Tbilisi: Pub Crawl tour with special drinks

Exploring Tbilisi’s nightlife through a Pub Crawl tour with special drinks promises more than just a night of drinking; it offers a taste of local culture wrapped in a lively, social atmosphere. The tour, lasting about three hours, takes you through some of the city’s lesser-known bars, guided by friendly and knowledgeable locals. You’ll get a chance to sip Georgian craft beers, enjoy traditional wine, and even try Chacha, Georgia’s potent grape spirit, which is sure to loosen your limbs and maybe make you want to dance.

Two things I particularly appreciate about this experience are the intimate access to hidden bars that you probably wouldn’t find on your own and the variety of drinks that showcase Georgia’s brewing and winemaking heritage. The guides, like the one from ViewsGeorgia, are enthusiastic and helpful, making sure everyone feels included and informed. One potential drawback is that the tour is quite focused on nightlife, so it might not suit travelers looking for a quieter, more cultural daytime experience.

Key points / Takeaways

• Hidden Bars Access: You’ll visit underground spots and secret venues that are normally off the tourist map.
• Diverse Drink Offerings: From local craft beer to Georgian wine and the fiery Chacha, there’s a lot to sample.
• Guided Experience: Friendly, bilingual guides (English, Spanish, Georgian) help bring the local bar scene to life.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The tour offers a blend of lively music, from live Jazz to techno, matching the city’s diverse nightlife.
• Starting Point at Fabrika: Known as the cultural hub of Tbilisi, this is a perfect spot to kick off your evening.
• Flexible and Convenient: Booking is easy, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour ends conveniently back at the meeting point.

Discovering Tbilisi’s Hidden Nightlife Gems

If you’re curious about experiencing a side of Tbilisi that most travelers miss, the Pub Crawl tour offers an excellent introduction. Starting at the vibrant Fabrika, the city’s art and youth hub, you’ll meet your guide—someone like the friendly local who knows the ins and outs of the nightlife scene. Fabrika is famous for its creative energy, with young artists and musicians gathering in its cafes and halls, making it an ideal starting point that sets an energetic tone.

From there, your guide will lead you through the Sololaki district, a neighborhood renowned for its eclectic bars and underground pubs. What makes this part of town stand out is the atmosphere—sometimes a bit gritty, often lively, and full of history hidden behind unassuming facades. Here, you might find yourself in secret bars where the staff serve drinks with a wink and a nod, adding a sense of adventure to your night.

Sampling Georgian Drinks: Craft Beer, Wine & Chacha

One of the highlights of this tour is the chance to try Georgian craft beers—a delightful surprise for beer enthusiasts, given Georgia’s reputation as a wine country. Alongside beer, you’ll taste traditional Georgian wine, which is often served in small glasses but packs a flavorful punch, reflecting centuries of winemaking tradition. The real star for many is Chacha, a spirit distilled from grape pomace that can reach up to 60% alcohol. As one review notes, having a shot of Chacha might just have you dancing or singing in no time.

The drinks are served at each stop, giving you a real taste of local flavors. The guides sometimes offer options beyond wine and Chacha, including whiskey and tequila, catering to diverse palates. Since the tour is about having fun and making friends, the emphasis is on sampling and enjoying the company, rather than heavy drinking.

The Music and Atmosphere

Music is an integral part of the experience. Depending on the night, you might find yourself listening to live Jazz in an intimate basement bar or grooving to techno at a bustling club. The variety keeps the night lively and engaging, matching the diverse scenes you explore. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for travelers who want to socialize—not just drink.

The guides often share local stories and tidbits about each venue, enriching the experience beyond just spirits and music. Their enthusiasm adds warmth, making each stop feel like hanging out with a knowledgeable friend.

Logistics, Cost, and Practicalities

Starting at the Marjanishvili Metro station, the tour is well-organized, with a clear meeting point next to the Miniso shop. It lasts about three hours, which is just enough time to enjoy several bars without feeling rushed. The price covers three different drinks and the guide’s service, but food and additional drinks are not included. This is worth noting because you might want to bring some extra cash for snacks or to try additional drinks outside those included.

Booking is flexible—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and you pay only after reserving, which offers peace of mind. The tour caters to adults over 18 and isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pub crawl suits travelers eager to explore Tbilisi’s lesser-known bar scene in a social, casual setting. If you enjoy trying local drinks, listening to live music, and discovering hidden parts of a city, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially good for those interested in Georgia’s brewing and winemaking traditions or looking for a lively introduction to the city’s nightlife.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For around three hours of guided fun, this tour offers an excellent combination of authentic local experiences and social entertainment. The fact that it visits hidden bars ensures you’re getting more than just the standard tourist spots, and the chance to sample Georgian craft beer, wine, and Chacha adds real flavor to your night out.

The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge make a significant difference, turning what could be a simple bar crawl into a lively cultural adventure. The flexibility in booking and cancellation also makes it easy to fit into your travel plans.

However, keep in mind that if you prefer quieter evenings or have specific dietary restrictions, this tour might be less suited to your tastes. It’s a lively experience that really shines when you’re in the mood for a night of socializing and exploring the city’s underground bar scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or people who don’t want to consume alcohol?
While the focus is on tasting Georgian drinks, non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing, music, and social atmosphere, but the experience is centered around drinks.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t leave you exhausted.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins next to Marjanishvili Metro station, in front of the Miniso shop, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?
You’ll get to try three different drinks, including Georgian craft beer, traditional wine, and Chacha, with options for whiskey or tequila depending on your preference.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women, as it involves alcoholic drinks and nightlife activities.

This guided pub crawl offers an accessible, fun way to explore Tbilisi’s underground bar scene, sample local spirits, and meet fellow travelers. Whether you’re a lover of good music, unique drinks, or just the thrill of discovering hidden corners of a city, this tour can add a memorable chapter to your Georgia adventure.