Recommendations from Tbilisi Residents  – GOGI TSAGARELI – Photographer 

1. IASHVILI STREET 

this calm street with its typical charm is located in Sololaki district. In the XIX century, Sololaki was regarded as the most prestigious and ‘European’ district in Tbilisi, where the local intelligencia and enterprisers lived. Iashvili Street with its yards and gates, was an inseparable part of the ‘Caucasian Paris’. The area offers that unique atmosphere of “Old Tbilisi” and cosmopolitan architecture of previous centuries even today. 

2. UPPER BETLEMI DISTRICT

Upper Betlemi District – we are now in the upper part of Sololaki and Betlemi district, in front of an old church surrounded by greenness and sweet-smelling roses. It’s a good place to stop, relax, drink spring water and catch a glimpse of Tbilisi’s magnificent views. It is also one of the best spots to look down on the Sololaki yards and house roofs extending out into the city to blend with the horizon, plus a synagogue and a part of the Mtkvari River. 

3. BETLEMI DISTRICT 

This district is also located on the lower slope of Sololaki and attracts pedestrian tourists with its impressive antiquity, hospitable population and architectural traditions of the XVIII-XIX centuries. It is possible to get to there by a tourist route near the huge metal Kartli’s Mother monument or by following the trail of street-stairs built in 1850. 

4. ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH IN KLDISUBANI 

One of the oldest Tbilisi churches reached by walking there from Puris (Bread) Square: follow Gomi Street or the path from Upper Betlemi church. 

5. SUPPER AT FUNICULAR TERRACE 

The three-story building of ‘Funicular’ is a historical and architectural landmark of Tbilisi and is much beloved by guests and locals alike. You can view there artwork by artist Koka Ignatov and enjoy gastronomic delights in a legendary restaurant with a wonderful view over Tbilisi. A ropeway from Chonkadze Street will take you up and down.