Travel: Tbilisi

— Cityscapes

Travel: Tbilisi

Photos Clothilde Redon

5 min

Photos Clothilde Redon

5 min

Georgia’s capital is a vibrant and lively intercultural city, considered as one of the creative hubs to watch when it comes to fashion and design. Moreover, it’s widely known as a haven for natural wine enthusiasts. More than reason enough for us to head east and explore its architectural marvels, historical sites and locals-onlyaddresses.

Spread out over both banks of the Kura River, and surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides, Tbilisi offers a dramatic valley-setting and is shaped like an amphitheater, built on complex terrain with plenty of hills and cliffs. Even if a healthy dose of nature – lakes, waterfalls, parks, forests – is never far, Tbilisi definitely is a bustling (1.2 million inhabitants approx.) and culturally rich city that lives day and night.

Due to its proximity to the Silk Road and its location between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi has a history of being a prized possession for many an empire. The Mongols, Persians and Soviets all ruled over the city at certain times, which explains the city’s many different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. This also means that architecture-fans willsurely rejoice, as they’ll find everything from medieval and neoclassical to Art Nouveau and Stalinist structures.

Avoiding Tbilisi’s busy main roads, we wandered around the cobblestone streets of the scenic historic city center, lined with traditional 2-story houses with continuous balconies. While in the Vera area, we took a closer look at one of those houses, repurposed by Rooms Design Studio. On the ground floor, the minimalist space with bare walls serves as a showroom for two Georgian designers. Their furniture is refined and contemporary yet also references their cultural heritage, much like Tbilisi itself where past and future come together.

Looking for tried-and-tested places to stay, eat or drink? You’ll be spoilt for choice, but here’s a small selection to help you on your way.

FOOD & COFFEE

Poliphonia

One the go-to spots for Georgian dishes with a modern touch, prepared with organic and seasonal products, served with natural wines.

23 Amaghleba St, Tbilissi, Georgia

@poliphonia.tbilisi

Cloud 9

A well-hidden gem for those that know. No signs or grand entrance. To find this rooftop bar, you’ll need to take the stairs to the 3rd floor and ring the buzzer.

11 lexandre Chavchavadze Turn, Tbilissi, Georgia

@cloud9_terrace

Chicos

The perfect breakfast spot. Get there early to secure one of its 18 seats and enjoy your morning coffee, Tbilisi-style.

11a Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia

@chicos.tbilisi

Kancellaria

One of the best addresses to discover Georgian wines and to taste local cuisine at the same time.

12 Pavle Ingorokva street, Tbilissi, Georgia

@kancellaria.tbilisi

Littera

In the heart of the Writers’ House Residency, you’ll find this beautiful restaurant. Woth a visit for its location alone, with a garden that offers a nice view on the Art Déco building.

13 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilissi, Georgia

@littera_restaurant

Craft Wine Restaurant

Local dishes, reinterpreted, and a selection of natural wines to enjoy in the garden.

54 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia

@craftwinerestaurant

HOTELS

Unfound Door

Hidden inside a well-restored 19th century building, Unfound Door
is an integral part of Tbilisi’s cultural heritage.

111 Davit Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Tbilisi, Géorgie

@unfounddoortbilisi

Stamba Hotel

With plenty of references to the whirling 1920s and 1930s, this hotel was established in an old Soviet printing house.

14, 0108 Merab Kostava St, Tbilissi, Géorgie

@stamba.hotel

Rooms Hotel

Located in the well-known Vera area, this hotel offers stunning views over the city thanks to its immense industrial windows.

14 Merab Kostava street Tbilissi, Géorgie

@rooms.hotels