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Guide To Tbilisi

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When to Go

Georgia's climate is relatively mild year-round; spring and early summer are the most pleasant.

Getting There

Georgian Airlines flies to Tbilisi from Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Vienna; Austrian Air flies from Vienna; and United flies from New York via Munich.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens staying less than three months.

Tour Operators

Caucasus Travel prepares history, art, nature, and other trips around Georgia. 44/II Leselidze St; 995/32-987-400; caucasustravel.com.

Where to Stay

Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel Located in Tbilisi's historical district. 20 Telavi St.; 995-32/772-020; sheraton.com; doubles from $250.

XX Century Industrial-chic hotel in the heart of the residential district. 24 Betlemi St.; 995-32/788-016; doubles from $90.

Where to Eat

Maidan Georgian specialties, and music and dance performances in the evenings. 6 Rkinis Rigi St.; 995-32/986-594; dinner for two $50.

Marrakech Traditional Moroccan cuisine. 13 Chardin St.; 995-32/751-028; dinner for two $20.

Two Side Serves regional dishes like sturgeon baked in earthenware frying pans, and assorted Georgian cheeses. 7 Bambis Rigi St.; 995-32/439-038; dinner for two $45.

What to See

Gabriadze Marionette Theater Puppet performances created by Rezo Gabriadze; not just for kids. 26 Shavteli St.; 995-32/996-620.

Jvari Monastery A pink stone building on a hill overlooking Mtskheta's two rivers. Mtskheta.

"Mama Daviti" Church Built in the 16th century, this church is best known for its cemetery, where numerous poets and public figures are buried. On the Mtkvari River, off Metekhis Khidi Rd.

Maidan Square The capital's historic center, with outdoor cafés and bars.

Rustaveli National Theatre In 1949, a fire reduced all but the façade of this 1901 theater to ashes. It was completely reconstructed in the 1980's, and its famous frescoes restored. 17 Rustaveli Ave.; 995-32/933-818; rustavelitheatre.ge.

Sioni Church Beautiful interior frescoes at this fifth-century church. 4 Sionis St.

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral A wooden church built in the sixth century, in the shape of a cross. Mtskheta.

Where to Shop

Marjanishvili Street This fin-de-siecle strip is the place for antiques.

Dry Bridge Flea Market 3 Riverside St.; 995-32/936-283.

Side Trip: Batumi

An overnight train ride from Tbilisi, the Black Sea resort town, capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, has numerous hotels, restaurants, pebble beaches, and Roman-Byzantine sites. Don't miss the Batumi Botanical Gardens (35 M. Rceulishvili; 995-899/950-461; batumibotanical.org).

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