Tbilisi Sulfur Bath & Massage Prices
Sulfur bath & massage prices in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia with a population of 1.2 million, is built around one of the world's most unique wellness traditions: natural sulfur baths (აბანოები, abano). The city's very name derives from the Georgian word "tbili" (თბილი), meaning "warm," referring to the hot sulfur springs that bubble up from beneath the earth in the historic Abanotubani (აბანოთუბანი, "bath district") neighborhood. According to legend, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali founded Tbilisi in the 5th century after his falcon fell into a hot spring while hunting, leading him to discover the area's therapeutic waters. For over 1,500 years, these natural sulfur springs have been central to Georgian culture and wellness. The Abanotubani district features distinctive brick domes rising from the ground, marking bathhouses built directly over natural hot springs. Unlike Turkish hammams or Korean jjimjilbangs, Tbilisi's sulfur baths use genuine geothermal waters rich in minerals and sulfur compounds, offering authentic therapeutic benefits. The experience ranges from basic public baths at 5-10 GEL ($2-4 USD) to luxurious private rooms with personal pools at 70-150 GEL ($26-56 USD). The traditional kisi scrub (კისი)—vigorous exfoliation with a rough mitt—is a signature treatment. Tbilisi's sulfur bath culture represents living history, an ancient wellness tradition continuing in its original form and location.
Abanotubani District - 1,500-Year Geothermal Tradition
The Abanotubani district in Old Tbilisi is where the city's 1,500-year sulfur bath tradition lives on. This picturesque gorge along the Kura River features approximately 10-15 active bathhouses with distinctive brick domes partially underground. The most famous include Chreli Abano (Orbeliani Baths) with its stunning blue-tiled facade, Gulo's Thermal Spa, Royal Bath, Sulfur Bath No. 5, and King Erekle's Bath. The water temperature ranges from 37-47°C (98-117°F), naturally heated by geothermal activity. The sulfur content gives the water its distinctive smell and therapeutic properties, beneficial for skin conditions, joint pain, and circulation. This is one of the world's most authentic historical wellness experiences, powered by the same natural springs that founded the city.
Price Guide
Budget-Friendly Options (5-30 GEL / $2-12 USD)
- Public communal sulfur bath: 5-10 GEL
- Towel rental: 3-5 GEL
- Kisi scrub (public bath): 10-15 GEL
- Massage (public bath): 10-20 GEL
- Basic private room (small, 1-2 people): 25-40 GEL per hour
Mid-Range Experiences (40-100 GEL / $15-38 USD)
- Private room (2-4 people): 50-80 GEL per hour
- Private room with sauna: 60-90 GEL per hour
- Kisi scrub in private room: 10-20 GEL per person
- Massage in private room: 20-40 GEL per person
- Royal Bath private rooms: 50-100 GEL per hour
Luxury Treatments (100+ GEL / $38+ USD)
- Gulo's Thermal Spa private room with sauna: 120-150 GEL
- Chreli Abano luxury private rooms: 100-150 GEL
- Premium private rooms (large groups): 100-200 GEL per hour
Popular Sulfur Baths in Tbilisi
1. Chreli Abano (Orbeliani Baths)
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Historic sulfur bath, stunning blue-tiled facade, luxury private rooms
Price Range: Mid-range to luxury (70-150 GEL / $26-56 USD)
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.7/5 (140 reviews)
The most photographed bathhouse in Tbilisi, featuring a stunning blue Persian-style tile facade. Built in the 19th century with natural sulfur hot springs. Private rooms cost 70-150 GEL per hour, kisi scrub 10-20 GEL, massage 20-40 GEL. Beautiful architecture, popular with tourists, online booking system, and English-speaking staff. Can be crowded but offers authentic experience with good facilities.
2. Gulo's Thermal Spa
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Upscale sulfur bath, private rooms with saunas, modern amenities
Price Range: Mid-range to luxury (70-150 GEL / $26-56 USD)
TripAdvisor Rating: High ratings, popular choice
Upscale bathhouse with modern touches. Private rooms cost 70-120 GEL per hour, premium room with sauna 120-150 GEL. Includes hot and cold pools, kisi scrub 10 GEL, massage available. Beautiful sitting rooms with clean, well-maintained facilities. Popular with expats and tourists. Reservation recommended. English-speaking staff. "Most expensive but worth it" according to reviews—highest quality facilities and excellent service.
3. Royal Bath
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Historic sulfur bath, traditional experience, good value
Price Range: Mid-range (50-100 GEL / $19-38 USD)
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.7/5 (198 reviews)
Historic bathhouse with natural sulfur hot springs. Private rooms cost 50-100 GEL per hour, kisi scrub 10-15 GEL, massage 20-30 GEL. Traditional architecture offering good balance of quality and price. Less touristy than Chreli Abano with authentic experience. Walk-in friendly. Good value with traditional experience.
4. Sulfur Bath No. 5
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Budget-friendly option, public and private baths
Price Range: Budget to mid-range (8-80 GEL / $3-30 USD)
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.4/5 (142 reviews)
Budget-friendly option with public bath (8-10 GEL), private rooms (50-80 GEL per hour), towel rental (3 GEL), kisi scrub (10 GEL), and massage (10-20 GEL). Basic but authentic with natural sulfur waters. Variable quality reviews. Can be very hot (70-80°C reported)—check water temperature before entering. Good value for budget travelers. Mixed reviews but very affordable with basic facilities.
5. King Erekle's Bath
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Historic sulfur bath, traditional experience
Price Range: Mid-range (50-90 GEL / $19-34 USD)
Historic bathhouse with natural sulfur hot springs. Private rooms cost 50-90 GEL per hour, kisi scrub 10-15 GEL. Traditional architecture offering authentic Georgian experience. Less crowded than major tourist baths with good value. Walk-in friendly. Authentic, good value, traditional experience.
6. From Georgia With Love Bath
Location: Abanotubani, Old Tbilisi
Specialties: Boutique sulfur bath, personalized service
Price Range: Mid-range (60-100 GEL / $23-38 USD)
Boutique bathhouse with natural sulfur hot springs. Private rooms cost 60-100 GEL per hour, kisi scrub and massage services available. Personalized attention in a smaller, more intimate setting. Good service with reservation recommended. Good service, intimate atmosphere, authentic experience.
Traditional Sulfur Bath Experience
Private Room Sulfur Bath
Private room with personal sulfur pool fed by natural hot springs. Duration: 1-2 hours (room rental). Price Range: 50-150 GEL ($19-56 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Private room with sulfur pool
- Natural geothermal water (37-47°C)
- Sulfur-rich therapeutic waters
- Distinctive sulfur smell
- Beneficial for skin, joints, circulation
- Includes shower facilities
- Some rooms have saunas
- Can accommodate 2-8 people depending on room size
- Rent by the hour
- Authentic 1,500-year-old tradition
Kisi Scrub (კისი)
Vigorous full-body exfoliation with traditional rough mitt. Duration: 15-20 minutes. Price Range: 10-20 GEL ($4-8 USD).
Key Characteristics:
- Traditional Georgian exfoliation technique
- Uses rough exfoliating mitt (similar to Turkish kese)
- Extremely vigorous scrubbing
- Removes dead skin dramatically
- Performed by skilled attendant
- Can be intense for first-timers
- Leaves skin incredibly smooth
- Performed on marble slab or in bath
- Essential part of authentic experience
- Available in both public and private baths
Practical Information
Cultural Tips for Visiting Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
- Bring Swimwear: Required in private rooms if mixed gender; optional in gender-segregated public baths
- Towels: Usually provided or available for rent (3-5 GEL)
- Rent by Hour: Private rooms typically rented for 1-2 hours
- Check Temperature: Water can be very hot (up to 47°C); test before entering
- Try Kisi Scrub: Essential part of authentic Georgian bath experience
- Tipping: Small tips appreciated for kisi scrub and massage attendants
- Reservation: Recommended for popular baths like Gulo's and Chreli Abano, especially weekends
- Sulfur Smell: Natural sulfur gives distinctive smell; normal and part of experience
- Therapeutic Benefits: Sulfur waters beneficial for skin conditions, joint pain, circulation
- Social Experience: Georgians often visit in groups; great for friends and family
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, ideal for exploring Old Tbilisi and sulfur baths
- Summer (June-August): Hot; sulfur baths provide cooling relief
- Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, beautiful season
- Winter (December-March): Cold; sulfur baths offer warming comfort