Visiting Abanotubani sulphur baths

About Abanotubani sulphur baths

Tbilisi's name comes from the Georgian word for 'warm', after the sulphur springs that feed the domed brick bathhouses of Abanotubani. Most bathhouses offer public pools and private rooms rented by the hour, with an optional kisi scrub. The Chreli Abano (Orbeliani Baths), with its blue-tiled façade, is the most photographed.

Tip: Book a private room in the evening; a scrub with a kisi mitt is worth adding, and you'll leave very relaxed.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1–2 hours.
• Cost: Mid-priced.
• Book ahead: Private rooms at popular bathhouses fill up in the evenings and at weekends; reserve a day or two ahead.
• Where: Old Tbilisi, sulphur baths, balconied houses, churches and wine bars below Narikala.

Best time to visit Abanotubani sulphur baths

Abanotubani sulphur baths is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:

• May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
• April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• June: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.

When to visit Tbilisi has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Tbilisi itinerary visits Abanotubani sulphur baths on day 1, together with Narikala Fortress, Bridge of Peace and Rike Park and Anchiskhati Basilica.

• No. 2 of the 18 sights in our Tbilisi things-to-do list.
• Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 5-day plan.

Near Abanotubani sulphur baths

Also in Old Tbilisi, so you can walk between them:

• Narikala Fortress — 1–1.5 hours, free
• Bridge of Peace and Rike Park — 30–45 minutes, free
• Anchiskhati Basilica — 20 minutes, free

Staying near Abanotubani sulphur baths

Stay in Old Tbilisi ($$$) to walk here: sulphur baths, balconied houses, churches and wine bars below Narikala. All areas to stay in Tbilisi.

Questions travellers ask