Not that long ago the university street in Tbilisi would remind you of a landscape from a post-apocalyptic movie, especially during summer holidays - three empty buildings, no sign of life or civilization outside either, the silence of the breeze unbearable, a bridge over a river gorge on the verge of collapse. But in 2018 everything changed.
The mayor of Tbilisi finally decided to bring life to the ‘student city’ and had the new student dorm built and the bridge renovated. What previously looked like a splash of asphalt over the gorge, which I personally had been too afraid to set foot on, now is a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco).
Though smaller than the Golden Gate Bridge itself in scale, the Maghlivi Bridge is visible from distant spots in the capital. While under its tentacle-like cables that hold the crossing together, I felt as if the red metal construction was gazing down at me in impatient anticipation for me to cross and be done with it. The sight is both daunting and mesmerizing. The view from all sides makes the adrenaline kick in.
Make sure you stay until sunset and don’t worry, there are cameras everywhere and civilization is only a couple of minutes away. Please keep in mind that the bridge is only for pedestrians.
PP7F+W4F Maglivi bridge
GEL
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Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I think it is the real fire that gives the wok dishes, especially fried noodles, the kind of flavor that reminds me of Georgian national barbecue, Mtsvadi!
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"Apple of Love" in Tbilisi is a 9-meter-high building comprising 145 sculptures created by the great Georgian artist, Zurab Tsereteli!
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"Alubali" is another hidden cafe in Tbilisi, it is perfect outdoors but it's an indoor place with some of the best Georgian menus around.
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"Sololaki" in Tbilisi is one of its oldest and most cultural parts. Here you'll find magical old houses with beautiful doors & balconies...
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Tbilisi's center has all the nice places but the soviet parts surround it like a fence. To me, this part is the more unique and interesting...
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"Stamba Hotel" in Tbilisi is an old printing house converted into a restaurant, bookstore & hotel! Great cocktails - they even have a ping pong table!
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This mosaic by Zurab Tereteli in Tbilisi was made for the Central bus station in 1973. It's a beautiful modernist Soviet work. Not enough people notice it!
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"Ska Juice Bar" in Tbilisi has any kind of healthy food you want. You sure will be surprised by how such healthy food can taste so good...
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It might not be the most original idea ever, but you know what to expect from a drive-in cinema, but "Cavea Cinemas (Drive-in Lisi) provides that & more!
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If you're like me and prefer active rest over passive, I think you will love the "Pro Climbers" bouldering gym in Tbilisi!
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Tuk Tuk is not just my favorite Thai restaurant in Tbilisi, it's my favorite spot for Asian nourishment - period!
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The ice skating rink in Tbilisi has so many memories for me... It still has my internal sense of freedom!
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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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