Tblisi

Day 1: Old Tbilisi and natural wine Ease into the city with a slow wander through its oldest neighbourhoods and an introduction to Georgia’s 8,000-year wine culture. Tonight stays relaxed: think intimate basements, courtyards and amber wines rather than clubs.

• Morning: Stroll the sulphur baths district, climb or cable-car to Narikala Fortress, and meander Sololaki’s courtyards. Wear comfy shoes—cobblestones and hills abound.
• Midday: Long lunch at a classic spot and practise toasting with gaumarjos. Keep it light if you plan to taste wine later; Georgian portions are generous.
• Afternoon: Dive into natural qvevri wines at Vino Underground or 8000 Vintages; ask staff to build a flight based on your usual preferences. Be open to amber wines with light tannins.
• Evening: Bar-hop Sololaki and Erekle II Street—G.Vino, DADI, and neighbouring spots are ideal. In warm months, detour to Dedaena Bar for an open-air vibe; use Bolt for rides and carry some GEL as smaller bars can be cash only.

Day 2: Creative hubs by day, techno by night Tap into Tbilisi’s creative engine, then rest up—tonight is for the city’s legendary clubs. Expect late starts, world-class sound, and a community-first ethos.

• Morning: Coffee and browsing at Fabrika’s courtyard studios; if it’s a weekend, add Dry Bridge Market for vintage finds.
• Midday: Drift to Vera for a leisurely meal at Rooms or Stamba; sip a pre-dinner cocktail at the hotel bars. Note that smoking rules may differ from the UK.
• Afternoon: Downtime and prep: buy club tickets online (often via resident.ge) and read the door policy. Dress simple (black works), go in pairs or threes, arrive sober, and know the DJ—face control curates the crowd.

By Air

• Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): 17 km south-east of the centre; 25–40 minutes by taxi (Bolt widely used), ~35–45 minutes by 24/7 city bus; limited suburban train (~35 minutes) to Station Square. Direct flights from Istanbul (IST/SAW), Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB/DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Vienna (VIE), Munich (MUC), Frankfurt (FRA), Warsaw (WAW), Riga (RIX), Athens (ATH), Larnaca (LCA) and others (seasonal routes vary).
• Kutaisi International Airport (KUT): Low-cost hub 230 km west; 3.5–4.5 hours to Tbilisi by coach. Flight-linked shuttles (e.g., Georgian Bus) run to Tbilisi centre.
• Batumi Airport (BUS): 380 km west; 5–6 hours to Tbilisi by train or coach; useful if combining the Black Sea coast.
• Regional alternatives: Yerevan (EVN) ~5–6 hours by road to Tbilisi; Baku (GYD) ~8–10 hours by road/rail when the land border is open.

By Train

• Main station: Tbilisi Central (Station Square) with metro connection.
• Key domestic routes:
  • Tbilisi–Batumi: 5–5.5 hours, multiple daily services (book early in summer/weekends).
  • Tbilisi–Kutaisi: ~4–5 hours to Kutaisi city; onward bus/taxi to KUT airport (~25–35 minutes).
• International:
  • Overnight sleeper Tbilisi–Yerevan: ~10–11 hours; typically daily in summer, reduced off-season (check current timetable).

Tbilisi packs big‑city culture and late‑night energy into a compact, less‑crowded capital—rich in tradition, creativity and excellent value.

• Culture & atmosphere: A raw‑creative city where Soviet‑era shells rebloom as clubs and galleries—think stadium‑side techno under Dinamo Arena and river‑view nights by the Mtkvari—balanced by leafy Vera and old‑world Sololaki for slower, sociable evenings.
• Authenticity & food/wine: Experience real Georgian hospitality: supra feasts of khinkali and khachapuri, tamada‑led toasts of “Gaumarjos!”, and qvevri wines in intimate cellars like Vino Underground; browse Dry Bridge Market for characterful finds.
• Value & ease: Excellent value for natural wine, craft cocktails and club entries; a walkable core around Freedom Square and Rustaveli, with low‑cost ride‑hailing for late finishes.
• Less‑crowded appeal: European‑capital culture without the queues—design hotels (Stamba, Rooms), creative hub Fabrika and park bars at Dedaena feel local‑first, with space to discover hidden courtyards and back‑street bars.

If you crave cutting-edge nightlife with a cause, you’ll love Tbilisi—a city where dancing and dissent share the same dancefloor. It’s perfect for travellers who want world-class techno, natural wine culture, and creative spaces in a walkable, wallet-friendly capital. Those who prefer slower evenings will find atmospheric wine bars and design-led hangouts alongside the clubs.

• Night owls & clubbers: Dive into Tbilisi’s famed techno temples (Bassiani, KHIDI) for marathon nights that many compare to Berlin’s 1990s energy.
• LGBTQ+ travellers: Find fiercely protected safe spaces like Horoom and community nights beyond the clubs, with discretion advised outside these bubbles.
• Wine lovers: Explore 8,000 years of vinous heritage at natural wine bars (Vino Underground, 8000 Vintages) pouring outstanding qvevri wines.
• Culture vultures & activists: Experience nightlife as civic pulse—“We dance together, we fight together” lives on in venues that double as hubs for protest and dialogue.
• Design & creative crowd: Hang out in repurposed Soviet spaces like Fabrika, Stamba and Rooms—industrial chic meets contemporary Georgian style.
• Budget-savvy city‑breakers: Enjoy low-cost taxis, fair entry fees and great value drinks, with walkable districts that pack a big-city punch at prices far below Western Europe.

Here are Tbilisi’s unmissable highlights, distilled from its revolutionary nightlife and culture. Use this as a quick-hit list for a first-time visit or a focused weekend.

• Walk Sololaki’s winding lanes and Italianate courtyards to uncover hidden bars and pop-up watering holes.
• Explore Fabrika’s buzzing courtyard in Marjanishvili for indie bars, DJs and creative energy that runs late.
• Visit Bassiani or KHIDI for world-class, politicised techno—arrive late, keep phones away, and respect face control.
• Take a natural-wine crawl via Vino Underground, G.Vino and 8000 Vintages to taste qvevri-made amber wines with expert guidance.
• Hike over the Dry Bridge and along Dedaena Park at sunset, then slide into Dedaena Bar or Bauhaus to start the night.

Here are Tbilisi’s unmissable highlights, distilled from its revolutionary nightlife and culture. Use this as a quick-hit list for a first-time visit or a focused weekend.

• Walk Sololaki’s winding lanes and Italianate courtyards to uncover hidden bars and pop-up watering holes.
• Explore Fabrika’s buzzing courtyard in Marjanishvili for indie bars, DJs and creative energy that runs late.
• Visit Bassiani or KHIDI for world-class, politicised techno—arrive late, keep phones away, and respect face control.
• Take a natural-wine crawl via Vino Underground, G.Vino and 8000 Vintages to taste qvevri-made amber wines with expert guidance.
• Hike over the Dry Bridge and along Dedaena Park at sunset, then slide into Dedaena Bar or Bauhaus to start the night.

Tbilisi’s food culture blends millennia-old wine traditions with bold, communal eating. Expect late starts, long toasts, and flavours that pair effortlessly with the city’s after-dark energy.

• Qvevri Natural Wine – Amber and red wines fermented in clay vessels, often unfiltered and vibrant, showcasing Georgia’s 8,000-year heritage. Best sipped in cosy cellars and wine bars around Sololaki and Vera.
• Chacha – A potent grape pomace brandy; aromatic and warming, meant to be sipped rather than shot. Try it in laid-back courtyard bars and craft cocktail spots.
• Supra (Georgian feast) – A shared banquet with ritual toasts led by a tamada, rich with salads, stews, breads, and song. Found in traditional restaurants and family-run eateries with a convivial, lingering atmosphere.
• Khinkali & Khachapuri – Juicy soup-filled dumplings and gooey cheese bread, the city’s craveable comfort duo. Ideal in casual cafés and late-night bakeries—perfect pre- or post-club fuel.

Tbilisi’s food culture blends millennia-old wine traditions with bold, communal eating. Expect late starts, long toasts, and flavours that pair effortlessly with the city’s after-dark energy.

• Qvevri Natural Wine – Amber and red wines fermented in clay vessels, often unfiltered and vibrant, showcasing Georgia’s 8,000-year heritage. Best sipped in cosy cellars and wine bars around Sololaki and Vera.
• Chacha – A potent grape pomace brandy; aromatic and warming, meant to be sipped rather than shot. Try it in laid-back courtyard bars and craft cocktail spots.
• Supra (Georgian feast) – A shared banquet with ritual toasts led by a tamada, rich with salads, stews, breads, and song. Found in traditional restaurants and family-run eateries with a convivial, lingering atmosphere.
• Khinkali & Khachapuri – Juicy soup-filled dumplings and gooey cheese bread, the city’s craveable comfort duo. Ideal in casual cafés and late-night bakeries—perfect pre- or post-club fuel.

Choosing where to stay in Tbilisi shapes your whole trip: each neighbourhood has a distinct rhythm after dark. Focus on the vibe you want—wine bars, techno, or quiet streets—and pick your base accordingly.

• Sololaki — atmospheric Old Town lanes and 19th‑century courtyards with hidden wine bars; ideal for history lovers, flâneurs, and bar‑hopping on foot.
• Vera — chic and leafy with design hotels and quality cocktail/natural‑wine spots; suits creatives and couples after style without late‑night noise.
• Marjanishvili (Left Bank) — eclectic and social, anchored by Fabrika’s courtyard bars and cafés; great for budget stays, expats, and easy pre‑club nights.
• Vake — upscale residential with parks and cafés and calmer evenings; best for families or anyone wanting a quiet base with quick Bolt rides to venues.

Choosing where to stay in Tbilisi shapes your whole trip: each neighbourhood has a distinct rhythm after dark. Focus on the vibe you want—wine bars, techno, or quiet streets—and pick your base accordingly.

• Sololaki — atmospheric Old Town lanes and 19th‑century courtyards with hidden wine bars; ideal for history lovers, flâneurs, and bar‑hopping on foot.
• Vera — chic and leafy with design hotels and quality cocktail/natural‑wine spots; suits creatives and couples after style without late‑night noise.
• Marjanishvili (Left Bank) — eclectic and social, anchored by Fabrika’s courtyard bars and cafés; great for budget stays, expats, and easy pre‑club nights.
• Vake — upscale residential with parks and cafés and calmer evenings; best for families or anyone wanting a quiet base with quick Bolt rides to venues.

Travelling to Tbilisi is straightforward, with compact central neighbourhoods and easy, inexpensive ride-hailing. A few local quirks—late nights, cash for smaller spots, and strict drug laws—are worth knowing when you plan.

• Affordability: Generally good value; expect 20–35 GEL for a simple meal or 40–70 GEL at mid-range places, coffee 5–8 GEL, a glass of wine 8–15 GEL; accommodation ranges roughly from 35–70 GEL for hostel beds, 120–200 GEL for guesthouses, and 300–600 GEL for boutique hotels.
• Transport: The centre (Sololaki, Vera, Marjanishvili) is walkable; Bolt/Yandex Go taxis are cheap, the metro runs until around midnight, and day trips are easy by car or marshrutka/tour to Mtskheta, Kakheti (wine country), Gori/Uplistsikhe and Kazbegi, with trains to Batumi on the coast.
• Language: Georgian is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and bars in the centre (less so in outer districts), with Russian also commonly spoken.
• Safety & comfort: Tbilisi is generally very safe for families and solo travellers, but take routine precautions, be aware of strict zero‑tolerance drug laws, and watch traffic and uneven pavements when walking at night.
• Crowds: Peak season is May–October (hottest and busiest in July–August, especially at weekends), while November–March is quieter and better for lower prices, with nightlife busiest Friday–Sunday year-round.

Travelling to Tbilisi is straightforward, with compact central neighbourhoods and easy, inexpensive ride-hailing. A few local quirks—late nights, cash for smaller spots, and strict drug laws—are worth knowing when you plan.

• Affordability: Generally good value; expect 20–35 GEL for a simple meal or 40–70 GEL at mid-range places, coffee 5–8 GEL, a glass of wine 8–15 GEL; accommodation ranges roughly from 35–70 GEL for hostel beds, 120–200 GEL for guesthouses, and 300–600 GEL for boutique hotels.
• Transport: The centre (Sololaki, Vera, Marjanishvili) is walkable; Bolt/Yandex Go taxis are cheap, the metro runs until around midnight, and day trips are easy by car or marshrutka/tour to Mtskheta, Kakheti (wine country), Gori/Uplistsikhe and Kazbegi, with trains to Batumi on the coast.
• Language: Georgian is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and bars in the centre (less so in outer districts), with Russian also commonly spoken.
• Safety & comfort: Tbilisi is generally very safe for families and solo travellers, but take routine precautions, be aware of strict zero‑tolerance drug laws, and watch traffic and uneven pavements when walking at night.
• Crowds: Peak season is May–October (hottest and busiest in July–August, especially at weekends), while November–March is quieter and better for lower prices, with nightlife busiest Friday–Sunday year-round.

Seasonality in Tbilisi splits between hot summers with open-air bars and rooftops, and a cooler-season clubbing calendar (roughly Sep–May) when the big techno venues run full tilt. Expect late nights year-round; plan for July–August heat and colder, dry winters.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Pleasant temps, moderate crowds, balanced vibe; outdoor bars are lively and the clubs are active without being rammed.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot (often 30–35°C), more visitors; major clubs may scale back while nightlife moves to courtyards, rooftops and open-air spots—buzzy but more laid-back.
• Winter / Clubbing Season (Nov–Mar, plus late Sep–Oct): Chilly to cold, fewer tourists; peak underground scene with marathon weekends at Bassiani/KHIDI and a cosy wine-bar culture.

Seasonality in Tbilisi splits between hot summers with open-air bars and rooftops, and a cooler-season clubbing calendar (roughly Sep–May) when the big techno venues run full tilt. Expect late nights year-round; plan for July–August heat and colder, dry winters.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Pleasant temps, moderate crowds, balanced vibe; outdoor bars are lively and the clubs are active without being rammed.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot (often 30–35°C), more visitors; major clubs may scale back while nightlife moves to courtyards, rooftops and open-air spots—buzzy but more laid-back.
• Winter / Clubbing Season (Nov–Mar, plus late Sep–Oct): Chilly to cold, fewer tourists; peak underground scene with marathon weekends at Bassiani/KHIDI and a cosy wine-bar culture.

Day 3: Riverbanks, pop-ups and a choose-your-finale Recover gently, then chase Tbilisi’s pop-up spirit and hidden corners. Wrap your trip with either a final club session or a polished cocktail crawl.

• Morning: Easy breakfast, riverside walk along the Mtkvari, then the cable car to Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) for city views and fresh air.
• Midday: Soak at a sulphur bath or visit a museum; otherwise linger in a Vera café. Keep lunch light if you’re planning a big night.
• Afternoon: Explore Marjanishvili and Agmashenebeli Avenue; peek into Fabrika again or check socials for TES/Left Bank pop-ups. Pick a bottle at 8000 Vintages to drink in-house for a small corkage.
• Evening: Warm months: hop between Bauhaus and Dedaena Bar outdoors; cooler months: aim for Mtkvarze or Left Bank. Not clubbing? Try a Vera cocktail crawl or a wine bar you missed. Clubs fill after 2 a.m.—pace yourself, keep your phone pocketed on the dance floor, and respect safe-space etiquette at queer events.

By Bus/Coach

• Main terminals:
  • Didube: west/north routes (Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Stepantsminda/Kazbegi, Gudauri).
  • Ortachala: most Armenia/Azerbaijan/Turkey services.
  • Samgori: Kakheti (Telavi, Sighnaghi).
  • Station Square area also has departures/arrivals.
• International examples (times vary with borders/traffic):
  • Yerevan: 5–6 hours; frequent minibuses and coaches.
  • Baku: 8–10 hours (subject to border opening).
  • Trabzon: 12–14 hours; Istanbul: 20–24 hours (usually via Batumi/Hopa).
  • Vladikavkaz: 5–7 hours via the Dariali/Upper Lars crossing.
• Domestic minibuses (marshrutkas) run frequently; pay cash; some routes depart when full.

By Car

• Main routes to/from Tbilisi:
  • E60 east–west corridor (Kutaisi 3–4 h; Batumi 5–6 h).
  • E117 (Georgian Military Highway) to Russia (Vladikavkaz 5–7 h; winter closures possible).
  • Armenia via Sadakhlo–Bagratashen (Yerevan 5–6 h).
  • Azerbaijan via Red Bridge (Baku 8–10 h, border-dependent).
  • Turkey via Sarpi (Trabzon ~12–14 h; Istanbul ~18–20 h).
• Notes: Mountain passes (e.g., Jvari/Gudauri) can close in winter; queues common at Upper Lars and Sarpi in peak periods. Strict drink-driving enforcement and widespread speed cameras. Foreign vehicles must carry valid insurance (available at borders). An International Driving Permit is advisable.

If you crave cutting-edge nightlife with a cause, you’ll love Tbilisi—a city where dancing and dissent share the same dancefloor. It’s perfect for travellers who want world-class techno, natural wine culture, and creative spaces in a walkable, wallet-friendly capital. Those who prefer slower evenings will find atmospheric wine bars and design-led hangouts alongside the clubs.

• Night owls & clubbers: Dive into Tbilisi’s famed techno temples (Bassiani, KHIDI) for marathon nights that many compare to Berlin’s 1990s energy.
• LGBTQ+ travellers: Find fiercely protected safe spaces like Horoom and community nights beyond the clubs, with discretion advised outside these bubbles.
• Wine lovers: Explore 8,000 years of vinous heritage at natural wine bars (Vino Underground, 8000 Vintages) pouring outstanding qvevri wines.
• Culture vultures & activists: Experience nightlife as civic pulse—“We dance together, we fight together” lives on in venues that double as hubs for protest and dialogue.
• Design & creative crowd: Hang out in repurposed Soviet spaces like Fabrika, Stamba and Rooms—industrial chic meets contemporary Georgian style.
• Budget-savvy city‑breakers: Enjoy low-cost taxis, fair entry fees and great value drinks, with walkable districts that pack a big-city punch at prices far below Western Europe.