Discover amazing Tbilisi like a local

On my way to Thaïland by train, I stopped a few days in Tbilisi, the capital city of beautiful Georgia, country of mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Not only is it a vibrant and lively place, Tbilisi offers a perfect blend of past and future, city and nature, as well as accessibility and quality. To really experience local life in the capital while exploring sustainable initiatives, I stayed at Why Me hostel, located in a residential neighborhood. This lovely place is quiet, yet only 2 minutes from the metro which brings you to the city center in less than 15 minutes. What I loved was discovering Tbilisi in a local way, off the beaten path.

Tbilisi: A Blend of Cultures

Over centuries, Georgia has been a crossroads for many cultures: Asian, Soviet, and of course Georgian. Architecture in the capital reflects this rich diversity. « Not many cities in the world are so diverse », explains Rosik, owner of Why Me hostel and travel guide in Georgia for more than 15 years.

It is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, with a history dating back to the 5th century. The city’s unique character emerges from this long heritage, visible in every corner and neighborhood.

The city stretches along the Mtkvari River and is surrounded by mountains, which makes nature very accessible. This is what I enjoyed the most: you can easily go for a hike without leaving the city, or relax in a park or even the Botanical Garden with its magnificent waterfalls and diverse flora.

Experiences for a Deep-Dive into Authentic Tbilisi

A first step would be, of course, to stay in a place that connects you with locals. My choice, Why Me hostel, is in a non-touristy neighborhood, so you can really see people from Tbilisi in their daily life. Rosik and Inna, who run the hostel, are always eager to share insider tips and organize excursions. 

• Walking tour : I highly recommend doing one of those, they are really interesting and will allow you to learn also about Georgian language and traditions. 
• Tbilisi History Museum: Learn about real life in old times in Tbilisi through fascinating exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of ordinary citizens through the ages.
• Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography: This expansive outdoor museum features traditional houses and workshops from different regions of Georgia, offering insights into the country’s rural heritage

• Sky Bridge Tbilisi: This modern pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River connects the old town with newly developed areas and offers spectacular views of the city.
• Mosaic Tbilisi: Exploring the city’s Soviet architectural heritage reveals stunning mosaics adorning the tops of buildings—remnants of an artistic past often overlooked by typical tourists.
• Chronicles of Georgia: Often called « Georgia’s Stonehenge, » this massive monument outside the city center features intricate carvings depicting scenes from Georgian history and Christian stories.

Discovering Famous Georgian Food and Wine

I was told from the moment I crossed the Georgian border that food and wine were a big thing here. The main specialties are Khinkali (similar to dumplings, either in their vegetarian version with mushrooms, or the traditional with meat) and Khachapuri, a bread filled with cheese or beans (this version is called Lobiani). I had the veggie versions, which are delicious! You should also taste rolled eggplants with walnut paste, and Pkhali, a colorful spread made of chopped and minced vegetables mixed with walnuts, herbs and spices.

And wine… it is so important for locals. Georgia produced wine for the first time 8,000 years ago, and now there are over 500 grape varieties. France and Italy, watch out! The traditional Georgian winemaking method using clay vessels called qvevri has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Many small family wineries offer tastings where you can learn about this ancient tradition while sampling unique flavors unlike anything in Western Europe.

Why Me Hostel: Living Like a Local

What made my stay a very local experience was staying at Why Me hostel:

• It creates an atmosphere where you feel like you’re living in Tbilisi rather than just visiting.
• The location allows easy access to anywhere in the city via public transportation, as the metro station is located only 2 minutes away. 
• Inna and Rosik made this project eco-friendly to save as much water and energy as possible.

By choosing to stay in a residential area rather than a tourist hub, I witnessed the rhythm of daily life—from neighborhood bakeries opening at dawn to elderly neighbors gathering in small parks.