Between traditional spots and new places to visit, the Georgian capital is attracting more and more travellers. Here are some reasons to make it your next holiday destination.
Cover photo: Nino Gakhokia
Where to sleep?
At Stamba, a contemporary boutique hotel set up in a former printing house. Brick walls, XXL bay windows and touches of metal are just the start: this singular setting also features a vertical garden, café and rooftop pool.
Photo: Stamba Hotel
Where to eat?
Although it’s completely off the beaten track, Georgian cuisine is well worth discovering. To do so, head to Shavi Lomi, a café that whips up bowls of various specialities (and other choices) in a cosy setting. At Littera, chef Tekuna Gachechiladze takes a modern approach to Georgian cooking. For a dinner with sharing plates, seasonal products and local wine, try Poliphonia. As for the cool kids (over 18) in the area, they meet up at Azarphesha, a restaurant that draws inspiration from traditional flavours.
Photo: Littera
Where to buy travel souvenirs?
Art book lovers will adore the excellent selection at They Said Books (approved by Yvon Lambert). Aesthetes will prefer to take home a bottle of Georgian orange wine: the wine shop 8000 Vintages sells (almost) as many bottles as its name suggests. For a souvenir to frame, check out the cool art gallery Fotografia. As its name indicates, it mainly features photographs, by Georgian artists, of course.
Photo: They Said Books
Where to get away from it all?
As soon as you arrive in the Georgian capital, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away somewhere new: simply stroll through its narrow streets and avenues. For those who prefer to know exactly where they’re going, head to Narikala Fortress, which overlooks the capital and the Kura River. For a gastronomic immersion, you can visit the Bazroba central market and discover the local products (cheese, fruits, vegetables, walnuts, etc.). Finally, you can (literally) sink into the Abanotubani sulphur baths in brick and river stones.
Photo: Josip Ivanković
Address book
Stamba Hotel – 14, 0108 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Shavi Lomi – PR54+9FV, Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Littera – 0105, 13 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi, Georgia
Poliphonia – ჭონქაძის 29/29 Chonkadze str, Tbilisi, Georgia
Azarphesha – 0105, 2 Pavle Ingorokva St, Tbilisi, Georgia
They Said Books – 10 Giorgi Akhvlediani St, Tbilisi, Georgia
8000 Vintages – 27 Revaz Tabukashvili St, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
Fotografia – 21/4 Revaz Tabukashvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia American Vintage – 44 Ilia Chavchavadze Av, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia
Photo: Daniel Newman
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.