Are you a book lover looking for a unique experience in Tbilisi? Look no further than the city's bookshops and literary cafes. Tbilisi is home to a thriving literary scene, with a rich history of writers and poets who have called the city home. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to read or a place to connect with fellow bookworms, Tbilisi has something to offer. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best bookshops and literary cafes in the city.
Bookshops
Tbilisi is home to a variety of bookshops, from small, independent stores to larger chains. Here are a few of our favorites:
Prospero's Books
Prospero's Books is a beloved independent bookstore located in the heart of Tbilisi's Old Town. The store is known for its cozy atmosphere and carefully curated selection of books, which includes both Georgian and international titles. In addition to books, Prospero's also sells a variety of gifts and souvenirs, making it the perfect spot to pick up a unique memento of your trip to Tbilisi.
The store is named after the character from Shakespeare's "The Tempest," which reflects the store's commitment to literature and culture. The owner, Lasha Bughadze, is a well-known Georgian writer and poet, who often hosts readings and other literary events at the store. Prospero's Books is a must-visit spot for any book lover visiting Tbilisi.
Biblus
Biblus is a popular chain of bookstores in Georgia, with several locations in Tbilisi. The stores offer a wide selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. Biblus also sells music, movies, and other entertainment products, making it a one-stop-shop for all your cultural needs.
One of the unique features of Biblus is its commitment to promoting Georgian literature. The stores have a dedicated section for Georgian authors, which includes both classic and contemporary works. Biblus also hosts book signings and other literary events, making it a great spot to connect with the local literary community.
Parnassus
Parnassus is a cozy, independent bookstore located in the trendy Vake neighborhood of Tbilisi. The store specializes in Georgian literature and poetry, but also carries a selection of international titles. Parnassus is a great spot to browse for hours and discover new authors and books.
The store's owner, Lasha Bakradze, is a well-known Georgian poet and writer, who often hosts literary events at the store. Parnassus is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Georgian literature and culture.
Literary Cafes
If you're looking for a spot to relax with a book and a cup of coffee, Tbilisi has plenty of literary cafes to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:
Writer's House Cafe
The Writer's House is a cultural center located in a beautiful historic building in Tbilisi's Sololaki neighborhood. The Writer's House Cafe is a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while surrounded by books and literary history. The cafe often hosts readings and other literary events, making it a great spot to connect with the local literary community.
The Writer's House was founded in 2007, with the goal of promoting Georgian literature and culture. The center hosts a variety of events, including book readings, lectures, and film screenings. The Writer's House Cafe is a great spot to relax and soak up the literary atmosphere of Tbilisi.
Linville Cafe
Linville Cafe is a popular spot for Tbilisi's creative community, with a cozy atmosphere and a selection of books and magazines to browse. The cafe serves a variety of drinks and snacks, including delicious homemade cakes and pastries. It's a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon with a book or to meet up with friends for a chat.
The cafe is named after the character from Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's," which reflects the cafe's commitment to literature and culture. Linville Cafe often hosts live music and other cultural events, making it a great spot to connect with the local creative community.
Cafe Littera
Cafe Littera is a unique literary cafe located in Tbilisi's Vera neighborhood. The cafe is attached to the Georgian Writers' Union building and features a menu inspired by Georgian literature. The cafe also hosts readings and other literary events, making it a great spot to connect with the local literary community.
One of the unique features of Cafe Littera is its commitment to promoting Georgian cuisine and culture. The menu includes dishes inspired by Georgian literature, such as "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" salad and "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" khachapuri. Cafe Littera is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Georgian literature and cuisine.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's bookshops and literary cafes offer a unique and enriching experience for book lovers. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to read or a place to connect with fellow bookworms, Tbilisi has something to offer. From independent bookstores to cozy cafes, there's a spot for everyone in this vibrant literary scene. So grab a book and a cup of coffee and settle in for a literary adventure in Tbilisi.