Brutal Tbilisi: Urban exploration and untold stories
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tbilisi, Georgia
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Tbilisi is home to striking Brutalist architecture, and this small-group tour introduces you to it. From the former Ministry of Highways building to Nutsubidze Plateau, your guide takes you off the beaten path to see a side of the Georgian capital most visitors miss. This tour is designed primarily for adults; children must be accompanied by an adult, and family-friendly options are recommended for younger travelers.
- Brutalism tour of Tbilisi: Ideal for architecture lovers
- Small-group tour (maximum six): A more personal experience
- Learn about Tbilisi's architectural history from your guide
- Go off the beaten path and get a different perspective on Tbilisi
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Local guide
- Hotel pick-up (only for the private tours)
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
The building of the Ministry of Highways of the Georgian SSR
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Chronicles Of Georgia
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Former Archaeology Museum
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Maglivi Bridge
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Nutsubidze Skybridge
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This specialized tour is designed primarily for adults. While children must be accompanied by an adult if they attend, we recommend our other family-friendly tours for those traveling with younger children.
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 59 reviews
Rachael_S, Nov 2025
I had a fantastic time on this tour. Really really interesting. Our guide was very friendly and like an encyclopedia on legs! He knew so much about Georgian history
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Rachael,
Thank you so much for the great review! We're so happy to hear you had a great time exploring the city with us.
We really loved your description of the guide as an "encyclopedia on legs"—that is truly the best compliment we could ask for! Our team loves sharing deep insights into Georgian history and the unique stories behind the Brutalist architecture of Tbilisi. I'm glad you liked learning about urban exploration.
Thank you for choosing to discover the hidden stories of Tbilisi with us. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Georgia soon!
Anju_P, Oct 2025
One of the best tours in Tbilisi. Highly recommend this to everyone. The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and apart from architecture, also shared a lot of information about the country in general, including the history.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much, Anju! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Brutal Tbilisi tour — it truly is a must-see experience for anyone who wants to discover the real, authentic side of the city. We’re so glad the stories and architecture left a strong impression. Hope to see you again in Georgia for more unforgettable adventures!
Alison_C, Sep 2025
This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore some of Tbilisi’s amazing brutalist architecture. You learn about the buildings and monuments and the people that designed them, as well as a glimpse into the social context in which they were built. And if you’re lucky enough you might get to meet the lift lady.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much, Alison 🌿
We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring Tbilisi’s unique brutalist architecture with us. These buildings carry not only bold designs but also fascinating stories about the people and times that shaped them. And yes — meeting the “lift lady” is truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
We hope to welcome you back for more urban adventures and hidden stories in Georgia.
Daniela_N, Aug 2025
The “Brutal Tbilisi” tour was an absolute highlight! Fascinating, full of surprising insights into the city’s architecture and history. Our guide Khato was outstanding – knowledgeable, passionate, and able to bring every detail to life with her energy and enthusiasm. Thanks to her, the tour was not only informative but also truly inspiring. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Daniela,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Brutal Tbilisi was a highlight of your trip. Khato will be so happy to know her passion and knowledge helped bring the city’s architecture and history to life for you.
Your kind words inspire us to keep creating tours that are not only informative but also truly memorable. We hope the stories and impressions of Tbilisi will stay with you for a long time — and that one day you’ll come back to explore even more with us.
Jason_D, Aug 2025
What a great tour. So interesting. Alex knew so much about everywhere we went and we had so many interesting conversations with him. We saw so much of these buildings that we wouldn’t normally have the chance to see.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for joining our Brutal Tbilisi tour and for sharing your experience. This is one of our most special journeys — not just about architecture, but about stepping inside the hidden layers of Tbilisi’s story. We’re thrilled that Alex’s knowledge and conversations opened the doors to buildings and perspectives that most visitors never get the chance to see.
Your words mean a lot to us, and we’re so glad this unique side of the city left an impression. We’d love to welcome you back one day for more untold stories of Georgia!
John_K, Jul 2025
Great tour, very informative and well organised. Visited very interesting sites and got to see parts of Tbilisi not on the standard tourist trail. Well recommended.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you, John! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and explored a different side of Tbilisi. Wishing you more amazing days and discoveries here in Georgia!
Giuliana_L, Jul 2025
Amazing tour with Khato! I learned so much about brutalism and Georgian history overall. The architecture was very interesting and unique and Khato was really lovely. She was patient, let me take the time I wanted at each site, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Giuliana,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We're truly happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring the hidden layers of Tbilisi with our amazing guide Khato. Her passion for architecture and history shines through in every step of the journey — and we’re so glad it resonated with you.
This Brutalist tour is indeed something special — but it’s just one piece of the story! We have many more unique experiences across Georgia, from remote mountain villages to colorful deserts and ancient monasteries. We'd be thrilled to welcome you again for another adventure whenever you're ready.
Wishing you more inspiring travels and unforgettable moments!
Saija_W, Jun 2025
Our guide Alex was great! The tour took us to some very unique and interesting places. I greatly appreciated that he was able to drop us off at the airport (well on time) and was prepared for traffic. The tour has a good pace. It really filled a lot of gaps that out other walking tour couldn't cover as it showed more of the real Tibilisi.
Museum of archaeology was our favourite stop, but meeting the lift lady was also fantastic!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Saija,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review — it means a lot to us!
We’re truly happy to hear you enjoyed the Brutal Tbilisi tour with Alex. He’ll be so glad to know his care, flexibility, and deep knowledge added something special to your journey. The Archaeology Museum and the Lift Lady are both close to our hearts too — so glad you felt the magic there!
Wishing you a smooth and safe flight home, and we hope to welcome you back to Georgia one day for even more hidden stories and discoveries.
Samantha_S, May 2025
I really enjoyed this tour. I had spent time in old
Tbilisi and wanted to do something more unusual and saw this tour of the brutal architecture. My guide Aleksi was very good at explaining all the history and took me to some really interesting places. The pace of the tour was very good too. If you are looking for something a bit different and much less touristy then I would really recommend this tour.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much, Samantha! 🌟
Yes, this is truly a unique tour — not just about architecture, but also about stories of people, change, and resilience. We're especially proud that it supports IDP communities and shines a light on a side of Tbilisi most visitors never get to see.
We're so glad you enjoyed it and hope to welcome you again for more off-the-beaten-path adventures!
Damon_M, Apr 2025
Excellent tour with the incredibly personable (and knowledgeable) Khatuna. A really enjoyable way to spend a few hours catching up with the Soviet’s architectural legacy of Tblisi, which is just what we wanted.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much, Damon!
We're truly grateful for your kind words — it means a lot to us and to Khatuna! So glad the tour was what you were looking for and that you enjoyed discovering Tbilisi's brutalist legacy, even under the gray skies. ☁️
Also, huge thanks for your help with the photos — it was a pleasure to have you with us, and your support really helps us grow!
Wishing you many more meaningful journeys!
George_M, Apr 2025
Pretty cool driving/walking tour through some architecture gems and Soviet landmarks. Alex was very knowledgeable and informative on this mini day trip. One highlight was visiting with the elevator operator lady at Skybridge.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi George! 😊
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had a great time on our Brutal Tbilisi: Urban Exploration and Untold Stories tour. Alex will be so happy to hear that you enjoyed the insights into Tbilisi’s brutalist architecture, Soviet landmarks, and the hidden stories behind the city. The visit to the Nutsubidze Skybridge elevator operator lady is indeed a unique experience, and we’re glad it stood out as a highlight!
Your feedback is truly appreciated, and we’re grateful you took the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for more Tbilisi adventures, exploring its iconic architecture and hidden gems! 🌆
Ridhima_B, Dec 2024
Our guide was Khatua, and she was wonderful. She picked us from the hotel in her car, and took us to all the stops. She very patient with us as we took photos and took our time in each stop. She made the whole day fun with her jokes and information. If you want to see soviet architecture, then don’t miss out on this tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Ridhima,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Khatuna made your day so special. She truly has a gift for sharing her knowledge and making every moment fun and memorable.
We're so glad you appreciated the beauty of Soviet architecture and took the time to capture these wonderful moments. It's always a pleasure to host guests like you who bring so much positivity and curiosity.
We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back to explore even more of Tbilisi with us one day!
Andrew_T, Oct 2024
An incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone. Our guide, Xato, was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and accomodating to any specific requests we had.
I normally am not a "tour person", and I prefer to experience things myself without any guide. This tour changed my perspective entirely, and made me realise the value of a well informed, prepared, friendly, and professional tour guide. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anybody on the fence about booking it.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi Andrew,
Thank you so much for your incredible review of our Brutal Tbilisi: Urban Exploration and Untold Stories tour!
We're more than happy that Xato was able to change your perspective on guided tours. We believe that a well-prepared and professional guide can truly transform an experience, offering unique insights into Tbilisi's rich history and taking you beyond the typical tourist routes. Xato is passionate about sharing Tbilisi's hidden gems, Soviet-era landmarks and fascinating urban landscapes, and we're delighted that his enthusiasm has resonated with you.
It's truly an honour to hear that our tour has been such a powerful experience for you, especially if you normally prefer to explore on your own. For anyone interested in experiencing Tbilisi off the beaten track, exploring its untold stories and unique urban heritage, we highly recommend this tour to discover the hidden side of Georgia's capital.
Thank you again and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!
Raul_A, Sep 2024
Alex was a great guide! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. The stops in this tour are extremely interesting, and it's definitely worth it if you're going to Tbilisi. It's nice to know the more real, day-to-day aspects of the city, know more about the lives of the people and also to trek off the beaten path.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you Raul for your wonderful feedback! 😊 We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Brutal Tbilisi tour with Alex. Tbilisi has so many unique layers to uncover beyond the typical tourist paths, and it's great that you appreciated the raw, everyday aspects of the city. Exploring these untold stories and lesser-known corners really does give a deeper understanding of life here, and we're glad it left an impression on you.
We hope you have taken away with you not only memories, but also a piece of the true Georgian spirit. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon!
Denise_A, Sep 2024
Very cool tour, many opportunities to see Tbilisi region from different angles, physically and intellectually. We appreciated Aleks’s knowledge about a wide variety of topics throughout the tour. Comfortable accommodations getting to and fro, and willingness to adjust pace when needed (travelled with retired parents who were able to comfortably sit out the archeology stop). Thank you!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Denise,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're delighted to hear that you found the "Brutal Tbilisi: Exploring the True City" tour both physically and intellectually stimulating. Aleks is indeed a wealth of knowledge and we're glad that his insights added depth to your experience.
We're particularly pleased that our accommodations were comfortable and that we were able to adjust the pace to suit your family's needs. It gives us great pleasure to know that your retired parents were able to relax and still feel included, even during the archaeological stop.
It was truly a pleasure to host your family and we cherish the moments we shared with you all. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your Georgian adventure!
Stefan_W, Sep 2024
Alexi, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and made our tour especially memorable. Tbilisi is an incredibly eclectic city with some striking architecture. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Stefan,
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed the Brutal Tbilisi: Exploring the True City tour with Alexi. He truly loves sharing his passion for Tbilisi's unique architecture and hidden stories.
We're so glad that the city's eclectic charm left an impression on you, and we appreciate your recommendation. It's always our goal to help visitors experience the "real" Tbilisi, and it sounds like we succeeded with you!
We wish you all the best and hope to see you again for more adventures in Georgia!
simone_d, Jul 2024
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 :)
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your kind review, Simone! 🌟
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the "Brutal Tbilisi: Exploring the True City" tour with Aleksi. He truly has a wealth of knowledge about Tbilisi and Georgia, and we're glad he was able to make your experience memorable.
Your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future 😊!
Juan_L, Apr 2024
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!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Juan,
Thank you for your enthusiastic review of the "Brutal Tbilisi: Exploring the True City" tour. We are thrilled to hear that you found the trip delightful and enlightening. Khatuna is indeed a passionate guide, and her deep knowledge of Tbilisi's architectural and historical landscape during the Soviet era provides a unique perspective that enriches the tour.
We're glad that this tour showed you a new side of Tbilisi and gave you valuable insights into the city and Georgian culture. It's feedback like yours that inspires us to continue creating experiences that are not only informative, but also engaging.
Thank you again for choosing to explore with us and for recommending the tour to others. We hope to welcome you back soon for another adventure through the hidden gems of Tbilisi or perhaps another part of Georgia.
Gordon_K, Aug 2023
Great few hours seeing a different side of Tbilisi. You get a real sense of Georgia’s Soviet and post-Soviet history through architecture and go to interesting parts of Tbilisi outside the usual old city sites. Aleksi was a very knowledgeable and personable guide.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Dear Gordon,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the Brutal Tbilisi: Exploration of the true city tour! Your kind words and 5-star review mean a great deal to us.
We're thrilled to hear that you had an enriching experience exploring Tbilisi's modern history through its remarkable architecture. Our aim is to provide a unique perspective on Georgia's Soviet and post-Soviet era, venturing into areas that might be overlooked in standard tours. Your appreciation of this distinctive approach truly validates our efforts.
Aleksi is a fantastic guide, and his knowledge and engaging personality are essential to making the tour special. I'll be sure to pass on your compliments to him!
Should you ever find yourself back in Tbilisi, we'd be more than happy to explore even more of the city with you. Thank you once again for choosing our tour, and we hope to see you again in the future!
Victoriano_D, Jun 2023
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we explored many areas that your average tourist wouldn’t go. However there were MANY times we asked questions and he would respond “like I told you”. Which made it that you did not want to ask anything. Many of the questions we asked were not answered already so it might have been a language issue.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent tour with us, Victoriano. We're glad to hear that our tour guide was knowledgeable and that you had the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path areas.
We apologize if there were any instances where you felt the guide's response was not as clear or helpful as you expected. We strive to provide excellent customer service and address all questions and concerns to the best of our ability. We appreciate your understanding that language barriers can sometimes impact communication.
We would have appreciated if you had brought these concerns to our attention during the tour so that we could have addressed them immediately and ensured a more satisfactory experience for you. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we always strive to improve our services.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your experience in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We value your feedback and would like the opportunity to address any concerns you may have.
Thank you again for choosing our tour and for sharing your thoughts. We hope to have the chance to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an even better experience.
Jessica_S, Apr 2023
Alex was the most knowledgeable guide. He and the driver promptly met us and took us on a tour of Tbilisi’s modernist and brutalist pass . He guided us expertly and with great sensitivity through the Chronicles of Georgia Monument and the Nutzubize Plato apartments with their walkways in the sky and the old Soviet student accommodation in lBsgebi that today houses displaced refugees from Abkhazia. The Bank of Georgia building is evocative of Le cor busier and the former museum of archeology is a revelation and has elements of surprise. Cannot recommend this tour enough if you want to understand the modern development of Tbilisi and it’s connecting with the past.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Dear Jessica,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed and thoughtful review of our Brutal Tbilisi tour. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience exploring the modernist and brutalist architecture of the city with our knowledgeable guide Alex. We are also pleased to hear that you appreciated the sensitivity with which he guided you through the various sites, and that you found the tour to be both educational and eye-opening.
Your description of the Chronicles of Georgia Monument, the Nutzubize Plato apartments, and the old Soviet student accommodation in lBsgebi is vivid and captures the essence of these unique sites perfectly. We are especially glad to hear that you found the former Museum of archeology to be a revelation, and that it contained elements of surprise that made your tour even more enjoyable.
We cannot thank you enough for recommending our tour to others who want to understand the modern development of Tbilisi and its connection with the past. It is reviews like yours that keep us motivated and dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our customers.
Thank you once again for choosing our Brutal Tbilisi tour, and we hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable adventure.
gs6k85njk2, Mar 2023
This was a unique tour that was fantastic from start to finish. Our guide was friendly, extremely knowledgable and spoke perfect English. We went to a number of different locations that we would not have found without doing this tour and got some amazing photos. I would highly recommend this tour to all!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear valued guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Brutal Tbilisi tour. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that our guide was able to provide you with a unique and memorable experience. It's always great to hear that our guests appreciate the effort we put into finding the hidden gems of Tbilisi, and I'm glad that you were able to take some amazing photos along the way.
Thank you for recommending our tour to others, and for choosing to spend your time with us in Tbilisi. We hope to see you again soon on another one of our tours!
Eddie_G, Jun 2022
I had the chance to experience this tour and so glad that I didn't miss it. My tour guide Iona was very friendly and knowledgeble. He allows you to take your time & provides plenty of information regarding each site. It's a must-see if you're looking for something other than the usual touristy things to do.
Eric_F, Jan 2022
Was a great tour. If you want to see a different side to Tbilisi this it. Khatuna my guide/driver was very friendly and knew her history. Get a feel for how real life is here now and was in Soviet times. End the tour with cha cha drink (added bonus😁).
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Dear, Eric! Thank you so much for booking our tours we are glad that you became our regular customer! Looking forward to seeing you again on our tours. There are so many abandoned places in Georgia! Take care!
Nathan_P, Apr 2021
This tour was outstandingly led by Alex who is was extremely knowledgable and friendly throughout.
Nothing was to much trouble and we got to see many extra things, awesome photo opportunities on this tour, a complete contrast to the architecture and pretty balconies of the old town. The vehicle used was in very good condition and driving was safe at all times.
I would happily recommend Alex and @Friendly.Ge to any one heading to Georgia !
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Dear Nathan and Julie!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are happy to read you rated our Tbilisi tour with 5 stars. We hope you had a great time in Georgia and that we can welcome you back soon.
Stay safe and healthy!
Kind regards, Alex
Pablo_M, Nov 2025
A detailed introduction to the brutalist architecture of Tbilisi. Alex, my guide, and Fancho, my driver, were impeccable and extremely friendly. Alex’s knowledge and willingness to pass it on, as well as openness to answering questions and exploring inside several of the sites part of the tour made this tour one of the best of the trip to Georgia and certainly an eye-opening experience about a wonderful country.
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Response from Host, Nov 2025
Pablo, thank you sincerely for your thoughtful words. We are very happy to hear that the tour became one of the highlights of your trip. Alex and Pancho will be delighted to know that their knowledge, care and attention made your experience meaningful. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again in Georgia.
Francesco_C, Aug 2024
Khatuna è stata super professionale e competente, conosce benissimo gli aspetti del brutalismo, dell'architettura modernista e sovietica in generale. Scelta delle tappe ottimale in funzione del percorso. Lei inoltre si è rivelata una persona molto alla mano, scherzosa e critica quando necessario. Complimenti!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you so much for your great feedback, Francesco! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Brutal Tbilisi tour with Khatuna. She is indeed very knowledgeable about Brutalism, Modernism, and Soviet architecture, and it's great to know that her expertise and warm personality made your experience memorable. We're glad the itinerary worked well for you, and we hope to welcome you back for more discoveries in Georgia!
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