Tours/Tbilisi/Alternative walking tour New Tiflis and backstreets
Viator · group up to 10 pax

Alternative walking tour New Tiflis and backstreets

4.9(9)Tbilisi1 hour
VIATOR4.8(5)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)

Description

This alternative walking tour offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Tbilisi's left bank. From the bustling Freedom Square, we will venture through Orbeliani Plaza and explore the area's fascinating mix of traditional Georgian and European architecture. The Dry Bridge flea market is the perfect opportunity to search for treasures from the past, while Agmashenebeli Avenue and Fabrika showcase the city's modern and trendy side. As we wind through backstreets and gardens, you'll discover the hidden gems of Tbilisi, including the majestic Marjanishvili Theater. This 3-hour small-group tour is perfect for anyone seeking an alternative perspective on Tbilisi's unique charm and history.

Tour Options

Small-group tour in English
  • Small-group tour
Private tour
  • Private tour

Itinerary

10 min

Liberty Square, also known as Tavisuplebis Moedani, is one of the most prominent landmarks of Tbilisi. Located in the heart of the city, it has played an essential role in Georgia's history and is now a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Georgian National Museum and the Tbilisi City Hall. The statue of St. George slaying the dragon, located in the centre of the square, is a symbol of Georgia's fight for freedom and independence. Liberty Square is also home to the city's metro station, making it a convenient location to access other parts of Tbilisi. It is a popular spot for demonstrations and celebrations, including New Year's Eve and Independence Day. As a meeting point for our tours, Liberty Square is an ideal location to start exploring Tbilisi. Our guide will meet you at the entrance of the Burberry shop, and from there, we will embark on a journey to discover the city's hidden gems.

25 min

One of the must-see locations in Tbilisi is the Orbeliani Palace, which is the official residence of the President of Georgia. Although we won't be going inside the palace, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the grand architecture and ornate details of this historic building. The palace was originally built in the 18th century and has been the residence of many Georgian nobles and officials over the years. The palace is located in the heart of Tbilisi, in Orbeliani Square. This charming square is home to many cafes and restaurants, where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of Georgian coffee or a delicious traditional meal later. One of the highlights of the square is the famous flower market, where you'll find a stunning array of colourful blooms and fragrant herbs. The market is a feast for the senses and a great place to take photos and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Tbilisi.

30 min

The Dry Bridge Flea Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves discovering unique and vintage items. This bustling market is home to a wide variety of antique goods, including furniture, vintage clothing, jewellery, Soviet-era memorabilia, and much more. Walking through the market, visitors can explore a diverse range of stalls and vendors, each offering their own selection of treasures. One of the unique aspects of the market is that many of the vendors are artists and craftsmen, selling their own handmade creations alongside vintage and antique items. This gives the place a creative and artistic vibe, and visitors can find one-of-a-kind pieces that are truly special. In addition to the shopping experience, the market also offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Tbilisi. Many of the items for sale have interesting stories and origins, and the vendors are often happy to share their knowledge and experiences with visitors.

25 min

Walking down Agmashenebeli Avenue, you will encounter a wide range of buildings with intricate and detailed facades. Most of the buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and they are an excellent example of the Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles. One of the highlights of the avenue is the famous Marjanishvili Theatre. The theatre has been an important cultural centre in Tbilisi since its opening in 1928, and it is still one of the most popular theatres in the city today. Another notable building is the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, which is located at the northern end of the avenue.

20 min

The Roses Park of Tbilisi is one of the city's hidden gems, tucked away in the backstreets. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life in Tbilisi. The park is known for its beautiful rose garden, which boasts an impressive collection of over 200 varieties of roses. During the summer months, the garden is in full bloom, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of roses. We'll take a leisurely walk through the garden, admiring the colours and fragrances of the different roses.

25 min

As we continue our walking tour, we will make our way to the Fabrika, an old Soviet sewing factory that has been transformed into a multi-use space for locals and visitors alike. The Fabrika is a prime example of how Tbilisi has been revitalized through urban renewal projects, and now it serves as a hub for creative individuals to showcase their talents. The space has been transformed into a lively centre for culture, art, and entertainment. One of the most impressive aspects of the Fabrika is the street art that adorns the walls of the building and its surroundings. Tbilisi is known for its incredible street art scene, and Fabrika is no exception. As we walk around the area, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful and colourful murals that have been created by talented artists from all around the world. Street art has become an integral part of Tbilisi's identity, and the Fabrika is just one of many locations that showcase the city's vibrant art scene.

15 min

Built between 1870 and 1877, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Tbilisi, Georgia. The project was initiated by K. Zubalashvili, an important member of the Catholic community in Georgia, and entrusted to the architect Albert Zaltsman. The architecture of the church is characterized by a marked baroque style. During his visit to Georgia in October 1999, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at this church. The entrance to the church is west-facing, and above the wooden front door, you will find a beautiful rose window decorated with floral ornaments and a dove. These were added in the years after 2000, while the original very high and arched door was transformed into a wall, where the rose window was put, and the church was painted in yellow. The facade of the church is divided by pilasters and arches of a more intense yellow of Corinth than the rest of the structure. This gives it a striking appearance and is a perfect example of the marked baroque style.

15 min

This state academic drama theatre is located in the heart of the city and is one of the oldest and most significant theatres in Georgia. In fact, it comes second perhaps only to the national Rustaveli Theatre. Founded by Kote Marjanishvili in Kutaisi in 1928, the theatre moved to Tbilisi in 1930 and has been operating in the same building ever since. The building is an art nouveau edifice and was thoroughly renovated and reopened in 2006 with the premiere of Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera. The Marjanishvili Theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and operas. It is a great place to experience Georgian culture and get a taste of the country's rich artistic heritage.

15 min

Marjanishvili Square - The Final Destination of the Alternative Walking Tour Marjanishvili Square is a lively intersection surrounded by an array of restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you wish to leave the square, the metro station is nearby. It was inaugurated in 1966 and was designed by architects O. Melia and G. Melkadze. When you arrive at the station, make sure to check out the high-relief bust of the famous theatrical director Kote Marjanishvili, for whom the station is named. As the last stop on the alternative walking tour, Marjanishvili Square is a fantastic place to conclude your journey. You can either continue to explore the city's many eateries, shops, and attractions, or take some time to relax and unwind in this bustling square.

Highlights

Complementary wine tasting
Guide service

What's included

Included
Complementary wine tasting
Guide service
Not included
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Traveller Ratings

4.9
9 reviews
5
8
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We kindly remind you to arrive at the meeting point on time for your scheduled tour. Our guides will wait for up to 10 minutes after the scheduled start time, but if you are later than that, we will not be able to wait any longer and you will need to rebook your tour. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, but we have a tight schedule to keep and we want to ensure that all of our customers get the best experience possible. So please, make sure to plan your arrival time accordingly and let us know if you have any concerns or issues that may cause a delay.
  • Winter weather in Tbilisi can be cold, windy, and rainy. Please dress warmly and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
  • Summer months can be hot, especially during midday hours. We recommend sun protection and staying hydrated.
  • Please note this is not an Old Town walking tour. The route focuses on New Tiflis, backstreets, and less touristy neighborhoods.
  • Not recommended for guests with significant mobility issues, recent injuries, or difficulty walking long distances.
  • Guests sensitive to urban environments or traffic noise should be aware that some areas include busy streets.
  • This is a walking tour, and guests should be able to comfortably walk around 3 km at a relaxed pace.

Reviews(9)

P
PAOLO_B
March 4, 2026
Very interesting!

Very complete tour, it lets you know Tbilisi from a different perspective. Oksana is a very kind, professional and friendly guide, she gave us a lot of information. Definitely recommend this trip!

Operator response

Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Paolo! We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the "Alternative" side of the city with us. Our goal is always to ensure our walks are not only fun but educational, giving our guests a deep dive into the hidden stories, unique history, and architecture of the New Tiflis backstreets. Oksana is a fantastic member of our team, and she will be thrilled to know her professional and friendly approach made your trip so memorable. Thank you for recommending this perspective of Tbilisi to other travelers!

V
Varun_A
November 17, 2025
good tour for off beat...

good tour for off beat spaces. Involves a lot of walking so be prepared accordingly with comfortable shoes. Guide is super nice and knowledgeable.

Operator response

Hello Varun, Thank you so much for your kind words about the tour and for mentioning that our guide was super nice and knowledgeable — we truly appreciate it. If you don’t mind me asking, could you please share what made you choose 4 stars instead of 5? Your feedback really helps us improve the experience for future guests. And one more small question — our guide works very hard to give guests the best possible day. We noticed there were no tips left, so we just wanted to check if everything was fully comfortable for you during the tour. Thank you again for joining us. We value your opinion and would be grateful for any details you can share.

J
Jennifer_B
September 8, 2025
Don’t miss tour and fantastic guide!

What an excellent tour we had with Oksana! Un addition to seeing things we would have never found, she was incredibly knowledgeable about Tbilisi, the country and its history. There was no question she couldn’t answer! And what we saw was very interesting

Operator response

Thank you, Jennifer! We’re so glad you enjoyed the Alternative Walking Tour with Oksana. She loves uncovering Tbilisi’s hidden corners and sharing stories that bring the city alive. It’s wonderful to know you discovered places you might never have found on your own. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!

D
D3008KIalexandrah
September 3, 2025
just an incredible tour with an outstanding tour guide

Khatuna gave us a fantastic private tour in Tbilisi and showed us not only the well known sights but also some well hidden treasures. Khatuna is very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and also knows a lot about Georgian history which she is more than willing to share. We could only highly recommend this tour with Khatuna to anyone visiting Tbilisi. Khatuna’s English is impeccable. Thank you very much, Khatuna, for this wonderful experience.

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Alexandra, Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback on TripAdvisor. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Alternative Walking Tour of New Tiflis and the backstreets with Khatuna. She truly loves sharing not only the famous highlights but also the hidden corners of Tbilisi that many visitors never discover. It’s a joy to know that her knowledge, warmth, and impeccable English made your experience so memorable. We’re very grateful for your recommendation, and your kind words will mean a lot to Khatuna. We hope to welcome you back to Georgia again soon—there’s always more to uncover!

T
tg346005
December 14, 2024
This tour is worth it

Oksana was absolutely fantastic. Very personable, incredibly informative, and goes the extra mile. She has a great way of communicating fun, interesting facts about T'bilisi. The walk itself was enjoyable and the new Tiflis part of the city is worth exploring in its own right. Great guide, interesting tour. Highly recommend

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Timothy! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring New Tbilisi with Oksana. She is truly an amazing guide who loves to share the beauty and history of Tbilisi. Your kind words mean the world to us and we're glad that the tour was both fun and informative. We wish you a happy holiday season and many more fantastic adventures to come! ✨

A
AnnSophie_M
September 27, 2024
Great walking tour

It was a great tour with Oksana. She had so many things to tell while we walk. From any recommendations, to history, art and daily life. It was a very pleasant experience. I can highly recommend it!

Operator response

Thank you so much Ann Sophie! 🌟 We're so pleased to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with Oksana. She really is an amazing guide, always sharing her passion for the history, art and life of Tbilisi. We're thrilled that you enjoyed exploring New Tbilisi and the hidden backstreets on our tour. Your recommendation means the world to us! 🥰 We wish you many more great adventures! 🌏👣

D
Derelyn_C
March 6, 2024
Extremely knowledgeable...

Extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide! Really enjoyed the walk and got to see a different side of Tbilisi

Operator response

Dear Derelyn, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review of your experience on the Alternative Walking Tour of New Tbilisi and its backstreets with Oksana. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Oksana's knowledge and friendly demeanour helped you to discover a different side of Tbilisi. Oksana, like all of our guides, is passionate about sharing the rich history and hidden gems of our beautiful city. It's feedback like yours that really makes our day and motivates us to continue providing exceptional experiences for our guests. We're so glad you chose to explore Tbilisi with us and hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the future. There is so much more to see and experience and we'd love to show you more of what Georgia has to offer.

D
DeeFF_12
December 15, 2023
Fantastic Walk around New Tiflis

Two days after I arrived in Tbilisi I went for a walk with Oksana around New Tiflis. My expectations were quite high, but the walk exceeded my expectations. Oksana is an excellent storyteller, she is very knowledgeable about the city, architecture, and even the trees and flowers we saw along the way. She also pointed out a few good restaurants and cafés, which was much appreciated. Tbilisi is such an amazing city full of history and architectural treasures. Her English is excellent, she is kind and friendly and I learned so much from her during our walk from Liberty Square to New Tiflis. We visited many interior courtyards with beautiful staircases and balconies with interesting decorations. We also stopped briefly at a wine cellar, the Orbeliani bazaar, the flower market, and a bathing house. You get a very good overview of what this area of Tbilisi has to offer. I took lots of pictures and saw so many new places. For those who are nervous about going on a three-hour walk? I am in my fifties and I have some mobility issues and it was fine. A few stairs here and there, but nothing too strenuous. I did another tour in Tbilisi but the New Tiflis walk with Oksana was by far the best.

2 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Danka, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of the "Alternative Walking Tour of New Tiflis and Backstreets" with Oksana. We are overjoyed to hear that the tour not only met but exceeded your high expectations. It's heartening to know that Oksana's storytelling, knowledge of Tbilisi's history, architecture, and even the flora along the way, greatly enhanced your experience. We're glad that her recommendations for restaurants and cafés were helpful and that her friendly and approachable manner made your journey through New Tiflis a memorable one. We understand the concerns some might have about the duration and physical demands of a walking tour, especially in a city as historic as Tbilisi, so it's wonderful to hear that the tour was comfortable for you, despite some mobility issues. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us ensure that our tours are accessible and enjoyable for all our guests. Thank you once again for choosing our tour and for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back soon for another adventure exploring the hidden gems of Georgia.

B
betsyk737
October 15, 2023
Phenomenal walking tour of a bewitching city

Of the many tours that this company offers there are 2 of Tbilisi, the capitol of Georgia, and I took both. Luckily I got the same guide both times, herself a relatively recent arrival from Ukraine with excellent English language skills and a fine mind for interesting details about the city and country itself. Oksana spent a full 3 hours showing me main thoroughfares, public squares, markets and back alleys (courtyards) of Tbilisi (a/k/a Tiflis) as it was coming into prominence with European business and tradespeople in the 19th century. Even over the last 30 years the city has undergone some remarkable transformations and renovations; with imaginative remakes of Soviet era industrial buildings (the Fabrika complex is a very cool gathering spot for artists, travelers and diners). We wandered past functioning public bathhouses; into courtyards with gigantic grapevines climbing up to third story balconies; into a quiet, Catholic Church that once welcomed people of all faiths; through a flea market that sells all kinds of vintage items and crafts; down a long pedestrian mall with many restaurants, etc.. What a city!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear Elizabeth, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a comprehensive and heartfelt review. We are thrilled to hear that you had a phenomenal experience exploring Tbilisi with Oksana, not once but twice! Your detailed observations about the city's rich history, its transformations, and the eclectic mix of sites visited during the tours are truly captivating. We're pleased that you found Oksana's insights and English language skills to be up to par, and that you felt the depth of the experience. We feel honored to have been part of your journey discovering the "bewitching city" of Tbilisi. We hope you'll join us again soon for another adventure, either in Georgia or beyond.

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