Where to stay in Tbilisi: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Tbilisi for the first time, the best base is the Old Town or the surrounding Rustaveli area, as from there you can reach almost all the sights and the city's best restaurants on foot. If you're travelling on a budget, Sololaki offers the same central location with more affordable accommodation prices, while if you're looking for something quieter and more romantic, the Old Town itself, with its cobblestone alleys, is perfect for couples.

Families with children often prefer Vake, a greener and calmer neighbourhood with a park, good apartments and less evening hustle, but with easy connections to the centre. Tbilisi is a small city in terms of area for a capital, so no matter which of the four areas above you choose, you won't be more than twenty minutes away from the centre by foot or taxi.

Below, you'll find a detailed overview of what each area offers, which type of traveller suits each, specific hotels with actual booking links, a comparative price table, and all the practical information you need for your transport and travel time.

A few words about Tbilisi before you book your accommodation

Tbilisi was founded in the fifth century, according to tradition by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who was impressed by the region's hot springs and decided to build his capital there. The city's name comes from the Georgian word for "warm", precisely because of these sulphuric springs that still operate today in the Abanotubani district, at the edge of the Old Town. Its location, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, has historically made it a subject of contention for Persians, Ottomans, Arabs, and Russians, which is clearly visible in its architecture. On a walk through the centre, you'll see sixth-century Orthodox churches, Ottoman hammams, Neoclassical buildings from the Russian period, and Soviet blocks, without this mix seeming out of place.

Narikala Fortress dominates the Old Town and is the first place worth visiting, ideally in the afternoon by cable car from Rike Park, to watch the sun set over the Kura River. Below the fortress are the city's botanical garden and the traditional hammams with their domed roofs, where you can enjoy an authentic Georgian bath with a scrub. Sioni Street with its namesake cathedral, Metekhi Church on the cliff, and the enormous Mother Georgia statue overlooking the city are landmarks you'll encounter on every tour. Rustaveli Avenue, with its opera house, parliament, and pastry shops from the Russian Imperial era, is the axis connecting the historic centre with the newer city.

The best time to travel is spring, from late April to early June, and autumn, from mid-September to early November, when temperatures range from around fifteen to twenty-five degrees and the city is quieter than the busy months of July and August, when the heat can exceed thirty-five degrees. Winter is mild compared to the rest of the Caucasus but cold and sometimes snowy, making it a convenient starting point for those who want to combine the city with a ski trip to Gudauri or Bakuriani, just two to three hours away. Within the city, you mostly get around on foot in the centre, by metro which has two lines and is cheap and reliable, by mini-buses called marshrutka, and by taxis via apps like Bolt, which are much more economical than in Greece. Georgian cuisine, with khachapuri, khinkali, and wines in clay qvevri, is reason enough to stay a few extra days, and the restaurants in the Old Town and Sololaki offer some of the city's best options.

Old Town: the most popular base for a first visit

The Old Town is the first choice for most visitors, and rightly so. Its narrow cobblestone streets, wooden balconies with carved columns, the fortress towering overhead, and the Kura River flowing through it transform it into an area that looks straight out of a postcard, yet without losing its vibrancy. In the evening, the alleys fill with lights from tavernas and wine bars, while during the day you can get lost among small shops selling handmade goods and cafes with views of the fortress.

It suits first-time visitors who want everything within easy reach, couples seeking a romantic atmosphere, and those who don't want to use a taxi at all. The main drawback is that some roads are uphill with uneven cobblestones, which can be difficult for those travelling with large suitcases or with mobility issues, while accommodation prices are slightly higher compared to other neighbourhoods due to demand.

1. Mercure Tbilisi Old Town

Located on the bank of the Kura River, next to the alleys of the Old Town and near the sulphur baths. It combines the reliability of an international chain with comfortable rooms and an excellent location for walking.

• Average cost: 95 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

2. Castle in Old Town

A unique property built like a small castle on a hill in the Old Town, offering city views and a palatial atmosphere. It stands out for its common areas with period furniture and its quiet location, slightly elevated from the bustle.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: couples looking for something different

3. Old Metekhi By OldTown

Located next to Metekhi Church, perched on the cliff with views of the river and Narikala Fortress. It's ideal if you want to wake up to one of the most photographed views in the city.

• Average cost: 60 to 90 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers who love a view

4. Glarros OldTown

On the central Kote Abkhazi Street, amidst cafes and shops, with large, bright rooms and very good reviews for its location. A practical choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

• Average cost: 65 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: families and groups

5. B&B Old Tbilisi

An affordable bed and breakfast located a few minutes' walk from the main attractions, with friendly service and a rich breakfast. A good solution for those travelling on a smaller budget but not wanting to miss out on a central location.

• Average cost: 35 to 55 € per night
• Ideal for: solo travellers and students

Rustaveli and Mtatsminda: central, easy, with nightlife

The area around Rustaveli Avenue is the most cosmopolitan part of Tbilisi, with Neoclassical buildings, theatres, the parliament building, and grand hotels. It's where two of the most central metro stations are located, making it the most convenient base if you want to move easily in all directions of the city without walking much uphill.

It suits business trips, those who want easy access to the metro, and travellers who prefer a more urban, less touristy atmosphere than that of the Old Town. In the evening, there's quite a bit of activity from bars and restaurants, so if you want absolute quiet, it might not be your first choice. Prices are similar to the Old Town, with some more affordable alternatives on side streets.

6. Rustaveli Palace

A few steps from Rustaveli Square, on a quiet street, with comfortable rooms and very good reviews for cleanliness and service. A good choice for those who want a central location without the noise of the main avenue.

• Average cost: 70 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

7. Rustaveli Hotel

A historic building on Rustaveli Avenue, with high-ceilinged rooms, balconies, and period furniture. Its location puts you within easy reach of theatres, restaurants, and the metro.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: couples who love historic atmosphere

8. Shota Rustaveli Aparthotel

Apartments with a small kitchen on the avenue itself, ideal for those who want more space or are staying for longer. The location is one of the most central in the city.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: families and longer stays

9. Hotel Liberty Theatre

Housed in an old theatre next to Freedom Square, with distinctive decor and direct access to nightlife, shopping centres, and the metro. The location is considered one of the best in the city.

• Average cost: 50 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: young couples and groups

Sololaki: charming neighbourhoods with better value for money

Sololaki is one of Tbilisi's most beautiful districts, with nineteenth-century Neoclassical mansions, many of which are dilapidated but full of character, alongside others that are fully renovated. It's located right next to the Old Town, a few minutes' walk from Freedom Square, but with lower accommodation prices because it's less known to tourists.

It's ideal for travellers on a moderate budget who don't want to sacrifice a central location, as well as for those seeking a more authentic glimpse of the city, away from the most touristy spots. A drawback is that some buildings need renovation and the lighting on some streets at night is more limited, so it's worth checking the exact location of the accommodation before booking.

10. ARAKI Sololaki

A renovated apartment complex on a quiet street in Sololaki, very close to the Old Town and many restaurants. It stands out for its friendly manager and clean, modern rooms.

• Average cost: 45 to 70 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and small groups

11. Ethno Sololaki

A small property with traditional aesthetics, a few minutes from Freedom Square. A good choice for those who want a central location on a quieter street.

• Average cost: 35 to 55 € per night
• Ideal for: solo travellers

12. Sololaki Hill

Comfortable apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, in a building with character and views of the surrounding hills. Convenient for families or groups who want to cook for themselves some evenings.

• Average cost: 50 to 75 € per night
• Ideal for: families and groups

Vake: the quietest option for families

Vake is one of Tbilisi's greenest and most modern neighbourhoods, known for its large park, good schools, embassies, and shopping centres. It's an area where many local middle and upper-class residents live, which means more quiet in the evenings, clean streets, and good restaurants, but less of a "touristy" atmosphere.

It suits families with children, those travelling for longer periods or for work, and people who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city centre in the evening. The disadvantage is its distance from the main attractions, meaning you'll need a taxi or metro almost daily, though in Tbilisi this is quick and very cheap.

13. Hotel Orion Tbilisi

On a quiet street in Vake, with balconies, a gym, and a very good breakfast. A favourite choice for returning visitors who want peace and quiet but also easy access to the centre.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: families and business trips

14. Apart Hotel GH

Apartments with a small kitchen on Vake's main street, near neighbourhood shops and restaurants. A good choice for longer stays with good value for money.

• Average cost: 40 to 60 € per night
• Ideal for: families and longer stays

Comparative table of areas

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from centre
Old Town	first visit, couples	35 to 140 €	in the centre
Rustaveli, Mtatsminda	easy transport, business	50 to 100 €	0 to 10 minutes on foot
Sololaki	budget with central location	35 to 75 €	5 to 15 minutes on foot
Vake	families, quiet stay	40 to 85 €	15 to 25 minutes by taxi or metro

Practical information for accommodation and transport

Tbilisi International Airport is located approximately 18 km southeast of the city centre. The simplest option is a taxi via an app like Bolt, with a journey usually costing around eight to twelve euros and taking about twenty-five to forty minutes depending on traffic. There is also a bus connecting the airport to the centre at a very low price, although it takes longer and is not the most convenient option if you arrive late at night or with a lot of luggage.

Within the city, Tbilisi's metro has two lines covering most points of interest, with a very low ticket price and a card you can easily top up. For shorter distances or neighbourhoods not covered by the metro, taxis via apps are cheap and readily available, while there are also local mini-buses, the marshrutka, which operate on fixed routes but require a bit of familiarity to use comfortably. The city centre is compact enough that you can walk from the Old Town to Rustaveli Avenue in less than twenty minutes.

Accommodation prices increase in May, June, September, and October, when the climate is more pleasant and demand is higher, with an average cost ranging from fifty to one hundred and twenty euros per night for a good three or four-star property in the centre. In winter, apart from holidays, prices drop significantly, with many accommodations offering rooms from thirty to sixty euros per night. Summer, despite the heat, remains a popular period due to holidays, with prices intermediate between those of spring and winter.

If you're planning to combine Tbilisi with another city break, you can also check our guide on where to stay in Sofia, an equally affordable Balkan capital, or the corresponding guide on where to stay in Belgrade, if you want to build a longer trip to neighbouring capitals with low accommodation costs.

For travellers generally looking for cheap city breaks, our guide on where to stay in Bucharest is also useful, another capital with very good value for money. If you intend to pass through Cyprus on the same trip, see our guide on where to stay in Larnaca or where to stay in Nicosia, as many flights to the Caucasus pass through Eastern Mediterranean hubs.

If you prefer a destination closer to Turkey before continuing to the Caucasus, take a look at our guides on where to stay in Kusadasi and where to stay in Bodrum. Finally, before heading to the airport, it's useful to remember how long before your flight you should be at the airport, so you don't stress at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Tbilisi for the first time?

The Old Town is the most convenient choice for a first visit, as you're right next to the main sights, restaurants, and nightlife, and you can explore everything on foot.

Where to stay in Tbilisi on a small budget?

Sololaki offers the best value for money and location, as it's next to the Old Town but with lower accommodation prices compared to the city's more touristy spots.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Vake is the quietest and greenest neighbourhood, with a park, good apartments, and less evening traffic, ideal for families seeking comfort and tranquillity.

How many days are needed to see Tbilisi?

Three to four days are enough to comfortably see the city's main attractions, while if you want to combine it with a trip to Kazbegi or Kakheti with its vineyards, you'll need at least five to six days.

How do I get from the airport to the centre of Tbilisi?

The simplest solution is a taxi via an app, costing around eight to twelve euros and taking twenty-five to forty minutes. There's also a low-cost bus, slower but economical.

Is Tbilisi safe for tourists?

Yes, Tbilisi is generally considered a safe city, with low crime rates against tourists. As everywhere, caution is needed in crowded areas and at night on less illuminated streets.

When is the best time to visit Tbilisi?

Spring, from late April to early June, and autumn, from mid-September to early November, offer the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer.