Find the stairs
From Gudiashvili Square, pass the Mugni Surb Gevorg ruins towards Lower Betlemi Church. View the ruins from the street and stay outside barriers
The landmarks are Lower Betlemi beside the stair-street and Upper Betlemi above it. Open the Betlemi Stairs point on the map, then follow the steps uphill. Residential doors are not through-routes
The upper terrace and lanes
Upper Betlemi has a small garden with benches and views over the city. Pause here before continuing towards Ateshgah and Kldisubani
Ateshgah stands within a residential neighbourhood; entry is not guaranteed. The route then descends towards the Kaleidoscope House, Museum of Illusions and Great Synagogue. These are exterior stops: check entrance-hall, museum and religious-site access separately
Where to turn back
For a shorter outing, finish sightseeing at Upper Betlemi and return down the same stairs. That return differs from the full track and has not been calculated separately
Stone steps can be slippery after rain. If it is dark, fatigue sets in or footwear is unsuitable, choose the lower streets before starting the climb
Map and stops
The numbered markers match the stops below. A marker does not guarantee an open entrance
Gudiashvili Square
A historic square with houses and balconies characteristic of Old Tbilisi
Pause in the square, then continue through Sololaki
Show on the city map ↗Mughni Saint George Church Ruins
Ruins of an Armenian church in an old residential part of Sololaki
Stay on the public street; the grounds are not open for unrestricted exploration
Show on the city map ↗Lower Betlemi Church
A historic church beside the Betlemi staircase in a residential Old Town quarter
The church is a stop along the Betlemi Stairs
Show on the city map ↗Betlemi Stairs
A stepped street on the Sololaki slope, passing Lower Betlemi Church before reaching Upper Betlemi at the top
Break the climb by Lower Betlemi; the stairs end at the Upper Betlemi garden, not at the entrance to Narikala
Show on the city map ↗Upper Betlemi Church
A church in a small garden above the Betlemi stairs. Benches and vines frame a view across Tbilisi
Pause in the garden after the climb and check access to the working church on site
Show on the city map ↗Ateshgah
A surviving Zoroastrian temple building in Old Tbilisi's Betlemi quarter
Ask locally about access: the monument is within a residential neighbourhood
Show on the city map ↗Kldisubani Church
A small Church of Saint George on the slope above the old neighbourhood's streets
The climb includes steps; include it in a walk between Betlemi and Abanotubani
Show on the city map ↗Kaleidoscope House
The house on Betlemi Street is known for its wooden staircase and colourful stained glass
The entrance hall was reported closed to visitors in 2025; access in 2026 is unconfirmed
Show on the city map ↗Museum of Illusions
Interactive optical illusions and rooms with unexpected perspectives on Betlemi Street
Suitable for visiting with children; check tickets and current exhibits in advance
Show on the city map ↗Great Synagogue
The brick synagogue on Kote Abkhazi Street is a landmark of Tbilisi's Jewish heritage
Follow the visiting rules of the active religious community
Show on the city map ↗
Before the walk
- Pause on landings while keeping the passage clear
- Assess the return descent before climbing
- Kaleidoscope House: the entrance hall has been closed to visitors. The stop is outside; interior access is not promised
- View the Mughni ruins from the street. Access to Ateshgah follows the owner's conditions
- Stone stairs are slippery in rain; choose the lower streets after dark
Check hours, tickets and access with each venue. Barriers may change the track and queues may add time. Accessibility has not been surveyed on site
Questions before the walk
How many steps are on the Betlemi stairs?
Georgia Travel lists 120 steps on the stair-street. This is not a count of every step on the full neighbourhood route
Is this walk suitable for a pushchair?
No. Stairs and short, steep climbs are central to the walk; a step-free alternative has not been confirmed
Does this route include Narikala?
No. It links the Betlemi churches, Ateshgah and upper lanes without climbing into the fortress
Sources and verification
Written by walkymap from remotely checked sources. No on-site walk is claimed
Tbilisi Architecture Network — Ateshgah ·
Georgia Travel — Georgian National Tourism Administration — Great Synagogue ·
Georgia Travel — Georgian National Tourism Administration — Lower Betlemi Church ·
Georgia Travel — Georgian National Tourism Administration — Upper Betlemi Church of Nativity ·
© OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL. Track geometry and distance are from the route dataset
Elevation estimate: Mapterhorn. Terrain model; stairs and small changes in level may be missed
