Last Updated on April 8, 2026 by Ioana
Visiting the Tbilisi sulfur baths is one of the most unique experiences you can have in the city. Located in the historic Abanotubani district, these traditional bathhouses have been part of Tbilisi’s culture for centuries and are something you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
When I visited, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it ended up being one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of my time in Tbilisi. From the private bath experience to the massage, it felt like the perfect way to slow down after a full day of exploring.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Tbilisi sulfur baths, including how they work, what to expect, prices, and tips based on my own experience so you can make the most of your visit. If you’re still planning your trip, check out my guide on the best areas to stay in Tbilisi to find the right location. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
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The history of Tbilisi’s sulfur baths
The Tbilisi sulphur baths are not just a tourist attraction, they’re actually at the heart of how the city was founded and have a long history.
According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered the natural hot springs in this area when his hunting falcon fell into one of them. He was so impressed by the warm, mineral-rich waters that he decided to build a city here, which later became Tbilisi.
For centuries, these public baths have been an important part of local life. They were not just used for bathing, but also as social spaces where people would gather, relax, and connect.
Today, while the experience is more structured for visitors, the tradition remains the same. Visiting the sulfur baths is still one of the most authentic ways to experience Tbilisi’s culture.
How do the Tbilisi sulfur baths work?
If you’ve never been to a bathhouse before, the Tbilisi sulfur baths can feel a bit confusing at first. I wasn’t entirely sure how it worked before going either, but it’s actually very simple once you understand the setup.
Most bathhouses in Tbilisi offer private baths, which is what I personally recommend, especially if it’s your first time. Instead of sharing a large public space, you get your own room for a set amount of time, usually one hour.
In a typical private room, you’ll have:
- A hot sulfur pool
- A cold plunge pool
- A shower
- A sauna
- A changing area
- A small space to relax
Some places, like the one I visited, also include extras like a sauna and a massage table, depending on the room you book.
When you arrive, you’ll choose your room and how long you want to stay. After that, they take you to your private space and you can enjoy everything at your own pace.
You can also add treatments like a massage or body scrub (called kisi scrub), which I highly recommend if you want the full experience. I booked a 45-minute massage, and it was one of the most relaxing parts of my trip.
One thing to know is that the water has a strong sulfur smell. It’s a bit unusual at first, but you get used to it quickly. The baths are known for their relaxing and skin benefits, which is why this tradition has been around for so long.
Overall, the experience is very easy and low-stress once you’re there, even if it might seem a bit unfamiliar beforehand.
Which Tbilisi sulfur bath should you choose?
There are several bathhouses in the Abanotubani area, but based on my experience, I highly recommend Chreli Abano.
It’s one of the most recognizable bathhouses in Tbilisi, and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the colorful mosaic-style entrance door. It’s also one of the more polished options, which makes it a great choice if it’s your first time trying the sulfur baths.
Chreli Abano (best overall experience)
My experience at Chreli Abano
I did this after a full day of exploring the city, and it fit perfectly into my Tbilisi 2 day itinerary.
I booked a private room here, and overall, it was one of the most relaxing experiences I had in Tbilisi. The setup felt very comfortable and easy to navigate, even as a first-timer.
One important thing to know is that you should book in advance online, especially during high season. It’s a popular place and can sell out quickly.
Inside the private room, you get access to:
- A hot sulfur pool (around 45 to 50°C, which is very hot)
- A cold plunge pool
- A sauna (already pre-heated, so you don’t need to do anything)
- A shower and space to relax
Personally, I found the hot pool a bit too intense, so I spent most of my time in the cold plunge pool, especially since the room itself gets quite warm. It really depends on your preference, but it’s nice to have both options.
You can also order a bottle of water or tea directly to your private room, which I found very convenient, especially after being in the heat. Just keep in mind these are not included in the price.
Body scrub and massage experience
After about 15 minutes, the staff member came in for the traditional kisa scrub. If you want this treatment, you’ll need to:
- Pay in cash
- Buy a scrubbing glove on-site
The scrub is a traditional part of the experience and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, so I do think it’s worth doing at least once.
I also booked a 45-minute full body massage, and it was honestly perfect. The pressure was just right, not too strong but still effective, and the whole experience felt very relaxing.
There was no talking during the massage, which I personally appreciated, and no distracting elements. It was simple and focused, which made it even better after the bath.
A few minutes before the massage, they brought bathrobes to the room. You change into the robe and take your belongings with you to the waiting room and then to the massage room.
One thing to keep in mind is that they only have two massage rooms, so if you’re visiting as a group, some people may need to wait their turn.
Chreli Abano prices: what to expect
Prices at Chreli Abano vary depending on the type of room and the services you choose, but overall, I found it to be very reasonable for the experience.
For a private room, you can expect to pay roughly 150-600 GEL per hour depending on the size and level of comfort. If you’re traveling with someone, this becomes even better value since you can split the cost. The price for the most common private rooms is 200 GEL per hour.
On top of the room, you can add extra treatments:
- Body scrub (30 GEL): paid in cash and requires purchasing a scrubbing glove (an additional cost of 10-20 GEL)
- Massage (100-200 GEL per hour, depending on type of massage): I got a full body relaxation massage and it was absolutely worth it
You can also order water or tea directly to your private room for a few GEL, which is a nice touch, especially after spending time in the hot pools. These are not included in the base price.
Overall, I felt like the experience offered great value for money, especially considering you get a private space, access to multiple facilities, and the option to turn it into a full spa-like experience.
Payment and practical tips
Most things at Chreli Abano can be paid by card, which makes it very convenient. The only exception is the body scrub, which requires cash.
Overall, I found the entire experience very smooth and well-organized, which made it easy to relax and enjoy it without worrying about logistics.
Orbeliani Sulfur Baths (most beautiful exterior)
If you’ve seen photos of Tbilisi sulfur baths, chances are you’ve seen this one. Orbeliani Baths is the famous building with the blue mosaic facade that looks almost like a mosque.
It’s one of the most photographed bathhouses in the city and definitely stands out visually.
Inside, the experience is similar to other bathhouses, with private rooms and optional treatments like scrubs and massages. It’s a good option if you want something:
- Central and easy to access
- Visually iconic
- Slightly more “classic” Tbilisi experience
This is a great alternative if Chreli Abano is fully booked.
Gulo’s Thermal Spa (more modern and upscale)
If you’re looking for a more modern and spa-like experience, Gulo’s Baths is a great option.
It feels a bit more polished and less traditional compared to other bathhouses, which some travelers might prefer, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from a classic sulfur bath.
You’ll still get the same core experience with sulfur pools, but in a setting that feels closer to a wellness spa.
This is a good choice if you want:
- A more luxury or modern vibe
- A slightly less “raw” traditional experience
- A comfortable introduction to sulfur baths
What to bring to the Tbilisi sulfur baths
You don’t need to bring much to the Tbilisi sulfur baths, but having a few things with you will make the experience more comfortable.
First, bring a swimsuit if you’re booking a private room and prefer to wear one. Some people go without, especially in private spaces, but it really comes down to your comfort level.
You should also bring flip-flops or sandals. The floors can be wet, and it just feels more comfortable walking around in your own pair.
A small towel can be useful, although most bathhouses provide towels or you can rent one on-site. I brought my own towel from my hotel.
It’s also a good idea to bring cash, especially if you want to add a body scrub massage. At least at Chreli Abano, the scrub needs to be paid in cash, and you’ll also need to buy a glove for it.
Other than that, you really don’t need much. Lockers or safe spaces are usually provided inside your private room, so you can bring your essentials with you without worrying.
Tbilisi sulfur baths tips (what to know before you go)
Before you visit the Tbilisi sulfur baths, there are a few things that are helpful to know so you can fully enjoy the experience.
The first thing is the temperature of the hot water. The hot sulfur water can reach around 40 to 45°C, which is very hot. If you’re not used to that, take it slow and don’t feel like you need to stay in for long periods.
They recommend you stay in for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time, then take a cold shower or stay in the cold pool to cool down. I personally spent more time in the cold plunge because I found the heat a bit intense, especially since the room itself gets warm.
Another thing to keep in mind is the strong sulfur smell. It can be surprising at first, but you get used to it pretty quickly.
If you’re planning to visit a popular place like Chreli Abano, make sure to book in advance, especially during high season. Walk-ins are not always available.
Timing-wise, it’s best to go when you’re not rushed. The whole experience is meant to be relaxing, so it works really well after a full day of exploring the city.
Also, if you’re visiting with friends, remember that massage rooms may be limited, so you might not all be able to go at the same time.
Finally, don’t overthink it too much. I wasn’t sure what to expect before going, but once you’re there, everything feels very straightforward, and it quickly becomes one of the most relaxing experiences in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi Sulfur Baths FAQ
Are the Tbilisi baths nude?
No, the Tbilisi sulfur baths are not nude. Most people wear a swimsuit, especially when booking a private room.
If you’re getting a body scrub, women will usually be asked to remove the top part of their swimsuit during the treatment, as it’s necessary for the process. Everything is handled professionally, and it’s a normal part of the experience.
Do Tbilisi sulfur baths have health benefits?
The Tbilisi sulfur baths are traditionally believed to have benefits for skin, joint pain, and overall relaxation. The mineral-rich water contains sulfur, which some people say can help with skin conditions and muscle tension.
That said, the main benefit you’ll definitely notice is how relaxing the experience is, especially after a long day of walking around the city.
I personally left feeling very refreshed, and my skin felt softer afterward, but it’s best to think of it as a wellness experience rather than a medical treatment.
Do you need to book sulfur bathhouses in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular places like Chreli Abano. They can sell out quickly, particularly during high season.
How long should you spend at the thermal baths?
Most people book a private room for about 1 hour, which is enough time to enjoy the pools and relax. If you’re adding treatments like a scrub or massage, you might want to stay longer.
Are the hot sulfur baths safe?
Yes, the baths are generally safe, but the water has high temperatures (around 45 to 50°C), so it’s best to take it slow and listen to your body.
If you’re sensitive to heat, alternate between the hot and cold pools or spend more time in the cooler areas.
Do sulfur baths smell?
Yes, the sulfur-rich water has a strong sulfur smell, similar to eggs. It can feel unusual at first, but you get used to it quickly.
Can you visit sulfur baths alone?
Yes, the sulfur baths are a great activity for solo travelers. Booking a private room means you’ll have your own space, so you can fully relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a nice dinner place after the baths, check out my guide on the best restaurants and food in Tbilisi.
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Ioana is a Romanian-born solo traveler and full-time travel blogger who has explored 30+ countries since starting her solo adventures at age 31. She shares practical travel tips, detailed itineraries, and insider recommendations to help fellow travelers experience destinations like a local. Her blog gets 100K+ views per month and her Instagram community has 80K+ people. Her work has been featured in The Daily Express, Euronews, Bored Panda, Yahoo, MSN and more. Learn more about her here.