Irine’s Pub Crawls

Exploring Tbilisi’s Nightlife with Irine’s Pub Crawl: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi and want to get a genuine taste of its vibrant after-dark scene, a pub crawl like Irine’s might be just what you need. This tour promises an engaging way to explore the city’s best bars, enjoy local wine, and meet fellow travelers—all while being guided by someone who really knows the scene.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a friendly, welcoming vibe with a well-structured route that hits some of the city’s most interesting spots. The guides, especially Irine, are praised for their warmth and knowledge, making the night feel more like a fun night out with friends than a typical tourist activity. Plus, the inclusion of Georgian wine and snacks at the start sets a relaxed, authentic tone.

However, a few considerations are worth mentioning. The tour runs for about 5 hours, which can be a long night if you’re not used to staying out late or if you’re traveling with young children (since it’s for those 18 and over). Also, depending on your preferences, some might find certain bars less to their taste, as each has its own style. Still, if you enjoy socializing, discovering local spots, and experiencing nightlife guided by a local, this tour could be a highlight of your stay.

All in all, this pub crawl is best suited for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends eager to dive into Tbilisi’s lively scene. It’s also a good choice if you want to do something fun and relaxed on a weekend evening without worrying about planning individual bar visits.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Guided tour with a local who makes the night feel personal and engaging.
• Cultural Tasting: Enjoy Georgian wine and traditional snacks at a cozy wine bar.
• Varied Venues: Visit three different bars and experience their unique atmospheres.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Walk through lively streets, passing iconic sights like Liberty Square and St. George’s statue.
• Nightclub Finale: Finish the night dancing at a popular nightclub.
• Excellent Value: At $33 per person, it offers a comprehensive evening out with plenty of local flavor.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point at Fabrika Tbilisi

The tour kicks off at Fabrika, a trendy spot well-known as a social hub in Tbilisi. From here, the group heads straight into the heart of the city’s nightlife. The initial stop usually includes a warm welcome with shots and an introduction to Georgian wine and snacks. This sets a friendly, relaxed tone where everyone can get comfortable and start chatting.

Passing Orbeliani Square and Strolling through Old Town

Before hitting the bars, you’ll pass by Orbeliani Square, a recently renovated space with impressive buildings, and the Presidential Palace. This provides a quick glimpse of the city’s blend of modern and historic architecture. Walking through the streets of Old Town is one of the highlights, as the streets are bustling with life day and night. You’ll see landmarks such as Liberty Square, where the iconic St. George’s statue stands tall, and get a view of the TV Tower—familiar sights that make the city feel alive and welcoming.

The Bars and Their Unique Vibes

The core of the tour involves visiting three bars, each with around 40-60 minutes spent at each. Based on reviews, the bars are quite varied, so you get a taste of different styles—whether it’s a cozy spot, a lively pub, or a hidden gem. While some might find two of the stops less to their liking, others appreciated the variety.

A reviewer noted, “Irine is a fantastic host, does a great job at making sure everyone has a great time,” emphasizing how the guide’s friendliness enhances the experience. Another guest mentioned that they “met some amazing people and made some great memories,” illustrating the social aspect of the crawl.

Exploring the Old Town’s Nightlife

Most of the last four bars are located in the historic Old Town, where the streets are full of energy. Walking between these spots gives you a real feel for Tbilisi’s vibrant nightlife. The atmosphere varies from bar to bar, but the common thread is a lively, welcoming crowd. This part of the tour is great for those who enjoy people-watching, local music, or just soaking up the city’s night-time energy.

The Nightclub Finale

After the bar hopping, the tour concludes with a chance to dance at a nightclub. This is often the highlight for those who love to dance or simply want to extend their night out. Many reviews praised the guide’s ability to keep the group together and ensure everyone has fun, regardless of their dancing skills.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of $33, you’re getting quite a bit: a professional and local guide, welcome shots, and a carefully curated route through some of Tbilisi’s best nightlife spots. The tour also includes admission to the bars, so there’s no extra hassle or hidden costs along the way.

However, it’s worth noting that under 18s are not permitted, which makes sense given the alcohol-focused nature of the tour. Also, the experience is designed for those who are ready to spend around 5 hours evening out—so it’s best suited for night owls and those comfortable with late nights.

The Value Factor

At just over $30, this pub crawl offers excellent value considering the number of stops, the guided aspect, and the inclusion of Georgian wine and snacks. The reviews highlight that many travelers felt it was money well spent, especially for solo travelers wanting to meet others and get an authentic local experience.

How the Tour Looks in Practice

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 99 travelers, the group size is generally manageable, but most reviews suggest it’s often smaller—more like an intimate gathering. The guides do a good job at creating a friendly environment. One guest said, “Niniko did her best to make sure we had lots of fun,” which speaks to the attentive nature of the tour.

Timing and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting in the early evening and ending late at night. This pacing works well for those who want a relaxed but lively night out. If you’re someone who prefers earlier nights or shorter outings, this might feel a bit long. Conversely, if you love the idea of a full evening of socializing, this tour fits perfectly.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Starting at Fabrika Tbilisi, a well-known spot near public transportation, makes it easy to reach without fuss. The tour ends at Kote Afkhazi Street, which is also accessible for those heading back to their accommodation or continuing their night.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This pub crawl offers a friendly, guided introduction to Tbilisi’s nightlife scene. It’s clear from reviews that Irine and her guides are well-loved for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel included. The stops are varied enough to keep things interesting, and the inclusion of Georgian wine adds a local flavor that enhances the experience.

If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a group that enjoys social nights out, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It’s perfect if you want to explore several local bars without the hassle of planning, and if you’re comfortable with a longer evening that involves some dancing at the end.

However, if you’re not into late nights or prefer more curated, quieter experiences, this might not be your best option. Keep in mind the 18+ age restriction and the potential variability in bar atmospheres.

Overall, for the price, the fun overall vibe, and the chance to learn about Tbilisi’s bar scene from a passionate local guide, Irine’s Pub Crawl is a solid choice that many travelers rave about.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
Since the tour involves sampling Georgian wine and includes welcome shots, it’s best suited for those comfortable with alcohol. If you don’t drink, you might want to consider other options.

How long does the tour last?
It runs roughly 5 hours, starting in the early evening and ending late at night. It’s designed to give a full night out experience.

What’s the age restriction?
Participants must be at least 18 years old, as the tour involves alcohol consumption.

Are all the stops in the Old Town?
Most of the last four bars are located in Old Town, offering a lively and historic backdrop for the night.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, it’s not suitable for children or underage travelers due to the alcohol focus.

What’s included in the price?
You get a professional guide, local guide, welcome shots, and access to three bars. Admission is included, so no extra costs for entry.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at Fabrika Tbilisi, a popular spot accessible by public transportation, making it easy to reach.

If you’re after a fun, authentic way to experience Tbilisi’s nightlife and meet new people, Irine’s Pub Crawl seems to deliver just that. It’s well-loved by travelers, offers good value, and provides a memorable way to spend an evening in this captivating city.