10 Things to Do Around Tbilisi’s Marjanishvili Street
The area surrounding Tbilisi’s Marjanishvili Street is hip and lively. This area is full of fun restaurants, wine bars, and has a very local vibe. Located on Tbilisi’s left bank, the metro station Marjanishvili, is the heart of Marjanishvili Square. Wander the nearby streets to feel a completely “new” and exciting side of Tbilisi, Georgia.
The contrasting aspects of Tbilisi are present throughout this trendy area. Look at modern and political street art, but see old soviet mosaics and monuments; a contrasting space of new and exciting views and opinions. There’s a free walking tour that shares all the interesting and hidden highlights of this area. Sample local cuisine by indulging in exciting wine bars, cheap restaurants, and one of the best restaurants in the entire city, Barbarestan. Barbarestan is the ultimate culinary experience in Tbilisi, and is inspired by one of Georgia’s most famous feminists: Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze.
Related: The Best Tbilisi Itinerary Highlights in 2 Days
Tbilisi’s Old town is nice, but the area around Marjanishvili Street has a completely different vibe. Although the buildings and courtyards are old, there is something to be said about this area and the way it is embracing a more optimistic and contemporary version of Georgia. This area is modernizing traditions and slashing old conservative ways that are often enforced by the church.
Here’s how to make the most of the buzzing area around Marjanishvili Street.
Table of Contents
- Discover the Urban Street Art Scene
- Look for Old Soviet Mosaics
- Relax in the Roses Park
- Eat Traditional Georgian Food
- Visit A Wine Cellar near Marjanishvili Street
- Have a Feminist Inspired Dinner at Barbarestan
- Wander into an Italian Courtyard
- Catch a Street Performance on Marjanishvili Street
- Stroll Along the Mtkvari River
- Use Marjanishvili’s Metro Station
- Where to Sleep near Marjanishvili Street
- The Hip Area Around Tbilisi’s Marjanishvili Street
Discover the Urban Street Art Scene
There’s a noticeable difference when crossing the Mtkvari River and arriving in the area of Marjanishvili Square. The first is the energetic, and oftentimes, politically fueled street art that are plastered on the sides of traditional buildings. The street art can be found on the left bank of Tbilisi, but mostly around the Fabrika Hostel.
Fabrikaffiti is an urban art festival that is in part sponsored by Fabrika Hostel. It has run for three consecutive years, usually in mid-October. Find local artists spraying their newest graffiti, people expressively dancing, and skateboarding through the streets. It is a true celebration of everything urban.
Street art is new to Tbilisi. The entire country was suppressed for years under the communist times of Russia. There’s no coincidence that this up and coming section of town is leaving a more youthful and colorful mark on the city. Tbilisi’s left bank has some outstanding graffiti and street art that showcases political and social change themes. Look for digs at Putin with the current occupancy and worrisome pleas of those concerned about the environment.
In My Humble Opinion: I believe that Tbilisi will be a destination for those looking to experience a fresh and exciting street art scene.
Travel Deeper: 22 Unique Things to Do in Tbilisi
Look for Old Soviet Mosaics
Again, Tbilisi is a city of extreme contrasts. Not far from the exciting and modern murals are reminders of a not so distant past. Look for old soviet mosaics and monuments scattered around Tbilisi, and Georgia, for that matter. The communist times and suppression by Russia can be seen in these colorful displays. Find diverse mosaics underground in many of Tbilisi’s Metro Stations.
One of my favorite soviet “inspired” mosaics can be found a few blocks from Marjanishvili Street. This colorful mosaic decorates of all places a bank and commercial building. There are many in Tbilisi, but this one was one of the largest and most colorful ones and easy to reach from the Marjanishvili Metro Station.
Find it Here
- 61, Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
Relax in the Roses Park
A few blocks from all the hustle and bustle of Marjanishvili Square is the small, but quiet, Roses Park. There are some unique art sculptures and almost living displays throughout the park. There’s great fountains and even a wine bar. If looking for a quiet place to enjoy a glass of wine or the “living art,” stop by Roses Park.
Eat Traditional Georgian Food
There are amazing traditional restaurants all over Tbilisi, but two of my favorites can be found on the Tbilisi’s left bank, not too far from Marjanishvili Square.
Mapshalia
This was one of my favorite restaurants in Tbilisi. Mapshalia is a small “hole in the wall” restaurant that is serving up delicious Georgian favorites. The meals are home-cooked and served fairly speedy. The portions aren’t huge, so it’s a great place to order a few different things and create your own “Supra,” or Georgian feast. This is an excellent place to sample many traditional Georgian dishes for a fair price. They sell wine by the carafe, which pairs great with their dishes. There are only a few small tables, so try to arrive early. Locals fill up these seats fast! The simple decor made me feel like I had stumbled upon one of Tbilisi’s hidden-gem eateries.
Find Them Here
- 137 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi
- Daily: 9:00 – 22:00
Restaurant Tiflis
Restaurant Tiflis is a little far from the bustle of Marjanishvili Street, but it’s a great option to try some traditional Georgian food. The restaurant has some outdoor seating with views of the Mtkvari River. The street can be busy with traffic, so it can be a little noisy. Inside, find plenty of tables. At nighttime, there is often live music, and the best thing is this place is open late! Portions are large, so this is a great place to come with a group of friends to share and sample traditional dishes. Across the bridge is Tbilisi’s popular Dry Market, a quirky flea market.
Find Them Here
- 2 Vazha Pshavela Avenue, Tbilisi
- Daily: 10:00 – 2:00
Visit A Wine Cellar near Marjanishvili Street
Georgia just may be the birthplace of wine, and Tbilisi has a plethora of wine cellars and wine shops to sip on this drink of choice. There are two great wine cellars close to Marjanishvili Street. One is a little family-run cellar. The other is one of the most popular wine bars in all of Tbilisi.
Lerika Wine Cellar
Lerika Wine Cellar is a hidden and cozy little wine bar. In fact, it feels like you are entering into a private home cellar. The cellar only has a few small tables. The decor is simple, thoughtfully placed, with an authentic Georgia feeling. Come here to be greeted by warm hosts that pour wine from generous carafes.
This place is a hidden gem, but the perfect place to have a homey and cozy experience sipping on home produced wine. Lerika Wine Cellar sells wine to go in plastic jugs.
Find Them Here
- 4v Giorgi Mazniashvili St, Tbilisi
- Daily: 11:00 – 23:00
Wine Gallery
Wine Gallery is one of the most frequented wine shops in Tbilisi. Sip on a wide range of Georgian wine from beautiful stemware. The ambiance is bizarre, as it almost resembles a medieval castle. There is wine on draft and is poured straight from the stainless steel vessels. Wine bottles are stocked from the floor to the ceiling. The wine shop doesn’t have that cozy and traditional Georgian feeling, but rather, a unique vibe. The Wine Gallery is fancy, yet not too pretentious. Staff is willing to help and answer questions.
Find Them Here
- 39 Mikheil Tsinamdzghvrishvili St, Tbilisi
- Daily: 10:00 – 21:00
Still Thirsty?
Tbilisi has some great wine bars scattered throughout the city. Some of the best hidden-gems are the wine shops pouring up wine by the glass.
Check out these 6 Unique Wine Bars in Tbilisi.
Have a Feminist Inspired Dinner at Barbarestan
Barbarestan is a culinary experience more than anything. The whole dining experience is based on the cookbook: “Complete Cooking,” a book that was published in 1914 and written by Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze. She was Georgia’s original feminist, and a beloved poet and writer. There is a romanticized story saying that her cookbook was found in Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge flea market, and her legend was revitalized. I’m not sure the whole truth behind the story, but it is as beautiful as this establishment. Barbarestan takes her original recipes, but adds a dash of modern flair with a pinch of east meets west.
Walking into Barbarestan is a mixture of old and new. The tables and decor are meant to look old, but the service and food is incredibly modern. The service is top-notch. Find a small “team” taking care of every culinary request and every step of service. There is a wine sommelier helping you through the extensive Georgian wine menu and assisting throughout the fresh menu, which is locally sourced. Believe it or not, 80% of the wine list can be poured by the glass.
Each dish is creative and beautiful. There is so much thought and love in each component of the dish. I loved all of the small details and garnishes. Barbarestan should not be missed when visiting the left bank of Tbilisi. Reservations are essential. Dress code is a little more formal.
Find Them Here
- D. Aghmashenebeli ave. 132, Tbilisi
- Daily: 13:00 – 23:30
- Make reservations here via their Facebook Page!
Wander into an Italian Courtyard
Tbilisi has many little secret courtyards which have large balconies with plants with reaching vines covering old brick walls. Large trees in the center of these miniature plazas offer shade and solitude. These special spaces are often referred to as “Italian Courtyards.” There is nothing Italian about them, but rather, are from the influence of old Persian traders. Expect to find laundry hanging on clotheslines that run from one house to the next. Detailed wooden staircases scale the sides of the buildings. The architecture of these old houses is truly a unique sight. Wander off the busy Marjanishvili Street and look for small open gateways, where plenty of surprises await. Escape and have a moment of solitude in one of Tbilisi’s Italian Courtyards.
Psst… Another great way to relax is to visit the Sulfur Baths in Old Town
Catch a Street Performance on Marjanishvili Street
Around Marjanishvili Square, there is a good chance to catch modern musicians, most oftentimes playing Georgian folk music. Georgian folk music has its own special sounds and is usually accompanied by one or more dancers. These dancers are gliding gracefully and with ease to the eclectic music. Drummers sit on top of a Doli, or a drum which is played by the bare-hands.
At the Marjanishvili Metro Station, these musicians are usually playing in the early evening hours. Locals are usually the main spectators and are typically enthusiastically singing and dancing along. The energy of the street musicians is often intoxicating. If you hear music, stop and seek it out. It is interesting to catch young musicians playing music which is said to date back almost 3,000 years.
Stroll Along the Mtkvari River
Marjanishvili Street begins upon crossing the Mtkvari River. Walk over the bridge from Tbilisi’s business hub surrounding Rustaveli, and into the dynamic left bank. Continue on Marjanishvili Street, or detour and stroll along the Mtkvari River a bit. Savor Tbilisi’s intricate details by appreciating a different perspective along the Mtkvari River.
Use Marjanishvili’s Metro Station
Tbilisi’s metro system is easy to use and one of the best ways to explore the city. The underground system smells strongly of sulfur, but each station has interesting old soviet murals and mosaics. Marjanishvili’s Metro station is located right in the center of the lively Marjanishvili Square. This metro station is the gateway to explore Marjanishvili Street and the surrounding area.
How to Use Tbilisi’s Metro System
Tbilisi’s Metro System runs on a swipe card system. Charge the Metromoney Cards manually at a ticket-booth or upon initial purchase. The cards cost 2 GEL (75¢ USD). Keep the original receipt so that it’s possible to receive a credit of the original card purchase. Swipe the handy card in any metro station or city bus. Each passage costs 50¢ (20¢ USD) and is good for one and half hours on a single ride. Rides include the city buses, metro stations, and the cable car which leads to the Narikala Hilltop Fortress. Tbilisi’s public transportation works well and is cheap.
In My Humble Opinion: Men are often selling old cards around busy Metro Stations. These cards were unable to be returned, due to the fact that people did not save their original receipts. They may offer to purchase your card as well. I tried to avoid them, and since I didn’t have my original receipt, I just gave my card to someone at the airport.
Where to Sleep near Marjanishvili Street
Fabrika Hostel is the place to sleep on the left bank of Tbilisi. It is an old soviet sewing factory that is now an urban workspace and cultural center. This area is a trendy hot spot for tourist and local alike.
The back courtyard boasts hip restaurants, many serving up fun and creative international cuisines. Look for street art and digs directed towards Putin and Russia’s present day unwelcome occupancy in Georgia. Fabrika Hostel hosts a street art and graffiti festival usually in October. It’s punk meets politics with a youthful energy.
The hostel itself has private and dorm rooms in an old converted factory. Fabrika promotes daily events such as yoga classes and movie showings.
Check the availability at Fabrika Hostel here!
The Hip Area Around Tbilisi’s Marjanishvili Street
The left bank of Tbilisi, especially the area around Marjanishvili Square and Street is a must when visiting this contrasting city. Tbilisi was under the control of communist Russia for many years. Now, the area around Marjanishvili Street is filled with a fresh breath of youthful energy. Understand the influence of Russia, but also, see Tbilisi coming into their own, with a urban street art culture. This new vibe is allowing the people of Georgia to express their political and modern voices.
This area of Tbilisi has so many traditional restaurants, wine shops, and new modern culinary delights. Take a free walking tour, relax in a park, or find peace in an Italian courtyard. Catch an energetic performance of new age street musicians. Stroll by the Mtkvari River, or take the metro to the heart of this area: Marjanishvili Square. Fall in love with the vibe of this lively area on the left bank. A pulse of hope for better tomorrows vibrates on its fervent streets.
Have you been to Marjanishvili Street and the area of Tbilisi referred to as the left bank? Did you do anything that I have listed above? Is there something that you did and loved that I am missing? What did you think of Marjanishvili Street and the vibrating Marjanishvili Square? Let me know in the comments below!
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