11 Ways to Make New Friends in Tbilisi (For Expats & Locals)

Tbilisi has earned its reputation as one of the friendliest cities for expats and digital nomads.

But even in a welcoming place, building a real social circle takes effort.

The good news? This city has a packed calendar of recurring events, clubs, and communities designed for exactly that.

This guide covers 11 practical ways to meet people - whether you prefer a loud karaoke night or a quiet morning hike.

Quick Summary:

• Foreigners & Friends Meetup runs every Friday at 9 PM at Crossroads bar

• Crossroads also hosts karaoke (Sundays) and open mic nights (Thursdays)

• Coworking hubs like Impact Hub at Fabrika host regular networking events

• Outdoor groups like Tbilisi Running Club and Geo Hikers organize weekly activities

• Cooking and Georgian dance classes offer hands-on ways to bond with fellow newcomers

11 Ways to Make New Friends in Tbilisi

#1. Foreigners & Friends Meetup

At Tbilisi Expat, we organize a weekly expat meetup every Friday at 9 PM at the Crossroads bar. The event brings together expats living in Tbilisi, travelers passing through, and locals looking to make international friends.

There's no registration, no cover charge - just show up and buy a drink. The crowd is diverse: remote workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, students, and long-term residents all mix together. Conversations happen naturally, and the bartenders are used to pointing newcomers toward friendly faces.

• When: Every Friday, 9 PM

• Where: Crossroads Bar, 30 Shalva Dadiani St

• Cost: Free entry (just buy a drink)

This is the most consistent weekly event for meeting expats in Tbilisi. If you're new to the city and want to build a social circle fast, start here.

#2. Work From Coworking Spaces

If you're a remote worker or digital nomad, coworking spaces double as social hubs. Impact Hub at Fabrika is the most popular option - it sits inside Tbilisi's creative complex, a former Soviet sewing factory turned into a mix of bars, restaurants, hostels, and art spaces.

Impact Hub hosts networking events on the last Friday of each month. Even outside of organized events, the communal tables and shared kitchen make it easy to strike up conversations with fellow freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Other options include D Block at Stamba Hotel (more upscale, spread across three floors) and Terminal (multiple locations around the city with flexible memberships).

Details:

• Impact Hub: 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St (inside Fabrika)

• Day pass: Around 40 GEL ($14 USD)

• Monthly unlimited: Around 410 GEL ($145 USD)

#3. Karaoke Night

Every Sunday at 9 PM, Crossroads bar hosts a karaoke night. It draws a mix of expats and locals, and the vibe is more "supportive pub crowd" than "intense competition."

You don't need to sing to enjoy it. Plenty of people come just to watch, cheer, and chat between performances. But if you do grab the mic, it's a reliable icebreaker - nothing bonds strangers faster than a group rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Details:

• When: Every Sunday, 9 PM

• Where: Crossroads Bar, 30 Shalva Dadiani St

• Cost: Free entry (just buy a drink)

#4. Join a Social Dance Class

Latin dance has a strong following in Tbilisi, and the social dance scene is a natural place to meet people. Salsa Sunrise is one of the most popular schools, offering classes in salsa, bachata, and kizomba for all levels.

The format works well for newcomers: you rotate partners throughout the class, so you'll meet everyone in the room. Most schools also host social parties after lessons where students practice with each other in a relaxed setting.

Saturday nights, clubs like Caliente host Latino dance parties where the dance community gathers.

Details:

• Salsa Sunrise: 22 Bidzina Kvernadze St (Saburtalo)

• Group classes: Starting around 50-80 GEL per month

• No partner required

#5. Join the Tbilisi Running Club

The Tbilisi Running Club organizes weekly group runs around the city - sunrise sessions at Lisi Lake, trails around Turtle Lake, and occasional midnight runs through the city center. Runs are often followed by coffee or food together.

The club is active on Facebook, where they post upcoming events. Pace groups vary, so beginners and experienced runners both find a fit. It's a solid option if you prefer bonding through shared activity rather than bar conversation.

Details:

• Find them on Facebook: "Tbilisi Running Club"

• Cost: Free

• Locations vary (Lisi Lake, Turtle Lake, city routes)

#6. Open Mic Night

Every Thursday at 8 PM, Crossroads bar hosts an open mic night for musicians. It's a jam session format - bring an instrument, or just come to watch and listen.

The crowd is a mix of hobbyist guitarists, traveling musicians, and locals who enjoy live music. Between sets, it's easy to chat with performers and other audience members. Even if you don't play, it's a low-key way to spend an evening surrounded by creative people.

Details:

• When: Every Thursday, 8 PM

• Where: Crossroads Bar, 30 Shalva Dadiani St

• Cost: Free entry

#7. Take a Georgian Cooking Class

Cooking classes are a natural way to bond with strangers - you're working together, eating together, and learning something new. In Tbilisi, several schools offer small-group classes where you'll make dishes like khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread).

Georgian Flavors runs intimate classes out of the founder's home kitchen in Vake. Chakandrila, located in central Tbilisi, offers customizable menus. Both end with a shared meal, which gives plenty of time to get to know your fellow cooks.

Details:

• Georgian Flavors: Home kitchen in Vake (book via website)

• Chakandrila: Central Tbilisi (contact via Instagram or WhatsApp)

• Price: Around $40-80 USD depending on menu

#8. Join Hiking Groups

Georgia's mountains are close to the city, and hiking groups take full advantage. Geo Hikers Tbilisi organizes 3-4 group hikes per week during summer, ranging from easy city trails to more challenging day trips.

Weekend Travelers Georgia focuses on day trips to lesser-known spots outside the city - canyons, monasteries, and nature reserves. Trips fill up fast, so check their Facebook page early when dates are announced.

Both groups attract a mix of expats and adventurous locals. The shared experience of a long hike naturally leads to deeper conversations than a typical bar meetup.

Details:

• Geo Hikers Tbilisi: Facebook group (free or low-cost hikes)

• Weekend Travelers Georgia: Facebook group (organized day trips, small fee)

#9. Learn Georgian Dancing

Georgian Dance Club offers classes every Sunday from 1-3 PM. You'll learn traditional Georgian dance moves, try on costumes, and record your performance to take home.

The classes attract tourists and expats looking for a cultural experience. It's physical, fun, and a bit silly - which makes it easier to connect with strangers. The instructors are patient with beginners, and no prior dance experience is needed.

Details:

• When: Sundays, 1-3 PM (private classes available other days)

• Where: Book via TripAdvisor or Facebook

• Price: Around $25-40 USD per person

#10. Hang Out at Fabrika

Even if you don't need a coworking space, Fabrika is worth visiting as a social hub. The converted factory complex in the Ninoshvili neighborhood houses bars, restaurants, a hostel, art galleries, and a large courtyard where people gather day and night.

On weekends, the courtyard fills with a mix of backpackers, expats, artists, and locals. The atmosphere is casual enough that strangers talk to each other. Grab a drink at one of the bars, find a seat in the courtyard, and let conversations happen.

Details:

• Location: 8 Egnate Ninoshvili St

• Hours: Individual venues vary, but courtyard is active from afternoon until late

• Best times: Friday and Saturday evenings

#11. Join Expat Facebook and WhatsApp Groups

Sometimes the best way to meet people is digital first. Several active Facebook groups serve Tbilisi's expat community:

• Digital Nomads Tbilisi - Remote workers sharing tips on coworking, apartments, and meetups

• Tbilisi Expat Whatsapp group - General group for events, questions, and recommendations

Many Meetup groups also have linked WhatsApp chats where members coordinate spontaneous plans - grabbing dinner, checking out a new bar, or organizing last-minute hikes.

Tip: Don't just lurk. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and respond to posts. The people who engage consistently are the ones who build real connections.

FAQ

Is it hard to make friends in Tbilisi as an expat?

Not if you put in the effort. Tbilisi has an active expat scene with regular events, and Georgians are generally warm toward foreigners. The challenge is consistency - showing up repeatedly to the same events is what turns acquaintances into friends. Most expats find their social circle within the first month or two.

Do I need to speak Georgian to make local friends?

No. English is common among younger Georgians, especially in Tbilisi. You can get by in most social settings without Georgian. That said, learning a few phrases shows respect and often delights locals - "gamarjoba" (hello) and "madloba" (thank you) go a long way.

Where do expats hang out in Tbilisi?

Crossroads bar is the main hub for weekly expat events. Fabrika draws a mixed crowd of expats and locals throughout the week. The Vera and Vake neighborhoods have many cafes and bars popular with remote workers. On weekends, you'll find expats at Mtatsminda Park, Turtle Lake, and the sulfur baths in Abanotubani.

Are there any Facebook groups for expats in Tbilisi?

Yes, several. "Digital Nomads Tbilisi" and "Tbilisi Expat Community" are the most active. There are also niche groups for apartment hunting, buying/selling items, and specific nationalities. Search Facebook for "Tbilisi expats" and you'll find plenty of options.

What's the best neighborhood in Tbilisi to meet people?

Vera and Vake are popular with expats and have plenty of cafes and coworking-friendly spots. Fabrika (in the Ninoshvili area) is a social hub any night of the week. Old Town (Sololaki) is more touristy but has lively bars. If you want to run into other expats regularly, staying near Fabrika or in Vera increases your chances.

Is Tbilisi good for digital nomads?

Yes. The cost of living is low, the internet is reliable, cafes are laptop-friendly, and coworking spaces are plentiful. Georgia also offers a generous visa policy - citizens of 95 countries can stay for one year without a visa. The expat and digital nomad community is active and welcoming.

How do I meet other remote workers in Tbilisi?

Coworking spaces like Impact Hub, D Block, and Terminal are the easiest option. Many cafes are also popular work spots - Stamba Hotel's cafe, Prospero's Books, and Coffee Lab are frequented by laptop workers. The "Digital Nomads Tbilisi" Facebook group is another good resource for meetups and recommendations.

Are Georgians friendly to foreigners?

Very. Georgian hospitality is a point of cultural pride. Locals often go out of their way to help visitors, offer food and wine, and make conversation. You may be invited to a supra (traditional feast) within your first week. That said, building close friendships takes time, as with anywhere.

What are the best bars to meet people in Tbilisi?

Crossroads bar is the go-to for expat events. Fabrika's courtyard bars attract a social, mixed crowd. Dive Bar and Warszawa are popular late-night spots. For a more local experience, try the wine bars along Aghmashenebeli Avenue. The sulfur bath district also has several casual bars where tourists and locals mingle.

Is Tbilisi safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Tbilisi is one of the safest capitals in the region. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft is uncommon compared to other European cities. Solo travelers - including women - generally feel comfortable walking around at night. Standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded areas and use Bolt for late-night rides home.

Wrapping Up

Tbilisi makes it easier than most cities to build a social life from scratch. Between the weekly meetups at Crossroads, the coworking scene at Fabrika, and the active hiking and running groups, there's something for every personality type. The key is showing up consistently. Pick two or three options from this list, commit to attending for a month, and your calendar will fill up faster than you expect.