Check out the Where.ge team's guide to the top streets in Georgia's capital.
RUSTAVELI AVENUE
An obvious choice since this is the main street of the city, but it is packed with museums, restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops that no visitor should miss. In many ways, Rustaveli manages to capture the quintessential essence of the country; the golden statue of St. George on Freedom Square, the church halfway down the avenue, and the views of the surrounding mountains from Rose Revolution Square depict a great deal of Georgia and its culture all within a mile. The European style of the buildings that line the street, built during the brief period of independence between occupation by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, could not be more different from the concrete apartment blocks of other parts of the city, and give a taste of what might have been had Georgia been left to flourish in peace.
KOTE APKHAZE (LESELIDZE) STREET
Branching off from Freedom Square, this street is largely dedicated to the two Georgian loves of eating and drinking. Specialty wine shops are dotted next to souvenir shops, restaurants and newer bars; visitors are typically invited to try a vast selection of wine before making any purchase, thereby ensuring that however one passes the rest of their day, they shall feel a sense of having achieved some great purpose, regardless of whether any purchases were made or not.
PEKINI STREET
A long, bustling street in the central Saburtalo region, this is a must-visit for any shopper, especially those looking to purchase clothes from recognisable European or British outlets. The street is also home to a number of cosy coffees, but although there are only a few restaurants, there are many of various different types (Georgian eateries, beer houses, pizzerias, or barbecue joints) along the adjacent avenues. Those visitors looking for a more eclectic way to spend their time may also enjoy the Diana gun shop (or the Global Arms store nearby), where customers can use the in-house pistol range.
AGHMASHENEBELI AVENUE
Another street built in a European style, this street resembles Rustaveli Avenue more than any other but the atmosphere is markedly different. There are fewer shops and more restaurants, as well as American fast-food joints. In recent times, however, this avenue has become famous for being home to many Middle Eastern residents of the city, who have brought their unique cuisine and style to many parts of the street.
SHARDENI STREET
A popular nightlife destination, Shardeni epitomises where the old/new and East/West fusions meet. The charm of old fashioned Georgian buildings clash with those that would not look out of place in Germany or the Netherlands, and visitors can choose to eat at a range of Georgian or European restaurants (notable examples of the latter being in the styles of France and Spain). As with Ledzelize street which leads into it, Shardeni and the streets around it do not lack for wine shops.
By Tim Ogden