The Georgian capital by night: the best bars and clubs in Tbilisi
Oct 30, 2019 • 4 min read
Dusk falls over Old Town and Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi. Frans Sellies / Getty Images
Over the past couple of years, nightlife in Tbilisi has changed a lot. Expect a vibrant city offering everything from live music and theme bars to all-night raves. Whether you're a party animal or prefer a quiet drink, this guide to nightlife in the capital of Georgia can help you find the right venue for you.
Note that clubs are open only on Fridays and Saturdays, while some bars operate until dawn, so pick your venue carefully.
Lucy Tattoo Studio
A tattoo studio and a vibrant bar, Lucy Tattoo Studio offers an unusual experience. This contemporary space, located under the Zaarbriuken Bridge brings local and international artists to perform every Friday and Saturday. Music genres vary from hip-hop to disco, jazz to electronica, to name a few. Note that there's a small fee (10 GEL) to enter after 11pm. Check the Facebook page to see upcoming events.
Opening hours: 1–9pm Tue–Thu; 9pm–3am Fri–Sat
Sakhelosno Bar
Salkhelosno in Georgian means "workshop place" and perfectly describes the interior of this underground bar. Adorned with cool graffiti and vintage items, Sakhelosno Bar is ideal for a fun night out on a weekday in Tbilisi when most of the clubs are closed. The bar has a mixed crowd and friendly atmosphere, along with a "no wi-fi" policy to encourage everyone to start a conversation with each other. There's also live music, jam sessions and karaoke events.
Opening hours: 7pm–4am
Ghvinis Karkhana #1
Turning old factories into dynamic multipurpose venues is a bit of a trend in Tbilisi. Gvinis Karkhana #1 is an ex-wine factory featuring various bars and restaurants under one roof. Want to try a modern Georgian meal? Fancy sipping delicious cocktails or want to taste the Georgian wine locals are so proud of? Or maybe you'd love some tacos and tequila to start your night? You name it, Ghvinis Karkhana has it.
Opening hours: vary by venue
Drama Bar
Drama Bar, located in one of the art nouveau residential buildings at the very centre of Tbilisi, attracts an indie crowd. There is no sign or directions, so find a common entrance hallway next to the Pantomime Theatre and go up to the third floor. People on the door operate a system of face and age control, so be prepared to be rejected or welcomed; it's unpredictable. If you're lucky and get in, you'll find several different rooms for dancing or chilling.
Opening hours: 10pm–3am Thu–Sat; 10pm–2am Sun
Bauhaus Bar
Bauhaus is an open-air bar and live music venue popular with people who love to spend time outdoors drinking beer and chatting with friends. It plays all-time favourite hits from the late '80s to the present day. Come here for a pre-party at affordable prices, or stay the whole evening. When the night starts to heat up, lights go down and the seating area becomes a dance floor.
Opening hours: late afternoon to 3am
Black Dog Bar
If you are travelling with your furry best pal, head to Black Dog Bar, one of the first venues in Tbilisi to welcome dogs. Expect a great ambience, friendly staff, and in-house craft beer. It's also known for tasty burgers and decent pub food. When the bell rings, challenge a bartender at Game Time (happy hour) and roll the dice to win a free shot or discount on drinks.
Opening hours: 2pm–1am Mon & Tue; 2pm–2am Wed–Sun
Bassiani
Bassiani is the go-to place if you're after late-night clubbing in Tbilisi. It's laid out in an old swimming pool at Dinamo Stadium. Often referred to as "the Berghain of the Caucasus" by international media, Bassiani brings the best residents and in-house DJs from all over the world. Getting inside is a big deal though, you need to register online and get verification to be able to buy tickets. What makes Bassiani the highlight of Tbilisi nightlife is its Horoom nights, which attract a predominantly LGBTIQ+ crowd.
Opening hours: 11pm–9am Fri–Sat
KHIDI
Khidi means "bridge" and is the name of a club inside one of the Soviet-era bridges in Tbilisi, specifically Vakhushti Bagrationi Bridge at President Heydar Aliev Embankment. Spread across three-floors, KHIDI is best for underground techno music lovers, bringing local and international artists to its stage. KHIDI's door is always open to anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion.
Opening hours: midnight–9am Fri–Sat
Other notable nightlife haunts in Tbilisi
Dedaena Bar – pre-party at live performances of local artists, DJs and beatboxers every day, or go for hip-hop on Sundays
Fabrika – an old Soviet sewing factory turned into a multipurpose venue full of bars attracting a hipster crowd
Drunk Owl – cheap drinks and live concerts by local artists in Tbilisi Old Town
Mtkvarze – restaurant-turned-club offering the best underground house, disco, experimental music, and hip-hop
Woland's Speakeasy – the only speakeasy bar in Tbilisi under the American Diner on 2 Machabeli Str
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