It was a beautiful, sunny day in Tbilisi so we headed out early to the Abanotubani area to visit the famous Sulphur baths. Although we didn’t go for any treatments, we wandered around the area.
[Abanotubani sulphur baths]
[Abanotubani sulphur baths]
[Abanotubani sulphur baths]
[Abanotubani sulphur baths]
[Abanotubani sulphur baths]
Walked over to the “bridge” going behind the Mosque. This brought us to the stunning and hidden Leghvtakhevi waterfall. Locals were preparing for the Tbilisoba celebrations with pumpkins ad fruits laid over the restaurants and cafes around.
[Bridge leading to Leghvtakhevi waterfall]
[Bridge leading to Leghvtakhevi waterfall]
[Path leading to Leghvtakhevi waterfall, with a cute souvenir shop]
[Path leading away from Leghvtakhevi waterfall, with a round staircase leading up to the Mosque]
[Leghvtakhevi waterfall]
Returning back to the main square, we stopped by Cafe Canape for breakfast, before walking for about 30 minutes to Aghmashenebeli St.
This is one of the main avenues in the historical part of Tbilisi, known for its 19th-century classical architecture. Located on the left bank of the Kura River and runs from Saarbrücken Square to Giorgi Tsabadze street, it is named after David IV of Georgia.
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
[Aghmashenebeli Avenue]
The city offers some spectacular views walking back to Old Town along the Kura river. The Department of Energy building shaped like rose petals, the Palace of the President sitting on top of the hill, the music theater shaped like trumpets, etc.
[Bank of Georgia building]
[Saarbrücken bridge]
[Department of Energy building shaped like rose petals]
[Palace of the President]
[Bridge of Peace]
[From Bridge of Peace – Palace of President and St. Trinity Church – the two epitomes of Tbilisi]
[Music theater, Palace of President and St. Trinity Church]
[Bridge of Peace]
The old town was coming to life with the celebrations for Tbilisoba.
Tbilisoba
Tbilisoba is an annual October festival celebrating the diversity and history of Tbilisi. First held on October 28, 1979, this has become an established tradition featuring open-air concerts of traditional music and dancing and various cultural events, centered in Old Tbilisi.
Plenty of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, Georgian grape-based desserts – churchkhela and pelamushi, steamy khinkali, barbecue and bread, and wine of course. Fantastic compositions made of autumn fruits, variety of beautiful handicraft masterpieces, theatrical performances and scenes from Georgia historical past, folk music and dance performances, gala concert and fireworks in the sky under Tbilisi is what make this holiday so special.
The concerts begin past sunset and go on till early hours in the morning when the city comes to life with celebrations and fireworks.
After partying all night, I returned to the hotel to pack my bags and head for the airport at 3:30am, to catch my flight back home. A wonderful seven days spent in this marvelous country!
Costs
Note: All values in USD, unless otherwise mentioned, are approximate and based on the exchange rate of USD 1 = GEL 2.34 at the time of publishing. Each cost is for one adult.
What | Cost | Notes |
Breakfast at Cafe Canape | $7.26 | GEL 34 for two persons. |
Souvenirs | $19.23 | GEL 45 for fridge magnets, postcards, etc. |
Lunch at Friend’s House | $12.82 | GEL 30 for one person. |
Taxi to airport | $8.55 | GEL 20 per taxi. |
Water | $1.70 | GEL 4 per person. |
Miscellaneous | $8.55 | GEL 20, for example using toilets. |
Total Costs | $58.11 | Per person |
Overall Costs | $403.29 | Per person |