Shota Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi connects the new part of the city with the historical center. It is the central street of the city.
Strolling along the avenue: what interesting things can you see
Despite being only 1.5 km long, Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi offers a variety of attractions to see:
Architectural landmarks (former parliament building, etc.)
Sculptures depicting people of various professions
A large number of cafes and restaurants
Monuments and statues
While strolling along Rustaveli Avenue, you can come across several remarkable monuments. Here are some of the most famous ones:
Shota Rustaveli Monument - located near the metro station of the same name, it is a popular gathering place for local youth.
Bicycle Monument - a symbol of a healthy lifestyle, also located near the Shota Rustaveli metro station.
A sculpture of a saxophonist emerging from a wall.
Monument to Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli (located near School No. 1).
Monument of Saint George slaying the dragon (located at Freedom Square).
Architectural Buildings
Rustaveli Avenue is home to numerous cultural and historical architectural landmarks.
Georgian Academy of Sciences
The building of the Georgian Academy of Sciences in Tbilisi is constructed in the Stalinist Empire style, featuring a 55-meter tower. There are also several boutiques, banks, and cafes located in the building. Georgian souvenirs are sold on the steps of the building.
Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater
To attend one of the performances at the theater, check the schedule on-site or visit the official website. Behind the building, there is a small park with a fountain adorned with statues of ballerinas.
Shota Rustaveli Academic Theater
The building has a history of more than 130 years. By visiting the official website, you can check the schedule and choose a performance that interests you.
Shevardnadze National Gallery of Georgia
This place is also known as the "Blue Gallery." The gallery consists of 8 halls, with two halls functioning on a permanent basis and the others used for temporary exhibitions.
Kashveti Church
This church is just over 100 years old. Despite its relatively young age, the church is well-known and popular among the local population. Its main distinguishing feature is the abundance of frescoes.
Old Parliament Building of Georgia
This building was constructed in the 1930s. After the relocation of the parliament to Kutaisi, the building underwent renovations.
National Museum
Here, you can explore exhibitions related to the historical past of Georgia. Tourists interested in history can walk through the museum on their own or take a guided tour (there are Russian-speaking guides available).
Vorontsov Palace
This building is one of the oldest on Rustaveli Avenue. Vorontsov Palace was reconstructed from the palace of the former viceroy Tsitsianov. The building is designed in the style of Renaissance palaces. It currently houses the Palace of Youth.
School No. 1
This school was the first general education institution in the South Caucasus.
Rustaveli Cinema
The building is constructed in the Stalinist Empire style. Statues of various people are located in the niches on the second floor. The cinema has 5 halls.
Cafes
There are numerous dining establishments along Rustaveli Avenue. Here are some of them:
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Museum Cafe (Shota Rustaveli, 7) - decorated in a European-Asian style. Here, you can enjoy coffee with pastries, have a snack, or have a full meal.
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Bern (Shota Rustaveli, 17) - a cozy cafe with Georgian and European cuisine. There is a terrace for those who prefer to sit outdoors. In addition to food and drinks, you can also order a hookah.
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Radio (Shota Rustaveli, 11) - offers dishes from European cuisine. There is a separate menu for vegetarians. They also have a variety of seasonal dishes.
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Dinehall (Shota Rustaveli, 28) - this restaurant offers a wide selection of Georgian and European dishes. They have a great variety of desserts as well.
