of St. George.
✅ For everyone: Tourists of all interests are sure to enjoy exploring these two contrasting districts in Georgia’s capital.
Best accommodation in Mtatsminda & Rustaveli Avenue 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Tbilisi Marriott Hotel – a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the city, has excellent service and chic rooms.
- The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel – elegant boutique hotel in a historical building, offers personalized service and high level of comfort.
- River Side Hotel Tbilisi – a modern premium hotel on the embankment of the Mtkvari River with panoramic views.
Medium price category:
- EPIGRAPH Design Hotel – stylish design hotel with cozy atmosphere, located in a quiet area near the old town.
- Beaumonde Hotel Tbilisi – a comfortable hotel in eclectic style with friendly staff and good service.
- 2nd Floor Hotel – a small cozy hotel with a family atmosphere and homely feel.
Budget hotels:
- Dada – inexpensive apartments in the heart of Old Tbilisi, ideal for a relaxed vacation.
- Manana House – hotel with friendly atmosphere, offers simple and inexpensive rooms in the city center.
- Tbilisi Downtown Guest House – a small hotel with basic amenities at a reasonable price.
4. Sololaki – Where to Stay for Local Culture & Historic Charm 🌟
🏘 Local living: Sololaki provides visitors with a vibrant slice of local Georgian life combined with incredible sightseeing opportunities.
👟 Very walkable: When it comes to getting around, Sololaki’s central location makes it very walkable for exploring Tbilisi’s top attractions. Some key sites and their walking distances include:
- Freedom Square – 10 minutes
- Narikala Fortress – 15 minutes
- Botanical Gardens – 20 minutes
- Rustaveli Avenue – 20 minutes
🍽 Refuel & relax: If you need a break from sightseeing, Sololaki has no shortage of dining options to refuel and relax. Local favorites include Botania and Living Vino (Vegan restaurant).
🍷 Famous wines: Or stop by one of Sololaki’s many wine shops to sample some of Georgia’s famous amber-hued wines.
With its old world charm and proximity to major attractions, Sololaki is one of the best neighborhoods for visitors.
Recommended hotels in Sololaki 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Check Point Hotel – an elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with luxurious rooms and first-class service.
- Hotel Frida – a cozy loft-style hotel with bright modern design and excellent location.
- Galaktioni 22 – chic apartments with panoramic views of the city and the highest level of comfort.
Medium price category:
- Guest House Lusi – a guest house with a homely atmosphere and cordial Georgian hospitality.
- VovaDoma – cozy apartments in a typical Tbilisi courtyard near the old city.
- Apartamenti Gomi 17 – spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchen and affordable prices.
Budget hotels:
- Sabina Guesthouse – a small guesthouse with friendly hosts and a homely atmosphere.
- Homestay Nika – modest rooms in a private house, suitable for budget travelers.
- Namaste Hostel – cheerful hostel with common rooms, kitchen and living room, great for young people.
5. Vera – Best Area to Stay in Tbilisi for Families 👪
Vera is one of Tbilisi’s most beloved neighborhoods for both locals and visitors.
📍 Centrally located: From its location just north of the Mtatsminda, Vera is centrally situated to take advantage of Tbilisi’s top attractions. Heading south, one can stroll across Europe Square and be within the Old Town’s winding alleyways in just 10 minutes.
🚶♂️ Walkable: Getting around the neighborhood itself couldn’t be easier, with most cafes, galleries, shops clustered along a compact rectangular grid of streets no more than 600 meters long and 200 meters wide.
🤩 Top things to do in Vera include:
- Have a picnic with the family in Vera Park
- Take the kids to Tbilisi Zoo to see all the cute animals
- Eat a delicious dinner at Varazi House
- Explore the Blue Monastery
Also don’t miss the Iakob Nikoladze House-Museum in Vera.
🏠 Authentic charm: Though Vera may not have fancy high-rise hotels or big-ticket attractions, its authentic local vibe make it a perfect home base for experiencing Tbilisi’s vibrant culture.
Recommended hotels in Vera 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Rooms Hotel Tbilisi – an elegant boutique hotel in a historic building with panoramic views of the city.
- Blueberry Nights – a cozy small hotel with exquisite interior design.
- Barnovi Boutique Hotel – a luxurious hotel in a historical mansion with a refined atmosphere.
Medium price category:
- Boho Tiflis Hotel – a comfortable hotel in a historical building with a good location and reasonable prices.
- Hotel Verisima – a cozy hotel with modern design, located near the city center.
- Zemeli Boutique Hotel by DNT Group – a mid-priced hotel with good amenities and panoramic views.
Budget hotels:
- ibis budget Tbilisi Center – an economical hotel with simple and clean rooms, good for short stays.
- Hotel Reverence – a charming small hotel in a historic building with an authentic atmosphere and democratic prices.
6. Vake – Best Part of Tbilisi for Nightlife 💃🏻
🌳 Local charm: Nestled at the foot of Mtatsminda Mountain, the vibrant Vake neighborhood provides visitors with a charming glimpse into local Tbilisian life.
🕍 Sightseeing central: Despite its small size, Vake packs quite a punch when it comes to sights and activities. As you meander through the area, be sure to check out:
- Vake Park, the neighborhood’s leafy green centerpiece
- For unique souvenirs, visit Georgian art galleries along Irakli Abashidze Street or the Vake Flea Market on Saturday mornings
☕️ Cafe culture: When ready for a break, simply stop at one of Vake’s many cafés (Lui Coffee, Coffee LAB) and grab a cup of rich Georgian coffee or a cold glass of lemonade.
🍻 Lively nights: The neighborhood streets come alive at night with locals and tourists dining al fresco or hopping between the area’s laidback bars, like Number 8, Red Lion Pub and 8000 Vintages.
So if you’re looking to experience old Tbilisi charm and immerse yourself in local culture, a visit to Vake is a must during your Georgian getaway!
Recommended hotels in Vake 🏩
Expensive hotels:
- Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers – a modern premium hotel with panoramic views of the city, located in one of the tallest buildings in Tbilisi.
- Gallery Art Hotel – an elegant boutique hotel with works of art in the interior, offering personalized service and fine cuisine.
- Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Chavchavadze – comfortable Hilton hotel with excellent location in the city center, offers a high level of service.
Average price category:
- Hotel Atlas Abashidze – a cozy hotel in a historical building with a homely atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Hotel Linge – a comfortable business hotel with good value for money, conveniently located in the city center.
- Irmisa Hotel Tbilisi – a stylish hotel with spacious rooms, good breakfast and friendly service.
Budget hotels:
- V Park Hotel – a budget hotel with basic amenities, good for short trips.
- City Dorm – minimalist hostel in the city center, offers shared bedrooms at an affordable price.
- Tbili C Hostel – cozy hostel with friendly atmosphere, popular among young people.
7. Chugureti – Where to Stay for Authentic Georgian Life 🔮
🗺 Central locale: The neighborhood of Chugureti is conveniently located just across the Galaktioni Bridge from Mtatsminda, making it easily accessible for anyone staying in close proximity to any major attractions. There are many homes and guest houses that can be rented which will put you right in the middle of the neighborhood.
🚇 Well-connected: Even though Chugureti itself is compact and walkable, getting to other districts is easy with Tbilisi’s affordable metro system. Avlabari station on the southern edge of the neighborhood also connects directly into downtown Tbilisi and beyond.
🔥 Key sites in Chugureti itself include:
- Chugureti Park with city overlooks
- Blue House creative/cultural center
- Art Palace historic mansion and grounds
🏡 Residential area: Chugureti happens to be a residential area located just outside Tbilisi’s tourist core which means that it offers visitors a glimpse into how locals live and interact. The pace here is also slower making it possible for aimless wanderings without much traffic on busy streets.
Yet mingled with residential areas are creative spaces, cafés, and artisanal boutiques catering to both locals and visitors.
Recommended hotels in Chugureti 🏨
- Kope Palace – a premium hotel in the historical part of the city, offering exquisite design and high level of service.
- ibis budget Tbilisi Center – modern Accor hotel in the city center with an optimal price-quality ratio.
- History of Tbilisi – a charming boutique hotel with panoramic views of the city in the original author’s style.
Best Areas & Hotels in Tbilisi on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Staying in Tbilisi ❔
How many days do you need to see Tbilisi?
To truly experience the essence of this vibrant city, a stay of around 4 to 5 days is ideal. This duration allows you to explore the historic sites, indulge in the local cuisine, and soak up the unique atmosphere that Tbilisi has to offer.
Is it expensive to live in Tbilisi Georgia?
Living in Tbilisi is surprisingly affordable. You can find budget-friendly options for every aspect of your stay, making it an excellent destination for those traveling on a modest budget.
What is the famous street in Tbilisi?
When it comes to famous streets, none can rival Rustaveli Avenue. Lined with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks, this bustling thoroughfare is the heartbeat of Tbilisi. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a shopaholic, Rustaveli Avenue has something for everyone.
What is the best month to visit Tbilisi?
Choosing the right time to visit is crucial, and I recommend planning your trip between May and September. During these months, the weather is delightful, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Where to stay cheap in Tbilisi?
For budget-friendly accommodations, consider staying in the charming neighborhoods of Vera or Sololaki. These areas not only offer affordable guesthouses and hostels but also provide an authentic Tbilisi experience away from the more touristy areas.
