Tbilisi – Marneuli. Georgia 2 cities in 1 weekend. Alexander Zhidchenko

Russian Tbilisi, all the buildings, streets and quarters that have been preserved since the time of the Russian Empire. The third part is Soviet Socialist Tbilisi, with its residential and public buildings designed by Georgian architects of the 20th century. Many of them at one time entered textbooks on the architecture of the USSR as bold decisions and outstanding achievements of our country. And, finally, the 4th part is Tbilisi modern, which seems to have been dissolved in the previous 3 parts, because it influenced all these parts. Somewhere lighting houses, somewhere in the reconstruction and restructuring, and many other ways.

      Now is the time to delve into the routes to the sights of this city, at its most interesting, bright and unusual places that belong to the list of “mast visit” for several days of the wukend held here.

      INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF TBILISI NAMED AFTER SHOTA RUSTAVELI

      Shota Rustaveli Airport, in which you most likely will fly, are the main air gates of Georgia.

      The first airport in the country appeared in 1952, the last year of life of Joseph Stalin. Its architecture corresponded to its time (late Stalin empire).

      Then, in 1990 a new, more modern airport was built, which in 2007 underwent serious reconstruction, and today it meets all world standards.

      In the parking lot near the terminal, the first thing that catches your eye is large solar panels that cover the car parks and protect the cars from the sun. For a day they collect the amount of energy that is enough to illuminate the parking lots themselves and the surrounding roads at night.

      ROAD TO THE CENTER

      After the arrival, it is worth changing the ruble for a few lari so that you have the money to get to the center, and if the time later to have dinner somewhere, and also pay for the hotel or hostel.

      The journey to the city center depends on your preferences and your wallet. In general, there are not so many options – either a taxi or a bus. If you choose a taxi, then prepare to lay about 15—20 lari (about 8—10 US dollars).

      The most advantageous option is bus number 37. In the daytime he drives quite regularly, in the evening it’s a little worse, and that’s why it’s often crowded. The fare is only 0.5 lari (about 35 cents). On this bus you can reach the city center, Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue.

      The bus stop is directly opposite the exit from the international arrival terminal.

      THE KAHETIAN HIGHWAY

      Route bus number 37 from the airport runs through the Kakheti highway, then – the first on your way metro station – Avlabari, from where you can get to any part of the city.

      The final bus stop is Tbilisi Central Railway Station. In total, the journey takes approximately 40—50 minutes. In the winter, a little less, in the summer a little more.

      Squirrel Hostel Tbilisi

      In advance I booked on the site booking.com a place in Hostel Squirrel Hostel Tbilisi for one night. During the years of travel, I noticed that hostels in the countries of the former USSR are better booked on booking, while hostels in distant countries of the world are more convenient to book at hostels.com.

      I recommend this hostel to all. It is located almost a few steps from Freedom Square, from where it is close to all the main sights of the city. At all thus cost of one night here has managed to me only in 12,75 lari, that is about 300 rubles. Agree, not so much for spending the night in the very center of Tbilisi.

      The most interesting – the atmosphere of this hostel, located in a historic building. It combines the traditions of the Soviet Georgian apartment and the modern student hipster studio. The staff of the hostel speak Russian very well, and they will tell you the places that must be visited, where they can eat lunch and buy souvenirs, and also answer any questions.

      By the way, the ceilings here were meters, probably five, no less. The beds looked like they were in a doll’s house.

      NIGHT OF FREEDOM SQUARE

      Throwing things, you have to go for a walk in the evening and night city. In winter it gets dark early, so tourists do not lose a minute to enjoy every instant of staying in a new place.

      Since the square, which I will tell you more about the history of, has important ideological meanings for modern Georgia, all buildings here are new or restored, and in the evening they are all illuminated with bright spotlights.

      The movement around the monument to George the Victorious does not cease all night, like the youth returning from night clubs and discos.

      PROSPECT SHOTA RUSTAVELI

      In the evening and at night, the main street of Tbilisi, Shota Rustaveli Avenue becomes the main attraction point for all those who can not sleep.

      Walk along this avenue from start to finish in the evening, and you will fall in love with this city.

      The arcades of the Georgian Parliament building on Shota Rustaveli Avenue

      This street, like many other famous sites in Georgia and beyond, was named after the medieval poet and statesman, the author of the textbook “Knight in the Panther’s Skin”, Shota Rustaveli. The poet lived in 1172—1216, and his legacy still lives, almost 1000 years later.

      Monument to Akaki Tsereteli and Ilya Chavchavadze on Shota Rustaveli Avenue near the school building No. 1

      (the former Tiflis Gymnasium)

      Keshwati Temple in Tbilisi. 1910

      It should be noted that the streets named by his name are also in Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Tashkent, and many other cities of the former USSR.

      ACADEMY OF SCIENCES IN THE EVENING

      An important place on Shota Rustaveli Avenue is the building of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia with a restaurant, exchange offices and numerous shops in semi-circular arcades on the first floor.