Tbilisi: The Urbex and Soviet Tour of Tbilisi

Discovering Tbilisi’s Soviet and Urbex Secrets: A Detailed Review

Tbilisi’s streets are a fascinating mix of the old and the new, but for those curious about its Soviet past and urban decay, the Urbex and Soviet Tour offers a compelling peek behind the usual tourist spots. This 4.5 to 5-hour journey takes you past striking brutalist architecture, hidden museums, and authentic stories from locals who lived through the Soviet era. It’s a tour designed for the curious, the history buffs, and the shutterbugs eager to capture some raw, unpolished cityscapes.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expertise and warmth of the guides, who are clearly passionate about sharing Georgia’s Soviet story. Second, the chance to see layers of history that aren’t listed in guidebooks—like the secret printing house and decaying concrete giants. On the flip side, you should be prepared for some sites being visible only from outside, and expect a fair amount of time spent in transportation due to the city’s sprawling layout. This tour is perfect for those who love urban exploration, architecture, and authentic local stories, rather than polished historical monuments.

Key Points

• Authentic Soviet Heritage: See real remnants of Georgia’s Soviet past, including hidden gems and architectural marvels.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Giorgi and Temo are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness.
• Offbeat Locations: Visit sites that are often missed by typical travelers, like the underground printing house and the Skybridge.
• Rich Stories: Learn firsthand stories about life under the Soviets from locals who experienced it.
• Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning images of urban decay and brutalist structures.
• Travel Logistics: Expect some travel time between scattered sites, with all transportation included for convenience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins outside the Avlabari metro station, specifically at the round fountain—a lively and recognizable spot in Tbilisi’s outskirts. From here, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle, usually a small bus or van, which is a significant plus considering the city’s spread-out sites. The small group size ensures more personal attention, allowing for spontaneous questions and in-depth discussions.

Exploring the Underground Printing House Museum

One of the standout stops is the Underground Printing House Museum, which is a true urban exploration highlight. Guided tours here are about 30 minutes, offering insight into Georgia’s clandestine Soviet past. Enthusiasts of history and architecture will find this site especially compelling, as it reveals how secretive and tightly controlled communication was during the Soviet period. Reviewers like Charlotte appreciated the guide’s depth of knowledge, noting that this site left a lasting impression by providing a perspective that no book or documentary could match.

The Chronicle of Georgia

Next, the tour stops at the Chronicle of Georgia, a monument that embodies the country’s complex history. Visitors are encouraged to take photos here—an ideal spot for capturing the contrast of modern artistry against the backdrop of Soviet influence. Tbilisi’s urban decay and refurbished concrete structures shine through, creating a stark yet beautiful scene that photographers love. The guide offers insights into how this monument fits into the larger story of Georgia’s national identity.

The Bank of Georgia and Surrounding Sights

A quick photo stop at the Bank of Georgia allows for a glimpse into more recent architectural influences. Its modern design contrasts sharply with the Soviet relics, illustrating how the city blends layers of history. Reviewers like Pierre appreciated these varied stops, noting some sites are more captivating than others, but overall, the diversity makes the experience worthwhile.

The Tbilisi Skybridge

One of the tour’s most photogenic spots is the Skybridge, which offers panoramic views of the city. Here, you’ll get a guided tour that explains the bridge’s significance and history, along with time for photos. Charlotte’s review highlighted this as a highlight, emphasizing the chance to see the city from a different perspective while enjoying an insider’s story about the structure and its surrounding area.

Hidden Gems and Local Stories

The tour’s “hidden gem” stop is a particular favorite among reviewers and likely the highlight for urbex lovers. It’s an opportunity to see decaying brutalist structures, and get stories from locals about how they live amidst these concrete giants. Giorgi, one of the guides, is often praised for sharing personal stories and insights that deepen the experience, as many reviewers, including Máté and Jocelyn, noted he was “fantastic,” “knowledgeable,” and “authentic.”

Ending the Tour

The tour wraps up with visits to a round fountain in Tbilisi, giving you a chance to absorb everything you’ve seen and perhaps plan your next photography or exploration session. The activity ends back at the starting point, with options for further sightseeing or exploring the nearby neighborhoods.

The Value of This Tour

Transportation and Flexibility

Transportation is included between the scattered sites, making this tour especially valuable given the city’s size and terrain. The guides are attentive to your comfort, and the small group size means less waiting and more personalized storytelling. With tours lasting about five hours, there’s ample time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

Entrance Fees and Guided Expertise

All entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included, so there’s no surprise expense. Guides like Giorgi and Temo are highly praised for their knowledge of architecture, history, and local life, which adds a layer of authenticity and depth that you simply can’t get from a guidebook or self-guided exploration.

Cost and Overall Value

While the cost might seem moderate, the value is clear—you’re gaining access to exclusive sites, expert commentary, and transportation that would otherwise be difficult or time-consuming to organize independently. The reviews highlight how much participants appreciated the personal stories, which elevate this from a standard sightseeing tour to an authentic cultural experience.

What To Expect and Practical Tips

• Clothing: Dress comfortably and in layers, especially if you plan to take lots of photos or explore outdoor sites. Some locations are outside or require walking on uneven ground.
• Camera: Bring your camera or smartphone; many reviewers, like Ashley, noted the stunning photo opportunities.
• Time Management: Expect a fair amount of time in the vehicle due to the spread-out locations, but it’s a small price for seeing so many hidden sites.
• Language: The tour is conducted in English, and guides are praised for their clear, friendly communication.
• Weekend Variations: Note that some sites, like Stalin’s Printing House, are accessible only on weekdays. On weekends, an alternative (like the Car Museum) is offered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate architecture and history, especially those interested in Soviet-era design and stories. Photographers and urbex fans will enjoy the views of decaying structures and urban landscapes. It’s also perfect for curious minds wanting a local perspective on Georgia’s past, beyond the typical tourist trail. If you love engaging guides, authentic stories, and exploring hidden corners of a city, this experience will be a highlight of your trip.

The Sum Up

The Urbex and Soviet Tour of Tbilisi offers a unique window into Georgia’s Soviet past, blending history, architecture, and local stories into a compelling package. The guides are clearly passionate and well-informed, making the experience both educational and personal. The sites visited, from underground printing presses to decaying brutalist buildings, are some of the most authentic glimpses of Tbilisi’s layered history.

This tour provides excellent value—especially considering the inclusive transportation, entrance fees, and personalized storytelling. It’s best suited for those with a genuine curiosity about urban decay, Soviet history, or architecture, and for travelers eager to explore beyond the city’s main attractions.

Whether you’re a photographer chasing stark cityscapes, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an offbeat experience, this tour will deepen your understanding of Tbilisi in a way that few guided excursions can match. Prepare for a memorable journey through concrete giants, local legends, and stories that truly bring Georgia’s Soviet history to life.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, all transportation between the scattered sites is included, making it convenient given the city’s size and layout.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins outside the Avlabari metro station at the round fountain and ends back at the same location.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the day and group pace.

Are entrance fees included? Yes, all entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the price.

Can I take photos during the tour? Absolutely. Many stops, especially the Skybridge and monument sites, are perfect for photography.

What should I wear? Comfortable, layered clothing suited for outdoor exploration. Walking shoes are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, but be aware that some sites involve outdoor walking and uneven ground.

Do I need to be interested in Soviet history to enjoy this tour? Not necessarily. The tour’s visuals and stories make it engaging even if you’re not a history buff.

Are guides available in other languages? The tour is conducted in English, and guides are praised for their clarity and friendliness.

What if I want a private experience? Small groups are available, and private tours can often be arranged—check with the provider for customization options.