Old Tbilisi vs New Tbilisi: Where Should You Stay?

Trying to decide where to stay in Tbilisi for your first visit?

The city’s neighbourhoods vary hugely in vibe, layout, and accessibility — and where you base yourself can completely shape your trip.

Old Tbilisi has the postcard charm — balconies, cobbled lanes, and every landmark on your doorstep. Newer areas like Vera and Vake offer space, cafés, and quiet corners that make longer stays or work trips easier.

I spent weeks walking through both sides of the city and put together this local-style breakdown to help you choose the right base — whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying longe

Check availability in Tbilisi Old Town here

Heading to Telavi and Sighnghi? Hop over to my full guides: 

• Where to Stay in Telavi, Georgia: 15 Best Guesthouses, Hotels & Winery Stays
• Where to Stay in Sighnaghi, Georgia: Best Hotels & Guesthouses for Wine-Tasting & Views

Old Tbilisi (Kala): Best for First-Timers & Walkability

Old Tbilisi is where most visitors fall in love with the city — a charming, historic area filled with colourful balconies, cobbled streets, and a slightly chaotic mix of architectural styles from different eras. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited parts of the region, and the area still feels like a lived-in museum: stone staircases tucked between homes, laundry lines across alleyways, and views of hilltop churches in almost every direction.

Walkability

This part of Tbilisi is highly walkable, though a little uneven. Streets are compact and interconnected, and you’ll find most of the city’s main landmarks just a few minutes apart on foot. It’s the kind of place where wandering without a map is half the fun — though be ready for some hills and the occasional uneven staircase.

Proximity to Attractions

From Old Tbilisi, you can walk to the Sulfur Baths, Narikala Fortress, the Tbilisi cable car, Freedom Square, Rike Park, and the Peace Bridge. It’s also where many of the city’s best-known restaurants, wine bars, and cafés are concentrated. If it’s your first time in the city, this is hands-down the most convenient area to stay.

Noise & Tourist Levels

The downside of being so central is the foot traffic — especially during spring and summer. Popular streets can get noisy, and depending on your hotel, you might hear music or late-night chatter. If you’re a light sleeper like me, it’s worth booking a hotel that mentions soundproofing or a quieter side street, perhaps away from nightclubs or late night restaurants.

Best for: Couples · Short stays · First-time visitors · Food lovers · Sightseeing on foot
Not ideal if: You want peace and quiet or ultra-modern amenities

Old Tbilisi’s Charming Neighbourhoods

Kala (Old Town)

The heart of historic Tbilisi, full of wooden balconies, cobbled lanes, and views of Narikala Fortress. Everything you want to see is within walking distance — the Sulfur Baths, Freedom Square, Rike Park, and Peace Bridge. It’s atmospheric but busy, so light sleepers may prefer side-street hotels.
Best for: First-time visitors · Walkability · Landmarks
Not ideal if: You need modern apartments or total quiet
See verified Old Tbilisi stays with free cancellation →

Sololaki – Historic Charm Near Freedom Square

Steps from Freedom Square, Sololaki mixes art-nouveau architecture with a local, residential vibe. It’s quieter than Kala but still central enough to walk everywhere. Expect hidden courtyards, balconied apartments, and a few creative cafés tucked into side streets.
Best for: Couples · Weekend stays · Walkability
Not ideal if: You want nightlife or late-opening cafés
Compare top-rated Sololaki stays — free cancellation & verified reviews →

Avlabari – Hilltop Views & Local Feel

Across the river from the Old Town, Avlabari offers wide streets, local guesthouses, and a more authentic feel. Views stretch across to the Sulfur Baths and Narikala Fortress. You’ll still be 15–20 minutes on foot from Freedom Square or five minutes by Bolt.
Best for: Budget travellers · Family guesthouses · Peace & views
Not ideal if: You want nightlife or luxury hotels
Compare Avlabari guesthouses — breakfast included & free cancellation →

See Best Hotels in Old Tbilisi (Kala)

If you’re visiting Tbilisi for the first time, start here. Kala — the city’s Old Town — wraps around Freedom Square and Narikala Fortress, full of historic houses and narrow lanes. It’s atmospheric, photogenic, and completely walkable, though some streets are steep.

Betlemi Old Town Hotel
Best for: A cozy, romantic stay just steps from the Sulfur Baths
Located on what I think is one of the prettiest streets in the Old Town, this boutique guesthouse mixes traditional balconies with clean, modern rooms. It’s a quiet spot but still within walking distance to everything.
Check rates & availability on Booking.com →

Abanotubani Boutique Hotel
Best for: First-time visitors who want to walk everywhere
Right in the heart of Abanotubani, this hotel has one of the best locations in Tbilisi. You’ll be minutes from the cable car, the Peace Bridge, and every café and wine bar worth visiting.
See photos & book your stay →

Rustaveli Downtown ApartHotel
Best for: Central stays with space to work or cook
If you want to stay near the action but have a bit more independence, these apartment-style rooms come with kitchenettes, fast Wi-Fi, and a quieter setting just off Rustaveli Avenue.
Compare rates and availability →

New Tbilisi’s Neighbourhoods

Vera – Quiet, Local & Great for Longer Stays

Just uphill from Rustaveli Avenue, Vera is leafy and laid-back with boutique hotels, coffee roasters, and design shops. Locals love its creative but unpretentious feel. Ideal if you’re working remotely or want to stay a week or more.
Best for: Remote work · Peace · Café culture

Check Vera’s best boutique stays — weekly discounts & free cancellation →

Mtatsminda – Classic Views & Culture by Rustaveli

Above Rustaveli Avenue, Mtatsminda combines theatres and museums with quiet streets and balcony views toward the city. You’re close to the funicular and Mtatsminda Park for sunset walks.
Best for: Culture · Views · Walkable central base

Explore stays near Mtatsminda Park — hand-picked hotels & apartments →

Vake – Modern & Upscale

Vake is home to embassies, parks, and Tbilisi’s trendiest cafés. Wide streets, stylish apartment buildings, and quiet evenings make it popular for longer stays and families.
Best for: Long stays · Upscale comfort · Parks & cafés

Find modern apartments in Vake — instant confirmation & free cancellation →

Saburtalo – Residential & Well-Connected

Saburtalo offers good-value stays and metro access to the centre in 10 minutes. It’s modern, safe, and ideal for digital nomads or families looking for space.
Best for: Value · Connectivity · Long-term guests

Browse Saburtalo hotels — verified reviews & no hidden fees →

Chugureti (Marjanishvili) – Creative Neighbourhood Across the River

Across the Mtkvari River, Chugureti mixes street art, bakeries, and repurposed warehouses like Fabrika. It’s younger, edgier, and well-connected by metro and Bolt.
Best for: Young travellers · Creative scene · Cafés & coworking

See Marjanishvili deals — cool guesthouses & boutique hotels →

See Best Hotels in New Tbilisi →

These hotels are perfect for a quieter stay — all have strong Wi-Fi, easy metro or Bolt access, and a more local neighborhood feel.

Octava Boutique Hotel (Vera)
Best for: Stylish comfort in a laid-back, central neighborhood
This small boutique hotel strikes a balance between quiet and convenience. You’re close to hip cafés, coworking spots, and just a 10-minute walk to Rustaveli. Rooms are bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed.
Check rates & availability on Booking.com →

9Rooms Hotel (Saburtalo)
Best for: Longer stays and easy metro access
Tucked into a quieter part of Saburtalo, 9Rooms offers bright, clean spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. Ideal if you’re planning to stay more than a few nights and want to be near grocery stores, casual restaurants, and the Technical University metro station.
Compare availability & guest reviews →

Tbilisi Tower Apartment Hotel (near Vake)
Best for: Apartment-style living with full kitchens and great views
This modern high-rise offers fully equipped studios and apartments — great for travelers who want their own space to work, cook, or relax. It’s a short ride to central sights, but well located for longer stays or remote work setups.
See rooms and book with free cancellation →

Best Area to Stay in Tbilisi based on your trip style

Still Not Sure? See my Tbilisi Neighbourhood + Hotel Guides

If you’re deciding where to base yourself in Tbilisi, these guides make it easier to narrow things down — from quiet guesthouses and rooftop-view stays to design hotels that actually work for remote days. Each one’s written with real on-the-ground context, so you can choose the kind of stay that fits your trip rather than guessing from photos.

7 Tbilisi Hotels for Digital Nomads with Reliable Wi-Fi and Workspaces
Best Guesthouses in Old Tbilisi (Near Sulfur Baths & Sololaki) [2025]
7 Best Rooftop Hotels in Tbilisi (2025) for Sunset Views
Romantic Hotels in Tbilisi with Balcony Views (2025): 7 Gorgeous Stays for Couples
7 Hidden-Gem Boutique Hotels in Tbilisi You’ll Love [2025]
7 Safe Hotels for Solo Female Travelers in Tbilisi (Central & Walkable)
Old Tbilisi vs New Tbilisi: Where Should You Stay?

Heading to Telavi and Sighnghi? Hop over to my full guides: 

• Where to Stay in Telavi, Georgia: 15 Best Guesthouses, Hotels & Winery Stays
• Where to Stay in Sighnaghi, Georgia: Best Hotels & Guesthouses for Wine-Tasting & Views

FAQ About Staying in Tbilisi

These common questions help visitors choose the best area based on safety, walkability, and travel style.

Is it better to stay in Old Tbilisi or New Tbilisi?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

Old Tbilisi is ideal for first-time visitors. It’s packed with historic architecture, restaurants, and most of the city’s major sights. The atmosphere is lively, and you can walk almost everywhere.

New Tbilisi, including areas like Vera and Vake, is more residential and better suited for longer stays. It’s quieter, less touristy, and popular with remote workers thanks to modern flats and coworking cafes.

Need help deciding? You can compare hotel options in both areas here →

What is the safest area in Tbilisi to stay?

Tbilisi is generally considered safe. For extra peace of mind, look at hotels around Rustaveli Avenue or Vera — both are central, well-lit, and active into the evening. Old Tbilisi is also safe, but some backstreets are quieter after dark, so location and hotel reviews matter.

Look for properties with good reviews, 24-hour reception, and easy access to main roads.

What’s the most walkable area in Tbilisi?

Old Tbilisi is the most walkable part of the city. Most of the top sights — the Sulfur Baths, Narikala Fortress, Freedom Square, Peace Bridge — are just minutes apart on foot. That said, some streets are hilly and uneven, so good shoes are essential.

For flatter terrain with similar convenience, the area around Rustaveli Avenue is a great alternative.

Are there good hotels near the Sulfur Baths?

Yes. The Abanotubani district, where the Sulfur Baths are located, has a good range of boutique hotels and guesthouses just steps from the baths themselves. It’s one of the most atmospheric parts of the city to stay, especially for a short visit.

You can browse top-rated hotels in this area here → See hotels near the Sulfur Baths →