Tbilisi is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Tbilisi?
You should plan to spend around $33 (GEL94) per day on your vacation in Tbilisi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $13 (GEL37) on meals
- $5.79 (GEL17) on local transportation
- $23 (GEL67) on hotels
A one week trip to Tbilisi for two people costs, on average, $460 (GEL1,316). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Tbilisi expensive to visit?
Tbilisi is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Tbilisi can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $12 (GEL35) per day, mid-range travelers spend $33 (GEL94) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $95 (GEL270) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tbilisi.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Tbilisi is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Europe for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Tbilisi.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tbilisi Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tbilisi?
The average Tbilisi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tbilisi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tbilisi cost?
Tbilisi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$4
(GEL11)
|
$12
(GEL34)
|
$42
(GEL120)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$2
(GEL5.81)
|
$6
(GEL17)
|
$18
(GEL53)
|
|
Food 2
|
$5
(GEL15)
|
$13
(GEL37)
|
$31
(GEL90)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(GEL16)
|
$14
(GEL39)
|
$29
(GEL83)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(GEL10-30)
|
$8-25
(GEL24-72)
|
$19-58
(GEL55-165)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Tbilisi on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $12 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Tbilisi has plenty of hostels, including Envoy Hostel Tbilisi, Fabrika Hostel & Suites, and Green House Hostel Tbilisi. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Tbilisi to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $33 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $95. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Old Tbilisi Tour – Private Walking Tour With Wine-Tasting - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Tbilisi
In Tbilisi, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $0, but in peak season, they can average around $0. Prices generally range from $0 to $0, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tbilisi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $23 (GEL67). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $12 (GEL34) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Tbilisi
Unfortunately, Tbilisi does not provide a solid public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.79 (GEL17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tbilisi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tbilisi is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.79
GEL17
Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Effortless transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri ski resort for $169 details
- Airport transfer by Visit-geo for $16 details
- Transfer airport Tbilisi - Gudauri for $100 details
How much does it cost to go to Tbilisi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Tbilisi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Tbilisi
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Tbilisi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tbilisi is $13 (GEL37) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$13
GEL37
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tbilisi is around $13 (GEL37) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $31. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Tbilisi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $4
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
In Tbilisi, the food is quite appropriately an expression of the Georgian culture. Warm, gooey comfort food like khachapuri (cheese-stuffed bread) finds balance with matsoni (sour yogurt). Herbs like tarragon, flat parsley, dill, and coriander combine with walnuts and garlic for rich fillings and sauces. The Georgian cuisine is unique to the country, but also carries some influences from other Caucasian, Soviet, European, and nearby Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Rich with meat dishes, the Tbilisi cuisine also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include: Khinkhali, Georgian dumpling filled with meat, potatoes, mushrooms, etc, but do not eat the doughy pinched part (it’s seen as very rude and cheap), but do use it to hold up the khinkali whilst you eat from the bottom, Pkhali, vegetable paste topped with pomegranate seeds, Kachapuri, Georgian circular bread often filled with cheese, Mtsvadi, grilled skewered meat, and Kababi, chopped and seasoned meat which is grilled on a skewer. Often served wrapped in a thin flat bread in Georgia.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Tbilisi, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Mtskheta: Exploring Heritage and Cuisine through Cooking Classes for $150 details
- Half-Day Food Tour of Tbilisi Dezerter's Bazaar for $125 details
- Private Cooking Class with a Tbilisi Food and City Expert for $148 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tbilisi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tbilisi typically cost an average of $14 (GEL39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
GEL39
The G. Chitaia Ethnographical Open-Air Museum features 70 houses and thrift buildings characteristic for the various parts of Georgia. 8000 household devices and samples of craft are exposed in the museum. Some of the houses are opened to the public and have a guide that can provide information about the house and Georgia in English.
The Numismatic Museum, G. Leonidze features coins dating back to the IV century BC. The Simon Janashia Museum, National Museum houses hundreds of thousands of Georgian and Caucasian artefacts of archaeology and ethnography. A permanent exposition chronologically follows the development of Georgia's material culture from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century. The most valuable exhibits include Homo Ergaster fossils discovered at Dmanisi; the Akhalgori hoard of the 5th century BC which contains unique examples of jewelry, blending Achaemenid and local inspirations; a collection of approximately 80,000 coins, chiefly of Georgian minting; and medieval icons and goldsmith pieces brought here from various archaeological sites in Georgia.
Tiflis Avenue is an art center and a gallery that represents a variety of Georgian artists working in different media. The gallery is located in an old town, on King Erekle II Street, where exhibitions of art are held regularly. Tiflis Avenue also runs an online art store with the largest selection of contemporary Georgian art.
See Old Tbilisi, with its old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding streets, and charming shops. Be prepared to see a number of eclectic sights, from the abandoned streetcar near Erekle Street to the art galleries of Chardini Street to the stunning modern art lining Sioni Street.
The Chronicles of Georgia, located near to Caucasus International University. Here you'll find stunning, big stone architecture to present the chronicles of Georgia, written in Georgian. It can be a good hiking place and you can see the sea from the Top of hill. From there you can swim at Tbilisi lake afterwards.
Experience a Sulfur Baths. The bath district is called Abanotubani and is on the south side of the Metekhi bridge. There are several small baths offering different levels of comfort. The baths are relatively small, and you may have to wait for a pool to become available. Massages are available; however, they are more like a washing, but well worth it for the experience. You should bring your own towel and beach sandals or you can purchase them for a small fee. Some travelers have suggested the Royal Baths, located next to the Sulfur Baths, as an alternative option.
Turtle Lake is located in the hilly outskirts of Tbilisi. A popular weekend getaway for families, the lake offers pedal-boat rentals as well as swimming (deckchairs optional) for reasonable prices. A good spot for a hot summer day, and offering views of both the mountains and the city below. Snack bars, restaurants and fruit cocktail shakers are available overlooking the lake.
Climb up to the Narikala Fortress. The crumbling ruins of this once-great fortress, standing alongside the Upper Betelmi Churches and the stunning Botanical gardens, offer panoramic views of the city below. But be warned – it’s quite a steep climb – and while the lack of bureaucracy and guard-rails can be liberating for some, you may want to pay extra care to watch your step. Now, the best way to visit is by aerial tramway, an exciting experience with stunning views of the city. There is a working church at the courtyard of the Fortress.
Mtatsminda Park or TV antenna park is a good place to spend a day and take a ride in the Ferris wheel. You can opt to use the funicular to the park, for an exciting view on the way up. There’s also a roller coaster which offers not only some adrenaline but great views on a sunny day.
A nice way to explore destinations in Tbilisi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Kakheti - Small wineries and family-cooked lunch • Private tour for $105 details
- Best of Kazbegi - must do mountain tour from Tbilisi for $79 details
- Soviet Tbilisi Tour - Off the beaten path for $69 details
Nightlife Budget in Tbilisi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (GEL48) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tbilisi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
GEL48
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Tbilisi. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Kakheti.All inclusive Wine tour with family lunch for $200 details
- Very Friendly Tbilisi Walking Tour (wine tasting & cable car) for $27 details
- Private Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi for $212 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024
Traveling in Tbilisi
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.
Neighborhoods & Around
Abanotubani (Bath District)
A beautiful location that keeps the old charm despite of being renovated, and actually it’s always good to relax in the bath, especially after hard week or a hard party. This is where you can enjoy a bath experience and see a waterfall in the middle of town.
Avlabari
Avlabari was historically inhabited by the Armenians. It makes this part of city so peculiar: this is another side of multicultural Tbilisi as it is. It is one of the oldest parts of Tbilisi, and now Avlabari is famous because of Metekhi church, Sameba (Trinity) Cathedral, Armenian Theater and Rike Park. Those are definitely places of interest.There are some good wine cellars at so called Wine Rise: a street leading up from Rike park.
G.Akhvlediani Street (Perovskaya)
This street is “hidden” next to Rustaveli avenue in the middle of Tbilisi, here you find yourself on a narrow stylish street full of pubs, bars, and Chinese massage centers, from almost every pub you’ll hear live 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s rock’n roll and blues music.
Marjanishvili
Marjanishvili metro, Aghmashenebeli avenue (old name: Plekhanovi) and surroundings is a partly renovated historic neighborhood. There are several theaters, many shops and cafes (mostly Turkish and Arabic) there. Partially built by the Germans, it is inhabited by Georgians and some Arabs and Turks right now. Go there for shopping or halal food, for theatre or football at Dinamo Arena.
Mtatsminda
The history of the modern Georgian capital was created in this area. Named after the mountain Mtatsminda, which is one of the key sights of the city, this neighborhood has a lot of things to offer.
The Old Town
At the narrowest part of the valley, the Old Town is still reminiscent of an ancient Eurasian crossroads, with its winding lanes, balconied houses, leafy squares and handsome churches, all overlooked by the 17-centuries-old Narikala Fortress.
Vake
Located around Chavchavadze and Abashidze avenues, this is one of Tbilisi’s posher districts, home to many expats and nouveaux riches. While not quite as atmospheric as Old Tbilisi, Vake is home to some lovely parks, pleasant nineteenth-century architecture, and some of the city’s most high-end shopping. There are also plenty of elegant, if understated, bars and restaurants in this area.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.