First visits, evening walks and the sulphur baths
Old Tbilisi and Abanotubani.
The historic core around Meidan, Kala and the bath district of Abanotubani puts you below Narikala fortress, with churches, a mosque, synagogues and wooden balconied houses within a short walk. It is the easiest base for seeing the old city at night and early in the morning, before tour groups arrive.
Follow the Old Tbilisi heritage walk from your door, book a session at the Abanotubani sulphur baths, or climb to Narikala Fortress for the view.
Before you book: Streets are cobbled, steep and busy in the evening. Some lanes are hard to reach by car, so check how close a taxi can get with luggage.
Where to stayFind stays in Old TbilisiOld-town walking with a more residential feel
Sololaki.
Sololaki climbs the slope of Mtatsminda just above Freedom Square. Its nineteenth-century streets, carved doorways and painted entrance halls make it one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, and the old town and Rustaveli Avenue are both a short walk downhill.
Start with the Sololaki architecture walk and the Writers' House of Georgia.
Before you book: Sololaki is steep. Upper streets mean a climb at the end of every day, and many older buildings have stairs rather than lifts.
Where to stayFind stays in SololakiMuseums, theatres and central transport
Rustaveli Avenue and Mtatsminda.
Rustaveli Avenue runs for about 1.5 km north from Freedom Square past Parliament, the opera house, theatres and the National Gallery. Liberty Square and Rustaveli metro stations sit at either end, which makes this the most connected central base.
The funicular climbs from the streets above the avenue to Mtatsminda Park, and the Dry Bridge market is a short walk away.
Before you book: The avenue is the city's main stage for political demonstrations, and traffic and roadworks can make it noisy. Choose a side street if you sleep lightly, and check the news before you go.
Where to stayFind stays in Rustaveli AvenueOld-city views and quick metro access
Avlabari.
Across the river from the old town, Avlabari was historically the centre of Armenian life in Tbilisi. It is home to Holy Trinity Cathedral and Metekhi Church above the cliff, and stays on this side often look back across to Narikala.
Avlabari metro station links the area with the centre and the railway station, and the old town is a walk away over the bridges.
Before you book: The streets behind the main square are a mix of old houses and new building work. Check the immediate surroundings and the route to the metro in the listing's photos and map.
Where to stayFind stays in AvlabariCafés, a local neighbourhood and lower prices
Marjanishvili and Aghmashenebeli Avenue.
On the left bank in Chughureti, the streets around Marjanishvili Square and Aghmashenebeli Avenue mix restored nineteenth-century buildings with cafés, bars and everyday shops. Marjanishvili metro station is one stop from the centre, and the avenue is a pleasant walk in the evening.
The Tbilisi Art Palace is in the same district, and the Dry Bridge and Rustaveli Avenue are reached across the river.
Before you book: Some side streets are livelier late at night than the old town's residential lanes. Ask about street noise if you are a light sleeper.
Where to stayFind stays in MarjanishviliQuiet nights, parks and restaurants
Vake.
Vake is a leafy residential district southwest of the centre, built around Chavchavadze Avenue and the large Vake Park. It suits families and longer stays, with restaurants and cafés used by residents rather than tour groups.
Above Vake, Turtle Lake and the Open Air Museum of Ethnography make easy half-day outings.
Before you book: Vake has no metro station, so the old town is a taxi or bus ride away. Parts of Vake Park have been closed for restoration; check before planning around it.
Where to stayFind stays in VakeLonger stays and apartment rentals
Saburtalo.
Saburtalo is a large residential district northwest of the centre, served by the metro line that bears its name. It is practical rather than picturesque: apartment blocks, universities, supermarkets and good transport, with prices that usually reflect the distance from the old town.
Before you book: Allow time for the metro or a taxi to the sights, and choose a place near a station if you will rely on public transport.
Where to stayFind stays in SaburtaloExternal links · booking and payment happen on the provider’s website. We describe areas, not individual properties.