Welcome to Tbilisi, the brilliant capital of Georgia, where the nights are as lively as the days, provided you know exactly where to go – and have your ChaCha consumption under control. In our fascinating metropolis, the city really comes to life when the sun goes down, and the nightlife promises an unforgettable mix of culture, music, dance floor, culinary delights, electronic music, various crazes, live music and lots of fun. From trendy clubs with international and local artists in old factories with georgian wines to hidden bars and night club scene in the alleyways of the old Sololaki, Alavari and Marjanishvilli neighbourhoods, the Tbilisi Nightlife has something for everyone. On our excursion through the night, however, we will avoid the Russian bars and clubs, as we quickly remind ourselves that “20% of Georgia is occupied by Russia”. That’s why we strictly avoid supporting the occupiers and shoving more money down war criminal Putin’s throat for even more war.
But ok, let’s finally leave the damn politics aside. Read on and accompany me through the night, experience fascinating insights and learn to fear the ChaCha.
The fascinating history of nightlife in Tbilisi
The Tbilisi Nightlife has a rich history – dating back to the Soviet era. In contrast to Stalin’s birthplace, the terribly boring Gori, Tbilisi’s Soviet nightlife is a real bear. During this strange period of our history, Tbilisi Nightlife was still rather limited and controlled, but with the collapse of the USSR (hooray!) in the 1990s, the scene began to change forever.
Nowadays it fulfils pretty much every international demand for partying, dance floor, craft beer, dance music, international techno artists in a good night club you could wish for. In addition to an inspiring underground scene, there are plenty of hipster venues like Khidi Club, first-class gastronomy with great food and iconic locations with live music and much more.
From tradition to electronic music
Georgia’s recent independence brought with it a new cultural dynamic that characterised nightlife in Tbilisi. Clubs, bars and restaurants sprang up and the city became a hotspot for art, music and hip underground culture at the highest level. Since then, nightlife has continued to evolve and become an integral part of Tbilisi’s urban landscape. The typical Tbilisi Nightlife Clubs like Bassiani under the Dinamo Arena attract visitors from all over the world and make even Berghain in Berlin look boring.
Tbilisi's nightlife - popular neighbourhoods and venues
Tbilisi is rich in neighbourhoods and venues that characterise the city’s exciting nightlife. One of the most popular neighbourhoods is the historic old town district of Sololaki, known for its charming cobbled streets and its multitude of bars and clubs all the way up to Bethlemi Street. Here visitors will find a mix of traditional Georgian wine bars and trendy cocktail bars that are open late into the night.
Another up-and-coming neighbourhood is the Vera district, which is known for its hip bars and clubs. In cool venues such as Canudos or the legendary Cafe Stamba in the hotel of the same name, young locals and international visitors meet up to experience the best nightlife in the city. The rustic industrial areas of Junkyard and Lilo are also favourite haunts for those looking for alternative venues beyond the mainstream.
For a more upmarket atmosphere and stunning views over the city, visitors should explore the Mtatsminda neighbourhood, known for its chic rooftop bars and elegant restaurants. Whether getting lost in the bustling streets of Old Town or exploring the trendy bars of Vera, Tbilisi offers a variety of neighbourhoods and venues that make the city’s nightlife an unforgettable experience.
Music scene, disco, international DJs and party scene in Georgia
The music scene in Tbilisi is primarily electronic, sometimes rock and as diverse as it is lively. Only lovers of classical music like me will definitely miss out here, if you look beyond the ballets and opera beyond the nightlife. Our endearing city is known for its thriving electronic music scene, which has spawned clubs and venues such as Bassiani and Mtkvarze Club. These clubs are famous for their innovative DJs and unique atmosphere that attracts electronic music lovers from all over the world.
Apart from electronic music, Tbilisi Nightlife also offers a rich selection of live music and traditional Georgian music. The city’s cosy bars and clubs regularly host live performances by local bands and musicians who present a mixture of jazz, blues, rock and folk.
Karaoke should not be underestimated as an important part of Tbilisi Nightlife – the Georgians really have what it takes and set the dance floor on fire when someone sings! It’s not uncommon for an innocent Georgian girl not to speak a word of English, but to perform Amy Winehouse’s smoking voice on stage with perfect intonation and pronunciation.
Live Music @ Tbilisi Nightlife: Festivals with Local and international Artists
The Tbilisi Nightlife also hosts a variety of music festivals and events throughout the year, with sometimes important local and international artists on stage with a very friendly atmosphere. The Tbilisi Jazz Festival, the Tbilisi Open Air, and the Black Sea Jazz Festival are just some of the events that attract music lovers from all over the world with excellent sound quality. Whether you prefer electronic beats by international techno artists, live music or traditional Georgian sounds, Tbilisi has something to offer for every musical taste.
The Tbilisi Nightlife also contains a small but excellent psytrance scene with exzellent electronic music from local and international artists. If you keep up to date on social media, you will quickly find the next event organised by DJ Ramyjin and other international techno artists. The events often take place at the open-air bar at Lisi Lake with a nice decorated dance floor and guarantee lively nights, not just the best wine bars.
Beyond beer, chacha and the wine bar - culinary experiences
Tbilisi Nightlife offers not only musical entertainment, but also a rich selection of culinary delights. Here are some highlights of the culinary scene:
- Georgian cuisine: try local great food such as khachapuri (stuffed Georgian bread), khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and satsivi (chicken in walnut sauce) in many traditional restaurants like Shemoikhede Marjanishvilze and city center. Every local will ask you for it – put a smile on the locals’ faces!
- International cuisine: Discover a variety of international restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, from Italian pizza to Asian delicacies. The Turkish restaurants like MyChef in Marjanishvilli in particular have a lot to offer and are considered authentic with good atmosphere. You can also find cuisine from Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Kazakhstan – of course we leave out Russian cuisine as we don’t support war criminals.
- Street food: Well, Tbilisi’s street food scene is a bit boring. Try local snacks like dried churchkhela (Georgian nut sweet) and lobiani (stuffed Georgian bread) if you must. Even worse are all the kebebas, shawarmas and bulldogs (bread with mutilated sausages and cheese). There is a real need to catch up here!
- Local markets: Visit the local markets at night, such as Dezerter Bazaar and Dry Bridge Market, to sample fresh produce, spices and traditional Georgian foods. At the Dry Bridge you can buy a matching gas mask from the Soviet era, who knows – the next pandemic is sure to come?
Whether you’re a foodie or just fancy something tasty, Tbilisi’s nightlife offers a plethora of culinary experiences that will tantalise your taste buds. If you prefer to be cheeky, Glovo, Bold and Wolt will simply deliver the gourmet delights of other restaurants to your favourite bar – if they don’t serve food themselves, it’s usually no problem!
Tbilisi Nightlife Tips for Expats
Especially if you are new to the city as a self-employed person, student or digital nomad, it can often be difficult to make friends. There are a few locations that are particularly popular with expats, but also with locals. If you not only want to enjoy the Tbilisi nightlife but also meet new people, this is the place for you:
Nomads Bar, Marjanishvilli
Within a short space of time, the mother of all dive bars in Tbilisi nightlife has become a magnet for an international clientele. Here you can not only enjoy the homemade ChaCha infusions, but also an arsenal of great cocktails at reasonable prices. Beer starts here from just 6 ₾. Many guests say that Nomads Bar is probably the best rock bar with sometimes live music in Tbilisi at the moment. The two bar managers Mari and Mariam (M&M) are known as DJanes for their hard-hitting vintage rock from the 70s to the 2000s and ensure a good atmosphere. For our detailed review, simply click on this link to the Nomads Bar.
The Worlds End Bar, Sololaki
This is one of the very few places has been causing a furore since the pandemic and is particularly popular with expats in Tbilisi. It serves excellent infused vodkas, cocktails and surprises with a great selection of wine. Concerts are regularly organised here. Nino Datunashvily, Georgia’s craziest rock brat, creates a great atmosphere with her brilliant live music every Friday from 9.00 pm. There are also regular game nights and stand-up comedy. For our detailed review, just click on this link to The Worlds End Bar.
Canudos Ethnic Bar, Vera
“Because everyone counts” is the motto of this special bar. In addition to an elaborately designed interior, guests particularly love the bar’s pretty garden. This is where the world comes together peacefully to enjoy a variety of music, sometimes also electronic music. The drinks prices here are particularly favourable. The Canudos Bar in Vera is also known for its incredibly tasty Mexican potatoes with the speciality! For our detailed review, simply click on this link to the Canudos Bar.
Cafe Therapy, Marjanishvilli
Even if this location is only indirectly a Tbilisi Nightlife attraction, you should pay a visit here. In this cosy family-run restaurant in Marjanishvilli, you can chat with friends over a good glass of wine. The special thing about CafeThearpy is that different language conversation groups meet here every day – ideal for making new contacts. The delicious food at CafeTherapy is sensational for a great price and perfect as a base to dive into Tbilisi’s nightlife. For our full review just click on this link to CafeTherapy.
Rude Boy Bar, Sololaki
This is not only an international bar, but also a first-class location for Italian cuisine (delicious food!) and electronic music. Incidentally, you’ll find by far the best margarita in Tbilisi here. The other cocktails are also impressive and this is one of the best bars in Tbilisi. Locals, tourists and expats meet here and together they create an exuberant atmosphere. From the Rude Boy Bar, you can easily explore the neighbouring Tbilisi nightlife on foot and find many other top locations nearby. For our full review just click on this link to Rude Boy Bar.
The following table will help you find your way around Tbilisi Nightlife if you are new to it:
| Music Genre | Event Type | Recommended Venues | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Music | Clubs | Bassiani, Khidi Club, Mtkvarze Club, Safe Club, Bank Club | International DJs, underground atmosphere, innovative lighting and sound systems |
| Rock Music | Bars, Pubs, Live Music Events | The World’s End Bar, Nomads Bar, Didi Bar | Local bands, jam sessions, casual atmosphere |
| Live Music | Festivals, Concerts | Tbilisi Open Air, Tbilisi Jazz Festival, Black Sea Jazz Festival | Popular local and international artists, open-air locations |
| Traditional Music | Restaurants, Bars | Tiflis Veranda, In Vino Veritas, Tabla Restaurant | Georgian folklore, choir singing, traditional instruments |
| Karaoke | Karaoke Bars | Karaoke Melody, Nali Karaoke Bar, Eta Karaoke Bar | Popular pastime in Georgia, lively atmosphere |
| Psytrance | Open Airs, Events | Lisi Lake, events in the surrounding area | Growing scene, often with international artists, mostly in summer |
The local point of view
For the locals, nightlife in Tbilisi is more than just entertainment – it’s an expression of their identity and joie de vivre. Many see the city’s lively atmosphere as a reflection of Georgia’s cultural diversity and openness. Locals appreciate the opportunity to meet new people, experience creative events and enjoy the night out with friends. They recommend visitors to go with the flow of the city and embrace the unique experiences that Tbilisi’s nightlife offers.
Safety and practical tips
Although the nightlife in Tbilisi is exciting and diverse, it is important to take some safety precautions to make your stay enjoyable:
- Be aware of your surroundings: be alert and mindful of your personal safety, especially in less crowded areas – avoid the Kura River area late at night.
- Trust your instincts: If a situation seems uncomfortable, leave the area and seek safer surroundings. Locals are always helpful if there are problems
- Drink responsibly! Enjoy alcoholic drinks in moderation and be careful not to get carried away with excessive alcohol consumption. In plain language, this means that after two ChaCha it’s over
- Use cheap taxis: If you are travelling late at night, it is advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing services such as Bolt or Yandex.
Stay aware: What should be do with the drunken ChaCha Georgi?
As safe as Tbilisi Nightlife may be – avoid the heavily drunk locals. They are 90% friendly to foreigners if you tell them how much you love Kinkhali and Katchapuri, but they are extremely exhausting. Often they can hardly stand on their feet and won’t stop talking. Don’t waste any time and make a run for it if the drunken locals want your attention.
Future outlook - this city will rock you!
Tbilisi Nightlife is constantly evolving and changing, and the future promises more exciting developments:
Growing international attention – as interest in Georgia as a tourist destination increases, Tbilisi’s nightlife is becoming more internationally recognised and attracting visitors from all over the planet, especially for Underground House, strange upcoming events in an old swimming pool and other cool stuff.
New venues and concepts – The city is experiencing a steady influx of best bars, clubs on more than three floors and venues offering innovative concepts, a trendy atmosphere and unique experiences on the dance floor.
Cultural exchange – Tbilisi’s nightlife serves as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between Tbilisians and international visitors, leading to an even more diverse scene.
Urban development – The urban development, including infrastructure projects and urban planning, will also influence the city’s nightlife and potentially create new opportunities for party and activities.
With its vibrant atmosphere and unique blend of culture and entertainment, Tbilisi Nightlife is on a steady upward trend and promises to continue to be an exciting experience for locals and visitors alike.
Hitting the dance floor: My personal conclusion on Tbilisi Nightlife
Nightlife in Tbilisi is on the up, with more and more bars, local artists and clubs springing up. Beyond experimental music, techno and house, however, more rock venues would be desirable. It is advisable to visit the best venues beyond the expat scene with the local people. Georgian culture reveals an intense nightlife beyond third floor and is always good for a surprise.
Personal tips for Tbilisi Nightlife Enthusiasts:
Stay away from overpriced wine in bars and nightclubs
Never mix beer and ChaCha
Jam sessions and karaoke in Tbilisi are first class
Those who stay out all night have a good chance of decent food
In general, you can have fun in the clubs in Tbilisi, but you should avoid the overpriced venues – these are mostly just there to take money out of tourists’ pockets. It doesn’t always have to be the Khidi Club or the other typical locations, there are many hidden locations in the georgian capital that know how to enchant. To find your best nightclub with an amazing sound system, just ask the local people where to go.
FAQ: Tbilisi Nightlife – Everything to need to know: Questions and Answers
Ah, “Face Control,” that delightful dance of judgment where your fate hangs on the whim of a bouncer’s eyebrow. Regarding on Tbilisi Nightlife, much like in the exclusive clubs of Milan or the underground haunts of New York, “Face Check” is the art of eyeballing patrons to decide if their vibe, look, or sometimes even the cut of their jib, fits the night’s desired crowd. It’s not about beauty; it’s about blending with the ambiance, like a chameleon in a disco ball factory. So, wear your confidence like a second skin, and you may just pass muster.
Oh, are there ever! Tbilisi, with its pulsating underground scene, is a beacon for international DJs spinning Techno and House. The city’s clubs have become hallowed ground for beats and bass, attracting global turntable talents like moths to a neon glow. Bassiani and Khidi are akin to pilgrimage sites for those seeking the divine in electronic music. So yes, prepare your eardrums for an international odyssey without leaving the cobblestones of Tbilisi.
The dress code in Tbilisi’s nightclubs is a lot like jazz; it’s more about the notes they don’t play. Casual chic to underground grunge, the spectrum is as wide as the city’s history. Think less about the label and more about the statement. Want to wear that vintage leather jacket with boots that have seen better days? Go ahead. It’s all about expressing individuality with a side order of attitude. But remember, the golden rule of “Face Control”: if you look like you belong, you probably do.
Indeed, there is. For those moments when the music demands more space than a cramped club can provide, Tbilisi answers with venues like the Tbilisi Sports Palace or the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. These places swell with the sounds of international and local acts alike, hosting crowds that come with a thirst for live music that can’t be quenched in smaller venues. It’s where the air vibrates with anticipation, and the night promises to be more epic than a Georgian banquet.
Tbilisi generally boasts a safe nightlife scene, even for solo women. However, like any city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas or late at night. Stick to well-lit streets, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to use reputable taxi apps like Bolt or Yandex.
ChaCha, the fiery grape brandy of Georgia, is indeed potent stuff! It’s a beloved local spirit, often enjoyed as a shot or infused with various flavors. While two shots might get your toes tapping, remember, moderation is key. Georgians love to share, but don’t let their enthusiasm lead you astray into a ChaCha-induced haze!
Absolutely! While Georgian cuisine is known for its meat dishes, Tbilisi’s culinary scene is evolving to embrace diverse dietary needs. Many restaurants offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options, especially those with a modern twist on traditional Georgian flavors. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety available.
Absolutely! Tbilisi is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Ask locals for their favorite haunts, venture off the beaten path in neighborhoods like Marjanishvili and Vera, or keep an eye on social media for underground events and pop-up bars. You might stumble upon a secret courtyard party, a cozy wine bar tucked away in a back alley, or a live music session in an unexpected location. Embrace the element of surprise, and you’ll find that Tbilisi’s nightlife is an adventure in itself.
