Top 9 Things to Do in Tbilisi at Night

Tbilisi has enjoyed increasing popularity among international travelers over the last decade or so. Indeed, more and more people are falling for its eclectic charm, its fusion of European and Asian influences, and the unique atmosphere attributable to its geographic location and tumultuous history.

In Georgia’s capital city, you can find futuristic glass buildings, brutalist soviet architecture, and medieval churches almost as old as the city itself within a 10-minute walk from one another. Relatedly, the city's patchwork nature is one of its greatest attractions, along with Georgia’s renowned cuisine and legendarily hospitable people.

Yet, once the sun goes down, Tbilisi has even more to discover. In fact, it would be naive to think that after the museums and churches close their doors for the day that tourists' entertainment options dwindle. In reality, the opposite is true as Tbilisi's nightlife is diverse and exciting.

In Tbilisi, people are used to spending time out and having fun late into the night, even in the middle of the working week. With that in mind, there are plenty of places and activities to choose from, including bars, clubs, and live music venues, as well as more sophisticated cultural events at night.

Without further ado, here are the top nine things to do in Tbilisi at night.

Go on a (Wine) Bar Crawl

For people who revel in nightlife, exploring the Tbilisi drinking scene, primarily but not entirely revolving around wine, is a no-brainer. Aptly known as the “Cradle of Wine,” Georgia was the first country to vinify grape juice, and its rich and long history survives and thrives to this day. Sitting down with a glass of Georgian wine in friendly company is a national favorite, whether or not they need to be at the office the next morning.

Wine bars in Tbilisi stay open late into the wee hours of the morning and serve a wide variety of local “waters of life” that you would be unlikely to find anywhere else. Whether it be a cozy wine bar or a traditional restaurant, the wine list will have you salivating. From late-night restaurants to the fanciest of Tbilisi’s rooftop bars to Tbilisi’s live music venues, most tend to serve Georgian wine with pride.

Dance Until You Drop at One of Tbilisi’s Renowned Nightclubs

For keen clubbers, Tbilisi’s live music venues have become globally popular destinations in recent years. Indeed, Tbilisi’s niche nightlife culture has a lot to offer, from unique settings to dazzling setlists put together by internationally acclaimed artists.

Even people who might not consider themselves to be electronic music fans often set aside a night or two of their stay here to visit the increasingly famous Tbilisi bars and clubs to sample the uniqueness of the city’s nightlife scene. Some Tbilisi clubbing venues have become so prolific that they regularly attract over 1000 people a night. Ask locals which events are not to be missed for the duration of your stay in the city.

Explore Tbilisi Art (Outside Museums)

As is the case in most other major European cities, most art spaces close when the day turns to evening, but in Tbilisi, there are still some cultural spaces you can enjoy even after the sun has set. 

Between private galleries working late, workshops, and flea markets you’ll have your choice of spaces displaying art by local (and, sometimes, international) artists. 

Street art has become surprisingly popular in Tbilisi over the last decade. In the summertime, when the daylight holds longer, dusk would be a great time to visit giant murals that Georgian artists have decorated old Soviet buildings with.

Take a Boat Ride Down the Mtkvari River 

If you want a different perspective of the city after dark, taking a boat ride on the Mtkvari (or Kura) River is both a tranquil and thrilling Tbilisi night tour experience. Several companies operate such tours, with some of them offering rides long into the night. Usually, Mtkvari boat tours last around 30 minutes and sail past some of the most picturesque parts of the city, with breathtaking views of the Bridge of Peace, Mtatsminda, Narikala Fortress, and Metekhi Bridge and Church, as well as staggeringly beautiful historic houses hanging atop the cliff edge. 

Stroll Through Tbilisi’s Old Town

A city can often take on an entirely different character at night, and Tbilisi is no exception. And nowhere in the city is that difference quite as stark as in the Old Town. During the day, Tbilisi’s Old Town feels grand, ancient, and, around certain historical sites like Anchiskhati Basilica, even somewhat solemn.

Illuminated by bright lights, it comes alive in a completely new way after dusk. Of course, the historic vibe never goes away, and this remains one of the main charms of this quarter of the city - but at night this takes a backseat to a more exuberant and vibrant way of life. Adding to the lively feel, many of the best Tbilisi’s bars and clubs, and late-night restaurants are located here.

Exploring the Old Town tends to be the centerpiece of Tbilisi night tours. and for good reason. Actually, if you’re only staying in the city for one night, this is an experience to be prioritized.

Feast Like a Real Georgian (and Cure Your Hangover Like One Too!)

One of the most beloved traditions in Tbilisi’s nightlife culture is feasting with friends until well past midnight. Thankfully, in Tbilisi, late-night restaurants are in plentiful supply and are easy to find in most central neighborhoods. Ordering an abundance of dishes and drinks is not only common but expected. Even once the kitchen closes, most restaurants will allow guests to stay for an extra hour or two to soak up the food, drink, and revelry.

on the other hand, most restaurants in Tbilisi open after 10AM (locals consider it to be, basically, dawn). And, if you’ve had a few too many glasses of wine the night before (which is of course warmly encouraged), look for Khashi or Chikhirtma - the traditional “hangover soups” in Georgian cuisine. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, ask for Samarkhvo (fasting) options.

Get Your Steam on at the Sulfur Baths 

The sulfur baths are among Tbilisi’s signature attractions. The hot springs under the city are, according to legend, the entire reason why a city was built here in the first place. The majority of these are located in the Abanotubani district (“Abano” means “bathhouse” in Georgian) and are easy to recognize, with their brick and tiled domes popping out like giant mushrooms. Closing times vary, but there are more than a few that work past midnight, so whatever the time of day you’ll have a wealth of options for a satisfying steam. While there are still common areas inside, at most modern sulfur baths you’re expected to rent a private room, either for yourself or your group. Top tip: don’t leave Tbilisi without getting a kisa scrub down!

Check Out the Local Events Calendar

There are several communal spaces and multi-functional cultural centers in Tbilisi that regularly host many prominent cultural events at night. 

These events tend to range from modern art exhibitions entailing various mediums to workshops (ceramics, candle-making, etc.) to discussion sessions and even mini artisan markets. The events tend to keep running until 10-11pm more often than not. 

Top tip: You’ll find the most up-to-date information about events scheduled on Facebook calendar. Most Georgian establishments tend to update their Facebook pages far more regularly than official websites. If you’re looking for something interesting to do in Tbilisi after working hours Facebook is your friend. Also you can check our ongoing events in Georgia page, where you will get updated information about most of planned events.

Of course, you may just want to socialize with fellow travelers and locals. If that’s the goal, just go to one of the communal spaces with an abundance of trendy eating and drinking spots and an outdoor seating area. The chances that you’ll be sucked into a friendly conversation are quite high.

Take the Funicular Railway to Mtatsminda Park 

For the most stunning panorama of Tbilisi at night, head up to Mtatsminda Park via the Funicular (a cable railway system) from the station on Chonkadze Street. After alighting at the station at the summit, stroll through the quaint park to enjoy memorable views of brightly illuminated popular Tbilisi attractions, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the President’s Palace, and the Bridge of Peace.

The final train leaves the lower station at around 23:30, while the final departure time from the upper station varies depending on demand. With that in mind, upon arriving at Mtatsminda Park, make sure to ask a member of staff when the last train will depart down the hill.