The first time I was lucky to travel to Tbilisi was in autumn 2011, way before low-cost flights started serving Georgia.

I was freaking out before the trip as it was the first time I set to explore the unknown land that not many have heard or known about.

The fact that just 3 years before Georgia was in the news all over the world due to the war with Russia didn’t really help my confidence.

But the curiosity and excitement have taken over and after seeing some Tbilisi pictures online I was more than ready to see all the great places to visit in Georgia, a small country at the foot of Caucasus mountains.

First impressions of Tbilisi

It was love at first sight.

I still remember my first impressions very well.

How I didn’t have the change to get myself a bus ticket from the airport to the city but a friendly local man bought it for me, just like that.

How on a beautiful Sunday morning I was walking across the empty city, all the way from the train station to the old town (some 5 km), falling for it with every single step.

How my breath was taken away by the view from the Narikala fortress, with the whole city spreading in front of me, so much more spectacular than on Tbilisi pictures.

How much joy I had exploring the hidden yards in the Old Tbilisi – part of the city that could as well be the museum, it’s so beautiful!

I was supposed to be in Tbilisi for 2-3 days only then, instead I’ve stayed for a week before heading to Batumi, doing day trips around but always itching to return to the capital.

It was pretty obvious Tbilisi has become one of my all time favorite places. There were just so many things to do in Tbilisi to enjoy.

Old Tbilisi disappointment

I returned after a long time (for me), it’s been almost 4 years. So much has changed in that time.

Low-cost airlines started flying to Georgia (not to Tbilisi though), the border was opened to Russian citizens and tourism really has taken off in Georgia.

I had a hard time adjusting to the new reality, it broke my heart to see how the Old Tbilisi was falling apart, how it was losing its charm to satisfy tourists.

I still loved it but at the same time I had a difficult time finding all the small details and spots that made me fall for Tbilisi in the first place.

Many more returns to Tbilisi

My next visits to Tbilisi, and there were pretty of them by now, were much easier.

I already knew what to expect but at the same time it seems like Old Tbilisi is finally going through some renovations and I really hope its unique beautiful architecture and charm can be saved.

Every time I arrive to Tbilisi, either from Kutaisi or from Armenia, I feel a pure joy in my heart.

This is my happy place, the one I know fairly well by now yet still keep returning to.

My days in Tbilisi all look the same: wandering around with no purpose, trying to find some new gems (like art nouveau architecture, street art, quirky places like Chronicle of Georgia monument or some new beautiful courtyards), stuffing myself with amazing Georgian food at Racha, having the coffee in one of the charming cafes, wander some more…

And even if I know all the places by now, even if I’ve been to Tbilisi so many times every second in the city just makes me super happy. This really is one of my places.

Tbilisi pictures

I know this post is very random but since right now I was supposed to be in Georgia (but I’m not, instead going there next month) I thought I will share my love for Tbilisi.

I really can’t wait to be there again and I know I will keep returning there on regular basis, just like I do to Prague, Yerevan, Sarajevo or Lviv (only to name few places).

To show you why I like this city so much here are some Tbilisi pictures you might enjoy too, the collections from my numerous visits there between 2011 and 2016 (if you are observant enough you will see how much the city has changed).

And who knows, maybe they will make you want to visit Georgia too?

Tbilisi cityscape

Metekhi St. Virgin Church

Old Tbilisi

Europe Square and Presidential Palace

Tbilisi St. Trinity Cathedral

Streets of Old Tbilisi

Europe Square and Peace Bridge

Mix of styles in Old Tbilsi

Inside Old Tbilisi house

Tbilisi view

Mother Georgia

Along river Kura

Vake Park

Tbilisi art nouveau

Old Tbilisi

Bambis Rigi Street

Tbilisi architecture

St. Trinity Cathedral and typical Tbilisi architecture

Erekle II street / Sergei Parajanov Monument

Tbilisi by night

Old Tbilisi and Mother Georgia

Old Tbilisi and Narikala Fortress

View from Narikala Fortress

Old Tbilisi

Old and modern Tbilisi

Inside Upper Betlemi Church

The CouchSurfing house I’ve stayed at

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

Flea market at Dry Bridge

Bank of Georgia headquarters – the gem of brutalism architecture

Old Tbilisi and Narikala Fortress

Streets of Tbilisi

Another house where I’ve stayed

Vake Park

Tbilisi street art

Old Tbilisi

Tbilisi architecture

Tbilisi corners

Tbilisi cafes

Peace Bridge

Old Tbilisi

Tbilisi Synagogue

Tbilisi baths

Tbilisi baths

Tbilisi baths

Old Tbilisi

Old Tbilisi

Tbilisi views

Tbilisi by night

---

---

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Georgia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

---

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

---