TbilisiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Foundation and Early Struggles

Tbilisi's history begins in the 5th century AD, though human settlement in the area dates to the 4th millennium BC. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali of Iberia is said to have founded the city after discovering hot sulfuric springs during a hunt. He ordered a city built on this site, naming it "Tbilisi" from the Georgian word "tbili," meaning "warm." The city's location in the Mtkvari River gorge, at a crossroads of East-West trade routes, made it a strategic point.

Throughout its history, Tbilisi was repeatedly captured and sacked by various empires. In the 6th century, it fell to the Persians, then to the Byzantine Empire and the Arabs in the 7th century, who established the Emirate of Tbilisi. In 1122, King David IV of Georgia recaptured Tbilisi, making it the capital of a unified Georgian state. This period saw economic and cultural growth. However, Mongol invasions in the 13th century and subsequent sacks by Timur in 1386 interrupted this era. The Persians burned the city in 1795. Despite these events, Tbilisi consistently rebuilt itself, often on the same warm springs that gave it its name.

Russian Rule and Modern Georgia

In 1801, the Russian Empire annexed the Georgian kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti, with Tbilisi as its capital. Renamed Tiflis, it became the seat of the Imperial Viceroy, governing the Caucasus region until 1917. This period brought economic and political growth, with new buildings in European styles constructed across the city. The Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, for example, opened in 1851. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Tbilisi briefly served as the capital of the independent Transcaucasian Federation before Georgia declared its own independence in May 1918. In 1921, it became the capital of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, it became the capital of independent Georgia.

• —Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre — The building displays Neo-Moorish architecture, combining Oriental decorations with a European opera house layout. The current structure, designed by Victor Schröter, opened in 1896 after the original burned down in 1874.
• —Parliament of Georgia — This building on Rustaveli Avenue is a landmark of Georgia's modern political history. The surrounding area is often used for public gatherings.
• —Kartlis Deda (Mother Georgia) Statue — This aluminum statue, erected in 1958 for Tbilisi's 1500th anniversary, stands on Sololaki Hill. It holds a sword for enemies and a bowl of wine for friends.
• —Sololaki District — This residential area features 19th-century architecture, carved balconies, and a mix of Art Nouveau and traditional Georgian styles.
• —Bridge of Peace — A pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River, built with glass and steel. It illuminates at night.
• —Mtatsminda Pantheon — A necropolis on the slopes of Mount Mtatsminda for Georgian writers, artists, scholars, and national heroes. The site offers views of the city.
• —Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) — A central square, formerly known as Erivansky Square during Russian rule. It serves as a starting point for exploring the Old Town.
• —Kashveti Church (St. George) — This Georgian Orthodox church, built between 1904 and 1910, is an example of Neo-Georgian architecture on Rustaveli Avenue. Its design is based on the 11th-century Samtavisi Cathedral.

The best times to visit Tbilisi are May to June and September to October. Temperatures are mild, around 20°C (68°F), suitable for sightseeing. Spring brings greenery and Independence Day on May 26th. Autumn offers golden light, the grape harvest (Rtveli) in Kakheti, and the Tbilisoba city festival in early October. July and August can be hot and humid, reaching 33°C (91°F), making afternoon exploration less comfortable. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures dropping to -1°C (30°F) and occasional snowfall. This is a quieter time for museums and sulfur baths.

Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport (TBS) is 17 km southeast of the city center. Bus number 337 (formerly 37) runs from 7 AM to 11 PM, costs 1 GEL, and takes about an hour to Freedom Square. Payment requires a MetroMoney card or contactless bank card; cash is not accepted on buses.

Public transport includes a metro, buses, and marshrutkas (minibuses). A MetroMoney card, purchased for 2 GEL at any metro station, is used for all public transport, with a 1 GEL fare per ride and free transfers within 90 minutes. The metro operates from 6 AM to midnight. For longer distances or late nights, ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Yandex Go are available. Walking is suitable for the Old Town and Sololaki District. Parking in the city center is difficult; public transport is recommended.