View of the Old Town of Tbilisi after sunset Monticello / Shutterstock
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Sulphur Baths To Architecture: 5 Things To Do In Tbilisi, Georgia

The launch of the first-ever direct flight between Delhi and Tbilisi opens up the stunning capital city of Georgia in Europe to Indian travellers

OT Staff

IndiGo has commenced direct tri-weekly flights to Tbilisi from Delhi from August 8, 2023. With this, it becomes the first airline to provide direct connectivity between the two cities, reinforcing trade, economic, and cultural ties. As Tbilisi and Delhi share commonalities in rich history and vibrant culture, travellers will benefit from the connection between these two dynamic cities.

Tbilisi, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, has the potential to develop as a significant player in the world of travel. One of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, it snakes along a winding valley, overlooked by ancient churches and a spectacular fortress. Here's how to get around the cobblestoned streets, speakeasies, heritage structures, and sulphur baths in the vibrant capital city of Georgia.

Chill out at open-air cafes

Walk Around Shardeni Street

Walk through Shardeni Street in the Upper Kala area, between Vakhtang Gorgasali Square and Sioni Street. It has been a hub of cultural and social life in Tbilisi for decades. Visit the numerous art galleries, shops, pubs and restaurants. You can become acquainted with the works of contemporary Georgian artists, purchase unique and distinctive things, and listen to fantastic music. It is one of the most popular and intriguing places in Tbilisi.

The entrance to a sulphur bath in the Abanotubani district

Take In A Sulphur Bath

Follow in the footsteps of the 18th-century Persian king Agha Mohammad Khan, and rest your weary selves in a natural sulphur bath in the Abanotubani neighbourhood, which has over 60 of them. Warm water mixed with minerals from deep underground is used within the dome-shaped ancient sulphur spas. Many options are available when deciding which bathhouse to visit, but they all have a similar history. The "bath district," or Abanotubani, is a historic area of Tbilisi renowned for its stunning brick mansions and sulphur baths. Visit the domes and the Orbeliani Bathhouse, designed like a mosque, for a beautiful wellness experience.

An aerial view of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia

Visit The Holy Trinity Cathedral

One of Tbilisi's most recognisable structures is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, also referred to as the Sameba Cathedral. One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, it serves as the primary spiritual hub of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The cathedral was officially opened in 2004. Being on the Mtkvari River's left bank, it can be seen practically anywhere in the city. The church contains elaborate frescoes and mosaic decorations and has influences from Georgian and Byzantine architectural elements. The cathedral's central dome, which is 101 metres high and is encircled by four smaller domes, is the third-highest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the entire world.

At the flea market at Dry Bridge

Shop For Antiques

It is often said that Tbilisi’s bazrobas are Georgian culture—vibrant, eccentric, and constantly alchemising. Minutes away from the Rustaveli Avenue is the Dry Bridge Market, which has for sale, lovely Dagestani jewellery pieces, vintage musical instruments, European porc,elain and touristy trinkets ranging from drinking horns and Soviet fur hats to even gas masks. Carry an extra bag if you haggle well.

Check Out Reimagined Architectural Gems

All across the world, old buildings are being renovated and rebuilt. The pattern is also present in Tbilisi. Check out the chic hotels in Tbilisi that were formerly industries. The Rooms Hotel and Stamba Hotel exhibit avant-garde whimsy at its finest and are in keeping with the general art nouveau theme of the city. Fabrika, a former sewing factory that has been transformed into a vibrant urban neighbourhood with an industrial character and home to cafés and music venues, is located directly above the Mtkvari.

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