Top Local Tips for Tbilisi

The I am glad I saw Tbilisi and would recommend that anyone in that part of the world see it as well. But the guidebooks describe it as the prettiest capital city in the Caucasus. Same books also recommend the old city for its charm and speak of the friendliness of the people. OK, I happened to be there at the beginning of a war and the people may not have been at their best, but the city is a wreak! The old town looks like it is ready to fall down. It is not charming and there is little to do. Even the hotel concierge said to spend only two hours seeing it (I would recommend at least a day to a day and a half). I looked at pictures of old town on the web and they were either touched up or in remote corners of the city. What we saw (and we followed the recommended route in Lonely Planets guide) was a crumbling old city with lots of poverty. From a photographic standpoint, however, the crumbling nature of the place makes for some interesting shots.

Hangar Bar Head to the very friendly US ex-Pat Rebecca's Hangar Bar for a brilliant night. It's the only Irish bar in at least a 1000 mile radius! Its cosy, not daunting, and there's live music on occasion, and the lady herself may even belt out a tune. Rugby teams from accross the globe come here to drink when on tour - need I say more?!Also, make sure you sample the local delicasy - Catchipoury (not sure how its spelt, but that's it phonetically) warm bread with filling of choice - yum!

Other names for Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel

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• Address: 20 Telavi ulitsa - Tbilisi - 380019 - Georgia