Around Hotel

The location of Iberia Didube Hotel places you more in the commercial engine room of Tbilisi rather than its historic heart. The defining feature of this neighborhood is the Okriba Bus Station (Didube bus terminal). This is the primary departure point for "marshrutkas" (minibuses) heading north along the Georgian Military Highway to Gudauri and Kazbegi( Stepantsminda), as well as west to Kutaisi and Batumi. For a traveler planning to explore mountains , staying here eliminates stress over waking up early and taking taxi across town to catch morning bus-you simply wake up, walk out door,and you are at terminal.

Beyond the connection lies a gigantic Didube Market. This is an original, large open-air market that has recently been partly roofed where locals come to purchase miscellaneous items-from auto parts to fresh vegetables. Here, you get an unadulterated glimpse of Georgian daily life; something not found within any tourist zone no matter how well polished it may appear.[46] Though dusty and noisy,[47] this place offers the best “Churchkhela” (walnut & grape juice candy), spices plus seasonal fruits at a fraction[48] of what one would pay in Old Town for them. It is here that most vendors shout out their prices while cab drivers argue over fares.

The hotel is far from the historic center, but it is well-connected by Didube Metro Station. The Tbilisi Metro is quick, cheap, and efficient. Counting stops on fingers from this hotel to Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) and Rustaveli Avenue-yes, about five or six stops away. This means you can spend your day within those beautiful old parts of the city coming back to Didube only for sleeping purposes saving big time on accommodation costs! Since metro service operates up till midnight this strategy remains viable for all budget tourists who have no issues with a 15 minutes commute.