About this English self-guided 2h:06m walking tour in Tbilisi
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Tbilisi Georgia, the vibrant capital where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure being your co-pilot today.
We begin our walking tour at Rustaveli Avenue, the city's grand boulevard, near the magnificent Tbilisi Opera House, a symbol of 19th-century elegance. From here, we'll make our way through the lively streets, crossing the scenic Kura River with its stunning views of old and new Tbilisi. As we stroll back across the bridge, the city's ancient heart beckons, where we'll explore the iconic Sulphur baths that have soothed travelers for centuries. Our journey concludes at Liberty Square, a bustling hub steeped in the spirit of freedom and independence, offering a perfect reflection of Tbilisi's rich heritage.
Our tour today runs roughly 2 and half miles, so I hope you brought your comfortable walking shoes. If you don’t feel like going the distance, you can always explore selected portions of the tour. Follow your GPS, and we will begin shortly.
Our location here on Rustaveli is a good place to start, as we are near many hotels, as well as public transportation stops.
Distance: 0.13mi
, Attraction : Arts and Entertainment
28 Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi, Georgia
Opera House
For starters, where are we? Europe, or Asia? Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, geographically, Georgia is situated in the South Caucasus region, which is typically considered part of the Eurasian boundary. While Georgia is often associated with both Europe and Asia, culturally and politically, the country aligns itself more with Europe. It is also a member of European organizations like the Council of Europe and aspires to join the European Union, further solidifying its ties with Europe. So, Tbilisi is in a region that bridges both continents. So in addition to the Bosphorus area in Istanbul, where we are now gives you the opportunity to be on two continents on the same day.
Now, let’s talk about what we see around us, as we stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare and cultural heart of Tbilisi. Named after the 12th-century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, it stretches for about 1.5 kilometers, connecting Freedom (Liberty) Square to Rustaveli Square. The avenue is lined with a blend of historic landmarks, government buildings, theatres, shops, cafés, and museums, making it one of the most vibrant and significant streets in the city.
Originally known as Golovin Avenue, it was renamed in 1918 after the Soviet Red Army invaded Georgia and overthrew the Democratic Republic of Georgia. The avenue underwent significant renovation in the 2000s, and today it features a blend of modern buildings and classical architectural styles.The architecture along the avenue is a mix of neoclassical, Soviet, and modern styles, reflecting the city’s complex history. We will talk more about the architecture of the city later in the tour.
The Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, to our left, is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Georgia, and has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1851.
The building itself is a masterpiece of Moorish Revival architecture, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri, and later reconstructed after fires and renovations. Its ornate facade and stunning interior, featuring a grand chandelier and beautifully detailed hall, make it a must-see attraction for visitors.
The theatre is named after Georgian composer Zakaria Paliashvili, who is best known for incorporating traditional Georgian folk music into his operas. It hosts performances of both Georgian and international works of opera and ballet, showcasing the talent of local and international artists. The theatre has played a crucial role in fostering Georgian culture and remains a vibrant center for the performing arts in the region.
Look up. Are the colors of the Georgian flag flying above the street? Sometimes the street is adorned and lined with the Red and White colors of the flag.
Let's keep walking down Rustaveli.
Something to keep your eye out for on Rustaveli, are the The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi, a series of public sculptures scattered throughout the city, contributing to its unique charm and artistic landscape. These statues depict historical figures, everyday people, and moments from Georgian culture, offering an intimate connection to the city's past and present.
One of the most iconic bronze statues is the "Berikaoba," located on Rustaveli Avenue. It represents performers from a traditional Georgian masquerade festival, symbolizing celebration and humor. Another well-known bronze figure is the "Tamada," situated in the Old Town. The Tamada is a Georgian toastmaster holding a wine goblet, symbolizing the important role of toasting and hospitality in Georgian culture. The picture you see on your app is of this charming toastmaster.
You’ll also find statues that celebrate everyday life, such as the "Old Tbilisi Men," depicting older men sitting and talking, or "Women Selling Flowers," which highlights the city’s street vendors. These statues not only beautify the city but also tell stories of Georgian traditions, personalities, and social life, giving passersby a glimpse into the heart of Tbilisi.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Opera House
Place 2The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi
Place 3Kashueti Church
Place 4Parliament
Place 5Soviet Occupation and Georgian National Museum
Place 6Museum of Books
Place 7Orbeliani Square
Place 8Old Town Ruins and Tbilisi City Wall
Place 9Story Time
Place 10The Gabriadze Theatre
Place 11Clock Tower
Place 12Anchiskhati Basilica
Place 13Cuisine
Place 14Kura River
Place 15Bridge of Peace
Place 16Rike Park
Place 17The Dancing Fountains
Place 18Mother of Georgia Tramway
Place 19Fortress of Isani
Place 20Berlin Wall Memorial
Place 21The Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
Place 22Metekhi Church
Place 23Sololaki Hill
Place 24Coffee Culture
Place 25Sulphur Bath Houses
Place 26Waterfall Square And Gorge
Place 27Wine Ice Cream
Place 28Architecture
Place 29Picture Time and Gorgasali Square
Place 30Shardeni Street
Place 31Sioni Street
Place 32The Zion Cathedral of the Dormition
Place 33Urban Legends
Place 34Museum of History of Georgian Jews
Place 35Royal District Theatre
Place 36Voronya Cave
Place 37Liberty Square
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A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
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Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
