Tbilisi has many tourist attractions, and often it is not possible to visit all the sights in the city. When traveling to Georgia, people usually choose the most famous activities. However, when visiting Tbilisi, don't forget about the free activities that are both exciting and help reduce travel costs.
If you want a more budget-friendly trip, we recommend getting to know the free attractions of Tbilisi. This city is full of places that you can enjoy with minimal cost. Locations like the old town, beautiful markets, and various parks in Tbilisi not only take you to the heart of Georgian life but also tell you about the history and culture of the country. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most famous free activities in Tbilisi that are certainly worth a visit.
Have you ever thought that Stonehenge belongs only to England? Well, you're quite mistaken because Georgia also has something similar just outside its city. The Chronicles of Georgia, a collection of historical columns, is known as Georgia's Stonehenge due to its shape and size.
If you're looking for free activities in Tbilisi, make sure to put visiting Georgia’s Stonehenge at the top of your list. These 30-meter statues represent past kings, queens, and heroes of Georgia. Their beautiful and grand design has stood the test of time. Carvings on these columns depict kings and their relationships, narrating the historical events of that period.
The Gabriadze Puppet Theater is one of the top free attractions in Tbilisi. If puppet shows are interesting and entertaining to you, don't miss visiting the Gabriadze Theater next to the clock tower in Tbilisi. Located in the alleys near the Kura River, this theater is world-renowned. The building's exterior resembles Western movie sets and Wild West architecture. Daily puppet shows are held in this area, featuring a style similar to shadow puppetry.
Apart from the free attractions in Tbilisi that highlight the country's culture and history, there are also modern and new places in the city that showcase Georgia’s progress and future. The Peace Bridge, which opened to the public in 2010, is one of the modern landmarks in Tbilisi, spanning the Kura River. This bridge features a 156-meter-long arch and was constructed by a group of Georgian and Italian builders.
Setting aside the smart architecture and design of the bridge, the view at night is something else. This structure, which connects the famous Rike Park and Erekle II Street, enchants with its lighting from sunset to sunrise. Covered with LED lights, it continuously illuminates for 90 minutes before sunset and 90 minutes after sunrise, creating a dreamy and magical experience for visitors.
Narin Castle, located on the heights of Mount Mtatsminda, is one of the oldest fortresses in Tbilisi, with a 1600-year history. This castle has seen the rule of many different rulers, from Russians and Arabs to Iranians, Turks, and Georgians. The architectural style of the castle reflects these various influences, especially visible in the Islamic elements combined with Iranian and Turkish styles. Visiting the castle is easy, just a 15-minute drive from downtown, and it's open 24/7 for free. If you have limited time, spending about 1 to 2 hours is enough to explore its various sections.
The Clock Tower of Tbilisi is one of the city's iconic attractions. This clock was made from hundreds of handmade tiles by the hands of Gabriadze. Every hour, a puppet angel emerges from the top of the clock tower and strikes a bell with a hammer. The appearance of the clock tower is rather intimidating, and when standing next to it, you might feel as though it’s about to topple over. There's a large iron pillar beside it, holding the clock in place. Despite its scary look, the tower is quite remarkable.
The Mother of Georgia statue is one of Tbilisi’s major landmarks, located on the Sololaki Hills of Georgia. Also known as Kartlis Deda, the statue features a woman holding a sword in one hand and a bowl in the other. This statue symbolizes Tbilisi, with the sword representing the defense of Georgia against enemies and the bowl representing hospitality towards peaceful visitors. The 20-meter-high statue, which was built in 1958, stands at the highest point of the city, on the Sololaki Hills.
Night walks are one of the most charming free activities in Tbilisi. The city remains alive and bustling at night, and you can enjoy walking through the streets and exploring the shops. Many travel agencies, such as Eligasht, organize walking tours of Tbilisi's streets. The advantage of joining these tours is that the guides can provide you with information about the locations you're visiting.
These tours typically start from Freedom Square and take you to various parts of the city. Local residents host these tours daily, and many tourists join them. Some streets you must visit during your trip to Georgia include:
Rustaveli Avenue, the political and cultural heart of Tbilisi
Agmashenebeli Avenue, with its unique and artistic cobblestone streets
Shardeni Street, a hotspot for night owls
Chavchavadze Avenue, the fatherland of Georgia
