Brutal Tbilisi: Unveiling the Raw and Authentic Side of the City

Unveil the raw and authentic side of Tbilisi on a unique tour that explores the city’s crowded neighborhoods, Soviet remnants, and unvarnished reality. Discover a side of Tbilisi that’s honest, raw, and unapologetically real.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The building of the Ministry of Highways of the Georgian SSR - A unique monument of Brutalist architectureOne of the highlights of this unique experience is a visit to the iconic building of the Ministry of Highways of the Georgian SSR. This architectural masterpiece is a testament to the brutalist style that was prevalent during the Soviet era. Its imposing structure and intricate details make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The building’s design is a perfect example of how brutalist architecture can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The massive concrete blocks and sharp angles create a sense of strength and stability, while the intricate patterns and details add a touch of elegance.

Our tour will take you on a journey through Tbilisi’s past, present, and future, showcasing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. You’ll explore hidden alleyways, discover local street art, and learn about the city’s transformation from a Soviet stronghold to a modern metropolis.

What's Included
  • Expert local guide
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Convenient hotel pick-up for private tours
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

An exclusive journey that exposes the crude, unembellished truth of life in Tbilisi. This is not a commonplace tour pointing out the enchanting balconies and frequented tourist trails of the city. Rather, we delve deeply into the genuine Tbilisi where its inhabitants reside, labor, and enjoy themselves.

We traverse the bustling, occasionally grim neighborhoods teeming with authentic life and echoing narratives overlooked by typical tours. We examine the vestiges of the city’s Soviet history, marked by its emblematic brutalist structures - an homage to a distant past still casting a shadow over the city’s contemporary landscape.

This tour will reveal a Tbilisi far estranged from the polished old town, a side that is stark, uninhibited, and unabashedly genuine. Join us in uncovering the true personality of Tbilisi in an enlightening yet surprising experience.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • “Recommended attire is based on current weather conditions. You can refer to your phone’s weather forecast for guidance or consult your mom on what to wear.
  • The ticket is valid for the time and date specified on it. Rescheduling or cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the event begins. There are no other options or exceptions.
Location
Europe Square
Group tours starts from Europe Square next to the Berlin Wall Memorial
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(28 Ratings)
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Simone_d
Jul 25, 2024
Brutal tour with Aleksi - Aleksi is a nice guide! Showed us some really nice places in Tbilisi and he is very knowledgeable about everything Georgia. 10/10 would recommend :)
Review provided by Viator
205yagmure
Jun 30, 2024
a well designed experience! - what a fulfilling experience! this tour enabled me and my partner to visit places in Tbilisi otherwise we could not be able to by ourselves. the tour so well balanced in terms of sightseeing and actually feeling the brutalist sense of the city. our guide was quite knowledgable and ethusiastic about the areas and he also provided us with really important historical backgrounds, which helped us draw a fuller picture. thanks for this amazing opportunity, we had the chance to connect with Tbilisi and Georgia in a deeper way
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thefirstatlantian
Jun 30, 2024
Amazing tour, with the best guide - This was an amazing tour. We strongly recommend it. This is the best way to discover unique parts of Tbilisi and do things off the beaten track. Even if you have one day in the city, try to do this tour. It will help you grasp a big part of the city's and the coutry's past and present. Most importantly, Aleksi was an amazing tour guide. He was entusiastic, he gave us the right amount of information, he was there to answer all our questions, he gave us the necessary time to take photos. It was like we were having a tour with a friend, rather than a tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martsv
Jun 14, 2024
Very good - highly informative and considerate. - Really excellent tour with Alex. Highly recommended. 4h with pickup, a driver and a comfort break. Covered Chronicles of GE, SkyBridge, Ministry of Highway, State University Dormitories, Saint Nino and former Archaeology Museum. Very informative, gave wider context of Tbilisi history. Takes you to places you’d never dream of going solo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y194llstephanieb
Apr 29, 2024
This tour was the highlight of my Tbilisi trip - 10/10. All these buildings from the 70s and 80s tell such a fascinating story of the powers at play at the time and Alex gives such an multi-faceted view of past and present Tblisi. What's also great about this tour is that you move away from the tourist district and visit unusual places in the suburbs of Tbilisi. You don't need to have any architecture knowledge to join, just a high urban/historical curiosity. I want to note that this is not a tour for small children (mom myself) because of the accessibility.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juan_l
Apr 26, 2024
Just brutal! - Delightful tour to find out more about the side of Tbilisi that only a curious and passionate local could show. Khatuna was just an amazing guide and there’s so much that we learned about Tbilisi and Georgia and their architecture in the Soviet era. A must do!
Review provided by Viator
Hcornia
Mar 23, 2024
Brutal Tbilisi Tour - Great tour! My guide Khatuna was fantastic. It felt like hanging out with a friend all morning. She was very knowledgeable and had a lot of interest in information. The places on the tour were fascinating. I would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J7509oumiker
Dec 8, 2023
Fantastically Brutal Tbilisi - Excellent tour of Tbilisi. Great photo opportunities of Soviet legacy. Khato was a super guide - Knowledgeable, fun and flexible. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Owainm2019
Sep 13, 2023
Great tour, highly recommended. - Excellent tour. Khatuna did a great job showing me around Tbilisi's many unique and brutalist buildings. There was many highlights amongst the trip including the views over the city when at the Monuments of Georgia. I especially like the skywalk apartments. Highly recommended. Very professional. Would use again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreakm2420hs
Sep 6, 2023
Professional, inspiring and insightful - loved it! - Aleksi picked us up at our accommodation and compiled a most interesting and inspired tour through architecture, history and the present of Georgia. He is an independent thinker, a studied architect, interested in history, politics and a patriotic, liberty-loving Georgian. During the tour he is very considered of your well-being and empathetic to your individual interests. We truely enjoyed our tour and highly recommend this agenda of the beaten track! Thanx Aleksi!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
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September 2024
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