The Ultimate Vegan Guide to Tbilisi
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, turned out to be one of the most beautiful and surprisingly vegan-friendly cities I’ve visited. The city combines rich history, culture, and stunning scenery, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a relaxed yet fascinating European getaway.
Located just a short flight away from many parts of Europe and the Middle East, Tbilisi is known for being an affordable and accessible travel destination with plenty to explore.
I visited Tbilisi on a spontaneous trip with my sister, and we quickly fell in love with the city – its atmosphere, its food, and the variety of options available for vegans. It was far more vegan-friendly than we expected, and that made the experience even better.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers great food, beautiful architecture, interesting history, and plenty of vegan options, I highly recommend adding Tbilisi to your travel bucket list! ✈️
Where to Stay in Tbilisi
Tbilisi offers several great areas to stay in, but two of the most popular are the city center near the Parliament building and the Old Town. We originally planned to stay near the Parliament area, but due to demonstrations taking place at the time, we decided to switch hotels and stay in the Old Town instead.
We stayed at Hotel Maison Boutique Tbilisi, which we booked through Booking.com. The hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and many of the city’s main attractions.
The location was excellent, making it easy to explore Tbilisi either on foot or with a short ride. The neighborhood itself is lively and full of character, offering a mix of nightlife, charming cafés, and the historic atmosphere of the city’s old streets and architecture.
The hotel was reasonably priced, and our room was very spacious. That said, there were a few downsides worth mentioning. The bathroom felt somewhat dated, and there was only one small mirror in the room, located in the bathroom. There was no full-length mirror, which made getting ready a little inconvenient – especially when two people were trying to get ready at the same time.
Getting Around Tbilisi
Most of Tbilisi’s main attractions and central neighborhoods are within walking distance of one another, so we rarely needed public transportation during our trip. When we wanted to visit places that were farther away, we used the Bolt app to book taxis.
Bolt is an affordable, fast, and convenient way to get around the city. One thing to keep in mind is that many drivers speak little or no English, so we always made sure to verify our destination in Google Maps before starting the ride. Overall, using Bolt made getting around Tbilisi easy and budget-friendly.
Internet & SIM Cards
When I travel abroad, I usually purchase an eSIM through the mobile app Airalo (new users can use my referral code: MAYA0760). For this trip, however, I decided to buy a physical SIM card because I was concerned that an eSIM might not provide the best coverage.
Right after collecting our luggage at Tbilisi International Airport, we found several SIM card kiosks in the arrivals area. I recommend comparing prices before purchasing, as the differences can sometimes be surprising. We ended up buying ours from the kiosk closest to the right side of the exit from the baggage claim area. It was quick, convenient, and easy to set up.
Attractions
Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake is a beautiful spot and one of my favorite places to escape the city for a few hours. We took a Bolt there, and as soon as we arrived, the atmosphere felt calm and peaceful.
The area is surrounded by nature, fresh air, and relaxing views, making it perfect for a slow walk or simply sitting by the water and enjoying the scenery. There are walking paths around the lake, and it’s a great place to unwind away from the busier parts of the city.
One of the highlights is the cable car that connects the city to the lake. You can choose to ride it one way and return by car or on foot, or enjoy the experience in both directions while taking in the views over Tbilisi.
Tbilisi Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in Tbilisi with beautiful scenery, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia is the perfect place to visit.
Located just below the historic Narikala Fortress, the gardens can be reached by cable car, on foot, or by Bolt. Since they were only about a 10-minute walk from our hotel, we decided to walk there.
The gardens are huge and filled with a wide variety of plants, scenic walking paths, charming bridges, and even a waterfall. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours wandering around and enjoying nature. Shortly after we entered, a friendly cat joined us for part of our walk, which made the experience even more memorable.
Later, we took a short break by one of the ponds, where we enjoyed some kombucha while relaxing and taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Even though the botanical garden is located right in the middle of the city, it feels like stepping into a forest far away from the urban bustle. It was one of my favorite places in Tbilisi and a spot I highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
Dinamo Market
Dinamo Market is one of Tbilisi’s well-known local markets, and while it gets recommended quite often, I wouldn’t consider it a must-see attraction.
Personally, I enjoyed the atmosphere and browsing the various items for sale, but I wouldn’t suggest going out of your way just to visit it. If you enjoy local markets and exploring everyday life in a city, you may find it interesting. Otherwise, there are other attractions in Tbilisi that I’d prioritize first.
Rose Revolution Square
Rose Revolution Square is a central square in Tbilisi best known for its large bicycle sculpture and busy surroundings.
There’s probably no need to make a special trip just to see it, but if you happen to be exploring the area, it’s worth stopping by for a quick look. It’s one of those landmarks you’ll naturally come across while walking around the city.
Freedom Square
Freedom Square is one of the main landmarks in Tbilisi and a great starting point for exploring the city.
The area is surrounded by cafés, shops, and restaurants, and there’s also a shopping mall nearby. During our visit, we stopped at Dunkin’ for a coffee break. They offer several vegan-friendly drink options, making it an easy stop for plant-based travelers.
In some countries, Dunkin’ locations also offer vegan donuts, so it’s worth checking what’s available during your visit. Even if you’re not planning to spend much time here, Freedom Square is a lively area that you’ll likely pass through while exploring Tbilisi.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is one of the most charming and photogenic landmarks in Tbilisi – and definitely worth a visit.
The tower itself is absolutely beautiful, with its whimsical design and fairytale-like appearance. But what makes the experience even more special is the area surrounding it. The streets leading to the tower feel like a small old European town, filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and unique architectural details.
Walking through this part of the city felt warm, nostalgic, and full of character. Even if you’re not specifically interested in landmarks, I highly recommend stopping by – both for the tower itself and for the atmosphere of the neighborhood around it.
Rike Park & Bridge of Peace
Rike Park is a pleasant park located near Tbilisi’s Old Town and a nice place for a short stroll while exploring the city.
From the park, you can take the cable car across the Kura River to Narikala Fortress, one of Tbilisi’s most famous landmarks. The ride offers beautiful views of the city and is an attraction in itself.
The park is also connected to the iconic Bridge of Peace, a modern glass-and-steel pedestrian bridge that has become one of the city’s most recognizable sights. Even if you only spend a few minutes in the area, it’s worth visiting for the views, architecture, and easy access to some of Tbilisi’s top attractions.
Aroma Thai Massage And Spa (Tbilisi)
Great spot for massages and is very reasonably priced.
You can choose between a traditional Thai massage or a foot massage. The staff is very kind, professional, and welcoming, and at the end we were even served tea, which added a nice relaxing touch to the whole experience.
If you’re looking for a little mid-trip pampering and relaxation, I highly recommend stopping by.
Day Trip from Tbilisi
One of the best things to do when visiting Tbilisi is to take a day trip and explore other parts of Georgia. Of course, it depends on how much time you have and whether you’re renting a car, but even a short trip outside the city can be a great addition to your itinerary.
We decided to take a relaxed half-day tour outside the city, which we booked through Booking.com, to the town of Mtskheta.
The tour included several stops, starting with the Jvari Monastery, which is not only fascinating to explore inside but also offers incredible panoramic views of the area.
After that, we visited the local market in town, surrounded by beautiful nature, and ended the trip with a wine tasting experience. The entire tour cost around $25 per person for about 4 hours, and since there wasn’t much driving involved, it didn’t feel tiring at all.
Overall, it was a great value experience and definitely worth adding to your trip if you’re in Tbilisi.
Vegan Food in Tbilisi
It might surprise some people, but Tbilisi is absolutely a destination where vegans can eat well and enjoy the food scene. While there aren’t many fully vegan restaurants in the city and not every place offers clearly marked vegan options, there are still more than enough spots to enjoy a variety of dishes – especially on a 4-5 day trip.
Most of the places we visited were either fully vegan or vegetarian, but we also ate at a few non-vegan restaurants that still had solid vegan-friendly options.
Georgian cuisine is quite diverse, and many traditional dishes can be adapted or are naturally vegan, even in non-vegetarian restaurants. Before the trip, I did some research using HappyCow and Google Maps to find the best places to eat.
One interesting thing to know is that in Georgia, there is a religious fasting period during which much of the local food is naturally vegan. During this time, many dishes are labeled as “Fasting,” which often means they contain no animal products. So if you’re struggling to find vegan labels, it’s worth looking for this term as well – it can make navigating menus much easier.
Namu
A fully vegan restaurant focused on healthy, plant-based food with a modern and stylish design.
It’s a great spot for anyone who prefers lighter, more wholesome meals. We ordered a kombucha cocktail, avocado toast made with buckwheat flour, and healthy buckwheat pancakes.
The menu feels creative and fresh, and the overall vibe is calm and minimal – perfect if you’re looking for a more health-oriented vegan café experience in Tbilisi.
Vegan Place
A great vegan spot in the city center that we ended up visiting twice.
On our first visit, we ordered seitan nuggets, mac and cheese topped with extra nuggets, and a cheeseburger made with a soy-based patty. On the second visit, we had a nugget salad and a “meat” burrito.
The food is also very affordable – two dishes cost less than a single dish in Israel, which makes it even more worth visiting.
Erti kava Coffee Room
A very nice café in the city center with plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere.
We ordered coffee and a ceremonial grade matcha, which was high quality and really enjoyable.
Kiwi Vegan Café
A fully vegan restaurant with a strong plant-based aesthetic – the walls are covered with vegan messages and anti-racism statements, creating a unique and meaningful atmosphere.
We actually visited twice. On our first visit, we started with kombucha and ordered two main dishes: a coconut seitan bowl with Asian-style seitan, broccoli, and sauerkraut, and a chickpea cheeseburger (which reminded us a lot of falafel).
On our second visit, we had a tofu burger (which I personally liked even more than the chickpea burger), tofu noodles, and finished the meal with a hot chocolate for dessert.
LUTRA BAR
A great 100% vegan bar to spend an evening at.
When we visited, there weren’t many food options available and we had already eaten dinner, so we mostly came for drinks and light snacks. We ordered beer, a cocktail with coconut cream, and nachos with vegan soy “meat”.
It’s a great place if you want to enjoy a bar with peace of mind knowing that everything is vegan – including the alcohol itself. Many people don’t realize this, but some cocktails contain animal-derived ingredients, and even certain beers and wines can be processed using animal products.
If you’re at a non-vegan bar while traveling, it’s always worth asking the staff. You can also check alcohol brands in advance on Barnivore, a helpful database for vegan-friendly alcoholic drinks.
MAHARAJAH RESTAURANT
A local Georgian restaurant serving traditional cuisine, located very close to our hotel. It was almost always busy, and we were told in advance that the food might take a while to arrive – but in the end, everything came quite quickly.
They offer a variety of traditional Georgian dishes in vegan versions, which are actually very common in the original cuisine itself.
We ordered lobiani filled with beans, khinkali stuffed with potatoes, and eggplant with a homemade walnut paste filling.
Stricha
A small vegan café/bar with limited outdoor seating, known mainly for its delicious desserts.
We ordered two lattes, along with donuts and a cheesecake.
Coffee Place
A hidden vegan café tucked away among the city streets.
They offer a rotating selection of baked goods that changes daily. We ordered a matcha latte, coffee, tiramisu, and a berry pie.
Bonus: there’s a friendly cat that often comes to the café and loves being petted!
Café Leila
A Georgian pescatarian restaurant (vegetarian with fish) that offers a variety of vegan-friendly dishes with a healthy twist, served in a beautifully designed space.
We ordered pumpkin soup with coconut cream and eggplant and zucchini in tomato sauce.
Shpana
A vegan punk restaurant and bar.
This is a place that not everyone will connect with – both in terms of its design and its location, which is a bit far from the center and slightly hard to find. But we really enjoyed the food, and I always appreciate places with a more unique and alternative vibe.
I’m also very drawn to the connection between punk culture and veganism. At its core, punk has often been associated with animal rights and anti-exploitation values, and many artists from the punk rock scene are vegan and speak out against animal cruelty.
Personally, I’m a fan of rock music, especially pop-punk – a blend of pop and punk that became more mainstream in the 2000s, the years I grew up in and that shaped my musical taste the most.
I’ll take this opportunity to also mention a documentary by Moby that explores the connection between veganism and punk, featuring interviews with various punk rock artists.
But back to the food.
When we arrived, the owner told us they have a free second-hand swap corner inside the place – anyone can bring items, leave them there, and take whatever they want. I think it’s amazing that they use the space to promote second-hand culture, since ecology and veganism are deeply connected struggles.
So what did we eat? Of course, we had to start with khachapuri – the traditional Georgian cheese and egg-filled pastry. The vegan version they serve was surprisingly realistic, even tasting quite close to egg.
We also ordered a margherita pizza, which was one of the best we had, and two of their house natural drinks.
Bazari Orbeliani – Food Hall
Bazari Orbeliani is a huge multi-level food hall that stays open late and offers plenty of seating and a wide variety of food options.
On our first night, we couldn’t find a table anywhere else, so we ended up eating at one of the bars inside that served traditional Georgian vegan-friendly dishes like khinkali with mushrooms and lobiani with beans. It was a really nice experience overall.
I don’t remember the exact name of the spot we ate at, but I definitely recommend visiting the food hall in general, since there are many more places worth trying that we didn’t get to explore or that weren’t open when we visited.
Entrée
Entrée is one of the well-known café chains in the city.
The coffee was very good and the interior design is stylish and pleasant. It’s a nice place to sit, relax, and start your morning with a coffee.
SKA_georgia
A small and cozy café located in the Old Town, right near our hotel.
It offers a small selection of vegan-friendly items. We had coffee and a healthy almond flour cookie.
Shopping in Tbilisi – Recommended Stores & Malls
Tbilisi isn’t known as a top shopping destination, but you can still find a nice variety of places to shop. From organic grocery stores, second-hand and vintage shops, to malls with international brands – including some cruelty-free cosmetics and makeup brands.
Organika Bio Shop
A small organic shop in the city center.
If you’ve read my past travel guides on the blog, you probably know I love visiting organic and vegan-friendly stores while traveling and bringing back unique vegan grocery products that aren’t available in Israel. Most of the time, it ends up being different kinds of chocolate.
In Tbilisi, I bought vegan chocolates, toffee, cookies, and one of the best (and surprisingly affordable) matcha powders I’ve ever tried.
Overall, matcha in Tbilisi is really high quality – even in cafés – so if you’re a matcha lover, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of while you’re in the city.
City Mall
A nice shopping mall with several floors and a modern, cool design.
It’s located a bit outside the city center, but it’s still worth visiting – especially since it’s close to an organic store, so you can combine both in one trip.
Goodwill
A supermarket located on the lower floor of Galleria Tbilisi.
It’s a really pleasant supermarket with a variety of vegan options, including baked goods that are clearly labeled as vegan.
Humana
A large European second-hand retail chain with stores in many cities across Europe.
It’s a place where you need to go in with time and patience, since items are often not organized by size or style. Sometimes you can find amazing pieces, and other times the selection is less impressive – it really depends on the location.
Still, I definitely recommend checking it out, especially if you love second-hand shopping.
Galleria Tbilisi
A shopping mall with several floors located in the city center. It is not huge, but definitely worth visiting, especially if you are looking for shopping.
Vintage Hub
A cool vintage and second-hand store with a nice selection.
The Body Shop
A cosmetics and makeup retail chain in Europe with great products. There are several branches in the city. The brand is cruelty-free and it is easy to identify which products are vegan.
