Why visit
Tbilisi is a hillside capital of sulfur baths, wooden balconies, churches, wine bars, and a river bend below Narikala Fortress. It is one of the Caucasus region's strongest city breaks.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Tbilisi is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Georgia. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Tbilisi, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Georgia better matches the trip style.
Tbilisi at a glance
City population
1.2 million
Metro: 1.5 million
Elevation
380 m
1,247 ft
Time zone
UTC+4
Asia/Tbilisi
Airport
TBS
Tbilisi International
Founded
5th century CE
Getting around
Metro (2 lines), marshrutkas (minibuses), Bolt
Signature dish
Khachapuri (Adjarian/Imeretian), khinkali, lobio, churchkhela, mtsvadi
Neighborhoods for travelers
Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)SololakiVakeSaburtaloAbanotubani (sulfur baths)
Georgia at a glance
Country center
42.0°, 43.5°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
69,700 km²
26,911 mi²
Country population
3.7 million
53/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
lari (₾)
GEL
Dial
+995
Language
Georgian
Demonym
Georgian
Internet
.ge
UN
Member state
ISO code
GE / GEO
Where in the world
42.0° - 43.5°
Georgia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Tbilisi takes its name from "tbili" (warm): the city was founded around naturally hot sulfur springs.
- Georgia is likely the birthplace of wine: 8,000-year-old wine-making evidence has been found near Tbilisi.
- The Tbilisi funicular (1905) is one of the world's oldest continuously operating funiculars.
- Georgia is believed to be the birthplace of wine: archaeological evidence shows winemaking here 8,000 years ago.
- It has its own alphabet, unique to the language, developed in the 5th century.
Bordering Georgia
Traveler notes
- Abanotubani sulfur baths are central to the city story
- Narikala Fortress gives the classic old-town view
- The city is a natural base for Kazbegi and Kakheti trips
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Tbilisi
What currency is used in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi uses the lari (₾), ISO code GEL.
What languages are spoken in Georgia?
The primary language is Georgian.
What is the international calling code for Georgia?
The calling code is +995.
When is the best time to visit Tbilisi?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Tbilisi?
Tbilisi International (IATA: TBS).
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