1. Vake
Vake is one of the Tbilisi neighbourhoods with rich historical significance. It has been the preferred residential area for Georgia’s elite, politicians, and intellectuals. Located between Vera and Vake Cemetery, Vake is widely considered one of the city’s most desirable and upmarket districts. This neighborhood is home to luxurious developments, attracting the wealthiest residents of Tbilisi. With its abundance of high-end shops, restaurants, and bars, Vake exudes a modern and sophisticated atmosphere reminiscent of upscale European city districts. Central Vake features spacious avenues and beautiful green parks, while the upper part of the neighborhood, known as Zemo Vake or Bagebi, boasts charming villas and cottages along its narrow streets. Explore the allure of Vake and discover why it stands out among the diverse Tbilisi neighborhoods.
2. Sololaki
Sololaki, one of Tbilisi’s oldest planned residential areas, showcases its rich history and stunning architecture. Developed in the 19th century, this sought-after neighborhood was home to the city’s wealthiest merchants and businessmen, who built European-style mansions with exquisite Art Nouveau and neo-Moorish designs. Today, Sololaki has become a trendy destination in the Tbilisi neighbourhoods, with Georgian restaurants, bars, and specialty coffee shops breathing new life into its forgotten apartments. While the neighborhood offers convenience, such as proximity to Liberty Square metro station and shopping options, it can be crowded during summer. It’s important to note that older buildings in Sololaki may have limitations, such as limited natural light and plumbing issues. Due to the scarcity of available properties, residential prices in Sololaki tend to be higher.
3. Saburtalo
Saburtalo is one of the best Tbilisi neighbourhoods, offering a serene environment for a comfortable living experience. Although it has no significant historical or cultural landmarks, the neighborhood has much to offer. It has many amenities, including grocery stores, universities, and a good selection of restaurants and shops. Saburtalo also has a metro line that easily navigates the district and other Tbilisi neighborhoods. While the main streets in Saburtalo, Pekini, and Kostava can be busy with traffic, several parks exist in the area, such as the popular Lisi Lake. The old Hippodrome area is also great for evening walks or jogging, particularly on hot summer days. Saburtalo is an ideal neighborhood for families, students, and young professionals seeking a serene environment with green spaces and convenient transportation in Tbilisi.
4. Vera
Vera is a charming neighborhood in Tbilisi that spans from Rustaveli Metro Station to the border of Vake, starting from either Petriashvili or Kekelidze Street. The area is characterized by traditional red brick buildings and is often considered one of the best places for foreigners to live. Like much of Tbilisi, Vera has been developing for a while, resulting in limited available land plots. Most of Vera is situated on a steep hillside, and property prices depend on the location of the projects. Prices at the bottom of the hill can reach up to $2,000, while higher up prices are more affordable, with many properties offering stunning views. However, it’s important to note that the walk down to the city center from the projects toward the top of the hill can be steep. Vera is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Tbilisi, offering a unique character and a range of affordable property options with great views. Vera would be an excellent choice if you are searching for one of the best Tbilisi neighbourhoods to reside in for an extended period.
5. Chugureti (Chughureti)
Chugureti, known as Marjanishvili, Vorontsovi, or Plekhanovi, is a historic neighborhood on Tbilisi’s Left Embankment. The area’s name is derived from the Turkish word Chugur, which means ‘deep plateau’ or ‘pit’ in Georgian. Chugureti forms part of the larger Didube-Chugureti district, which extends all the way north to Didube Bus Station, the city’s primary marshrutka hub. The neighborhood boasts typical Georgian red brick buildings and mostly low-rise structures, adding to its historic charm. In 2012, David Aghmashenebeli Street underwent a complete renovation, making it a popular tourist destination, particularly for visitors from the Middle East. A few blocks away is the famous ‘Fabrika,’ a popular glam hostel, co-working space, and collection of trendy bars and restaurants. This has become a hub for digital nomads, increasingly relocating to Tbilisi. Property prices in Chugureti are still highly affordable compared to Mtatsaminda on the opposite side of the river, but there is potential for prices to increase faster than in other Tbilisi neighbourhoods.
6. Avlabari
Tbilisi neighbourhoods offer a diverse range of visitor experiences, and one of the oldest and most unique is Avlabari. This district is renowned for its iconic landmarks, including the Metekhi Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Armenian Theatre. Avlabari has a rich historical background, having been inhabited by Armenians for centuries, which adds to its distinct character. Although predominantly residential, it is still close to the city center. Depending on where you stay in Avlabari, you can easily walk to Freedom Square by crossing Baratashvili Street. Alternatively, you can use excellent public transportation options, including the metro, minibus, and bus. Given its central location, Avlabari is home to many boutique hotels and Tbilisi’s first five-star hotel, the Sheraton. Avlabari is worth considering whether you’re looking for a quiet residential experience or a convenient base for exploring the city.
7. Dighomi (The Northern Suburbs)
Dighomi is a large district in the north of Tbilisi that can be divided into four neighborhoods: 1. Didube is a new high-rise building district between Tsereteli and Didube metro stations. 2. Dighomi Massive is known for being one of the greenest areas in Tbilisi, with many squares and playgrounds for children, and it’s mostly home to foreign students and soccer players. 3. Didi Dighomi is a modern area with skyscrapers, but it’s not green and quite far from the city center, except for the American Village near the QSI International School. 4. Village Dighomi is one of the furthest Tbilisi neighbourhoods, with green backyards and a relaxed atmosphere, but public transportation is tricky. The village can be an excellent option for anyone looking for a private house rather than for apartment. As Dighomi covers such a large area, plenty of building plots are still available in the area. Consequently, this has resulted in many building projects in the area offering lower-priced properties.
8. Varketili
Varketili is a significant district of Tbilisi neighbourhoods, situated on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, far from the city center. Earlier, this area was a fruit orchard, but during the Soviet era, it became state-owned. In the 1970s, urbanization began, and by the 1980s, the area was divided into micro-districts, including new residential districts, Varketili II and Varketili III. Although it may not be a top tourist destination due to its location, Varketili is home to some of the city’s most important areas. Moreover, the Varketili Metro offers easy access to the center, taking only 10-15 minutes, which is very convenient. Varketili is one of the most affordable areas in Tbilisi to purchase an apartment. Investors can consider various investments in Varketili, such as long-term rentals, complexes, hotels, and shopping centers. The district boasts many specific complexes and two well-known local markets throughout Tbilisi. Please refer to the residence by investment service page to obtain more information in this area.
9. Ortachala
Ortachala used to have a small village feel and saw little development during the Communist period. However, in recent years, the area’s convenient location and availability of good plots have increased construction activity. While there is no metro station in the area, buses frequently pass through going to the center. There are not many shops in the area, but a new mall is set to be constructed in the coming years, addressing this issue. Despite being a relatively small area, prices in Ortachala can vary greatly by location. Surprisingly, some of the most affordable apartments are located close to the center but on the hillside. The area witnessing the most new development is near the river, with average prices.
Conclusion
Tbilisi, a city filled with vibrant neighborhoods, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One notable perk is the comparatively lower prices than other European cities, making it more affordable to find accommodation and shop in supermarkets or other establishments. Tbilisi embodies a modern metropolis, offering an array of destinations to explore and a plethora of activities to indulge in. Living in Tbilisi is a truly diverse and welcoming experience, regardless of what Tbilisi neighbourhoods you choose. The city spans just over 726 km², allowing for easy exploration of different areas. Embrace the lively spirit of Tbilisi as you discover its various neighborhoods and all they have to offer. If you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Tbilisi for real estate investment, visit the real estate residence service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Long-term rentals, complexes, hotels, and shopping centers.