The Timeless Charm of Old Tbilisi

• Helloგამარჯობა
  [gamardjoba]
• Goodbyeნახვამდი
  [nakhvamdi]
• Yesდიახ
  [diakh]
• Noარა
  [ara]
• Please/You're welcomeგთხოვთ
  [gtkhovt]
• Thank youმადლობა
  [madloba]
• Excuse me/Sorryშემშლელი ვარ
  [shemshleli var]
• How are you?როგორ ხარ?
  [rogor khar?]
• Fine. And you?კარგად. შენ?
  [kargad. shen?]
• Do you speak English?იცი ინგლისური?
  [itsi inglisuri?]
• I don't understandარ გასჭირდეს
  [ar gaschirdes]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseგთხოვთ, მენიუს ნახოთ
  [gtkhovt, menuis nakhot]
• I don't eat meatმე ხორი არ ვჭამ
  [me khori ar vcham]
• Cheers!გასიმრულე
  [gasimrule]
• I would like to pay, pleaseგთხოვთ, გადაიხდოთ
  [gtkhovt, gadaikdot]

• Help!დაახლოე
  [daakhloe]
• Go away!წვერი გელი
  [tsveri geli]
• Call the Police!შემოიძიარეთ პოლიცია!
  [shemoiziaret politsia!]
• Call a doctor!შემოიძიარეთ ექიმი!
  [shemoiziaret ekimi!]
• I'm lostვაკაცდები
  [vakatsdebi]
• I'm illვარ ავირია
  [var aviria]

• I'd like to buy...მე მიყიდვა მინიჭებს
  [me miqidva minich'eb]
• I'm just lookingმე მხედავ
  [me mkhedav]
• How much is it?რამდენი ღირს?
  [ramdeni ghirs?]
• That's too expensiveეს ძალიან ზღვისავსაა
  [es dzalian zghvisavsa]
• Can you lower the price?შეიძლება თანხის შემოწმება?
  [sheidzleba tank'is shemotsmeba?]

• What time is it?რა დროა?
  [ra droa?]
• It's one o'clockერთი არის
  [erti aris]
• Half past (10)ათის ნახევარი
  [at'is nakhevari]
• Morningდილა
  [dila]
• Afternoonსაღამო
  [saghamo]
• Eveningსაღამო
  [mshvenieri]
• Yesterdayგუშინ
  [gushin]
• Todayდღეს
  [dges]
• Tomorrowხვალ
  [khval]
• 1ერთი
  [erti]
• 2ორი
  [ori]
• 3სამი
  [sami]
• 4ოთხი
  [otkhi]
• 5ხუთი
  [khuti]
• 6ექვსი
  [ekvsi]
• 7შვიდი
  [shvidi]
• 8რვა
  [rva]
• 9ცხრა
  [tskhra]
• 10ათი
  [ati]

• Where's a/the...?სადაა ...?
  [sad'aa ...?]
• What's the address?რა მისამართია?
  [ra mismartia?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?შეიძლება მაჩვენოთ (რუკაზე)?
  [sheidzleba machvenot (ruk'aze)?]
• When's the next (bus)?როდისაა შემდეგი (ავტობუსი)?
  [rodissaa shemdegi (avtobusi)?]
• A ticket (to ....)ბილეთი (მიმდინარე ...)?
  [bileti (mimdinare ...)?]

Old Tbilisi's history dates back to the 5th century when King Vakhtang I Gorgasali established the city as the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. Its strategic location along key trade routes between Europe and Asia made it a bustling hub for commerce and cultural exchange. The city’s diverse influences, drawn from Persian, Byzantine, and later Ottoman cultures, contributed to its rich tapestry of history.

Throughout the centuries, Old Tbilisi became renowned for its diverse architectural styles and religious buildings. The area is home to iconic structures such as the Sioni Cathedral, dating back to the 6th century, and the Anchiskhati Basilica, one of the oldest surviving churches in Tbilisi. The coexistence of churches, mosques, and synagogues reflects the multicultural nature of Tbilisi, where different faiths and communities thrived together.

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Tbilisi was frequently contested between Persian and Ottoman empires. This tumultuous period saw the city change hands multiple times, influencing its culture and architecture. The Persian influence is particularly visible in the ornate wooden balconies and narrow winding streets of Old Tbilisi, while Ottoman architecture contributed to the city's vibrant urban landscape.

In the early 19th century, Tbilisi was annexed by the Russian Empire. This marked a period of significant urban development in Old Tbilisi, with the introduction of new infrastructure, public buildings, and a modernization of the city's layout. The city became a center of administration and culture in the region, leading to the construction of notable landmarks such as the Rustaveli Theatre and the Parliament building.

During the Soviet era, Tbilisi underwent further transformation, but the cultural and historical identity of Old Tbilisi faced challenges due to Soviet policies. Many historical sites were altered or neglected, and the emphasis was placed on industrialization. However, the resilience of the local population helped preserve much of the unique character that defines Old Tbilisi today.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Old Tbilisi experienced a cultural renaissance. Efforts to restore historical buildings and revitalize the area have attracted both locals and tourists. The neighborhood now thrives as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting art galleries, cafes, and festivals that celebrate Tbilisi's rich heritage and diverse history.

Old Tbilisi is centrally located and easily accessible from other parts of Tbilisi. If you're coming from Tbilisi International Airport, you can take a taxi, which takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, the Airport Express bus runs every 30 minutes to the city center, and you can then walk or take a local bus to reach Old Tbilisi. If you are in other neighborhoods, the metro system has a station at Rustaveli, which is a short walk from Old Tbilisi.

Old Tbilisi is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets and historical charm. However, public transport options such as buses and the metro are available for longer distances. The Tbilisi Metro has stations near the perimeter of Old Tbilisi, and local buses can be used to access further attractions. Bicycle rentals are available, but be cautious as the streets can be steep and uneven in places.

Old Tbilisi is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly around tourist hotspots like the sulfur baths and the bridge of peace. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, especially around the outskirts of the neighborhood.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. There are hospitals and clinics in Tbilisi, and it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications. The police stations are available in the area should you need assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites; women should cover their shoulders and knees. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices; it’s polite to remove your hat when entering a church. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat in public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a firm handshake or a nod, and use 'gamarjoba' for hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as khinkali and khachapuri and do accept invitations for meals. Don't waste food or decline food offered to you as it may be considered rude.

To experience Old Tbilisi like a local, explore the hidden alleyways and take time to visit local artisan shops. Visit the local markets, such as the Dezerter Bazaar, for fresh produce and traditional Georgian foods. Engage with locals in cafes and restaurants, as they often enjoy sharing stories and recommendations. Don’t miss the chance to try local wines, and for a unique experience, join a traditional supra (feast) with a local family if you have the opportunity.