Tbilisi districts – where is the best place to stay

Upon arrival in the city, you will probably be perplexed by the lack of information and knowledge about Tbilisi. Where to stay, so that it is beautiful, safe, convenient for travel? These and many other questions regarding accommodation arise at the initial stage.

If you are in the city for a day or two and have arrived as a tourist, you can not think for long and stay in the center. Walking distance to all the attractions, the best cafes and restaurants, parks and other tourist places.

Here is our article Best Hotels in Tbilisi City Center.

But if you plan to stay in Tbilisi longer and want to rent an apartment, you need to approach the choice more carefully.

To make your task easier, I have written a full overview of all the districts of Tbilisi, voicing their features, pros, cons and, of course, prices. After reading, you will be able to choose a place to live that meets your needs, budget and wishes. Enjoy and useful reading!

 

List of all districts of Tbilisi

Districts of Tbilisi in the center:

• Old town
• Sololaki
• Mtatsminda

Areas close to the center:

• Chugureti
• Vake
• Vera
• Avlabari

The second (green) metro line:

• Saburtalo

Sleeping areas:

• Isani
• Samgori
• Ortachala (Krtsanisi)
• Didube
• Didi Digomi
• Varketili
• Akhmeteli Theatre (Gldani, TMK, Mukhiani, etc.)

Districts of Tbilisi in the center

Old town

Let’s start with the area that every first person in Tbilisi has definitely visited. The Old Town is the epicenter of attractions and historical sites.

Most tourists want to settle here, and this is not surprising. It is a pleasure: to wake up with a view of houses with red tile roofs, the walls of the ancient fortress of Narikala rising in the distance, to watch the cable car pulling its cabins up the mountain. And after breakfast, you can, without wasting time, go for a walk along the narrow streets of Old Tbilisi. The area is beautiful and picturesque, accordingly, there are many good hotels where you can stay during your trip.

But renting a house here is unlikely to work: firstly, the issue of price. Since this is the most touristy part of the city, the cost of living soars to cosmic heights. And if staying in a hotel for a couple of days is not so expensive, then living here permanently is not a pleasure.

And the second reason why this is not the best option for long-term living is that it is an old area. Significant tourist sites are constantly being restored, but the rest of the houses are mostly junk, hiding under a beautiful ancient facade. Rotten walls, no heating and other delights – all that you can encounter in the houses of this area. And in general, it is very difficult to find a long-term rental in the Old Town. There are not many owners here, and those who are, want to rent out housing on a daily basis or as commercial space.

Also, it is definitely worth mentioning the roads: the area is mountainous, with constant elevation changes, the streets are narrow and covered with cobblestones. Even when choosing a hotel, be sure to pay attention to the road leading to it. From experience I can say that a banal path to the room can be a real challenge.

Monthly rent price: $ 900 – 1800.

 

What to see:

• Sulfur baths in Abanotubani
• Narikala Fortress
• Botanical garden
• Mother of Kartli
• The Clock Tower and the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre
• Juma Mosque
• Betlemi Staircase Street

 

Sololaki

Next in line is Sololaki, the central district of the city, which starts directly from Freedom Square. For orientation – on the right side of the Sakrebulo (white and pink building with a tower, the former town hall).

Sololaki was once the most prestigious district of Tbilisi, in the 19th-20th centuries, Armenian rich people actively built here. Each of the politicians, businessmen, merchants and other important citizens wanted to distinguish their homes from other pompous houses. Thus, the unique phenomenon of “Sololaki front doors” appeared, ornate and luxurious, with spiral staircases and painted walls.

The Sololaki district is still not a cheap place to live. It is located in the very center, picturesque and full of architectural treasures of the city. Every second house keeps some interesting history within its walls, covered with a patina of time.

Regarding renting a place, most of the apartments are communal flats built during Stalin’s time. The situation is the same as in the Old Town: the area is old and historical. The houses are beautiful on the outside, but in a deplorable state on the inside. In the very center of the city you can see rotting slums smelling of dust and mold. Mostly locals live here, who inherited them from relatives.

But you can find a decent apartment here, even with a beautiful modern renovation. These houses are famous for their huge windows, stucco, columns and two-story apartments. But remember the fact that all of this is restored and ennobled old buildings.

It’s quite nice to live here: beautiful views, convenient for getting around, there is something to see and where to go, there are many shops nearby. The main thing is to check the absence of mold on the walls, the strength of the floor, and also clarify the issue of heating in winter before signing a rental agreement.

Approximate cost of monthly rent (in a house with good repair): $700-1200.

 

What to see:

• Freedom Square
• The front doors of Sololaki (Kalantarov’s house, writers’ house, Anna Madatova’s house, Khachatryan’s house)
• Galaktion Tabidze Street with popular cafes, bars and restaurants of the city

 

Mtatsminda

This area is adjacent to the two previously described parts of the city and is the final one among the central ones. Territorially, it is located directly on the mountain and at its foot. It starts from the main avenue of the capital – Rustaveli.

Mtatsminda is the very heart of the capital, a political, cultural and theatrical district. Here are the parliament, several famous theaters, a pantheon of writers and the main National Museum of Georgia. And on the weekend you can go to the mountain of the same name, ride the funicular, go to the local amusement park and eat the famous ice cream “chaika”.

Unlike the Old Town, there are not only many attractions here, but also residential buildings.

Living in the Mtatsminda area is very expensive, the place is touristy, beautiful and popular. Prices start from $ 1,200 dollars per month. And if you find something cheaper than $ 900, then this house is most likely not near Rustaveli, but right on the mountain.

Let’s talk about the downsides. Be prepared for strong winds. If you don’t live at the foot of the mountain, something akin to a hurricane will howl outside your windows. The second downside is the elevation changes. The road to the store up the mountain will exhaust you no worse than a workout in the gym (and then there’s an equally difficult descent). Sore feet from being unaccustomed to it, blisters and worn-out shoes are what you’ll have to put up with at first. And maybe for someone, daily endurance training will only be a plus 🙂

Another important nuance: for living in Mtatsminda, your own car is a huge advantage. Even if it seems like the road to the city is short, in reality it goes along a bypass serpentine road. Buses run, but the trip will take quite a long time. A car will save you precious time.

As you can see, living down on the streets closest to Shota Rustaveli Avenue is a pleasure. Beautiful, comfortable, but… expensive. The option of living on the mountain is 2 times cheaper, but is associated with some disadvantages, which I described earlier.

Monthly rent: $500-900 for an apartment in the mountain part, $1200-3000 at the foot.

 

What to see:

• Griboyedov Theatre
• Rustaveli Theatre
• Opera and Ballet Theatre
• Georgian National Museum
• Pantheon of writers
• Tbilisi TV Tower
• Mtatsminda Park

 

Neighborhoods close to the center are the best areas for long-term living in the capital

Chugureti

Chugureti is a relatively new, stylish and modern district of Tbilisi. It is a place of dislocation of hipsters, creative types and fashionable parties. Here and there, individual houses and even entire streets are painted with bright spots of graffiti. And the heart of all this riot of colors is the Tbilisi Factory (a multifunctional art space that combines a hostel, cafes and restaurants, exhibitions and parties).

In contrast to all this creative madness is the main street of the district – Agmashenebeli Avenue. It is also called “Tbilisi Paris” for its cobblestone paths, elegant French-style houses and cozy coffee shops where you can go in the morning for coffee and a croissant. The main distinguishing feature of Chugureti is its absolute dissimilarity to other areas of the capital. Here you will hardly find any mention of the fact that you are in Georgia, rather the quarter can be compared to some European town.

Tourists who come to Tbilisi for a short time like to stay in Chugureti. There are many comfortable and stylish hotels at good prices. The nightlife and club life is developed. The only problem is that it is far from the center and the Old Town. This issue can be solved by metro or taxi, 10 minutes of travel and you are there.

Chugureti is perfect for living: rental prices are affordable, the houses are beautiful and well-kept. There are not only many apartments, but also Italian courtyards – two-story houses, squeezing a ring around an inner courtyard. An inexpensive good option, perfect if you like silence and privacy.

Another plus of Chugureti is the abundance of grocery stores. In addition to chain stores like Ori Nabidzhi and Nikora, there are dozens of small shops with fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, cheeses, meat. It is very convenient in the sense that you don’t have to go to the market, and at the same time buy tasty and natural products cheaply. And if you want an even larger selection, welcome to the largest in the city, the Deserter Bazaar, where everything is sold: greens, spices, meat, vegetables, equipment, clothing, textiles, etc.

Also, the main stadium of the city “Dynamo” and the railway station are located in this area.

Of the minuses – it is very noisy, there are a huge number of cars and mopeds. If this is a big problem for you, choose housing a little further from the metro and the main avenue.

Rent price: $450-1000.

 

What to see:

• Fabrika Tbilisi
• Agmashenebeli Avenue
• Kote Marjanishvili Theatre
• Dinamo Stadium
• Niko Pirosmani Museum

 

Vake

Vake is the most glamorous, pompous and stylish; the district of IT specialists and businessmen. It was considered elite since Soviet times, because housing here was given to honored figures and other “big shots”. Wide streets sparkling clean, even rows of trees, perfectly clean sidewalks with even rows of tiles, a huge amount of greenery, trendy vegan restaurants and specialty coffee shops.

Living here is prestigious, expensive and comfortable. Most of the houses are new buildings with panoramic windows, European-style renovation and an enhanced security system (although in some places there are still apartments from the Soviet era). There are many bike paths and places to rent electric scooters everywhere (they are very popular in this area). Also here are some of the most popular parks – Vake and Mziuri, but even without them the area is the greenest in the city. Wide pedestrian avenues, there is where to walk. Well-developed infrastructure, many schools, sections, hospitals and shops (in addition to the usual, there are also premium supermarkets).

Of course, the downside is the price. For those with an average income, living in Vake is unlikely to be affordable. By the way, the cost of local products and even a simple glass of coffee is also overpriced, very different from the same Chugureti.

The second drawback is that by Tbilisi standards it is far from the metro. You will have to walk about 30 minutes to the nearest Rustaveli station or take a bus for 15 minutes. And the latter are often so packed that you can’t squeeze through. A private car or a taxi ride will solve the problem well.

The monthly rent price is $1,100-3,000.

 

What to see:

• Park Vake
• Turtle Lake
• Ethnographic Museum
• Mziuri Park (Tbilisi Disneyland)

 

Vera District

The Vera district is very similar to Vake, the same pompous, prestigious and expensive. True, it is a little older – its development began in the 19th century, thanks to which there are houses that still breathe the spirit of the past of old Tiflis. There are several temples and cathedrals. Next to the old buildings, modern high-rises with expensive repairs and corresponding prices have now grown. It got its name from the river “Vera”.

In your free time, you can go to Vere Park, visit the Philharmonic, or grab a cup of coffee in one of the many coffee shops. Vere residents often make forays into the neighboring Vake district and other tourist areas – and there are many of them here, so there is always somewhere to go and where to have fun.

Monthly rent: $900-2000.

 

What to see:

• Tbilisi Philharmonic
• Vere Park
• Art Museum

 

Avlabari

Avlabari is good because it preserves the authenticity and traditions of Tbilisi, and is also within walking distance of the Old Town. It is perfect for both tourists who want to choose accommodation with views of the Kura River and the Old Town, and for expats who value proximity to the metro and the city center.

Historically, most of the people who inhabited Avlabari were Armenians. They left their architectural mark, and now in these parts, along with Georgian ones, you can see Armenian temples and churches.

As for prices, the area is relatively inexpensive, considering its proximity to the historical center and tourist attractions. The abundance of shops with cheap prices is pleasing.

On the downside, there are many unkempt houses. Some retain the grandeur of pre-revolutionary buildings, which are now junk. Some are just old Khrushchev-era buildings. There are houses with good repairs and even new buildings, but the price will be appropriate.

There are not many cafes and restaurants here, the area is more oriented towards locals. But this is not such a big problem, because you can always spend 10-15 minutes and get to the center.

Rent per month: $500-900.

 

What to see:

• Sameba Temple
• Mimino Monument
• Rike Park, Peace Bridge
• Queen Darejan Palace

 

The second (green) metro line

Saburtalo

Saburtalo is very different from other areas of Tbilisi. A separate metro line, many beautiful new buildings, its own developed infrastructure. This is where expats who consider life in the capital as a long-term prospect most often settle. The area is clean and well-kept, relatively new, due to which most of the houses are new construction (although in some places there are still panel houses from the 80s).

There are no particular attractions, the area is not a tourist one. But it is adjacent to Vake and Vera, so go there to look for interesting locations.

Saburtalo can be called a city within a city. Everything you need for life is already here: shops of different price ranges and grocery stores, kindergartens and schools, hospitals and beauty salons, a large shopping center City Mall.

Also, the second metro line is the epicenter of Tbilisi universities and, therefore, student life. Here and there are stalls with cheap street food, McDonald’s, KFS, cafes and other catering establishments. But when students go home after lunch, the transfer from the green line is crowded. If at this time you need to quickly get to the center, the metro is not a good option, it is better to order a taxi.

Regarding housing prices, they are lower than in the central areas, but higher than in the residential areas, which I will talk about below. Also, the cost range depends on the proximity to the transfer at Station Square. On average, the travel time to the center can take from 15 minutes to an hour.

Regarding price/quality/convenience, Saburtalo is an excellent option for living.

Monthly rent: $500-1000.

 

What to see:

• Lisi Lake
• Tbilisi Zoo
• Hippodrome
• Building of the Ministry of Highways
• City Mall
• House with Air Bridge

 

Sleeping areas

Isani

Isani is a district of Stalin-era buildings and silence. It is cheap to live, quite close to the center (7-10 minutes by metro). Two metro stations: “Isani” and “300 Aragvintsev”, a shopping center, Samgori market is nearby. In addition to chain stores, there are Belarusian and Indian stores. Many good and inexpensive clinics, medical centers.

It may be a bit dusty, as the area is in a lowland. There are parks, although not many, where you can go with your child and walk your dog. Cafes and restaurants are cheap and not touristy, designed for locals.

Rental price: 300-800$.

 

Samgori

First of all, Samgori is a large market. Various fruits, vegetables, dairy products, spices. There is also a flea market where you can buy everything from jewelry and antiques to dishes and furniture. Locals from all over Tbilisi come here to shop.

But living next to the market is not a pleasure. It is noisy, dirty, and the whole delightful smell of rotten fruit mixed with spices comes in through the windows. If you stay in this area, look for housing away from the market area.

There is a small bus station with minibuses to Kakheti, a casino, a couple of cafes, McDonald’s, and several medical institutions in the area. The apartments are shabby, and here and there you can still see pre-revolutionary buildings. It is cheap to live here, but not very pleasant.

Rental price: $280-700.

 

Ortachala (Krtsanisi)

Ortachala is translated from Turkish as “island” – and in fact, this one word can fully describe the area. The area is an oasis away from the noise of the city with clean air, green wastelands overgrown with grass and well-kept houses.

 

It’s quiet and peaceful to live here, Krtsanisi is ideal for those who have their own car or don’t need to go to the center often. The metro is far away, there are a couple of buses and minibuses as for transport. Also, the largest bus station in Tbilisi is located here, which is also called Ortachala.

Rental price: $450-800.

 

Didube

Didube used to be a separate village, but over time the metropolis of Tbilisi grew, absorbing it. Now it is a large area, more than 5 kilometers long, with developed infrastructure and a large residential area. Near the Didube metro there is a bus station of the same name, consisting of 4 stations; clothing and food markets. Here people take something to eat on the road, buy groceries for home.

The area itself is quite noisy and criminal, gypsies often operate here. If you live here, choose an apartment further from the station – the situation is better there.

Price: 450-900$.

 

Didi Digomi

Didi Digomi is a huge residential area where there is everything necessary for life. It is far from the center, the nearest metro station is Didube. You could say it is a quiet life on the outskirts, which can be diversified by walks in Digomi Park or a trip to the largest shopping center in Tbilisi, City Mall. It is difficult to get here by car – terrible traffic and confusion. Buses or taxi drivers will help out, who have already been in this area and know how to get to the destination as quickly as possible.

Digomi is famous for its medical centers and clinics, they are considered to be among the best in the city.

Rent price: 350-700$.

 

Varketili

This area is located at the end of the Tbilisi metro. There are several markets – the Main and Svan (a wholesale market where you can buy frozen meat, cereals, and sweets cheaply).

Varketili is relatively small, you can get to the metro from any point in 10-20 minutes (very fast compared to the same Digomi).

The main development of the area took place in the 80s – 90s, so the houses are old. In the Chinese microdistrict “Hualing” the buildings are newer, but more expensive, located very close to the Tbilisi Sea.

Varketili is very green, more and more new parks with fountains and good playgrounds are constantly being built here.

The residential area is located high, which is why it is a little windier here than in other parts of the city, but this plays a role only in the autumn-winter period.

In general, the area is well suited for living with a family, the infrastructure is developed, housing is not so expensive.

Rent price: $ 300-800.

 

Akhmeteli Theatre (Gldani, TMK, Mukhiani, etc.)

Akhmeteli is the second terminus of the main metro line. This area is much larger than Varketili and is the most densely populated area of ​​Tbilisi.

Right next to the metro there is a large indoor market, and outside there are many street vendors selling all sorts of small items and food. Opposite the bazaar is the “Gldani Mall”. Its assortment is very different from other shopping centers, you won’t find Zara and H&M here, but there will be many “no-name” stores with cheaper prices.

Akhmeteli is a district of “concepts” and pickpockets. A person who is brightly dressed and attracts attention can be robbed, it is better to wear something simpler and watch your backpack.

Almost all the buildings are old, multi-story panel houses predominate. Prices increase depending on the proximity to the metro. If you live somewhere deep in the area, the road to the metro can take about an hour. Most of the residents here are locals who do not need to go to work somewhere in the center. The advantage of renting a house here is its cheapness.

Rent price: $250-700.

 

Districts of Tbilisi on the map

 

 

More about Tbilisi and Georgia:

Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia

Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift

Tbilisi Cable Car

Top 6 Restaurants for the Best Khinkali in Tbilisi

Best Hotels in the Center of Tbilisi