Tbilisi Sulphur Baths

The basics

Visitors to Tbilisi have around a dozen bathhouses to choose from in Abanotubani; if time permits, it’s good to try two or more (if you can stand the heat). First thing’s first, you must decide whether to visit a public bathhouse, where bathers are divided into shared (though gender-segregated) warm and cold pools. Alternatively, private bath houses offer enclosed rooms for rent, typically equipped with pools and a shower. The experience tends to take about an hour, which includes a traditional full-body scrub for about 15 minutes.

Things to know before you go

• Many bathhouses have limited private rooms, so be sure to book in advance, especially during popular times like weekend evenings. Some bookings can be made online, while others require in-person or telephone reservations.
• Check in advance whether you are required to bring your own soap, slippers, and towel. Typically, bath items are also available for purchase at each venue.
• Traveling with a member of the opposite sex, or with kids? Then you’ll likely want to book a private room. Men and women are not able to use the same areas within the public bathhouses.
• Alternate between the hot and cold pools, and be sure to get out of the water if you feel lightheaded.
• Elderly travelers and people with heart conditions may want to seek medical advice before hitting the thermal baths, while pregnant women are advised to skip the soak altogether.
• Some bathhouses offer massages and other spa services, as well as the traditional gloved scrub, known as a kisi.
• Going nude is optional. If you feel more comfortable, you can opt to wear a bathing suit. Be aware that women will be asked to remove their bikini tops for the scrub.

How to get there

If you’re staying within Abanotubani, where there are many hotels and guest houses, then you should be able to walk to any of the bathhouses on foot. If coming from further away, the simplest way to reach Abanotubani is to take the metro; get off at the Avlabari stop.

When to get there

The best time for a hot soak in the baths is roughly from October to March, when the city’s temperatures drop; there’s nothing like braving a Georgian winter by heating up in a thermal pool. Each bathhouse keeps its own opening hours, but they generally accept visitors from morning until late evening.

Top off your bathhouse visit with a puppet show

Located a short walk away from Abanotubani, Gabriadze Theater is an award-winning marionette theater in the heart of the Old Town of Tbilisi. Just look for the distinctive clocktower out front, which has become a symbol of the theater, but be warned that shows sell out well in advance. And don’t expect Sesame Street: While older children are likely to enjoy the critically-acclaimed, award-winning performances, they contain mature themes.