Private rooms get busy on weekends, so booking ahead is worth it if you want your own space rather than the communal baths.
Discover Authentic Tbilisi: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Tbilisi, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Chronicle of Georgia, Fabrika Tbilisi and the Gabriadze Theatre, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Tbilisi
Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
Tbilisi's historic bathhouse district, and the reason the city exists according to legend. Book a private room or join the communal baths for a proper soak in naturally hot, mineral-rich water.
Narikala Fortress
Founded in the 4th century, around the time Tbilisi itself was founded, this hilltop fortress has watched over the city ever since. Ride the cable car up from near the Bridge of Peace and walk down through the Botanical Garden afterwards.
Bridge of Peace
A bow-shaped glass and steel footbridge over the Mtkvari River, linking the Old Town to Rike Park. It lights up after dark, and sunset is when it photographs best.
Dry Bridge Market
Tbilisi's flea market spread along an old bridge and riverbank, stacked with Soviet memorabilia, old cameras, carpets and odd little treasures. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
Shardeni Street
A cobbled Old Town street a few minutes from the hotel, lined with wine bars, galleries and restaurant terraces. It's where locals and visitors both end up once the sun goes down.
Explore Tbilisi's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Tbilisi
We've mapped local spots around Tbilisi, from a monumental history memorial to the city's creative hubs.
Culture & performances
Gabriadze Theatre
Artist and puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze founded this small marionette theatre – and designed the building too. His thoughtful puppet shows for adults have toured New York, Paris and Edinburgh. Catch one at home.
City centre · Puppet theatre · Perfect for an evening show
Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili
Founded in 1945 and now led by the third generation of the Sukhishvili family, a world-renowned ensemble performing Georgian dance from every region, with bright costumes and live music. Prepare to be swept away.
Tbilisi · Dance performances · Made for Georgian culture
Writers' House of Georgia
A mansion devoted to Georgian literature, mixing art nouveau and neo-baroque, with a terrace mosaic of Villeroy & Boch tiles. Linger over a coffee in the garden, then browse the bookshop.
City centre · Cultural centre · Great for architecture and books
Fabrika Tbilisi
A former Soviet sewing factory turned creative hub: cafés, restaurants, galleries, co-working spaces and a buzzing courtyard, with exhibitions, workshops and parties.
Tbilisi · Creative hub · Perfect for cafés and contemporary culture
Monuments & nature
Chronicle of Georgia
Zurab Tsereteli's monumental memorial, 54 metres tall, its pillars carved with kings, queens, heroes and scenes from Georgian history. It stands near the Tbilisi Sea – bring a picnic in summer.
Near the Tbilisi Sea · Monument · Ideal for history
National Botanical Garden of Georgia
97 hectares in a gorge south of the old town, with themed areas such as the Alpine Garden and the Rose Garden, and a key role in protecting endangered plants. Follow the stream.
Southern Tbilisi · Botanical garden · Perfect for a nature break
Food & drink
Ninia's Garden
In an old Tbilisi house on Uznadze Street, chef Meriko Gubeladze serves Georgian dishes with Middle Eastern touches in a lush garden.
Old Tbilisi · Restaurant · Made for Georgian food
Lagidze Waters
Natural syrups and lemonades from a recipe Mitrofan Lagidze created in 1887 – lemon, plum, dogwood. Order a glass and taste a little nostalgia.
Soft drinks · Perfect for a nostalgic taste
Ethno Tsiskvili
Part museum, part theatre, part restaurant: concept rooms full of historic objects, while waiters bring hearty Georgian dishes.
Restaurant-museum · Great for food and culture
FAQ
A cable car runs from near the Bridge of Peace for a small fee each way, or you can walk up through the Botanical Garden if you'd rather take it slow.
Yes. Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is a five-minute walk from Metekhi Cathedral, right in the middle of the sights.
It is a 54-metre memorial designed by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, whose pillars depict kings, queens, heroes and key moments in Georgian history. It stands near the Tbilisi Sea.
Catch a performance of the Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili, founded in 1945, or a puppet show at the Gabriadze Theatre in the city centre.
The National Botanical Garden of Georgia covers 97 hectares just south of the old town, with themed gardens and quiet paths.
Where to Sleep in Tbilisi
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Tbilisi Old Town