Tbilisi - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
• Cultural Events and Festivals: Tbilisi hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Tbilisi International Film Festival, Tbilisoba (a city-wide celebration), and various music and art festivals. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet both locals and expatriates. • Dining and Cafes: Tbilisi has a vibrant dining scene with many restaurants, cafes, and wine bars. Socializing over meals and drinks is a common way to connect with others. Popular areas include Rustaveli Avenue, Vake, and the Old Town. • Outdoor Activities: The city's parks, such as Vake Park and Mtatsminda Park, are popular spots for socializing. Hiking and outdoor excursions to nearby natural attractions like Lisi Lake and the Caucasus Mountains are also great ways to meet people. • Language Exchange Groups: Participating in language exchange meetups can help expatriates improve their Georgian or Russian language skills while meeting locals. Platforms like Meetup.com often list such events. Groups and Clubs: • International Women's Association Georgia (IWAG): o Description: This group offers social events, charity activities, and networking opportunities for women. It is a great way to connect with other expatriates and get involved in the community. o Why Join: Provides a supportive network and opportunities to engage in meaningful activities. • Tbilisi Expat Club: o Description: A social club that organizes regular events, including dinners, cultural outings, and networking gatherings. It is open to all expatriates and provides a platform to meet new people. o Why Join: Offers a variety of social events and a chance to build a diverse network. • Hash House Harriers: o Description: An international running and social club with a chapter in Tbilisi. They organize weekly runs and social events, combining fitness with fun and camaraderie. o Why Join: Great for those who enjoy running and want to meet like-minded individuals. • Sports and Fitness Clubs: o Description: Joining sports clubs, gyms, or fitness classes can be a good way to socialize. Options include yoga studios, martial arts clubs, and team sports leagues. o Why Join: Promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers opportunities to meet people with similar interests. • Volunteer Organizations: o Description: Getting involved with local NGOs or volunteer groups, such as Caritas Georgia or the Red Cross Georgia, can provide meaningful ways to connect with both locals and expatriates while contributing to the community. - Mar 2025
Lot's of natural beauty here so hiking, camping, running etc. are all pretty popular. Georgia also has amazing museums, wineries, restaurants and bars, so there's something for everyone. - Aug 2024
Georgians tend to go to a lot of "Supras", which are very large dinner parties at restaurants. You have to be invited though, so you will need to get to know a local first. - Aug 2024
Literally step outside and talk to anyone. Georgians are very sociable. - Aug 2023
Restaurants, cafes, and bars were popular pre-COVID. Now people are spending time exploring the outdoors. Georgia has amazing historic and nature places to visit. - Jun 2020
If you're young, energetic and like staying up all night, the club and techno scene is supposed to be great. Even if you're not young, you'll see that Georgians of all ages tend to stay up late. It's an enormously social culture, with food, wine and song part of any good evening. As I mentioned, IWA is a good way to socialize if you're a woman; I met many women from many different countries through this organization. - Jan 2019
The CLO does a lot of events that are family-oriented. In Vake, we tend to socialize independently of embassy events. - Apr 2017
The CLO does a really good job of organizing events for the embassy. There are weekend excursions, day outings, restaurant nights and shopping trips. There is also an international womens club that is quite active. - Feb 2017
Eating out for sure. - May 2016
There is always something to do in Tbilisi. - Jul 2014
Social life revolves largely around restaurants and dinner parties, though the growing number of singles at post are diversifying the social life. Many people take weekend trips in groups, and hiking is a popular weekend activity, as is visiting wineries. - Oct 2011
Plenty of nightclubs and shows/theater events. Home parties are popular. - Sep 2011
There is a very good social and theatre scene. Nightclubs on the weekends only. - Apr 2011
Food, wine, clubs. Many in the embassy community often get together on the weekends. - Jun 2010
Dinner/game parties at home. Make friends with some Georgians and have them become part of your life. It will make all the difference. - Jan 2009
