Escaping Heat: Best Tips On Where To Go In Tbilisi

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by Sophie She

Escaping Heat: Best Tips On Where To Go In Tbilisi

27 Apr 2024

By this point, as one judges by sunburned necks and shoulders, we all know that summer is one step away. So, it is time for the HEP — Heat Escape Plans.

In this episode, we will be talking about the beloved destination of all low-cost lovers — Georgia.

Gorgeous food, stunning views, lovely people, lots and lots of songs, and dancing — this is how this country can be captured in one sentence.

To get the best tips on what to see and where to stay — we went to the true connoisseur of khinkali and views — to the Creative and Brand Director of SVD, Asher Abdul Rahiman.

Let’s hop on and see some of his personal tips, but first, tickets.

Photo: Kyrylo Kholopkin

Tickets

The best and the cheapest way to get to the beautiful country of Georgia, is by flying with WizzAir, AirArabia or FlyDubai. First two companies have cheaper options from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, but with FlyDubai you can go directly from DXB to Tbilisi.

WizzAir also performs flights to Kutaisi, one of the oldest Georgian cities in the Imereti area, which is a great place for a long weekend with views, traditions, and history. But if you’d like to have more of a youth experience — Tbilisi is a go-to.

Tbilisi

Back to Asher’s tips, let’s start with where to live.

Fabrika

Asher: “This is a cool hostel style hotel with massive terraces and it is definitely a hipster spot. Note that it gets super busy over the weekends in the courtyard area.” Indeed, the spot acts not only as a hotel but also as a nice cafe — slash — bar — slash — chill spot. So, great food and lots of happy people around — a great choice for extraverts with style.

Instagram: @fabrika_tbilisi

IOTA

Asher: “IOTA is in the centre of the city, and it is quite convenient if you are planning to go out for walks around Tbilisi frequently.” Green and central, this is indeed the best choice for those with a packed cultural programme. During the summer, their gardens blossom and the whole place is literally green.

Instagram: @iotahoteltbilisi

Rooms Hotel & Stamba Hotel

Asher: “These are two of the best hotels there and I love them! They are in a trendy area right next to Lolita also.” Both are exceptionally stylish and amazing to stay at. You can find Rooms in Kazbegi, Tbilisi, Kokhta, Batumi. All are featuring beautiful views — whether it is a city or a breathtaking mountain view (find the latter in Kazbegi and Kokhta Rooms).

Instagram: @rooms.hotels

Stamba Hotel is definitely our editorial team’s favourite. Not only it is quite an experience to have a bathtub in the middle of your room (and believe us, it goes well together). But also they have gorgeous @cafe.stamba and an amazing coworking space. So if you are off to a heat escape but not off the work — this would be the perfect match.

Instagram: @stamba.hotel

Where to eat?

Asher: “My must-try restaurants are:

— Shavi Lomi — authentic Georgian restaurant (recommended for lunch)

— Barbarestan — fine dining Georgian & you must go there since it is an experience (recommended for dinner)

— Lolita — cool outdoor drinks/dinner spot”

Let’s go one by one.

Shavi Lomi

In short — brilliant interiors and tongue-biting food. Asher is recommending it for lunch and we greatly agree, though it would be great for dinner with friends, but don't forget to reserve a spot, as this place is booking up very quickly!

Facebook: @BlackLionRestaurant

Barbarestan

Barbarestan made traditional Georgian flavours turn into really exquisite fine dining and follow the orders of the Director and “go there since it is an experience.” Enjoy some time on a date or with friends over cultural and cuisine experience.

Instagram: @barbarestan

But we have some places to add..

Zodiaqo and Daphna

We must say, there is always a debate where the khinkali are better — in Zodiac or in Daphna. The author of this piece is voting for Zodiaqo, while the SMM specialist for Daphna and this is a street fight, when it comes to this topic.

Instagram: @zodiaqotbilisi1

Both are incredible, of course. Daphna is more modern (try their blue cheese khinkali) and you should really book in advance. Zodiaqo is more traditional and you should simply try everything the waiter will bring you. Both nice and cosy, both khinkali places, but both are so different. So, try both!

Instagram: @cafe_daphna

Radio Cafe

Also, near Daphna, you can find Radio Cafe, which can save you if you forgot to book at Daphna, but are still starving. This one is famous for khachapuri with various toppings, so don’t be afraid and try them all (garlic chicken khachapuri is smth out of this world).

Instagram: @radiocafegeorgia

Kikloko

Breakfast spot? Yes! And even brunch, which is a rare case for Tbilisi.

Enjoy their wonderful place with good coffee and nice morning bites. Exceptional toasties at this place, so don’t forget to try them!

Instagram: @kikliko_

What to do?

Museums

The three main museums of modern art are the Museum of Modern Art Tbilisi (27, Rustaveli Ave), the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts (18, Lado Gudiashvili) and The National Gallery (11, Rustaveli Ave). They are located next to each other on Rustaveli Avenue. Quick hack — it is cheaper to buy a ticket for € 6 to three galleries at once.

Here are a couple of tips for you: the famous Pirosmani and Gudiashvili are in the National Gallery. The Museum of Fine Arts houses three floors of selected paintings and sculptures of the twentieth century. Contemporary foreign artists are often exhibited at MoMA. Be sure to look into the backyard and go into the sculpture that looks like an apple — this is the legacy of Zurab Tsereteli (but what it is about — let it remain an intrigue).

Shop

Before heading back home, enjoy spending your dineros in exchange for great pieces you can find here outside the flea market at the Dry Bridge (google Dry Bridge Market if guessing).

First, vintage. Tbilisi is a great city for that. Head to Dezerter Vintage and enjoy all the retro kimonos and a somewhat Berliner vibe.

For great Georgian designer pieces, go to Avtandil and Aka Nanitashvili Fashion Studio, and IERI Store.

by Sophie She