Chreli Abano Orbeliani Baths
Immerse yourself in Tbilisi's history with a rejuvenating soak in ancient sulfur baths, known for their therapeutic waters and unique domed architectu...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Chreli Abano Orbeliani Baths
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in Tbilisi's history with a rejuvenating soak in ancient sulfur baths, known for their therapeutic waters and unique domed architecture.
"A definite must in Tbilisi, felt cleaner than ever after that experience."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Essential for private rooms & massages. Walk-ins are rarely available.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Massages & body peels often require cash payment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Private Sulfur Bath Suite
Abanotubani district
Relax in a private room with a hot, sulfur-rich pool, shower, and toilet. Some suites offer saunas.

Traditional Scrub and Massage
Within your private suite
Experience a deep cleansing scrub followed by a relaxing massage for ultimate rejuvenation.

Historic Abanotubani District
Old Tbilisi
Explore the ancient quarter where Tbilisi was founded, known for its distinctive domed bathhouses.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Your Sulfur Bath Experience
Embrace the Sulfur Sensation
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Best Sulphur baths in Tblisi?
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Essential for private rooms & massages. Walk-ins are rarely available.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Massages & body peels often require cash payment.
Gulo bath opinions
👃 Brace for Sulfur Smell
The distinct smell is strong! It's part of the authentic experience.
🌡️ Water is Very Hot!
Be mindful of the extreme heat, especially if you have heart conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Essential for private rooms & massages. Walk-ins are rarely available.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Massages & body peels often require cash payment.
👃 Brace for Sulfur Smell
The distinct smell is strong! It's part of the authentic experience.
🌡️ Water is Very Hot!
Be mindful of the extreme heat, especially if you have heart conditions.
🧼 Facilities are Historic
Expect clean but older facilities, not modern spa luxury.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique and historic sulfur bath experience in Tbilisi, highlighting the rejuvenating scrub and massage in clean, private suites. While the strong sulfur smell and intense heat are notable, most find it an essential and worthwhile cultural immersion. Some note the facilities are older, and the experience can feel tourist-oriented and rushed.
"I will say it's a must to try a sulfur bath when you visit Georgia. Since I didn't know what to expect and I was probably expecting something more of a human /spa treatment, I have to give them a medium rate. It seems like it's tailored to tourists only and because they have so many people it feels very rushed and not very personal when it comes to treatments. Everybody is very respectful and you will definitely get what you pay for in terms of the sulfur baths. The place looks very clean. The people are very respectful and friendly as well. The place is also very cool looking. For 1 hour treatment for two people for private room:
sulfur bath 15 minutes
scrub 15 minutes
massage 30 minutes each.
we pay in US dollars around $150"
Karen VanHooser
"Up for a relaxing sulfite bath in a private suite? This is your place! Here you can choose a bath suite to your liking, some only have one warm pool and the biggest ones even a sauna. All are equipped with a shower and toilet. It is advisable to book in advance, and remember to bring cash with you if you want ro include a massage or body peeling to your visit."
Viliina Lilja
"Very famous attraction in Old Tbilisi and one of the important activities to do in the city, especially for those who have never experienced Public baths and hot springs.
The area, known as Abanotubani, is very important and significant to Tbilisi’s history and cultural identity. It’s where, according to legends, King Vakhtang Gorgasali’s falcon fell, leading to a discovery of the hot springs and, subsequently, to the founding of the new capital.
I didn’t have the time to experience it, but i bet it’s very similar to the public baths in my country Iraq."
Abdulrahman Qazzaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The baths are located in the historic Abanotubani district of Old Tbilisi. They are easily accessible by foot from most central tourist areas. If coming from further afield, you can take a taxi or public transport to the Old Town and then walk.
Yes, Abanotubani is a very popular and safe tourist area in Tbilisi. It's well-lit and frequented by visitors exploring the historic bathhouses and surrounding streets.
Walking is ideal if you're staying in or near Old Tbilisi. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances. Public buses also serve the area, but navigating them might be challenging for first-time visitors.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the historic Abanotubani district can be very difficult due to narrow streets and pedestrian zones. It's best to rely on taxis or public transport.
The baths are a landmark themselves! They are situated near the Narikala Fortress and the Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, making them easy to locate within the picturesque Old Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary depending on the room type and duration. A private room for an hour, including a bath, scrub, and massage for two, can cost around $150 USD. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for private suites and massages. Walk-in availability is very limited, and you might have to wait or miss out entirely.
A typical package includes time in a private thermal pool, a scrub, soaping, and a massage. The duration and specific services can vary based on the package you choose.
While some services might be payable by card, it's strongly advised to bring cash, especially for add-on services like massages or body peels, as not all payment methods may be accepted.
The baths generally operate daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll experience a very hot, sulfurous water bath, followed by a vigorous scrub and a massage in a private suite. The smell of sulfur is strong, and the heat can be intense.
Yes, the sulfur smell is quite potent and is a characteristic of these natural hot springs. It's an integral part of the authentic experience.
The facilities are historic and reflect the traditional architecture of Tbilisi's bathhouses. While clean and well-maintained, they are not modern spa facilities.
You don't need to bring much. They provide towels and basic amenities. Bringing a swimsuit is optional as you'll be provided with a private room. Cash for extras is recommended.
The water is extremely hot. It's advisable to test the temperature before fully immersing yourself and to be mindful of your body's reaction, especially in warmer weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, some reviews mention that food can be ordered and was brought quickly, suggesting an in-house or nearby dining option available for guests.
The baths are located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, which is brimming with restaurants and cafes offering Georgian cuisine. You'll find plenty of dining options within walking distance.
You can find traditional Georgian dishes like Khachapuri, Khinkali, and various grilled meats and vegetable stews in the restaurants surrounding the bathhouse district.
It's generally recommended to avoid heavy meals immediately before or after your bath. Light snacks or meals can be enjoyed a couple of hours before or after your session.
Georgian cuisine offers many naturally vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as Pkhali (vegetable pâtés), Lobio (bean stew), and various vegetable stews and salads.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While you might be able to take photos in common areas or your private suite, it's best to ask staff for permission to ensure privacy and respect for other guests.
The distinctive domed architecture of the bathhouses from the outside is very photogenic. Inside, the unique tile work and the steaming pools in private suites can make for interesting shots.
It is generally not appropriate to take photos during personal treatments like massages or scrubs out of respect for the therapists and your own privacy.
It's always a good practice to avoid using flash photography in any indoor setting, especially in places with sensitive lighting or where it might disturb other patrons.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the bathhouses. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good visibility of the unique architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more universally appealing activity, exploring the historic Abanotubani district itself, visiting the nearby Narikala Fortress, or enjoying the funicular ride offer great alternatives. Many restaurants in the area are also very family-friendly and offer delicious Georgian cuisine.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, exploring the historic Abanotubani district and its unique architecture is a free and highly rewarding activity. Enjoying affordable and delicious Georgian food from local eateries in the Old Town is also a great way to experience Tbilisi on a budget.
💖 Couples
Remember to book in advance to secure a private suite. The combination of the hot sulfur water, the invigorating scrub, and a soothing massage makes for a perfect way to unwind together after a day of exploring Tbilisi.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legend of Tbilisi's Sulfur Baths
These baths have been a vital part of Georgian culture for centuries, serving as places for relaxation, socializing, and healing. They were patronized by locals and travelers alike, offering a communal experience of cleansing and rejuvenation. While modern spas have emerged, the traditional sulfur baths like Chreli Abano Orbeliani offer an authentic glimpse into Tbilisi's past and its enduring connection to these natural thermal waters.
Today, the baths continue to draw visitors seeking a unique wellness experience. They represent a living piece of history, allowing people to connect with the very origins of the city while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters. The experience is not just about physical cleansing but also about immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of Georgian heritage.
Understanding the Sulfur Bath Experience
Your session typically includes a vigorous scrub (kisa) performed by an attendant, which exfoliates the skin, followed by a soaping and a massage. The scrub is quite intense and effective, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth. While the facilities are clean, they are historic, meaning they won't have the polished, modern amenities of a contemporary spa. The focus is on the natural, therapeutic benefits of the water and the traditional cleansing rituals.
It's important to be prepared for the intense heat and the unique smell. Visitors with certain health conditions, particularly heart issues, should exercise caution. Bringing cash for optional add-ons like extended massages is also a practical tip. Despite the rustic nature of the facilities and the strong scent, many visitors find the experience deeply rejuvenating and a must-do in Tbilisi.
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