Tbilisi
Tbilisi7days
7
Days
56
Activities
1
Location
21
Meals out
08:30
Earliest start

Tbilisi Budget Explorer: 7-Day Flexible Itinerary

Explore the historical streets, scenic riverways, and bustling shopping avenues of Tbilisi on an affordable week-long trip designed for budget-conscious travellers.

  • 15Food stops
  • 13Sights
  • 12Markets & shops
  • 10Outdoors
  • 4Stays
  • 2Drinks
  • budget travellers
  • solo
  • friends
  • budget
  • city break
  • culture

Day by day

Day 1

Introduction to Old Tbilisi and Rustaveli8 Activities

Spend your first day exploring the historic core of Old Tbilisi and walking down the central shopping boulevard.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Puri Guliani

    08:30 – 09:30

    Start the day with fresh Georgian pastries and coffee near the river.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    09:45 – 11:00

    Walk through the cobblestone streets of Sololaki and inspect medieval church facades.

    • entryFree
  3. 11:1512:30
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    11:15 – 12:30

    Browse local shops and affordable book stalls along Tbilisi's main avenue.

  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Pasanauri

    12:45 – 13:45

    Enjoy traditional khinkali dumplings at a budget-friendly local eatery.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi - Abanotubani Section

    14:00 – 15:30

    Explore the historic sulfur bath quarter and sulfur waterfall in Old Tbilisi.

    • siteDiscover the Old Town of Tbilisi
    • entryFree
  6. 15:4517:15
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping - Souvenirs & Crafts

    15:45 – 17:15

    Pick up handmade crafts and local souvenirs from street vendors.

    • shopRustaveli Avenue Shopping
  7. 17:3019:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    17:30 – 19:00

    Take an afternoon rafting trip down the Mtkvari River to see the city skyline from the water.

  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Shavi Lomi

    19:30 – 21:00

    Dine on hearty Georgian dishes in a cozy courtyard setting.

Day 2

River Adventures and Historic Quarters8 Activities

Combine active water sports on the Mtkvari River with further discovery of historic districts.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Moulin Electrique

    08:30 – 09:30

    Grab a light breakfast and coffee in Fabrika courtyard.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    09:45 – 11:00

    Paddle along the canyon sections of the Mtkvari River for an invigorating morning workout.

  3. 11:1512:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    11:15 – 12:30

    Visit the Metekhi Church cliff overlooking the river and surrounding historical quarter.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Cafe Daphna

    12:45 – 13:45

    Sample fresh local soups and khinkali at popular prices.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    14:00 – 15:30

    Explore underground passages and modern retail spaces along Rustaveli.

  6. 15:4517:15
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    15:45 – 17:15

    Walk past carved wooden balconies and courtyards along Betlemi Street.

    • entryFree
  7. 17:3019:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    17:30 – 19:00

    Enjoy a late afternoon floating session down the calmer urban stretches of the river.

  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Salobie Bia

    19:30 – 21:00

    Try traditional Georgian bean stew (lobio) served in clay pots.

Day 3

Avenue Culture and Old Town Secrets8 Activities

Spend the day balancing cultural exploration with affordable shopping opportunities.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Entrée

    08:30 – 09:30

    Enjoy freshly baked croissants and Georgian tea.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    09:45 – 11:00

    Visit local fashion boutiques and art shops on Rustaveli Avenue.

  3. 11:1512:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    11:15 – 12:30

    Explore the historic Anchiskhati Basilica and surrounding alleyways.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Mapshvali

    12:45 – 13:45

    Eat authentic Megrelian cuisine at budget prices in a basement restaurant.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    14:00 – 15:30

    Participate in a guided group rafting excursion along the Mtkvari.

  6. 15:4517:15
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    15:45 – 17:15

    Browse paintings and prints sold by local painters near Opera House.

  7. 17:3019:00
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    17:30 – 19:00

    Stroll down Shavteli Street past the Leaning Clock Tower of Rezo Gabriadze Theatre.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Cafe Litera

    19:30 – 21:00

    Dine in the Writers' House garden setting.

Day 4

Active Waters and Market Stalls8 Activities

A day focused on river recreation followed by afternoon city explorations.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Linville Cafe

    08:30 – 09:30

    Breakfast in an old-fashioned Sololaki apartment cafe.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    09:45 – 11:00

    Experience morning river rapids under professional instruction.

  3. 11:1512:30
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    11:15 – 12:30

    Explore local markets and tea shops along the avenue.

  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Sofia Melnikova's Fantastic Doura

    12:45 – 13:45

    Taste handmade khinkali in a hidden courtyard setting.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    14:00 – 15:30

    Explore hidden residential courtyards and wooden staircases of Kala neighborhood.

    • entryFree
  6. 15:4517:15
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    15:45 – 17:15

    Take another water circuit to view bridges and cliffside houses from below.

  7. 17:3019:00
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    17:30 – 19:00

    Shop for traditional Georgian spices and Churchkhela sweets.

  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Barbarestan

    19:30 – 21:00

    Enjoy dinner based on 19th-century authentic Georgian recipes.

Day 5

Architectural Gems and Retail Walks8 Activities

Discover Old Town architectural heritage while fitting in river activity and avenue shopping.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Kikodze Bar & Cafe

    08:30 – 09:30

    Start the day with warm khachapuri and local coffee.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    09:45 – 11:00

    Walk along the ancient fortress wall fragments integrated into Old Town buildings.

    • entryFree
  3. 11:1512:30
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    11:15 – 12:30

    Find bargains at street markets and artisanal pop-up shops along Rustaveli.

  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Culinarium Khasheria

    12:45 – 13:45

    Try traditional Georgian soups in modern interpretations.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    14:00 – 15:30

    Enjoy an afternoon rafting trip across city limits.

  6. 15:4517:15
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    15:45 – 17:15

    Explore Sioni Cathedral and nearby historic pedestrian walkways.

    • entryFree
  7. 17:3019:00
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    17:30 – 19:00

    Browse enamel jewelry and traditional silver ornaments.

  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Alani Restaurant

    19:30 – 21:00

    Budget-friendly tavern meal accompanied by local draft beer.

Day 6

Deep Dive into Old Tbilisi Heritage8 Activities

Revisit historic neighborhoods to find lesser-known sites and enjoy outdoor water fun.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Stamba Cafe

    08:30 – 09:30

    Hearty breakfast inside a converted publishing house building.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    09:45 – 11:00

    Morning outdoor rafting trip down the river.

  3. 11:1512:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    11:15 – 12:30

    Walk up the scenic staircases toward Narikala Fortress lower precincts.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Honore

    12:45 – 13:45

    Grilled meats and seasonal salads served outdoors.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    14:00 – 15:30

    Browse wool socks and handmade textiles on Rustaveli Avenue.

  6. 15:4517:15
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    15:45 – 17:15

    Photograph decorated doorways along Gudiashvili Square.

    • entryFree
  7. 17:3019:00
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    17:30 – 19:00

    Late afternoon river journey with views of illuminated bridges.

  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Keto and Kote

    19:30 – 21:00

    Georgian cuisine with views overlooking the city.

Day 7

Final Shopping and Scenic Views8 Activities

Wrap up your week in Tbilisi with last-minute souvenir shopping and city views.

  1. 08:3009:30
    Food

    Breakfast at Paul Bakery Tbilisi

    08:30 – 09:30

    Fresh bread and coffee before starting your final day.

  2. 09:4511:00
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    09:45 – 11:00

    Pick up last-minute gifts, local wine, and Georgian tea.

  3. 11:1512:30
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    11:15 – 12:30

    Take a final walking loop through Old Town to admire the traditional architecture.

    • entryFree
  4. 12:4513:45
    Food

    Lunch at Craft Wine Bar & Kitchen

    12:45 – 13:45

    Affordable lunch specials paired with local house wines.

  5. 14:0015:30
    Outdoor

    Mtkvari River Rafting

    14:00 – 15:30

    Final rafting session along the river path.

  6. 15:4517:15
    Shopping

    Rustaveli Avenue Shopping

    15:45 – 17:15

    Final stroll along Rustaveli Avenue to buy artisanal crafts.

  7. 17:3019:00
    Sightseeing

    Discover the Old Town of Tbilisi

    17:30 – 19:00

    Watch sunset lighting up Old Town's wooden balconies.

    • entryFree
  8. 19:3021:00
    Food

    Dinner at Kakhelebi

    19:30 – 21:00

    Farewell dinner featuring rich Kakhetian dishes and breads.

Make it yours