I had quite a privileged childhood, if having bread for dinner and seeing coconuts in real-life counts. True story. In 1998, my father brought a coconut from Germany, along with pistachio nuts and Nutella and even my parents were seeing those for the first time.
Another highlight of my childhood was the hot water in the bathroom (coming directly from the tap) and while others had to reheat water separately on their own in order to wash, I had my own tiny hot sulphur bath at home. I even remember our relatives coming to us just for that.
At that time I had no idea what I was taking for granted. I was just a kid, having fun with my sister and wondering why the water smelled so bad.
But now I can tell - hot Sulphur Bath was, is and will always be, the symbol of Tbilisi. Even the name "Tbili" means warm and the city was named after it.
Abanotubani (Bath district) is full of various baths but Chreli Abano (colorful bath) will definitely catch your eyes.
The blue-colored, dramatic, Persian-style facade can trick you into thinking it is a mosque, but as soon as you go closer, you will definitely smell this nonmetallic chemical element.
The venue includes men and women shareable public pools as well as private rooms for any budget.
You just have to decide: traditional Georgian scrubbing or typical massage? Extreme experience or comfort?
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I think it is the real fire that gives the wok dishes, especially fried noodles, the kind of flavor that reminds me of Georgian national barbecue, Mtsvadi!
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"Apple of Love" in Tbilisi is a 9-meter-high building comprising 145 sculptures created by the great Georgian artist, Zurab Tsereteli!
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"Alubali" is another hidden cafe in Tbilisi, it is perfect outdoors but it's an indoor place with some of the best Georgian menus around.
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"Sololaki" in Tbilisi is one of its oldest and most cultural parts. Here you'll find magical old houses with beautiful doors & balconies...
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Tbilisi's center has all the nice places but the soviet parts surround it like a fence. To me, this part is the more unique and interesting...
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"Stamba Hotel" in Tbilisi is an old printing house converted into a restaurant, bookstore & hotel! Great cocktails - they even have a ping pong table!
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This mosaic by Zurab Tereteli in Tbilisi was made for the Central bus station in 1973. It's a beautiful modernist Soviet work. Not enough people notice it!
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"Ska Juice Bar" in Tbilisi has any kind of healthy food you want. You sure will be surprised by how such healthy food can taste so good...
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It might not be the most original idea ever, but you know what to expect from a drive-in cinema, but "Cavea Cinemas (Drive-in Lisi) provides that & more!
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If you're like me and prefer active rest over passive, I think you will love the "Pro Climbers" bouldering gym in Tbilisi!
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Tuk Tuk is not just my favorite Thai restaurant in Tbilisi, it's my favorite spot for Asian nourishment - period!
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The ice skating rink in Tbilisi has so many memories for me... It still has my internal sense of freedom!
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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
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