Abanotubani is Tbilisi’s sulfur bath district, tucked between the foot of Narikala Fortress and the Mtkvari (Kura) River in the southern part of the Old Town. Dozens of bathhouses crowned with brick domes draw naturally heated mineral water from springs below, and the city’s very name comes from this place: “Tbilisi” means “warm location” in Georgian.
History and Legend
According to legend, in the 5th century King Vakhtang Gorgasali (Vakhtang I of Iberia) was out hunting when his falcon caught a pheasant and both birds tumbled into a hot spring. Impressed by the naturally warm water, the king ordered a city built on the spot — the city that became Tbilisi (Source: Georgia.travel official; Wikipedia — Vakhtang I). The Georgian word tpili, meaning “warm,” gave the city its name. Persian and Ottoman influences later shaped the bathhouse architecture, adding tiled interiors and the distinctive brick domes still standing today. Abanotubani remains one of the oldest continuously used quarters of Tbilisi and the beating heart of its bathing tradition.
Bathhouses and Prices
The district offers two main options: affordable public baths and private rooms.
- Public bath: 10 GEL per hour for men (~USD 3.80) and 6 GEL per hour for women (~USD 2.30). The baths are gender-segregated (Source: Wander-Lush, RooWanders, 2025 on-site checks).
- Private room: For 1–6 people. The renowned Chreli-Abano (also called the Orbeliani Baths) starts at 200 GEL per hour (~USD 75) per room (Source: chreli-abano.ge official site).
- Add-ons: Traditional massage and the kisa scrub cost around 30 GEL (~USD 11) each (Source: chreli-abano.ge).
Most bathhouses are open daily from 09:00 to 23:00, and Chreli-Abano runs an inquiry call center (032 2 930093). Exchange rates used here are 1 USD ≈ 2.65 GEL and 1 GEL ≈ 570 KRW as of June 2026 (Source: Wise, Trading Economics).
Tips and Etiquette
The sulfur-rich mineral water is believed to help with skin conditions and sore muscles, but it runs hot and carries a distinct sulfur smell, so on a first visit keep your soak to around 10–15 minutes. Private rooms are booked in one- to two-hour slots and come with towels, a wrap, and slippers. The kisa scrub costs extra but is well worth it for an authentic experience. Public baths can get busy in the evening, so a morning visit tends to be quieter. Bring drinking water and a light snack to keep your energy up in the heat.
Getting There and What’s Nearby
Abanotubani sits at the southern end of Tbilisi’s Old Town and is easy to reach on foot. From Rustaveli Avenue, cross the Metekhi Bridge and it is about a 15–20 minute walk. After your soak, explore the nearby Narikala Fortress cable car, the Juma Mosque, and the leafy Leghvtakhevi Gorge with its waterfall, which leads up to the Tbilisi Botanical Garden. Experiencing 1,500 years of bathing culture in person is one of the most memorable things to do in Tbilisi.
Want to reserve your spot in this centuries-old bathing ritual? Check opening hours and book ahead on the Chreli-Abano official website. → Book your visit
