PCR Tests

I recommend Medcity Laboratory (MEDON) for fast and affordable results. The lab can either send someone to your address to perform the test for 90 GEL or you can test in laboratory for 80 GEL. Both card and cash are accepted. The testing site is open 24/7, just look for a parking lot and the entrance will be on your right. If you test prior to 1700, results will be available via email by 0600 the following day.

83/11 Vazha-Phshavela ave / (+955 32) 2 052 800

If you lost track of time and need a rapid test, head to the Aversi clinic. Walk-ins are accepted.

27b Vazha-Phshavela ave / (+955 32) 2 500 700 / [email protected] / 200 GEL

Remember to always check your personal information (name, passport ID and date of birth) upon receiving the results. This information must be accurate for the test to be accepted. A printed copy of the results is recommended as some countries will not accept e-results.

Transportation

Quick Facts

• Bolt, Yandex & taxis are available
• Get a metromoney card if you like buses & metro
• Marshrutkas are great for day trips
• Train is available to Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi & Yerevan
• Domestic flights via Vanillasky to Mestia & Batumi
• International airport available
• Hitchhiking is normal

Marshrutka (Minibus)

First impressions of Didube station in Tbilisi scream chaos and can have you feeling overwhelmed especially in the summer heat. Trust me though there is some organization involved. The marshrutkas for each destination are grouped together. If you are facing the station, Kutaisi buses are on the far right side as soon as you enter. The Gori buses are trickier to locate and can be found on the far left side, tucked behind a building. In between the left and right is a street filled with cars headed to different destinations. This is a solid option if you do not mind paying slightly more and want less of a crowd.

Tbilisi Metro

There are only 2 lines in the metro making it a straightforward process for anyone. Additionally, the signs within the underground are also displayed in English. The metro entrances can be identified by a giant, red letter M. The metro costs 50 tetri (coins) and can be paid by either card or metromoney card using the scanner on the entrance gates. The metromoney card can also be purchased for 2 GEL from the payment counter of any metro station. This card can additionally be used for the buses as well as the cable car for Narikala fortress.

Unfortunately, the metro does not cover a majority of the city, but it can be useful for getting to some popular places. As shown below, there are stops at both the train station (Station Square) as well as the main hub for excursions (Didube). Additionally, there are stops for Liberty Square as well as the mainstay for shopping and museums (Rustaveli).

Places to Eat in Tbilisi 

• 9MTA
• Amo Rame
• Barbarestan
• Bernard
• Burger House
• Cafe Daphna
• Chashnagiri
• Culinarium Khasheria
• Czech Beer House
• Honore
• Keto & Kote $
• Khinkali House Iveroni (ხინკლის სახლი ივერონი)
• Lagidze Water
• Melograno
• Pasanauri
• Racha
• Republic 24
• Sakhli #11 $
• Salobie Bia
• Shavi Lomi
• Sofia Melnikovas
• Sormoni $
• Tea House

Places to Drink in Tbilisi

Unfortunately, I visited during COVID times, so clubs were closed.

• Bamboo
• Barmaglot
• Boogie Woogie
• Canudos
• Coco
• Rudeboy
• Saxelosno
• Soda Bar
• Teorema
• Warsaw
• Wine Factory
• Woland

Things to do in Tbilisi

Beach Days

Need to escape the heat but Batumi feels too far? Tbilisi has a few options for you to get your water fix, all of which are located within thirty minutes of the old town district.

• Lisi Lake

This was my favorite out of the Tbilisi watering holes. Walking from the parking lot, your eyes take in a large lake surrounded by rolling hills. The grass turns to beach as it reaches out to meet the water. Head this way to soak in some rays or to go for a swim. A roughly 3 km (2 miles) paved path for walkers and bikers circles the lake for those looking to stretch their legs. 

If you brought the family and the kids start to get restless, explore the maze of pathways twisting through the trees. There are plenty of sweet treats, games and carnival rides to keep them entertained. Head towards the back to find the rock climbing wall. The grassy sections in between the paths also offer shady hangout spots for those who forgot their sunscreen. 

I would recommend packing a picnic as far as food. There are a number of small stands selling pastries, ice cream and hotdogs if you are craving a snack. I had a very mediocre meat pizza from the Take 5 Cafe. After some additional exploration, I discovered Charlie Lisi tucked along the hillside. I believe they offer a more substantial food selection. With a backyard scattered with hammocks, beanbags and a DJ, this bar offers a haven to kickback and sip a cold beer.   

No worries if you are more of a hot tub person, Lisi Sulfur Bath is located in front of the lake. There is not a clear sign but luckily there is only one large building in the vicinity. See the sulfur bath section for more details.

• Tbilisi Sea

Contrary to the name, the Tbilisi Sea is actually a reservoir. This outing can be coupled with a visit to the Chronicle of Georgia monument. Located on top of a hill, the stonehenge depicts the country’s history and provides a scenic view of both the city and reservoir. From the monument, the “seaside” can be reached either by car or foot. Both destinations have their own parking lots. There is also a dirt pathway that snakes through the trees on the backside which faces the reservoir. You will need to cross a road to continue along and finally reach the beach. 

The Tbilisi Sea carries a classic beach vibe with staff members walking around renting chairs and umbrellas. A roped off section is designated for swimmers and further out, people are seen cruising on jet skis. Similar to Lisi Lake, I would recommend packing a picnic as the food options were limited. 

• Turtle Lake

This is the smallest of the Tbilisi water spots but still makes for a nice excursion from the city streets. The side of the lake closest to the parking lot houses a couple restaurants with outdoor seating, so feel free to leave the picnic basket at home. There is a paved walking path just over 1 km (~0.6 miles) that loops around the lake. Along the pathway there are a variety of carnival games as well as a zipline that shoots you across the full length of the water. The tiny beach sits nestled on the far side of the lake and includes a section for swimming. A closer examination into the lake water validates the name as turtles can be spotted poking their heads up for some fresh air. If you still have some energy after the lake loop, continue on to the neighboring Vake Park.

Bridge of Peace

Visit at night to see the illuminated bridge twinkling above the Mtkvari River. An architectural beauty! Also, a great picture spot during the day, although beware the persistent tour guide vendors.

Nikoloz Baratashvili Bridge

Walk below to see the tunnels decorated with street art.

Dezerter Bazaar

Looking to stock the kitchen or planning a fresh snack for a daytrip? Check out this market. Enter a seemingly endless sea of tables overflowing with fresh produce, spices, homemade cheeses, nuts, churchkhela, bread, butcher meat as well as other more bizarre items. Do not expect most of the sellers to know English. This becomes an issue when asking for a particular amount. You may only want a handful of berries and instead end up with an overflowing bag. All payments are made in cash. Feel free to try and haggle the price although this is easier to accomplish if you know some Georgian or Russian.

In my opinion, this is also the best place to try churchkhela, the Georgian Snickers. These candle shaped treats make a great addition for trail mix containing stringed nuts and/or dried fruit encased in fruit juice. I would recommend trying a few different types. The skinnier ones have less fruit wax making it easy to slide the pieces off the string whereas the bigger ones usually take some persistence to break into. 

Dry Bridge Market

Whether you are looking for a souvenir for yourself, a gift for someone back home or just something to add a flair to your home decor, check out this flea market. The bridge and side street contain an array of displays ranging from old Soviet memorabilia, jewelry, retro cameras, kitchenware, tools, books, magnets to other assorted chackis. Beneath the bridge, there are additional stands for paintings and rugs. Similar to the Dezerter Bazaar, if you are feeling confident and are not overwhelmed by the language barrier, take on the challenge of negotiation. This market is also cash only.

Fabrika

Your tour of Tbilisi is not complete without a trip to Fabrika. The Soviet sewing factory turned hostel and social hub makes for a relaxing midday stop or an eventful way to start your night. After walking straight through the hostel, you will emerge into a courtyard. An island filled with tables and retro Soviet sewing machines. A collection of small bars, food joints and shops surround the bordering edges of the courtyard.

There are a few bars offering beer and cocktails as well as wine and absinthe. The stores speak out towards the artistic mind covering music records, skate attire and designer clothing. The assumingly, scattered seating is actually associated with a specific restaurant so choose your chair carefully. Most establishments will refuse service if you are seated at the wrong table. This is a relaxed place to stop in the afternoon but can get pretty packed in the evening. 

I would not recommend booking this hostel as it is overpriced, and I have yet to meet a repeat guest.

Funicular & Mtatsminda Park

If you consider yourself forever young or perhaps you have a few kids in your entourage, this amusement park guarantees to provide entertainment for the day. Allow yourself to wander along the paths and discover the different themed areas. Stop to play one of the carnival games or take a spin around the ferris wheel.

To take the cable car up, you will need to first purchase a reusable Mtatsminda card for 2 GEL and then add additional credit as the card will not only be used for the cable car but to also go on the rides. A one-way trip costs 7 GEL. If you are trying to save some money or just trying to incorporate some extra steps into your daily exercise regime, there is a trail that leads back to the city and offers some scenic viewpoints along the way. Careful on which direction you take as the opposite trail takes you to Narikala Fortress. 

Museums 

Need some entertainment for a rainy day or just an escape from the heat? Check out one of the museums. Ticket prices vary per museum and can be purchased online at Museums. Entrance is free for the following:

• Children under 6
• People with special needs & accompanying persons

If your children have already passed the high five age limit, consider purchasing the family pass. If you are a solo traveler or with a group of friends interested in a museum marathon, I would recommend the daily ticket pass which includes all Georgian national museums (GNM). Additionally, it may be more cost effective to purchase the season pass if you are visiting over the summer. These specialty tickets can all be purchased at the Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia (3 Shota Rustaveli Ave).

Ticket	Description	Price (GEL)	Excludes
Daily	All GNM	20	Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts
Season	All GNM (Jun-Sep)	50
Family	2 Adults + 3 Kids	23
Season Family	2 Adults + 3 Kids All GNM (Jun-Sep)	100

Tbilisi offers quite a variety of museums to choose from. See below for a smattering (GNM**). Try to withhold from scheduling any enlightenment experiences for a Monday as most museums are closed.

Museum	Description	Price (GEL)	Address
Elene Akhvlediani Memorial Museum**	Painter, graphic artist & theater decorator	Adult 3 Student 0.5	12 Leo Kiacheli Str
Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia**	Natural & human history	Adult 15 Student 0.5	3 Shota Rustaveli Ave
Iakob Nikoladze House Museum**	Sculptor & artist	Adult 3 Student 0.5	3 August Rodin Str
Mose Toidze House Museum**	Painter	Adult 3 Student 0.5	12 Mitropane Iagidze Str
National Gallery**	Art	Adult 12 Student 0.5	11 Shota Rustaveli Ave
Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts**	Art	Adult 3 Student 0.5	1 L. Gudiashvili Str
Tbilisi History Museum**	City history	Adult 5 Student 0.5	8 Sioni Str
Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography**	Regional folk architecture & craftwork	Adult 5 Student 0.5	25 M. Berdzenishvili Str (Turtle Lake Road)
Ucha Japaridze House Museum**	Painter	Adult 3 Student 0.5	2a Shio Mghvimeli Str
Galaktion Tabidze Memorial House Museum	Poet	Adult 5 Student 2	4 Kote Marjanishvili Str
Ilia Chavchavadze Literary Memorial Museum	Writer & public figure	Adult 2 Student 1	7 Ivane Javakhishvili Str
Kote & Soso Memorial House Museum	Orientalist & founder of Judaism-Aramaic in GE / Freedom fighter & painter	Adult 5 Student 2	2 Dimitri Uznadze Str
Merab Kostava Memorial House Museum	Dissident, musician & poet	Adult 2 Student 1	1 Mikheil Zandukeli Str
Mikheil Javakhishvili Museum	Writer	Adult 2 Student 1	21 Mikheil Javakhishvili
Nikoloz Baratashvili Museum	Poet	Adult 5 Student 2	17 Chakhrukhadze Str
Vakhtang Chabukiani Museum	Dancer	Adult 2 Student 1	81 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave
Zakaria Paliashvili Museum	Composer	Adult 2 Student 1	10 Dimitri Bakradze Dead End
Art Palace (Museum of Cultural History)	Cultural art	Adult 2 Student 1	6 Ia Kargareteli Str
Georgian Folk Art Museum	Folk craftwork	Adult 3 Student 1.5	28 Shalva Dadiani Str
Holoseum	Multi-dimensional projections	Adults 19.5 Students 18-24yr 14.5 Kids 6-17yr 12.5 Family (2 adults + 2 kids) 47	10 Betlemi Str
Moma Tbilisi	Modern art	10	27 Shota Rustaveli Ave
Museum of Illusions	Sensory illusions	Adults 19.5 Students 18-24yr 14.5 Kids 6-17yr 12.5 Family (2 adults + 2 kids) 47	10 Betlemi Str
Niko Pirosmani Museum	Artist	–	29 Niko Pirosmani Str
Tbilisi Digital Space	Digital art	Adults 25 Students 15 Preschool 12 Under 3yr Free Socially Assisted 15 Seniors 7 Family (2 adults + 1 kid) 55	Aghmashenebeli Alley 16km shopping mall (Tbilisi mall 3rd floor)
Tbilisi Photography & Multimedia Museum	Contemporary images	Free	14 Merab Kostava Str
Mirza F. Akhundov Museum of Azerbaijani Culture of Tbilisi	Writer/ Azerbaijani culture	Adults 3 Students 0.5	19 Vakhtang Gorgasali Str
Museum of Books	Literature	Free	5 Lado Gudiashvili Str
National Centre of Manuscripts	Literature	–	1/3 Merab Aleksidze Str
Museum for History of Georgian Medicine	Medical history	5	51 Dimitri Uznadze Str
Silk Museum	Textile	Adults 5Students 2	6 Giorgi Tsabadze Str
State Museum of Georgian Folk Songs & Instruments	Music	Adults 3Students 1	6 Samghebro Str
Tbilisi Antique Archaeological Museum	Archaeology	1	1 Abano Str
Underground Printing House Museum	Stalin’s printing press	Free  (Tip your tour guide)	7 Kaspi Str
Experimentorium – Science Museum	Interactive physics & chemistry	Adults 14 Kids 7-17yr 12 Kids 5-6yr 10 Family (2 adults + 2 kids) 39	17 Pavle Ingorokva Str
Museum of Selfies Tbilisi	Interactive exhibits for social media	Adults 24.5 3-12yr 14.5 Family (4x) 49.5	19 Kote Marjanishvili Str
Tbilisi Auto Museum	Automobiles & motorbikes	10	7 Automuseum Str
Tbilisi Wine Museum	Wine	5	8 Sioni Str (Tbilisi History Museum bottom floor)

Narikala Fortress & Botanical Gardens

Looking down the Mtkvari River and up along the ridges of Sololaki Hill, you will see the remains of the Narikala Fortress guarded by the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda). Hidden just behind these majestic views, lie the botanical gardens. As this is a popular tourist attraction, I would recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. If you do not mind the extra company, I will say the sunset is stunning from the top of the fortress.

For those determined to walk, be prepared as the road up is steep. If you are not up for the challenge, the cable car from Rike Park offers a relaxing way to take in the aerial views. The 2.5 GEL fee can be paid by card or using the metromoney card. To save myself from an uphill battle, I personally prefer to take the cable car up and to stroll down by foot.

If you decide to glide up using the cable car, head towards the left. It will seem as if you are descending back to the city but no need to fret. The path loops you around the side of the ridge to emerge into a parking lot. This is also the finish line for those athletic souls who walked up. Pass through the building gate and gaze upon Saint Nicholas church. Entrance to the church and fortress are free. If you plan to visit the church, remember to dress modestly (hide those knobbly knees and shoulders). A head covering and long skirt are required for women; Pants are required for men.

The fortress is a parkour playground. Scamper up the built in staircase and follow the parapet to explore the upper ruins. Put your acrophobia to the test and see how high you can ascend for a breathtaking view of Tbilisi. For those slightly less sure-footed visitors, the view is still spectacular without approaching any ledges.  

If you follow the path from the cable car to the right, it will lead you to the Mother of Georgia. Symbolizing the national character, she holds a sword to ward off enemies and wine to greet friends. Clearly the type of person you want on your side in life. Unfortunately, the view of the monument is not improved with proximity as you are only able to view the mother’s backside. 

The staircase down to the botanical gardens is located to the right of the cable car. The gardens are nothing special but are certainly worth the 4 GEL entry fee. Take a slow stroll and lose yourself along the winding pathways. I would recommend comfortable shoes paired with a map as the gardens surprisingly seem to stretch on endlessly. The main highlight is the waterfall which can be reached by following the path to the right. Again, this cascade will undoubtedly not shock your senses, but it does provide a soothing escape from the city hustle. 

Sulfur Baths

A steamy bath hardly sounds desirable after one first faces the Georgian summer heat, but I would argue this is an absolute must regardless of the temperature. Even though this activity is undoubtedly geared more towards tourists, who doesn’t enjoy a spa day. See below for your Tbilisi sauna options.

• Bohema (Mirzoyev) – Private
• Chreli-Abano (Orbeliani) – Private
• Gulo’s – Private
• Kiev – Private
• Lisi – Private & public
• No. 5 – Private & public
• Queen’s – Public

A majority of the bath houses only offer private rooms which works out if you find yourself a tad timid or are not trying to expand your group. If you want to check out the public baths, keep in mind that they are gender specific. Strangely enough, the prices and times differ based on gender. This is something to take into account if you have a mixed group and do not want to be separated. Do not assume that the public baths are open all day either. I tried to check out the bath house at Lisi Lake, only to discover that the female public baths closed at 1400.  

I would recommend bringing a water bottle and your own accessories (towel, rubber slippers, soap, shampoo and conditioner). Don’t sweat it if you forget though as each place will offer these items for a small fee. Additionally, you can purchase varying massages, including the traditional kisi scrub, to accompany your tub time. If you do order a massage, remember to bring some cash to tip your masseuse. 

Clothing is optional, and this is entirely up to you. If you opt for a public bath, prepare for naked bodies. No one will stop you from wearing your bathing suit though. If you decide to go with a private room, feel free to move at your own pace as each room comes with a place to store your belongings. Perhaps start out in your suit and see how it goes. Naturally, it is getting hot in there and you may want to take off all your clothes. Keep your comfort level and attire in mind if you ordered a massage. With a private room it would be simple enough to quickly suit up prior to the masseuse entering, but these people are scrubbing bodies all day and yours will be nothing new to them. 

Sulfur water can stain clothes, so it is advisable not to wear any of your favorites.

If you are unfamiliar with bath culture, the overall process is quite universal. Take a shower to rinse off the outside world, head for the heat whether that means sauna or sulfur bath, after 5 to 15 minutes depending on your tolerance head to the cold option (if available), repeat between hot and cold and finally end with another quick shower. 

For just a few people, I felt 1 to 1.5 hours were plenty. For a larger group, I would maybe suggest 2 hours. You are responsible for keeping track of your time in these clockless sanctuaries, so it may be wise to set a 15 minute warning alarm on your phone to allow everyone a quick shower and time to collect your belongings.

• Chreli-Abano (Orbeliani)

This place is tough to overlook. With a seaside blue, tiled exterior the building bares a closer resemblance to a small palace or place of worship as opposed to a bath house.

My sister and I had an online reservation for an hour long slot with Room 1 that we made 2 days prior. We had previously tried to make a reservation just one day ahead for the same room and the time slots were very limited. Upon check in, we each requested a kisi scrub and were also charged for the scrub brushes. Room 1 contained a high domed ceiling with a large room furnished with a massage bed, a sauna, 2 showers and 2 adjoining tubs, one for the steamy sulfur and the other filled with refreshing, cold water.

The proximity of the 2 pools made it easy to hop back and forth for an immediate body shock. Be careful when entering the sauna as for some sadistic reason the door handle is metal. There was also a telephone which was used by the staff to prepare us for the masseuse’s arrival as well as our 15 minute warning. This was both informative as well as obnoxious as someone had to get up and answer the phone each time. 

We were both slightly hesitant regarding the kisi scrub as we have easily irritated skin, and the process was described online as being quite intensive. Not wanting to miss out on the full experience though, we decided to risk our outer layer. A brilliant move as the scrub was truly delightful. Our female masseuse knocked before entering and ushered for the first person to head to the massage bed. My sister, being the brave soul that she is, decided to go first.

I found myself feeling a bit awkward during this period and decided to stay put in my current tub, simply watching the process unfold. I then took my turn in receiving an exfoliating rub down. This is followed by a gentle, sudsy wash with what resembles a pillowcase filled with air… cloud nine. Finally, you are rinsed off by a few splashes of water and released to make your return to the tubs. This process took a solid chunk of our allotted spa time. For this reason, I would recommend adding an extra 30 minutes if you plan to get a treatment.

• Kiev

Located across the Mtkvari river, this place is the outlier from the bath house district. It appears as if you are entering a school facility that only serves eggs for meals as the overwhelming sulfur scent hits. As expected the private bath rooms range in both size and amenities with the associated cost reflecting these differences. Each room is decorated with unique mosaic tiling with various color schemes. There are no pictures of the different rooms at the front desk nor online. The attendees will allow you to take a peak into the available rooms in order to help you make your decision, but this does make it more of a guessing game if you are booking a reservation over the phone. 

A friend and I visited the Kiev sulfur bath without a reservation. There were a number of available options to choose from. Our choice landed us an hour long slot with a sulfur bath in 1 room along with an adjoining room containing 2 showers, a massage bed, a sauna and a large, overhead bucket in which a quick tug on the chain releases an ice cold downpour. The bucket was advertised as a cold water pool which was a tad misleading but regardless provided the same effect. We requested kisi scrubs, but unfortunately they were not offering this for men at that time. Perhaps this can only be provided by a male staff member. Overall this was a great no frills option.

Places to Stay in Tbilisi

Bridge – Best value

This is a great option for budget travelers. Providing a scenic view of the Mtkvari river, this hostel resides beneath Rike Park and is just steps away from the Bridge of Peace. It is about a ten minute walk to Liberty Square and gives you the opportunity to be first in line for the cable car to Narikala Fortress.

Mixed dorms with curtained bunks are available and the bathroom which contains multiple shower and toilet stalls is shared. Oddly enough there is a hot water dilemma… something you typically do not hear complaints about. For some reason, regardless of which knob you turn, the sinks spew hot water almost immediately. When it comes to the shower, the knobs are reversed. This is a hightech establishment which accepts card and uses rubber bracelets for hostel and room access. The bracelets appear to be one size fits all so be careful if you have a slender wrist size as you will be charged for the replacement. There are two small lounge areas complete with chess boards and book shelves.

While I was there, the basement was still under construction for additional rooms although some rooms were already in use. Personally, I would have been displeased if I got stuck in one of those rooms because it felt like the setting of a horror film. I ventured down below to take advantage of the laundry facilities at one point and was on tiptoes as I hesitantly crept along the wooden pallets covering the floor. 

The outdoor seating area is dedicated to the hostel restaurant which also offers hookah. The menu includes classic Georgian as well as general cuisine such as pizza. If you need a break from bread and are craving something refreshing, their pkhali board was one of the best I had in Georgia. I had previously stayed at this hostel prior to the restaurant’s reopening and honestly preferred that setup. This included a few picnic tables for the hostel guests to simply socialize outdoors which have since been eliminated and replaced with the restaurant. Oh well. 

If you are in the mood for some evening entertainment, the hostel is located right next to the bar Saxelosno. If those extra steps are too much of a burden, rest easy as the hostel also offers a bar with live music.

Envoy – Social

This place came recommended to me by a friend, and it did not disappoint. It was slightly more expensive than I was used to paying for Georgian hostels but still affordable. Resting along an incline that overlooks the sulfur bath area, Envoy gives you a headstart if you plan to commit to the uphill journey to Narikala Fortress by foot. The location is also about fifteen minutes from Liberty Square. 

Mixed dorms are available but bathrooms are separated. Each bed is accompanied with its own tiny shelf. There is a fun, creative aesthetic as the dorm rooms are named after different regions in Georgia, music plays throughout the common areas and the hallway contains a table constructed of bike parts with a butterfly ceiling fluttering up the staircase. The basement hosts a kitchen where the free, basic breakfast is served along with a small lounge area complete with an assortment of board games. The hostel’s main highlight is its rooftop, offering an ideal space to pregame (or postgame) with a picturesque view. 

The one downside was that payments could only be made in lari and cards were not accepted (even though there is a visa sticker behind the staff desk). Regardless of this, whether you are a solo traveler or with a group, this would be my recommendation if you are looking for a social atmosphere.

Vake Garden – Budget

My experience with this hostel was less than ideal, but I suppose you get what you pay for. I needed a place for one night, and Vake Garden boasted a cheap cost with breakfast included, good reviews as well as an adorable garden. 

The hostel sign cannot be seen from the outside, so if you or your driver are having difficulty locating the place (like we were) look for the faded green building to the left of a taller brick building. I also advise requesting the door code if you book ahead of time or just ensuring this information is shared upon check in. This rookie mistake left me stranded outside on a sprinkly night patiently awaiting the return of the night shift. 

Perhaps I happened to book on an unpopular night because I had the entire dorm room (and possibly floor) to myself. It felt like a ghost town. Additionally, there was no working outlet in my room, and I had to resort to charging my phone in the bathroom. The large bathroom containing a tub-style shower, sink and toilet was dismal in appearance but everything was in working order. The garden is indeed an adorable spot to hang out or to accomplish some work. The breakfast was simple yet sufficient. 

I would still recommend this as a budget hostel. My complaints are minor and easily circumvented. Vake Garden has all the necessities and the owner is extremely pleasant.