While Georgia isn't the most popular country in the world for tourism, it’s a great location for any amateur anthropologists who enjoy learning about human culture. The country’s capital city of Tbilisi, in particular, has a fascinating culture that blends Asian and European influence, lending it one of the most interesting and confusing cultural identities in the world. The city was also a major point along the Silk Road, which means it has been a cultural melting pot for a long period of its history. Today, the long and colorful history of Tbilisi is still visible in its monuments and other cultural sites.
Tbilisi isn’t only a place of history, though. The city has since transformed into a hub of modern culture, which has attracted increasing tourism in recent years. The city is lined with theatres and concert halls that are constantly hosting performances. There is a vibrant nightlife scene for any drinkers and night owls. And Georgian food is gaining more and more recognition as one of the finest cuisines on the planet. If you want a destination that’s off the beaten path and that offers a wide range of things to do and see, check out Tbilisi. And the best way to make the most of your time in the city is by renting a motorcycle and hitting the streets.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Tbilisi. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Tbilisi, Georgia
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Georgia
- The price of motorcycle hire in Tbilisi
- The best places to find motorbike hire in Tbilisi
- The best things to do in Tbilisi, Georgia by motorcycle
Is It Safe to Hire a Motorcycle in Tbilisi?
The public transportation vans in Tbilisi don’t run on a very set schedule, so renting your own motorcycle gives you the flexibility to move around the city on your own schedule and may end up saving you a lot of time. However, you should keep in mind that driving in Tbilisi, and all over Georgia, can get a bit dangerous. Local drivers tend to ignore the speed limits and other laws of the road. The streets in the middle of Tbilisi can also get very congested, which can make driving even more dangerous.
Most of the road signs are in English as well as Georgian and traffic runs on the right side of the road, so driving in Georgia may be an easy adjustment for those traveling from the United States or Canada. However, you should always practice extreme caution when driving in a foreign country, especially a country like Georgia where drivers are known to be a bit reckless. Keep your wits about you and drive defensively and you should be fine.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in Georgia?
If you plan on hiring a motorcycle in the country of Georgia, you are not required to carry an international driving permit. Plus, it would probably take a major traffic infraction for Georgian police to pull you over anyway. All you need is a stamp on your passport and a valid driver’s license from your home country and you can legally drive in Georgia.
If you’re planning to travel to any of Georgia’s neighboring countries, such as Armenia, however, you may need to get an international driving permit. If you want to apply for your permit, you can do so online here. There is a $20 application fee and the permit takes about two weeks to arrive in the mail. Once you get your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
What Does Motorcycle Rental Cost in Tbilisi?
Motorcycle hire in Georgia is fairly affordable, but don’t expect it to be dirt cheap like in some other parts of Asia. Prices in Georgia in general are higher than many of the surrounding countries, as it’s one of the most popular countries for tourism in the region. If you’re looking for motor scooter rental, however, you should be able to find a scooter, such as a Sym Jet 14, for no more than €20.
If you want to hire a proper motorcycle, though, you’re probably looking at paying around €70 euros or more per day, depending on the type of motorcycle you want to rent. But, if you plan on renting for a week or a month, you may be able to get discounted rates on extended rentals from certain shops. You should also make sure that helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated rental price.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motorbike Rental in Tbilisi?
If you plan on flying into Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, you may not be able to find motorbike rental at the airport (although you can find a rental car, if that’s what you’d prefer). If you want to find motorcycle rental, there are a few rental services located just a short drive from the airport, and there are many more within the city limits.
If you want to wait until you get into Tbilisi to rent your motorbike, you can get a taxi to your accommodation and then start searching for a motorcycle rental shop. To help you on your search, there are several rental shops just to the east of the Mtatsminda district of the city, right along the Mtkvari River. You can also find a few shops around Tbilisi’s Central Park. Of course, you can also ask the attendants at your accommodation and they’ll probably be able to tell you where the nearest rental shop is.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Tbilisi, Georgia by Motorcycle?
Now that you know everything you need for hiring a motorcycle in Tbilisi, Georgia, here are some of the best things to do during your stay in the city:
Chronicles of Georgia
Undoubtedly, one of the coolest monuments in all of Georgia, and certainly one of the coolest in Tbilisi is the Chronicle of Georgia. No, it’s not very old, as it was constructed in 1985 as a way to immortalize the long history of Georgia. However, it is impressive in scale and design and isn’t quite as crowded as some of the other monuments in the city, making it the perfect place to get a great photo.
The monument consists of 16 pillars that sit atop a large set of stairs. Each pillar depicts a different story about kings, queens, heroes, and Jesus Christ. You could spend hours and hours just walking around, looking at the images engraved in the pillars, and trying to figure out what they mean. If you’re asking a local for directions, though, they may not know what the Chronicle of Georgia is. Most locals refer to the monument as “Georgian Stonehenge.”
Abanotubani Old Town
Tbilisi’s Old Town, known as Abanotubani, is the central historical landmark of the city. In fact, the city may have never been created if it weren’t for one particular event that occurred in old Town. King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting with his falcon when the bird fell into a pool of hot water and died, leading to the discovery of the natural sulfur hot springs and the establishment of a city around them.
There are so many things to do around Tbilisi’s Old Town that you could probably spend a week there and never get bored. You can explore the military history of Narikala Fortress, take a scenic stroll across Metechi Bridge, go check out the impressive Mother of Georgia that sits atop Sololaki Hill, or get a taste of nature in the middle of the city by heading over to the Botanical Garden. On top of that, there are a ton of great restaurants and streetside shops, so you can eat, drink, and shop to your heart’s content.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
If you’re a fan of flea markets and thrift shopping, the Dry Bridge Flea Market is one of the best secondhand shopping experiences in the world. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, the market is located in a vibrant park that sits right next to the river. You can just sit back with some food or a beverage and watch the street life go by.
However, if you want to buy something, there are plenty of stands selling handmade wares, secondhand clothing and jewelry, and interesting art pieces. Plus, if you’re a history buff, this is a great place to pick up some authentic Soviet-era items.
Tour Tbilisi on a Rental Motorbike
The activities that previously mentioned don’t even scratch the surface of all the things there are to do in Tbilisi. You could easily spend months trying to cover all of the amazing landmarks and cultural experiences there are to be discovered throughout the city. So, to maximize your time in Tbilisi, rent a motorcycle and make your own way through this amazing city.
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