If you're planning a solo trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, you're in for a treat. This vibrant city is full of history, culture, and art. One of the best ways to experience the city's artistic side is by exploring its street art scene. From colorful murals to hidden gems, Tbilisi's street art is a feast for the eyes. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how to explore Tbilisi's street art scene on a solo trip.
Start with a Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get started with exploring Tbilisi's street art scene is by taking a walking tour. There are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the city's street art. These tours are a great way to get an introduction to the different neighborhoods and styles of street art in Tbilisi. You'll also get to learn about the history and culture of the city along the way.
Explore the Old Town
Tbilisi's Old Town is a great place to start your street art adventure. This historic neighborhood is full of narrow streets and hidden alleyways, and it's also home to some of the city's best street art. As you wander through the Old Town, keep an eye out for colorful murals and graffiti. Some of the best spots to check out include the walls around the sulfur baths, the area around the Metekhi Bridge, and the streets around Narikala Fortress.
One of the most interesting murals in the Old Town is the "I love Tbilisi" mural located on the wall of a building on Betlemi Street. The mural features the words "I love Tbilisi" in Georgian script, along with colorful images of the city's landmarks and symbols.
Another must-see spot in the Old Town is the "Kargi Gogo" mural, located on the wall of a building on Dadiani Street. The mural features the words "Kargi Gogo" (which means "good girl" in Georgian) in large letters, along with images of women and food.
Check out Fabrika
Fabrika is a former Soviet sewing factory that has been transformed into a hipster hotspot. This trendy complex is home to a hostel, several bars and restaurants, and some of the city's best street art. As you wander through Fabrika, you'll see murals and graffiti on almost every surface. Some of the best pieces are located in the courtyard and on the walls of the buildings.
One of the most impressive murals in Fabrika is the "Fabrika" mural, located on the wall of the building facing the courtyard. The mural features the word "Fabrika" in large letters, along with colorful images of the factory's former workers.
Another must-see spot in Fabrika is the "I Love Tbilisi" mural, located on the wall of the building housing the hostel. This mural features the words "I Love Tbilisi" in Georgian script, along with colorful images of the city's landmarks and symbols.
Visit the Dry Bridge Flea Market
The Dry Bridge Flea Market is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in street art and vintage finds. This outdoor market is located near the Old Town and is open every day except Monday. As you browse through the stalls, keep an eye out for vintage Soviet posters, old cameras, and other treasures. You'll also see plenty of street art on the walls and buildings surrounding the market.
One of the most interesting pieces of street art near the Dry Bridge Flea Market is the "Love" mural, located on the wall of a building on the corner of Kote Afkhazi and Grishashvili Streets. The mural features the word "Love" in large letters, along with colorful images of hearts and flowers.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Tbilisi is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has its own unique character and style of street art. Some of the best neighborhoods to explore include:
- Vake: This upscale neighborhood is home to some of the city's most impressive murals and graffiti. One of the most interesting murals in Vake is the "Proud to Be Georgian" mural, located on the wall of a building on Chavchavadze Avenue. The mural features the words "Proud to Be Georgian" in Georgian script, along with colorful images of Georgian symbols and landmarks.
- Sololaki: This historic neighborhood is full of narrow streets and hidden alleyways, and it's also home to some of the city's most colorful street art. One of the most interesting pieces of street art in Sololaki is the "Happiness" mural, located on the wall of a building on Kldiashvili Street. The mural features the word "Happiness" in large letters, along with colorful images of flowers and birds.
- Marjanishvili: This up-and-coming neighborhood is full of trendy bars and restaurants, and it's also home to some of the city's most innovative street art. One of the most interesting pieces of street art in Marjanishvili is the "Tree of Life" mural, located on the wall of a building on Kote Afkhazi Street. The mural features a colorful tree with branches that extend out onto the surrounding buildings.
Look for Hidden Gems
One of the best things about exploring Tbilisi's street art scene is discovering hidden gems. As you wander through the city, keep an eye out for small murals and graffiti tucked away in unexpected places. Some of the best hidden gems can be found on the walls of abandoned buildings, on the sides of staircases, and in other out-of-the-way spots.
One of the most interesting hidden gems in Tbilisi is the "Freedom" mural, located on the wall of an abandoned building on the corner of Kostava and Chavchavadze Avenues. The mural features the word "Freedom" in Georgian script, along with colorful images of birds and flowers.
Tips for Exploring Tbilisi's Street Art Scene on a Solo Trip
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a camera: You'll want to capture all the amazing street art you see, so bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera.
- Be respectful: Remember that the street art you're admiring is the work of real artists. Be respectful of their work and don't damage or deface it.
- Stay safe: While Tbilisi is generally a safe city, it's still important to take precautions when exploring on your own. Stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Exploring Tbilisi's street art scene on a solo trip is a fun and rewarding experience. From the colorful murals in the Old Town to the hidden gems tucked away in the neighborhoods, there's something for everyone to discover. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the artistic side of Tbilisi.