Tbilisi: City Pub Crawl with welcome shots in game format

Tbilisi gets livelier after dark. This four-hour pub crawl links five bars in Sololaki, with welcome shots, drinking games, photos, and an English- or Russian-speaking guide to keep the night moving. I like the short walks between stops, usually five to ten minutes, and the easy way the games help strangers start talking. The main catch is that this is a proper nightlife outing, not a quiet evening tour, and strict door policies can affect entry.

I also like the variety of the bars. Past routes have included small local places, unusual underground venues, karaoke, and different music scenes rather than five copies of the same pub. Still, you need to dress casually but not sportily, carry identification, and keep your drinking under control if you want to pass every door.

Key things to know before you go

• Five stops for $31: The price includes entry to five bars or clubs, five welcome shots, games, a guide, and photos.
• A social format: The games are the engine of the evening, helping solo participants and small groups mix quickly.
• Sololaki on foot: The bars are close together, with walks of roughly five to ten minutes between them.
• Friday and Saturday only: The tour begins at 9 p.m. and runs until about midnight.
• Door rules matter: You must be at least 21, avoid sportswear and flip-flops, and bring a passport or ID card.
• Expect extra spending: Only one welcome shot per bar is included. Food, water, hookah, and additional drinks cost extra.

What the $31 price really buys you

At $31 per person, this is a reasonable deal if you plan to visit several bars in one night. You receive admission to five venues, five welcome shots, organized games, a guide, and photos. Paying separately for entry at several places could quickly approach that total, and the guide removes much of the work involved in choosing where to go.

The better value is the social structure. You are not simply handed a list of bars and sent off. A host introduces people, starts games, handles the group as it moves, and keeps the night from losing energy. That matters most if you are alone in Tbilisi or have only just arrived.

The price does not cover a full evening of drinks. You get one free welcome shot at each bar, but anything else is yours to pay for. That includes alcohol, water, food, and hookah. Set a spending limit before you start, especially because five stops can make extra orders add up.

The group size can change the feel of the night. One reported outing had only seven people, which still worked well because the host kept everyone involved, but a small group may feel less like a major party. If you want a large crowd, the result will depend on the date.

Starting in Sololaki at 9 p.m.

The route begins at Crossroads Bar, listed at 30 Shalva Dadiani Street, with an orange flag as the landmark. There is also a separate reference to Bar22 at 22 Galaktion Tabidze Street as the meeting place, so I would confirm the exact starting point with the operator before setting out. The detailed meeting information identifies Crossroads Bar as the starting location.

Arrive ready to begin at 9 p.m. This is not a tour where you can casually wander in half an hour late and expect the group to wait. Once the introductions and first game start, the party moves through the district on foot.

Sololaki works well for this format because the bars are close enough to connect without taxis. The walks take around five to ten minutes, giving you a little air between drinks and a chance to talk with people away from the music. Wear shoes you can walk in, but not flip-flops or sandals.

The tour operates every Friday and Saturday evening, finishing around midnight. That schedule makes it easy to pair with a daytime visit to Tbilisi, but you should plan dinner beforehand because food is not included and the stops focus on drinks and activities.

First bar: introductions, games, and a quick start

The first local bar serves as the group’s meeting point and warm-up. Expect around 40 minutes here, including a welcome refreshment and the first activities. This opening stop has an important job: it gets people talking before the group moves into smaller or louder venues.

The games are not a minor extra. They are the main tool for breaking the ice. People who arrive alone can take part without needing to force conversation, while couples or friends can meet other participants instead of staying in their own circle.

The guide may vary. Dmitriy, Nino, Liza, Lera, Georgi, Daria, Oleg, Alena, Alexandra, and Aliaksandra have all been praised for being friendly, attentive, flexible, or entertaining on different dates. That range suggests the host has a real effect on the evening, but also that the exact personality and style will depend on who is working.

You receive one included shot at the bar. If you want beer, cocktails, water, food, or hookah, you pay the venue directly. It is worth remembering this from the first stop, when the night still feels inexpensive and extra orders seem harmless.

Second and third bars: changing the mood

The next two local bars take roughly 45 minutes each. This is where the route’s variety becomes more important. The bars are selected to offer different atmospheres, and past nights have included small local places, unusual venues, and an underground bar with karaoke at the end of one route.

You should not expect a fixed sightseeing itinerary in the usual sense. The route is adjusted to match current events such as parties, concerts, or dancing on the bar. That flexibility can make the night more interesting, but it also means the exact venues and mood may change.

At each stop, you receive another welcome shot and join more games or contests. Some activities are drinking games, so you can take part at your own pace. The host’s role is especially important here. One strong part of the format is that the group keeps moving without becoming a loose collection of separate pairs.

The short walks help. A bar crawl with long gaps can lose its rhythm, while this one keeps the next stop close. You still have time to talk, take photos, and get your bearings in the neighborhood, but you do not spend the night waiting for transport.

This is also the point where the drawbacks become clearer. If you dislike loud venues, group games, or drinking-focused social events, three bars in a row may feel repetitive. The structure favors participation rather than quiet observation.

The fourth stop: a chance to settle into the group

The fourth bar is another 45-minute stop. By now, most people who want to join the games have found their footing, and conversations tend to become easier. The changing group can be one of the best reasons to book the tour. You may begin the night speaking mostly with people from your own country, then end up talking with people from India, Germany, Israel, Armenia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, or elsewhere.

The route is designed for an international crowd, and that mix is a major part of its appeal. Several people have described meeting friends they hoped to see again, while one person used the night to celebrate a birthday. You should come ready to speak with strangers, not simply follow your own companions from bar to bar.

The host can also adjust the pace when needed. A good guide makes sure nobody is left behind and keeps the activities moving without making the evening feel like a school outing. Dmitriy was praised for being flexible and attentive, while Oleg and Alena were noted for keeping the group entertained.

Do not assume every night will have the same energy. A small group may make conversation easier but create less of a party feel. A larger group may bring more noise and new faces, but you may have less time with the guide.

Ending at Woland’s Speakeasy

The listed finish is Woland’s Speakeasy, which gives the night a final destination rather than an unclear stop somewhere in the district. The last venue can also be part of the route’s changing character, with past outings ending in a concealed underground bar and karaoke.

You receive the fifth welcome shot here, and the group has its final chance to play, talk, and take photos. If you want to continue drinking or order food, those costs are not included. The official finish is around midnight, so you should not count on a late-night club admission or an all-night party unless the guide tells you otherwise.

The finish also makes this tour useful for learning where you might return later. You are shown several places in one evening, then can choose your own favorite on another night. That is more useful than spending the whole evening in one bar, especially if you have limited time in Tbilisi.

Dress code, identification, and the door policy

The door rules deserve serious attention. Each venue has face control and a dress code. Sportswear is not allowed, and the information also rules out sandals and flip-flops. Casual clothing is the safest choice, but casual does not mean gym clothes.

Bring your passport or national ID card. A copy is accepted, according to the tour information, but carrying the original may be simpler if you can keep it secure. All participants must be older than 21.

The staff can refuse entry if you are too intoxicated. This is both a practical warning and a useful safety rule. The tour includes five shots, not unlimited drinking, and the evening works better if you treat the shots as small tastings rather than a challenge.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people under 21, or people over 60. Those limits are part of the stated conditions, so check them before booking rather than assuming the crawl is suitable for every adult.

How the guides shape the night

The guide is more important here than on a standard walking tour. You are paying for access and drinks, but also for a person who can turn an awkward first hour into a sociable one.

The strongest feedback has focused on the hosts. Liza was praised for choosing varied bars and taking people to places they would not have found alone. Dmitriy was described as an excellent host, while Daria was credited with creating an international, exchange-program feel. Aliaksandra was praised for entertaining drinking games, and Georgi was singled out as a reason to return.

That does not mean you should expect a formal lesson about Georgian culture. This is a nightlife host rather than a history guide. The value lies in introductions, timing, games, photos, and local bar choices.

If you want a guide who talks continuously about architecture, politics, or food, choose a different Tbilisi tour. If you want help meeting people and finding places outside your normal route, this format makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this Tbilisi pub crawl?

I would recommend it most strongly to solo visitors, couples who want to meet people, and small friend groups willing to mix. It is also a good first-night option if you want a fast introduction to Tbilisi’s main bar district without researching five venues yourself.

You should enjoy group activities and be comfortable with alcohol-centered entertainment. The games are a major part of the night, not filler between stops. If you prefer a calm cocktail, a long dinner, or intimate conversation, the four-hour schedule may feel too busy.

The tour is also useful for people who want variety. You may see a local bar, a small unusual venue, a party or concert, and a final place with karaoke or dancing, depending on the night’s route. Just remember that the exact selection can change.

Practical planning for a smoother night

Eat before meeting the group, since additional food is not included and the schedule focuses on moving between bars. Bring enough money for extra drinks, water, food, or hookah if you want them.

Wear comfortable closed shoes and casual clothes. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and anything that could create a problem at the door. Keep your passport or ID accessible but secure.

Check the meeting point before Friday or Saturday night. The detailed instructions name Crossroads Bar at 30 Shalva Dadiani Street, while another part of the information names Bar22 at 22 Galaktion Tabidze Street. That inconsistency is easy to solve with a quick confirmation, but it is not something to ignore.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Tbilisi schedule is still changing. The tour is offered in English and Russian.

Should you book the Tbilisi City Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want an organized, social night with five bars, short walks, welcome shots, and games that make meeting people easier. At $31, the package is fair for what is included, especially if you would otherwise pay several entry fees and spend time choosing venues.

Skip it if you want a quiet evening, dislike group games, or do not want to budget for extra drinks. Also skip it if you are under 21, over 60, pregnant, have heart problems, or cannot meet the dress and identification rules.

My practical verdict: this is a strong choice for solo visitors and sociable couples, with the guides and group size shaping the final result. Confirm the starting address, eat first, dress for the doors, and pace yourself. Do that, and the night gives you a lively introduction to Tbilisi’s bar scene without leaving the planning entirely to chance.

FAQ

How long does the Tbilisi pub crawl last?

The tour lasts four hours. It runs from 9 p.m. until about midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings.

How many bars are included?

The price includes entrance to five bars or clubs. The route begins at Crossroads Bar and finishes at Woland’s Speakeasy, with three local bar stops listed between them.

Are drinks included in the price?

You receive one free welcome shot at each bar, for five shots in total. Additional drinks, water, food, and hookah are not included and must be paid for at the bar.

What should I wear?

Wear casual clothes. Sportswear, sandals, and flip-flops are not allowed, and each bar may apply its own dress code and entry control.

What identification do I need?

Bring a passport or ID card. A copy is accepted according to the tour information.

Who can join the pub crawl?

All participants must be at least 21 years old. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people over 60.