The Love Bridge and sulphur baths in Tbilisi | A complete guide
Visiting the Love Bridge and sulphur baths in Tbilisi: the 1,600-year-old story of the city’s founding, the sulphur-bath experience, and the love padlock. An Old Tbilisi tour with MoonRise.
The Love Bridge and sulphur baths are two of the most romantic and historic sights in Old Tbilisi. Abano Street, with its traditional sulphur baths and brick domes, is one of Tbilisi’s oldest districts and tells the story of how the city came to be.
According to legend, 1,600 years ago the king of Georgia, while hunting in this area, noticed the hot springs and ordered the capital moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi. Next to the baths is the Love Bridge, where couples fasten a love padlock and engrave their names.
In this article we look at the history of the sulphur baths, how to experience them (private or public room), the story of the Love Bridge, and practical tips for visiting Old Tbilisi. MoonRise offers Old Tbilisi tours with a Persian-speaking guide.
The 1,600-year-old story of how Tbilisi was founded
According to legend, 1,600 years ago the king of Georgia, while hunting in this area, shot a bird and noticed the hot, bubbling springs. He ordered the capital moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi, and Tbilisi has been Georgia’s capital ever since.
The sulphur baths of Abano Street
The sulphur baths of Abano Street, with their traditional architecture and brick domes, are in one of Tbilisi’s oldest districts. The baths are fed by natural hot springs and are still active. You can use private or public rooms for bathing and soaking.
The sulphur-bath experience: private or public room?
The sulphur baths have two options: a private room (costing more, with exclusive facilities) and a public bath (costing less, in a shared space). A private room suits families and couples better. Prices vary by bathhouse and type of room.
The Love Bridge and love padlocks
The Love Bridge is next to the sulphur baths, and couples fasten their love padlocks to it and engrave their names. The bridge is a symbol of love and romance in Tbilisi and one of the most popular spots for photography.
Cafés and restaurants nearby
Around the sulphur baths and the Love Bridge are many cafés and restaurants that keep the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi alive. You can enjoy traditional Georgian food, coffee, and tea in these places.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit the sulphur baths and the Love Bridge is evening and night. At that time, the lighting of the baths and the bridge creates a romantic atmosphere and is ideal for photography. The daytime crowds of Old Tbilisi also thin out.
Frequently asked
Can you bathe in the sulphur baths?
Yes. The sulphur baths are still active, and you can use private or public rooms for bathing.
How much does a sulphur bath cost?
The cost varies by bathhouse and by type of room (private or public). It usually ranges from 20 to 100 lari.
Where is the Love Bridge and what is it for?
The Love Bridge is next to the sulphur baths on Abano Street. Couples fasten a love padlock to it and engrave their names.
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