Abanotubani sulphur baths

History of Abanotubani

The district's name translates simply as “bath quarter”. Sulfur springs come to the surface here at the foot of Narikala, and baths have been built around them for centuries: at the end of the 13th century the city had 65 bathhouses. Today's brick domes date mostly from the 19th century — the baths are set into the ground, so from outside you only see the vaults with small windows for light and steam.

The Tbilisi baths were described by Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas. Pushkin wrote: “I have never seen anything more luxurious than the Tiflis baths.” The district's most recognizable façade belongs to the Chreli Abano (Orbeliani) bath, clad in blue mosaic like a Persian mosque.

Prices at the Abanotubani baths in 2026

The private room price is for the whole room, not per person, so it works out cheaper in a group. Prices differ at each bathhouse and change by season — check with the bathhouse before your visit.

Which bath to choose

• Chreli Abano (Orbeliani) — the most photogenic, with a blue mosaic façade; private rooms only.
• Royal Baths (Royal Bath House) — renovated private rooms, easy online booking.
• Bathhouse No. 5 — has an inexpensive public hall, you can walk in without booking.
• Gulo’s Thermal Spa — popular private rooms; book ahead for evenings and weekends.

If price matters — the public hall. If you want peace and quiet as a couple or with friends — a private room for an hour.

How to get there

• On foot: 15–20 minutes from Avlabari metro across Metekhi Bridge; from Freedom Square — down through the Old Town.
• By taxi: usually 5–8 ₾ within the center; the address is “Abanotubani” or Abano Street.
• On a tour: the baths are part of our Old Tbilisi walks — the guide will show you the district and help you choose a bathhouse.

What to bring and the rules

• Swimsuit, flip-flops, shampoo and a bottle of water. Towels can be rented.
• Take off any silver — sulfur water tarnishes it.
• Shower before the pool. Stay in the hot water for 5–10 minutes at a time and rest in between.
• The public halls are separate, and it's customary to bathe naked there. In a private room — whatever you're comfortable with.
• Rooms are booked by the hour; you're usually given a heads-up 10 minutes before the end.
• Sulfur baths are not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart conditions or fresh wounds on the skin.

When to go

It's least crowded on weekday mornings. In the evenings and at weekends private rooms get snapped up — book ahead. Locals love the baths most in winter and early spring, but they're open all year round.