Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, a 1,500-year-old city strung along the Mtkvari River between steep hills in the South Caucasus. Its crooked Old Town of carved wooden balconies, sulfur bathhouses, Orthodox churches and hillside fortress sits beside Art Nouveau boulevards, Soviet-era landmarks and a fast-growing café, wine-bar and club scene. Visitors come for Georgian food and natural wine, easy day trips to monasteries and mountains, and some of the lowest prices of any European capital.
Tbilisi has one of the most talked-about nightlife scenes in the region: world-famous techno at Bassiani, natural-wine bars and chacha bars in Sololaki and Vera, craft-beer pubs, live jazz, and late-night khinkali spots. Bars are busiest Thursday to Saturday, and most close around 2-4AM. Cocktails run GEL 15-30 (approx USD 6-11), local beer GEL 6-12 (approx USD 2-5) and a glass of qvevri wine GEL 8-20 (approx USD 3-8).
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Sololaki and Old Tbilisi
Cellar wine bars, cocktail bars and chacha bars in Sololaki's old courtyards and around Erekle II and Shardeni streets
Best for: natural wine, cocktails and conversation
Vera
Neighbourhood west of Rustaveli with small bars, cafes and live music venues along Machabeli, Chavchavadze and Vera streets
Best for: bar-hopping and local atmosphere
Fabrika
Converted Soviet sewing factory with courtyard bars, a hostel, a wine bar and boutiques
Best for: social evenings, solo travellers and backpackers
Mtatsminda and Rike
Rooftop and terrace bars with views of the Mtkvari River, Narikala and Peace Bridge
Best for: sunset drinks and a romantic night
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Saamuri Wine Bar
Known for: Natural wines and chacha served inside Fabrika
Fabrika Tbilisi, 8 Egnate Ninoshvili Street, Tbilisi
Crossroads Bar
Known for: Craft cocktails in Sololaki
Vino Underground
Known for: Georgian natural wines in a brick-lined cellar
Kancellaria
Known for: Candlelit natural-wine bar near the Georgian Chancellery
Canudos
Known for: Cornerstone of Tbilisi bar life, mixed local and expat crowd
Tsibakha
Known for: Board games with drinks
Tsota Tsota Craft Beer Pub
Known for: Georgian and imported craft beers
Black Dog Bar
Known for: Casual bar with music
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Bassiani
Cover: GEL 22-32 (approx USD 8-12), online tickets; members-only entry via bassiani.com
Hours: Fri-Sat from midnight into Sunday morning
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.