Tbilisi has one of the most inventive nightlife scenes in the region, and a guided pub crawl is a low-effort way to dive in. Over a few hours you move between several bars in the old town and beyond, led by a local who knows which places are lively on which nights and which serve the best of the local drinks. Expect to taste Georgian wine, the fiery grape spirit chacha and local beers, and to hear a little about the history of each place and of the city’s bar culture, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The group is made up of other visitors, so the atmosphere is friendly and informal, and it is an easy way to meet people if you are travelling alone. Between stops you stroll the narrow streets of the old town at night, when the balconied houses are lit up and the lanes feel warmer and more intimate than they do by day.
How to visit
The crawl starts in the evening at a meeting point in the old town and lasts around three to four hours. You are expected to be an adult and to drink responsibly, and the format normally includes a few drinks or shots along the way, with the rest bought at your own pace. Check when you book what is included, because arrangements differ between nights and groups. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and hills, and carry a little cash and your ID.
What to expect
Bars range from candlelit wine cellars to rooftop terraces, lively cocktail rooms and basement venues with live music, depending on the night. The guide will introduce the drinks you do not know, from qvevri wine to chacha flavoured with fruit, and will tell you how Georgians drink, with toasts and some ritual.
Friday and Saturday nights are busiest, and weekday groups tend to be smaller. You will rarely be rushed, but the crawl follows a rough timetable, so be on time. Food is not usually the focus, so eat beforehand or arrange a late supper afterwards.
Making the most of it
Schedule the crawl for early in your stay, so you know where to return, and avoid heavy plans the next morning, because the drinks are strong. If you want a gentler evening, choose the wine tasting instead. Keep your phone charged and have the address of your hotel ready, and use a ride-hailing app to get home, which is cheap and reliable. Tbilisi is generally relaxed at night, but sensible precautions apply as in any city, and the guide can advise on where to go next.
Good to know
Tbilisi’s bars often turn into small clubs after midnight, and some close late, so the crawl is a good way to learn where to return on your own. If you are sensitive to loud music, ask the guide to point you to quieter spots. Smoking rules vary by venue. Keep valuables close in crowded rooms, and agree a meeting plan with friends. Remember that the old town streets are steep and uneven, and heels or smooth soles can be tricky after dark.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walk between several bars in Tbilisi with drinks, local tips and a friendly group.
Best time
Friday or Saturday evening for the liveliest bars.
How long
About three to four hours.
Tips
Eat beforehand, carry ID and cash, and use a ride-hailing app to get home.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Solo travellers and friends who want a sociable night out.
- Families
- Adults only; not suitable for children.
- Couples
- A fun, lively night, though quieter options exist.
- Pair with
- A morning at the sulfur baths to recover.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What drinks are included on the pub crawl?+
Inclusions vary by night and group, but expect a few drinks or shots along the way. Check when you book.
How many bars do we visit?+
Usually several bars over three to four hours. The exact list depends on the night.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Yes, especially for weekends. Groups are limited so that the bars are not crowded.
Is the pub crawl safe for solo travellers?+
It is a popular choice for solo visitors, and the guide keeps the group together. Drink responsibly as you would anywhere.
What is chacha?+
It is a strong Georgian grape spirit, sometimes flavoured with fruit. Sip it slowly.
