Experience in Tbilisi, Georgia by Mariam

What is it like to live in Tbilisi? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Tbilisi is one of three modern but old cities in Georgia! Old town of Tbilisi is the most beautiful one to see, narrow streets, small houses with wooden balconies all over the house, red bricks and roofs that merge with each other ideally, Narikala, also known as Mother Fortress of Georgia! In the other side of the city there are houses built in Soviet Union, colorless and ugly, but it says a lot about history of Georgia, so even in this you can find it's beauty!the mo

What is the student lifestyle like in Tbilisi?

Student lifestyle in Tbilisi depends on which country are you from, but every nation can find its own place in town. if You like to party, dance, have fun with your friends, sing, in Tbilisi there are several clubs which were nominated for one of the best ones in EU! and lot of karaoke bars with different atmospheres! if You like to spend time near nature, just go to the Turtle or Lisi lake,take a walk, seat under the trees, enjoy silence, ride a bike or have a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate! if you like to walk in town, go to Agmashenebeli street,Rustaveli street, freedom square, Shardeni street, walk all over the old town! if You like shopping, go to one of three malls or Vake, to find clothes by Georgian designers!

How much does it cost to live in Tbilisi?

Tbilisi is not expensive city if we compare it with EU country capitals. if you want to find an accommodation for 2 persons not in center 200-250€ would be more that enough,with very good conditions, in some places 2 bedroom apartment may cost 500€-600€ and even more, but it is rare and conditions are really amazing.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tbilisi? Is there any advice you can give?

There are always pretty lot accommodations for rent, even in September, when all the students are arriving to town, the hardest thing would be the language but there are lot of agencies which will do all the work for you and show you all flats you may like! so if you are not really into searching for accommodation buy yourself, because you may have language barriers, leave it for agencies

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Every person who tasted Georgian food once, says that they have one of the best dishes all over the world! every kind of person can find its own dish, if you like meat, you should definitely try Mtsvadi and Khinkali(it comes from Georgian mountains) which(classic one) consists of minced meat, onions, chili pepper, salt and pork, but there are lot of varieties of Khinkali! you should try Khashapuri which consists of cheese and dough. its form and texture vary from region to region, small amount of cheese or a lot, thick or thin dough and so on. there is Adjarian Khachapuri which is called Georgian pizza, it is boat shaped dough with cheese, butter and egg in the middle! also you should try different cheese by themselves. also we have dishes which are not exactly salands, but still like salads! Jonjoli, pkhali, pepper and so on!

What places would you recommend visiting in Tbilisi?

You should definitely see Narikala, streets of old Tbilisi, Abanotubani, Shardeni, an freedom square, these are the best places where you can enjoy not modern, or postsoviet city, but the old, real one! You should go to sulphur baths in Abanotubani which are main thing in a history of how Tbilisi was founded!

Is it good to eat out in Tbilisi? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

i would recommend several spots which i like the most! it is ,,Barbarestan,, that consists of only Georgian foods, ,,shavi lomi,, which is also Georgian but you can find some European dishes too and ,,Brasservie Buvette,, which mostly consists of chef European foot

Is the nightlife good in Tbilisi? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Tbilisi is one of the best in Europe,very often there are lot of very famous DJs who perform mostly in Bassiani or Khidi, there are lot of bars which are different from each other by atmosphere, music, style and so on! in some of them there are only drinks, in some, you can enjoy different kind of snacks or even dishes!

What advice would you give future students heading to Tbilisi?

be prepared! be prepared to have best months or years in your life! all you need to do is: 1) Make friends with Georgian people 2)feel their hospitality 3) eat as much as you can 4) travel around the Georgia as much as you can! 5) party as often as you can! because student years are not only for getting education, but also to get best memories in your life! you won't be disappointed!