just travel rustavi

Wander-Lush

12 Things to Do in Rustavi, Georgia: An Alternative Tbilisi Day Trip for Soviet History

A Soviet-era monotown purpose-built around the Rustavi Metallurgy Plant in the 1940s, Rustavi is the perfect Tbilisi day trip for lovers of history, architecture and urbexing.

Or for a real adventure, spend a night at the surreal Soviet-era Hotel Rustavi like we did earlier this year.

Georgia’s third-largest city is best known as the home of the largest used car market in the Caucasus, and the last race track built in the USSR (completed in 1978).

But it’s the industrial heritage and Soviet city planning – specifically the Empire architecture, the mosaics, the Metallurgy Factory and the Brutalist apartment blocks – that makes Rustavi one quirky place in Georgia that is worthy of a visit.

Rustavi is definitely a blast from the Soviet past, but don’t mistake it for a place that is frozen in time. Just like Chiatura and Tskaltubo , this is an evolving city that is full of life.

And needless to say, the city’s history reaches farther back long before Stalin’s industrialisation plans took root (at least to the 4th century AD), as evidenced in the ruins of Rustavi Fortress and catalogued at the local History Museum.

Here are 12 of the best things to do in Rustavi – ancient, old and new – organised into an easy one-day itinerary.

Good to know: Rustavi has no connection to Shota Rustaveli, the legendary Georgian poet. He is associated with a different Rustavi, the small village in Meskheti region outside Akhaltsikhe .

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How to get to Rustavi from Tbilisi

Rustavi is located 30 kilometres – just under an hour’s drive – southeast of Tbilisi. Another 40 minutes by road, and you’ll arrive at the border with Azerbaijan and the Red Bridge Customs Post.

Note: The Georgia-Azerbaijan land border is only open to outbound travellers – i.e. you can travel out of Azerbaijan and into Georgia by foot, but not vice versa. The only way to enter Azerbaijan is by flying. This has been the case since 2020. Restrictions will remain in place until at least October 1, 2024.

Rustavi is part of Kvemo Kartli region . The city is best accessed from Tbilisi or from Kakheti wine region via a shortcut through Gamarjveba.

If you have an off-road vehicle, you can combine a visit to Rustavi with the David Gareja cave monastery complex and ‘rainbow hills’ in Udabno.

Tbilisi to Rustavi marshrutka

The easiest way to travel to Rustavi from Tbilisi is by marshrutka van . Plenty of people live in Rustavi and commute to the capital for work or study, thus connections are very frequent. Vans generally run every 10-15 minutes between 7am and 11pm .

Journey time to Rustavi is 50 minutes (potentially longer if there is traffic), and the fare is 2.5 GEL per person (paid in cash to the driver).

There are several departure points for Rustavi buses: from in front of the Sports Palace in Saburtalo, from Didube Bus Station , and from Isani. I recommend picking up a yellow van at Station Square in front of Tbilisi Central Railway Station . Drivers wait at the bottom of the ramp in front of the station building, footsteps from the Station Square metro station exit.

Once in Rustavi, vans travel down the main street, Megobroba Avenue, then across the river. To follow my itinerary, I recommend alighting at the big roundabout with the Shota Rustaveli statue at its centre ( see the location here ).

When it comes time to return to Tbilisi, simply flag down any marshrutka van travelling the opposite way. Your best bet is to wait at a bus stop on Megobroba Avenue where vans slow down for passengers, giving you time to read the sign on the dashboard.

Vans terminate at different points around Tbilisi . For a Station Square van, look for the word ‘Sadguris’ and a metro icon on the sign displayed in the windshield.

Tbilisi to Rustavi train

Passenger trains connecting Tbilisi with Gardabani further south make a stop in Rustavi. This route is served by old commuter electro trains that stop frequently. The hard seats are not terribly comfortable!

Currently there are two daily trains at 7.10am and 7pm . Travel time is much the same as by road, around 50 minutes , and the fare is 50 tetri .

Rustavi Railway Station is located on the eastern side of the river, around 1.6 kilometres from the centre.

The station building dates to the Soviet era, when Rustavi was an important stop on the Baku-Batumi railway that ran parallel to the oil line. At present, there are no trains between Georgia and Azerbaijan , but hopefully this stage will reopen as part of the much-anticipated Baku-Kars Railway .

Tbilisi to Rustavi taxi

Taking a taxi to/from Rustavi is an affordable option. I recommend using the Bolt app to book a cab. Expect to pay 25-30 GEL .

How to move around Rustavi

Rustavi is completely flat and easy to navigate on foot.

The city is divided into two parts: ‘New Rustavi’, the residential microdistricts on the western side of the Mtkvari River (closer to Tbilisi), and ‘Old Rustavi’, the industrial-civic area on the opposite bank. I recommend starting on the western side, then using a bus to travel across the river to save time and energy.

City buses 2, 3, 4 and 6 all depart from in front of the Hotel Rustavi (see #2 below) then travel down the main street and across the river before terminating at the metalworks. Stops are clearly marked with shelters and electronic sign boards.

A single bus fare costs 50 tetri and can be paid for with a chipped debit card or your Tbilisi Metromoney transport card . Cash is not accepted.

Rustavi map

Here is a handy Rustavi map to help you organise your visit .

12 things to do in Rustavi

This itinerary is ideal for spending one day in Rustavi, starting in the microdistricts and culminating with sunset at the fortress.

1. See Soviet-era city planning in the microdistricts

When you arrive in Rustavi, the first thing you encounter is the towering Brutalist-style buildings that dominate the western side of the city. 

Numbered one through 21, each microdistrict occupies a full city block and was designed to be its own microcosm, comprising residential blocks, shops, kindergartens, schools, and other public services.

This type of Soviet-era city planning is common throughout the former USSR and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe. I am very intrigued by this style of living, having visited similar neighbourhoods in Tbilisi (Gldani and Varketili), Bratislava ( Petrzalka ), and Vilnius ( Fabijoniskes ).

In Rustavi’s case, the apartment buildings are mostly uniform 9-storey blocks arranged around small green spaces. The layout of the city does not follow a strict grid pattern, rather some streets fan out from Megobroba (‘Friendship’) Avenue, which runs through New Rustavi towards the river at an angle. Majority of the construction was carried out after WWII by German POWs.

Arriving in Rustavi for the first time, conditioned by photos I had seen online, I was fully expecting the microdistricts to be a sea of grey, gristly concrete. I was wrong. 

My preconceptions about Rustavi being ‘locked’ in a Soviet timewarp were gone once I saw that many of these buildings – still very much lived-in by thousands of families, by the way – have been retrofitted with new facades. This is also the case in other Georgian cities including Gori , Zugdidi and Zestafoni.

Even with the recent makeover, Rustavi’s Brutalist ‘commieblocks’ are still very impressive. Interestingly, little flourishes that clearly date to the Soviet period – bas-relief panels positioned high up on facades – have been retained and not covered over.

Wandering through this part of Rustavi, my first impressions were of a very livable, clean city: Tidy traffic islands, parks and the pedestrian-friendly avenue with its wide sidewalks.

2. Drop by the Hotel Rustavi (or stay the night)

New Rustavi centres on a traffic circle and monument of Shota Rustaveli. Directly off the square, you will notice a couple of buildings that break the mould and stand-out for their different configurations, including the circular-shaped Savane restaurant.

The most striking landmark is the Hotel Rustavi. A relic from the Soviet period and an exemplar of Brutalism, it opened on May 1, 1989 and has been trading ever since. The building has three wings and from the front, resembles an open book. 

The pale stone facade (favoured by Georgian architects as a softer alternative to concrete) has a tall arch at its centre and is fronted by a flowing stone staircase and a water fountain with a very-Soviet sculpture at its centre.

The bottom level of the hotel contains a restaurant, signposted in both Georgian and Russian. Unfortunately it was closed at the time of our visit. You can, however, go inside the hotel lobby, which contains some very impressive art pieces.

A tall pane of coloured glass casts beautiful shapes on the glossy floor. A long, white relief sculpture on the back wall depicts a series of characters gathered around a sun symbol. One of the buxom women holds a pomegranate in her hand. If you visit Rustavi in late summer or autumn, you will see a proliferation of pomegranate trees around the city.

Several rooms open up off the lobby, including a hair salon and a small sewing workshop. Curious, we wandered into the latter. The hotel’s resident seamstress proudly showed us a wall mounted with hundreds of stuffed animals. We speculated that they are children’s toys left behind in the hotel over the years.

The Hotel Rustavi is a working hotel. If you have time, I highly recommend spending a night here. We stayed in one of the mid-range rooms and were very impressed with the facilities – it was a much more comfortable stay compared to another Soviet-era hotel experience I recently had at the Sevan Writers House in Armenia !

Our room had a sitting area, a separate bedroom, and a generous ensuite bathroom. We also had a small balcony with terrific city views. Rooms are fitted with AC, and we were surprised to find a kettle and two bottles of complimentary water. Staff at reception were very sweet and gave us a free late check-out the following morning.

Prices range from 70 GEL to 120 GEL a night. We paid 100 GEL. Reserve a room at the Hotel Rustavi here on Booking.com .

3. Stop by Rustavi Sioni

Located just off the roundabout in the 9th Microdistrict, Rustavi Sioni (or Rustavi Assumption Cathedral) is the city’s main Orthodox church. Given that Rustavi was developed during the Soviet era when churches were not exactly part of the plan, this temple is very young – it was consecrated in 2011.

There are several things that make this church noteworthy. For its construction – a decade-long process led by Temur Burkiashvili – residents of Rustavi, most of them lay people who learned on the job, were chosen as builders. From start to finish, they followed traditional 11th-century architectural tenets, transporting, cutting and carving the stone for the facade and interior completely by hand. They also used egg yolk as a construction material.

The church’s cross-shape design and facade are inspired by Nikortsminda Cathedral in Racha , while the use of sandstone echoes both Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta and Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest church in Tbilisi . A gallery of arches wraps around the base of the church like a skirt, and is in turn encircled by gardens and a high wall.

Embedded in the microdistrict, large apartment buildings hang over the church on three sides, giving it a very striking backdrop.

Take a walk around the church and note the collection of wooden baby cradles in the yard. We stumbled on a very picturesque scene at one of the ancillary buildings: Holy robes hung out to air on a beautiful carved wooden balcony.

4. Cross the river & compare the architecture in Old Rustavi

Rustavi’s two halves each have their own character. As you cross the Mtkvari River (either by bus or on foot), you will notice the difference almost immediately.

(The area between the last microdistrict and the bridge is a bit of a deadzone, so I do recommend using the bus to save time.)

While pared-down Brutalism dominates the microdistricts, the ‘Old’ side of Rustavi is more ornate, more decorative. There are some lovely examples of Stalinist Empire architecture in the buildings with grand loggias, belvederes and pretty plasterwork.

Highlights include the Rustavei Mayor’s Office, the Drama Theatre, the Musical School on Rustaveli Street (above right), and the Railway Station.

Head straight down Megobroba Avenue and you will meet Rustavi’s Freedom Square. Unlike its cousin in Tbilisi, it is actually a pedestrianised piazza. The fan-shaped mosaic pavement is identical to the one at Fountain Square in Baku . A section of the long, narrow park that runs through the city towards the metallurgical plant (see below) is named after Heydar Aliyev, so I’m quite sure Azerbaijan had a hand in modelling this part of Rustavi.

Adjacent to the square, in front of the Mayor’s Office, there is a copper orchestral ensemble led by a conductor. The characters were created by sculptor Levan Bujiashvili , the same artist responsible for the bronze figures dotted along Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.

During the middle part of the day, the effect of the sculpture is amplified by the cool shadows each musician casts on the pavement.

Continue down the avenue and duck into some of the residential backstreets. You will find beautiful Georgian-style courtyards hidden behind some of the facades, and every now and then a retro car parked on the curb.

Megobroba Avenue extends all the way through Rustavi. After Freedom Square, it turns into two parks, Kostava Park then Heydar Aliyev Park.

5. Admire the grand Rustavi Metallurgical Plant

After around 20 minutes of walking west through the twin parks, you will come to the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant.

This massive factory complex marks the eastern frontier of the city. Most of it is invisible – you can just glimpse the tops of smokestacks in the distance – hidden behind a grand facade.

Debatably the most crucial building in Rustavi, the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant is the whole reason the modern-day city exists. Founded in 1941 when heavy industry was top of mind under Stalin’s five-year plan, it was the first metallurgical factory in the Caucasus to produce seamless pipes from iron and aluminium. Such pipes were primarily used on the oil fields in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. 

The first steel was produced here on April 27, 1950. At its peak, the factory employed around 15,000 people. Its core group of workers – 5,000 young men from across Georgia, all of whom were born in the year 1926 – were ‘mobilised’ to kickstart the plant, trained in similar facilities in Ukraine and Russia before being assigned to Rustavi. It was for them and their families that the monotown was developed.

Like the Zestafoni Ferroalloy Plant which was inaugurated in October 1933, the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant is still functioning today – although at a fraction of its original capacity. It employs around 1,200 people.

This is important to keep in mind when visiting. The factory is private property and photography is technically prohibited. We were approached by a very friendly guard who gingerly asked us not to take photos of the facade. I know other travellers who have approached the building without issue, and I have even heard of a few people being invited inside for an impromptu tour.

Feel it out for yourself. Admiring the facade from a safe distance (and taking some sneaky photos) might be enough for you.

Between the park and the first building, you will see three busts and a sculpture depicting a trio of workers – a young man, an older man and a woman – working over a smelting pot (pictured above). Then the plant’s five-storey facade comes into view from between the pomegranate and plane trees.

A typical Soviet construction, it is extremely grand – in a different context, you might think it was a theatre or a railway station. Two wide bands of stone bas-reliefs run across the front, depicting a typical array of workers, industrial motifs and astrological symbols.

To the right, there is a plant hospital and to the left, the old Institute of Automation. Walk around to the left, through the carpark, and you will enter a small courtyard between the office buildings where there is a well-kept mosaic panel.

An empty plinth in front of the mosaic was probably once topped with a bust of Lenin or Stalin.

The area around the plant is very interesting, so I encourage you to explore the area if you have time. To the north, along Yuri Gagarin Street, there is a fire station and on the opposite side of the road, the Soviet-era Kikabidze restaurant has some weird sculptures in its internal courtyard.

The Metallurgical Factory is Rustavi’s biggest production facility, but in reality it was just one part of an industrial network that spanned approximately 90 plants, ranging from ironworks to chemical factories.

6. Visit the Rustavi History Museum

After the factory, start making your way back to the centre of Rustavi, arcing around to the west.

The Rustavi History Museum is very typical of small local museums in Georgia: slightly shabby, but with a passionate staff and some real treasures on display. 

Established in 1950, just a few years after the city itself was laid out, the museum traverses Rustavi’s history from the Middle Bronze Age through to the Soviet period. The most interesting exhibits for me are the ones on the upper floor that cover the Metallurgical Plant and the sister industries (including a nylon fibre factory and a fertiliser factory that utilised plant waste) that emerged around it.

Unfortunately, the museum has a no-photography policy, which may or may not be enforced depending which staff member is on duty. Entrance costs 5 GEL per person, and you can hire an English-speaking guide for an additional 20 GEL.

The museum is open from 10am until 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and holidays). Note that the entrance is on the side of the building, via Givi Odisharia Street.

7. See the incredible swimming pool mosaics

Next door to the museum, there is an indoor pool complex that sports one of Rustavi’s finest Soviet-era mosaics. Named Toila (‘seagull’, like the popular ice cream brand ), it is completely unsuspecting from the outside.

My various mosaic expeditions around Georgia have taught me that indoor pools often have the best large-scale mosaics of all. The huge Poseidon panel at the swimming pool in Zestafoni is among my favourites. In Chiatura , there is a terrific Jason-and-the-Argonauts-inspired mosaic, and although I am yet to see it in person, the pool mosaic in Zugdidi looks similarly impressive.

I was desperate to see Rustavi’s indoor pool – but when I noticed people filtering in with their sports bags in hand, I was worried that I wouldn’t be allowed in. We approached the lady at the front desk and sheepishly enquired about the ‘mozaica’. At first she misunderstood my broken Georgia and pointed me back towards the museum. But then she cottoned on and promptly handed over two pairs of blue plastic booties for us to slip over our shoes.

We donned them and made our way upstairs, past the locker rooms and into the pool area. There were several people swimming laps so we had to be careful not to get in anyone’s way. A swimming coach and several spectators approached us as we made our way around, very surprised that we were interested in their old mosaic!

The mosaics extend along both ends of the pool. On one end, the designs of swimmers and people playing different water sports are cartoon-like with hyper-saturated colours.

On the other end, the images of Jason and Poiseidon are more muted in tone and stylised. This composition mirrors other swimming pool mosaics in Georgia almost to a T.

I haven’t been able to find the authors or dates of this mosaic – if you know, please leave me a comment so that I can properly credit them.

8. Stop by the stadium

Continue walking down the main street and you will come to the gates of the Rustavi Metallurg Stadium. This is the home of football club FC Rustavi, which was known as Metalurgi during the Soviet period.

As an aside, the way Soviet football teams were created and named is fascinating – here is a good breakdown . Briefly, professional footballers did not exist among the ‘workers of the world’, thus all players were officially employed and paid by various industrial enterprises, with the clubs named in reference to their activities.

Some examples from Georgia: Tbilisi’s FC Locomotive was associated with the railroads, Chiatura’s FC Magaroeli was connected to the mines, and Kutaisi’s FC Torpedo was founded at the automotive factory. Of course it makes sense that Rustavi’s local team was named after the steel mill.

Fronted by columns and arches, with a grand metal gate with a soccer ball suspended in a metal ring, it is a very old-school stadium that I assume will be reconstructed (or completely replaced) in the years to come.

Duck through one of the open gates to walk among the bleachers.

9. Find Rustavi’s modern street art

As I have mentioned, Rustavi is not the stagnant Soviet city many people imagine it to be. It is a changing place, and one of the ways this manifests is in the street art scene.

There aren’t as many murals in Rustavi as there are in Batumi or even small cities in the west of Georgia such as Kutaisi or Ozurgeti , but Rustavi does have some excellent street art that is worth tracking down. Many of the murals were created in 2019 by the Niko Project.

My favourites are ‘Rustavi Elefant’ by German-born Lion Fleischmann (below left), and ‘Girl in a Bush’ by David (below right). Find the locations marked on my Rustavi Map, linked above.

This mural of a little girl on a swing wearing a gas mask and with blistering smokestacks in the distance (pictured above) is clearly a comment on Rustavi’s controversial industrial legacy.

There are several more works, including a vertical fish mural by Dr. Love, on the side of the Rustavi Arts Centre inside the park (see #12 below).

I tried to find two more murals, ‘Rooster’ by Matthias and a toucan painting by Dante, both created in 2019, but I believe that they have since been erased.

10. Eat at Cafune social enterprise cafe

I first learned about Rustavi’s social enterprise cafe, Cafune , back in 2020. As well as employing and training probationers and ex-convicts, the space also functions as a gathering place for young people from Rustavi, aiming to foster community and creativity.

I love the mission, and I was always going to visit Cafune – but frankly I was blown away by the food and the setting. It was so good, every time I’m in Tbilisi I now consider making a special trip to Rustavi just to eat lunch here!

The cafe is located on the riverside and has a big outdoor terrace perched over some old stone ruins. The interior and glasshouse-like dining area are lovely too. The menu combines Georgian and light cafe-style meals, making it perfect for lunch.

We ordered the Kizikhian salad, a twist on the typical cucumber-and-tomato medley with the addition of pickled jonjoli, the crumbed chicken in walnut bazhe sauce with a side of green adjika and Georgian bread, and a bowl of mac and cheese. Everything was outstanding.

11. Walk in the Park of Culture and Rest & watch the sunset on the lake

After a meal at Cafune, cross the road to find the main entrance to the park off Megobroba Avenue (note that the park’s second entrance might be inaccessible due to a locked gate, as it was at the time of our visit).

Rustavi Park – also known by its Soviet moniker, the Park of Culture and Rest – has to be one of the loveliest city parks in all of Georgia. Following the curve of the Mtkvari, it extends south along the river. There is a long artificial lake at its centre, looped by a walking-cycling track that you can use to circumnavigate the lake. It takes around an hour to stroll the entire path at a leisurely pace.

Piers at the top of the lake tout pedalo trips on the water. On the eastern side, there are several Soviet-era buildings including the (partially abandoned) Art Centre, with its outdoor amphitheatre. You will also find a series of interesting sculptures dotted around the gardens.

I recommend walking around the park in an anti-clockwise direction, exploring the fortress ruins at the halfway point (see below) before making your way to the eastern side of the lake in time to watch the sunset over the water.

12. Traverse the ruins of Rustavi Fortress

The oldest surviving structure in Rustavi, the fortress sits within the boundaries of the Rustavi Park at the southern tip of the lake. Once part of a network of fortifications erected around Tbilisi to protect the capital, it was besieged in 1265 and only unearthed again in the 1940s when groundworks for the metallurgy plant were being laid.

The fortress is a must-see in Rustavi as it is the only obvious clue to the city’s pre-industrial past. Sources are sketchy, but it is believed that Rustvai – once known as Bostan-Kalaki or ‘the city of gardens’ – could have been founded around the 4th century BC. It served as an important administrative outpost for the Kingdom of Iberia, and the fortress dates to this period (around the 4th century AD).

Rustavi Fortress was noted for being the only fortification in Georgia with frescoes. Unfortunately there is no evidence of these left today. The fortress is merely a shell, made up of crumbling walls, the outlines of defensive towers, and inside the cylindrical outer walls, some old foundations.

At the eastern corner of the fortress, you can see a lovely reconstructed brick arch and the entrance to a tunnel that you can crawl through down to the waterway. The Mariini Canal, which was carved out at the same time as the castle, is visible from the eastern fortress walls.

Other places to visit in Georgia for Soviet history

• Zestafoni and the 1930s Ferroalloy Factory
• Gurjaani and the 1920s Red Cellar
• Dedoplistskaro and the Big Shiraki airfield
• Chiatura and Stalin’s rope roads
• Tskaltubo and the ‘Waters of Immortality’
• Guria region and Georgia’s Tea Route
• Gori and the Stalin Museum
• Brutalist architecture in Tbilisi including the Nutsubidze Skybridge and the Chronicles of Georgia

Have you visited Rustavi? Share you comments/recommendations in the comments below.

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
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• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Old Rustavi
• 4.2 New Rustavi

Rustavi [dead link] is a city in the Kartli region of Georgia .

Rustavi (რუსთავი) is a post-Soviet upcoming city of 121,786 people. With a new town square, a theatre in the process of being renovated, things are happening in this former industrial town. Only 25 minutes from Tbilisi , packed full of Soviet architecture, surrounded by abandoned factories, derelict Soviet-era parks, and dusty hills, it's something different.

The local steel mill is working at a fraction of its former Soviet production capacity. However, a big income comes from the local car market, which is the biggest one for used cars in the southern Caucasus. It is on the western side of the Tbilisi-Baku highway.

There are loads of marshrutkas going to Rustavi. A marshrutka ride between Tbilisi and Rustavi costs 2.50 lari (Sep 2022). From Tbilisi, marshrutkas load at the Station Square (Sadguris moedani) metro station and also at the Politeknikuri metro station. They will all have a sign reading რუსთავი (Rustavi) in their windshield. Marshrutka no. 19 (yellow) starts in the Saburtalo (საბურთალო) district and goes straight through the capital to Rustavi.

At Station Square, the Rustavi-bound marshrutkas can be found parked behind the cluster of stores directly in front of the metro entrance/exit.

From Politeknikuri, the Rustavi-bound marshrutkas will be loading just outside the northeast exit of the metro. They will be waiting in the thin parking lot adjacent to the university.

On their way to Rustavi, these marshrutkas will invariably take the main riverside thoroughfare (President Heydar Aliyev Embankment/Gorgasalis St). If you see one coming, just wave at it. It will stop if there's room.

The marshrutkas will run down the main street in Rustavi (Megobroba Street) upon entering town. You will know when you are in Rustavi when you see hundreds of 9-story, Soviet-style apartment buildings absolutely everywhere. Just yell out "Gaacheret" for the driver to let you off. Anywhere is a good place to stop, really.

You'll enter new Rustavi first. Old Rustavi is past a bridge over the river Mtkvari. More is happening in the new part than in the old part.

Marshrutkas from Tbilisi to Rustavi begin their routes early in the morning and run until midnight (at least at the Politeknikuri and Station Square sites).

There are two trains daily to the 41.55639 45.01962 1 Rustavi Railway Station , 1.5 km north of the town hall square. Also, the Tbilisi-Baku night trains stops in Rustavi, departing Tbilisi at 17:55 in winter.

Rustavi is easily done by foot. In addition, Rustavi has many marshrutka routes covering the length and breadth of the city. A marshrutka ride has the flat rate of 50 tetri. The #1 and #14 marshrutkas run the main road connecting Old Rustavi and New Rustavi. Make sure there is a sign in the windshield saying "pirdapir" (პირდაპირ, "direct"), lest you take the super scenic routes.

The town square is quite nice, there's a river, and plenty of crumbling apartment buildings to wander past. They are lit up at night, which looks quite nice. Nothing like a paint job. There's a beautiful theatre as well.

Old Rustavi

• The main boulevard (Merab Kostava Ave) invites for pleasant strolls.

• 41.5389 45.0227 1 Steel Mill ( at the east end of Kostava ). Tours can be done, though not spontaneous. Use their website to contact them ahead, to let them organise a tour for groups.  
• The 41.54372 45.01175 2 city hall with the newly designed square and the bronze orchestral groups are in the middle of Kostava.
• There is a theatre along Niko Pirosmani Street near the city hall.
• The 41.53814 45.00939 3 ethnographic museum is at the corner of Odisharia and Mshenebelta Street.
• The 41.540845 45.004839 4 Park of Culture and Rest lies near the Mtkvari river.
• 41.53512 45.00401 5 Rustavi fort Entrance via the Park of Culture and Rest. There is no entrance near the fort.

New Rustavi

• 41.56332 44.982013 6 Rustavi Sioni Church .  
• 41.550542 44.992631 7 Friendship Square . Great for strolling and coffee.  
• WWII Memorial ( near the Friendship Square ).  
• 41.568215 44.955646 8 Caucasus Auto Trade Center . As mentioned before, the biggest in the Caucasus. Probably the best option if you want to explore the region with your own car, though getting into Iran might be difficult. It also inhabits a customs counter where all cars to be imported to Georgia have to be registered.  
• 41.570809 44.949139 9 [formerly dead link] Rustavi International Motorpark . A race track from the 1970s that has been renovated and supposed to become venue for the F3.  
• 41.3755 45.0841 10 Gardabani Managed Nature Reserve ( 13.5 km towards the border with Azerbaijan ). 3483 hectars and established in 1996. Main protection purpose are the forest groves in this area. Not so touristy yet, with only a few walking tours.  
• 41.5365 45.2461 11 Mravaltskaro Colorful Mountains ( Red Mountains ) ( 20km east of Rustavi, find the small parking lot on the south side of Mravaltskaro Reservoir ). Undulating hills colored in striations of red, green, black and white. Arrange a tour from Rustavi or Tbilisi, or rent a vehicle with some extra ground clearance. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• For a Western traveller, the most striking thing about Rustavi is its purely Soviet aesthetic . That said, many Westerners find that the best thing to do is to simply walk around. Rustavi is largely untouched by tourism, so the observer can see Georgian city life in a very pure form.
• Rustawkalakoba ( რუსთავქალაქობა ). End of October . The city festival of Rustavi.  
• The Motorpark in the west of the city also contains a training centre. In addition, you can rent motor cross bikes for exploring the surrounding steppe.
• Go to the cinema, the theatre, check out a cafe, drink some beer.

Rustavi has two bazaars in town. There is the old bazaar, located incidentally in Old Rustavi, and there is the new bazaar, located in New Rustavi.

• 41.546174 45.018592 1 Old Bazaar ( take any #14 marshrutka heading towards Old Rustavi (southeast/away from Tbilisi) ).  
• 41.56918 44.98484 2 New Bazaar ( By foot, start with Hotel Rustavi (Rustavis Sostumro). From the intersection with Hotel Rustavi, walk with the hotel to your back, walking north. You will reach the bazaar in 10 minutes. You can also take a marshrutka to the new bazaar. If you are starting east of Hotel Rustavi, flag down the #1 marshrutka that does not have the პირდაპირ (pirdapir) sign in its windshield. If you are starting out west of Hotel Rustavi, flag down the #19 marshrutka that does not have the პირდაპირ (pirdapir) sign in its windshield. ). The new bazaar is bigger, newer, and cleaner. Ideal to buy vegetables, nuts, cloths, etc.  
• Rustavi has its fair share of Georgian restaurants tucked inconspicuously all over town. The standard fare of khinkali, khachapuri, lobio, is all available. The prices are generally the same across the board.
• Near the city hall there is a branch of the legendary lemonade Laghidze, where you can also get some inexpensive snacks (khachapuri, etc.).
• 41.54346 45.01183 1 (Bar) Hollywood , კოსტავას 22 ( City plaza (meria) in old Rustavi ). Decent Georgian/European/American food with English menu.  
• 41.563022 44.99333 2 Cafe Askili , Alexandre Pushkini 2 ( near Rustavi Arena ), ☏ +995 593840084 . 13:00-01:00 . Highly recommended by locals and travellers alike, just do not get turned off by the surroundings. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 41.566875 44.953019 3 Cafe Ukrainka , Red Bridge Highway 23 km ( Hotel Autobazroba ), ☏ +995 591706225 , +995 599990791 , [email protected] . 08:00-22:00 . The hotel near the Racing Track also features a delicious restaurant. $ . ( updated Jun 2018 )

Georgian wine and chacha can be found at almost every restaurant and convenience store around town.

• Guda Buda ( გუდა ბუდა ), 2 Megobroba St., New Rustavi . A great place to grab a coffee or beer and wireless internet.  
• Cafe Askili also features a nice café and bar, open until 01:00—see above .
• Ghvinos Saxli / Wine House ( ღვინოს სახლი ) ( New Rustavi on Megobroba Street (the main road) just west of the Elit Electronics store and just east of a yellow and red-painted apartment building, housed in a round yellow building on the south side of the street ). A particularly nice establishment to find Georgian spirits. It is owned by an English-speaking Georgian man whose staff is very helpful in picking out a great bottle of Georgian wine or chacha. And the price is right.  

Rustavi is close enough to Tbilisi that you might find more scenic and comfortable digs there.

• 41.561737 44.97803 1 Hotel Rustavi , Rustavi Megobroba Avenue 32 ( New Rustavi about halfway to Old Rustavi on Megobroba Street (the main drag), easy to spot, as its triangular architecture is the only break in the monotonous apartment blocks all around it ), ☏ +995 341250088 , [email protected] . The main and auspicious hotel in town,  
• 41.53876 45.01633 2 VIP Hotel Rustavi , Iuri Gagarini Street ( Old Rustavi, near the metallurgic plant at the end of the main road. Go right just before a nice park and you cannot miss it. ), ☏ +995 571800550 , [email protected] . Modern, clean hotel, in a quiet neighbourhood, but rooms can be a bit noisy. Limited hot water. 40 lari / 2 persons .  
• 41.543284 45.009272 3 Hotel Prestige , 21 Merab Kostava Ave, Old Rustavi ( near the city hall ), ☏ +995 593583552 .  
• 41.567118 44.952861 4 Hotel Autobazroba ( near the Auto Trade Center ), ☏ +995 599990791 , +995 790330505 , +995 591110648 , [email protected] . Directly next to the Racing Track. Also offers rooms hourly. 55-100 lari, sauna 25 lari/hr .  
• David Gareja Monastery Complex – A 6th century cave monastery clinging onto a rocky hillside lying meters away from Azerbaijan, with beautiful frescos. Can be reached by taxis or organized tours, no public transport available from Sighnaghi (only Tbilisi). 50 km from Sighnaghi, a detour along the way to/from Tbilisi .
• Azerbaijan – with Ganja being the first and one of the largest cities after the border. Though, the daily Ganja-Tbilisi marshrutka does not go through Rustavi, but Marneuli. Best to catch a ride to the border and another one into Azerbaijan after crossing.
• Tbilisi – Getting back to Tbilisi is easy. There are Tbilisi-bound marshrutkas passing down the main street constantly.

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Navigation menu

The key to visiting Rustavi is to have the correct expectations.

While it might not be a vibrant city, it has a distinguished authenticity as well as a promising future.

The city of Rustavi is in the Kartli Region and is only a 25-minute drive from Tbilisi. A former fast-paced industrial city, it is filled with Soviet architecture and abandoned factories.

Rustavi is divided into the old and new part of the city by the Mtkvari River and most things can be visited on foot, bike or using local transport.

What to See in Rustavi:

• Rustavi Museum of History –The city has been around since the 4th century, but was under intense development during Joseph Stalin’s era in the Soviet Union. , In the old part of the city, entrance and tour costs only 4 GEL.
• Rustavi Park of Culture and Rest – A great place to relax, watch the fish in the pond and ride your bike or play football. The park has lots of space and is very well-maintained. You can also walk up to the fortress area of the park, which dates to the 5th century AD.
• Rustavi Fountains – In front of the newly-renovated City Hall Square. The colorful, dancing fountains are a treat, especially at night. This is the newer part of the city and there are many new buildings to discover in the area.
• Caucasus Auto Trade Center – If you are interested in cars, make sure you visit the Caucasus Auto Trade Center, the largest car market in the Caucasus. It is also close to the licensing and registration administration area.
• Rustavi International Motorpark – A racing venue which hosts many events each year. You can call ahead and ask if they have any events for the period when you will be visiting Rustavi.
• Bolnisi Sioni – If you are looking to wander out a bit from the city, the oldest church in Georgia is some 8km from Rustavi. You can also visit the David Gareja cave monastery complex,  which is 25km from town.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall.

How to Get There:

• marshrutka (minibus)
• taxi Getting around inside of Rustavi is also very easy since public transport is good and many places are accessible on foot.

Georgia sights and destinations

• Akhalkalaki
• Akhaltsikhe
• Bolnisi Sioni
• Chiatura – The City of Cableways
• Dmanisi – The Place to Start Your Discoveries
• Green Monastery
• Katskhi Pillar
• Martvili Canyon
• Sataplia Nature Reserve
• Stalin Museum
• Stepantsminda

Rustavi on the map

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Exploring Rustavi: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Rustavi, the largest city in Kvemo Kartli Region, Georgia, offers a unique blend of Soviet-era heritage, modern developments, and a vibrant cultural scene. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll uncover the best places to visit, the ideal time to explore, exciting activities, transportation options, dining experiences, accommodation choices, famous street stalls, and valuable travel tips to make your visit to Rustavi truly memorable.

Places to Visit in Rustavi:

Rustavi Fortress: Begin your exploration at Rustavi Fortress, a historical site with stunning views of the city.

Rustavi International Motorpark: If you’re a motorsport enthusiast, visit the Rustavi International Motorpark for thrilling races and events.

Rustavi History Museum: Explore the Rustavi History Museum to learn about the city’s rich heritage and cultural history.

Best Time To Visit Rustavi:

The ideal time to explore Rustavi is during the late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are enjoyable.

Things to Do in Rustavi:

Motorsports: If you’re a fan of motorsports, attend races and events at the Rustavi International Motorpark.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending performances, concerts, and art exhibitions in Rustavi.

How to get around in Rustavi:

Local Transportation: Use local buses, minibusses, or shared taxis to navigate the city and access nearby attractions.

Walking: Rustavi’s city center is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore on foot.

Where to eat in Rustavi:

Local Eateries: Sample Georgian cuisine at local eateries, where you can enjoy dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, and shashlik (grilled skewers). Famous street stalls in Rustavi:

Street Markets: Visit street markets in Rustavi for fresh produce, snacks, and handmade crafts. Where to stay in Rustavi:

Hotels and Guesthouses: Rustavi offers a range of accommodations, from comfortable hotels to guesthouses that offer a taste of Georgian hospitality. Travel Tips for Rustavi:

Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your country before traveling to Georgia. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays.

Currency: The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the official currency, and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.

Language: Georgian is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas, making communication easier.

Safety: Rustavi and Georgia, in general, are considered safe for travelers. Exercise standard safety precautions.

Local Etiquette: Show respect for local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Rustavi invites you to discover its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying motorsports, or indulging in Georgian cuisine, this city promises an authentic and enriching travel experience in the heart of Kvemo Kartli Region.

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Where Is Rustavi Located?

Rustavi is the administrative center of the Kvemo Kartli Region. The city is located on both sides of the Mtkvari River and is located twenty-seven kilometers to the southeast of Tbilisi.

The History of Rustavi

Rustavi’s history dates back to the middle Bronze Age. In the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, the settlements in the region became more densely populated, while agriculture, animal husbandry, and winemaking began to develop. According to historical sources, Rustavi had already attained the status of a city by the 4th century BCE. 

In Antiquity, caravan trade routes passed through the city, inspiring various branches of crafts to develop.

The city has not survived through the centuries unscathed, sadly, as it was destroyed during the Mongol campaigns of the 13th century.

The Sights in Rustavi

After this destruction, the restoration of Rustavi only truly began in the 1940s, with the construction of a metallurgical factory. This turned Rustavi into one of the most important industrial centers, not only in Georgia but in the whole of the south Caucasus. 

Up until that time, only the ruins of Rustavi Fortress had endured through the centuries. It can still be seen to this day and is the only fortress in Georgia to have been decorated with frescoes. 

Besides the ruins of the fortress, one of Rustavi’s sights is its park, where you’ll find many places for rest, relaxation, and fun, including fields for football, basketball and volleyball courts, a skatepark, picnic areas, bike paths and fountains. Rustavi Forest is a part of the Culture and Relaxation Park, but there is also an artificial lake in the park itself.

The Rustavi Historical Museum is definitely among the places to see, as it holds historical objects from many centuries. You can also visit the Drama Theatre, which is currently active.

In the middle of September, Rustavkalakoba - a folk festival celebrating the city’s history - is held in Rustavi.

About Rustavi

Rustavi is a city and municipality in eastern Georgia, in the Kvemo Kartli region. People lived here even in the Middle Bronze Age. Large settlements appeared on this territory in the late Bronze-Early Iron Age. Rustavi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and from Leonti Mroveli we know that the city is set up by the wife of Kartlosi, who was the oldest ancestor of Georgians. In the XII-XIII centuries the city was at a high stage of development, flourished in various fields of handicrafts: ceramics, glass, metal, leather, bone, wood, as well as textile production. As a result of Beka-Khan's invasion in 1265, Rustavi ceased to exist. After this devastating invasion, only the ruins of Rustavi Fortress were maintained. It is the only fortress in Georgia with frescoes. Until the XX century, Rustavi existed in the form of ruins.

Building of a huge metallurgical plant was begun on the territory of Rustavi historic site in 1944. During the same period, the foundation was laid for the construction of the city too. Rustavi is the main industrial city of Georgia after Tbilisi. One of the sights of the city is Rustavi Park, where the best space for recreation is arranged with basketball, football and volleyball courts, skate park, wooden decorative Panchaturi, picnic spaces, fountains and bicycle paths. The V-VIII centuries’ fortress and historical site of Rustavi are located in Rustavi Park. The historical museum of Rustavi is very interesting, where the exhibits of the XVIII (B.C. – A.D.) century are preserved. There is a public celebration "Rustavkalakoba"(the celebration of the city) and the International Theatre Festival "Golden Mask" in every year.

Geography and Climate

Rustavi Municipality is the administrative center of Kvemo Kartli region. It is located on the plain of Kvemo Kartli and the river Mtkvari divides it into two parts, Old and New Rustavi (right and left bank). The municipality is divided into Davit Agmashenebeli, Old Rustavi, Shota Rustaveli, Zhiuli Shartava, Giorgi Chkondideli, Ilia Chavchavadze, Vakhtang Gorgasali, Iakob Tsurtaveli, Nikoloz Baratashvili and 13 Assyrian fathers’ administrative units. Rustavi administrative border passes through Marneuli and Gardabani municipalities. It is surrounded on the south and west by the Iaghluji and Chatmi mountains, and on the east by the Gardabani and Ponichala valleys. It is cultivated in the area of barren field. There is the Rustavi Forest, between Old and New Rustavi, on the banks of the Mtkvari, which is currently part of the Culture and Recreation Park. There is artificial lake in the park. There is transitional climate between the Mediterranean Sea and the steppe in Rustavi, that causes snowy winters and dry, moderate and hot summers.

Sightseeing:

Rustavi Park

Rustavi Fortress

Rustavi Historical Museum

Rustavi Drama theater

Rustavi Metallurgical Plant

Heydar Aliyev Park

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Tours In Kvemo Kartli

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Rustavi – The 70 years old city with centennial history

• Georgia Starts Here Team
• December 19, 2023

Where to go near Tbilisi? – A frequent question for people from Tbilisi, foreigners living in the capital city of Georgia and even for tourists. Great journeys are usually beyond the main sights. Occasionally it is more interesting to see a little town or a typical countryside, where you can meet the culture and traditional custom of the country, observe people’s homeliness and estimate the quality of living or see just another authentic spot. With this idea in mind, Rustavi could be a good direction. This is the newest city in Georgia, which was founded 70 years ago, but has centennial history.

Photo Source: Georgian Travel Guide

Rustavi is located 25 km (16 mi) southeast of the capital Tbilisi. It is a small city with the population of only 125 000 people. The city is divided by the river Mtkvari into old and new Rustavi. There is a tremendous difference between these two parts of the city. Old Rustavi stands out with 4-5-storey, equally looking buildings and the main sightseeings of the city. In new Rustavi, there are multi-storey houses, big supermarkets and large stores.

Public Transport  

Rustavi is located on the plain. There are wide streets with lots of trees. The city is ideal for bikes, but public transport like bus, “Marshutka” and Taxi is developed as well. Because of close location to Tbilisi, there is a big working migration from Rustavi every day. This is the reason of the good condition of the intercity transport: from several places in Tbilisi (like near Sports hall, Tbilisi Central, metro station in Gldani district etc.) it is possible to take transport from 6AM till 12PM to Rustavi. It costs only $0.5-0.7. 

Rustavi was built as a major industrial center during the Soviet era. The development of Rustavi was part of Joseph Stalin’s accelerated industrialization process. The core of the city’s industrial activity was the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant. On 19 January 1948, a decree of the Supreme Soviet Court of Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic declared Rustavi a town of the republican importance. However, Rustavi existed since 4th century. It was completely destroyed and became a desert after the Mongol attack in 13th century. The development of the city is well shown in the Rustavi Museum of History which is located in an old part of the city, at Mshenebelta str. #17. Cost of visit with the tour guide is only $4. Visitors can choose a tour in English and Russian languages. 

Sightseeings  

Main sights of the city are located in old Rustavi. There is a park of 102 km (3,8 mi) with playgrounds, bike paths, open air amphitheater, artificial lake and ruins of Rustavi castle. One of the most important sight is the main square near the building of Rustavi City Hall, which is very popular as a great place to take some movies and adverts. The square is a pedestrian zone, where two beautiful sidewalk cafes are located. Rustavi is an industrial city, so it is important to see the building of Metallurgical plant which is the classical model (example) of the soviet architecture. Unfortunately it is impossible to enter the plant area. On the way to metallurgical plant, there is a park named after Heydar Aliyev – the third President of Azerbaijan. The park is outstanding among others with its conception and visual, it is exceptionally beautiful at night. 

Where to eat?  

Photo Source: Restaurant Guru

In Rustavi you can enjoy both – Georgian and European cuisine. Restaurant “Prague” is located at Kostava str. And offers Georgian dishes with $12-15 price per person. Another interesting place in Rustavi is bar “Hollywood”. It offers live music, large screen to watch football and some European dishes. Dinner with drinks costs $15 per person. At the bar there is an open and closed space, but the most important sight here is a wall with Photos of Hollywood stars. Creative youth in the private house on Pushkin Street created a completely different concept cafe “Askili”. Each floor of the cozy 3-storey house is dedicated to different activities. The main hall is on the ground floor, where guests can have tasty dinner and listen to the live music in the evening. The second floor is designed for a variety of games and on the third floor there is a mini-movie theater, which is rented daily for various events. In “Askili” you will be charmed with the menu, where the first page informs that you are not obliged to order anything. You can just sit, talk, play the card or read the book. One full dinner in this café with alcoholic drink included will cost you around $15-20. 

One day is completely enough to walk around the center and main sights of Rustavi. It is very comfortable for pedestrians (unlike Tbilisi). Visit museum, walk in the old city and in the park, visit the main square and the plant area and later enjoy Georgian food and some live music.

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• Just Travel Rustavi • ჯასთ თრეველი რუსთავი

Phone Number : 599850658

Website : Suggest Official Website

Categories : Travel agency

Opening Hours :

Address : მეგობრობის N9 (ფოსტის შენობა), 3700 Rustavi, Kvemo Kartli, Georgia

Where is located? 41.55207 , 44.98733 (GPS Coordinates)

Facebook : facebook.com/2052155358447441

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Travel Agencies nearby

Companies and places nearby, what hotels, hostels and apartments are located near just travel rustavi • ჯასთ თრეველი რუსთავი.

List of nearest hotels:

Rustavi three stars hotel located at Megobroba Street 32, 1.31 kilometers northwest .

Hotel Rio located at 7th microdistrict, Niko Lomouri Street, 1.53 kilometers northwest .

Pegass Hotel located at Shartava Street 3, 2 kilometers northwest .

Grand Vejini located at Rustavi district 8 b #11 territory, 2.69 kilometers northwest .

Rustavi VIP Hotel three stars hotel located at Iuri Gagarini Street, 2.84 kilometers southeast .

Autopapa two stars hotel located at Shosse Tbilisi-Krasnogo Mosta, 3.34 kilometers northwest .

You can find and book more hotels, hostels and apartments in our interactive hotel map

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Vacation rentals in Rustavi

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Rustavi

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Penthouse with stunning views

Penthouse apartment is situated in the middle of old city district- Abanotubani. Penthouse is a split-level apartment with 3 bedrooms and 2,5 bathrooms which include three piece bathrooms plus jacuzzi or shower. Washing machine, iron plus iron board are also provided Apartment boasts stunning views to main historical sites in Tbilisi, such are Narikala fortress and adjustant Botanical gardens. Main entertainment areas are also at close reach, such as restaurants, cafes plus various supermarkets.

Chalet in Saguramo

Eco Saguramo Chalet

Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Georgia and immerse yourself at our stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Eco-friendly house in the heart of Saguramo. Nestled within the scenic Tbilisi National Park, our modern wooden retreat offers a truly unique getaway experience. Explore the rich history of Georgia as you're conveniently located near the Ancient City of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Supermarkets and pharmacies are a mere 200 meters away, ensuring you have easy access to essentials.

Chemia's Loft with Skyline Bath Tub

INDUSTRIAL Apartmant in old soviet building designed by "VIRSTAK", brings unique atmosphere with spectacular day and night CITY VIEW enjoyable from the BATHTUB. - Apartment 100% HANDMADE. - You find an old Motorcycle FIREPLACE, COFFEE machine and raritet 60's fridge in the kitchenette! - WINERY with 9 SORTS of wine, bottled by "Chateau GREMI" ! - PROJECTOR for MOVIE nights included in price ! - Free Meama coffeeshop capsules for two ! Airport pickup - eco- Suzuki Swift 70 GEL

Home in Tbilisi

Ateshgah Residence, Old Tbilisi

Ateshgah Residence is located in the heart of Old Tbilisi district Kldis Ubani on the top of a steep street behind 5th century Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah. As this is old part of the city, you need to take steps to get to the house. No parking space is available. This location allows to quickly get to all attractions in the city, such as: Mother Georgia Statue, Narikala Fortress, Botanical Garden, Leghvta-Khevi, Sulphur bathes, Shardeni Street with great dinning places, bars and nightclubs.

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Villa Vejini

This romantic stone and brick villa was lovingly built and retains some vintage details for a luxurious yet charming feel. Villa Vejini is a tranquil haven amid the forest, with a magnificent view of the capital and mountains, featuring a beautiful, lush garden. Indulge yourself with a jacuzzi, on the 3rd-floor balcony. The sauna is located in the garden You can savour three types of Georgian traditional wines from our wine cellar. The villa is surrounded by a Tbilisi national park.

Loft in T'bilisi

Old Tbilisi Loft With Terrace And Amazing View

Loft is located in one of the most charming districts of old Tbilisi - Vera, on the top 12th floor, with a terrace, overlooking a breathtaking city view. A must visit Wine factory #1 with wide variety of bars and restaurants is just minutes walk away. The interior in vintage industrial style is a work of a local award winning designer. Floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of sunshine, natural light and beautiful views, but there are also heavy curtains for daytime dreamers:)

Villa in Tsveri

DACHA Tsveri

Dacha is a private 3-storey house of 120 sq.m. located in the village of Tsveri, only 15 km away from Tbilisi. Due to its unique location, it is surrounded by forest on all sides, and the nearest neighbors are more than 150 meters away, which creates an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility, so necessary to replenish internal resources and energy. Courtyard is about 800 sq. m., with various activities and stunning views of the mountains. Vera River is a 5-minute walk away

Home in Telavi

Small cozy house with a yard

The small, family owned old house has been recently renovated with great care to keep its unique characteristics. The old authentic feel is totally preserved and some details added for more comfort. The accommodation is located in the very center of Telavi. Within 5 minutes walking distance from the central square, King Erekle II palace and the central park Nadikvari which has an amazing view on the Alazani valley and the Caucasus mountain range.

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Artists Favor Yard

In the heart of old Tbilisi and the bustling tourism hub, Blue Jambul is set on the second floor of a centennial Tbilisi style house. The guest will find fully furnished well illuminated house with all the amenities guest might need for a short stay or a long sojourn. It is located near the aghmashenebeli street, the railway station, the old Tbilisi center, flea market (dry bridge) and Baratashvili bridge. nearby London park and Rose park.

PREMIUM FLAT, OLD TBILISI, TERRACE & GORGEOUS VIEW

Beautiful, sparkling clean apartment, with breathtaking view and ideal location. You can see most of the city sightseeing right from your apartment and terrace. The most amazing is bathtub with large window overlooking Narikala Castle and glass ceiling, where you can see stars while taking bath. It is so hard to leave the place after you enter it, that you might only see the city from your windows by the end of the day :)

By the wood

Our house is near the wood,(but It's 15 minutes from the centre by walk.)so you can feel cool and fresh air.From the balcony you can enjoy the picturesque view of Caucasian mountain range.Our house is perfect who wants to discover traditional atmosphere of Georgia and feel relaxed around the forest of pine,and enjoy big garden with nice flower-beds and vineyard.we can offer to taste delicious Georgian wine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in rustavi.

Rustavi typically has a warm summer continental climate. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 79°F (26°C). The coldest month is January with temperatures hovering around 32°F (0°C). The city receives moderate rainfall throughout the year.

What are some of the best things to do in Rustavi?

Visitors can explore the Rustavi City Park, attend a performance at the Rustavi Drama Theatre, or delve into history at the Rustavi Historical Museum. For those who enjoy motorsports, Rustavi International Motorpark, a local car racing track, is worth a visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Rustavi?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular times to visit Rustavi, when temperatures are mild, ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). During this time, the city often hosts traditional music and dance festivals.

What are the best places to stay in Rustavi?

Central Rustavi, close to the City Park and Rustavi Theatre, is a popular area to stay due to its proximity to many attractions. Rustavi's industrial district is also an intriguing choice, providing a unique backdrop with its Soviet-era architecture.

What are the best places to visit in Rustavi?

Explore the Rustavi City Park, known for its lush greenery and peaceful lake. The Rustavi Historical Museum, boasting artifacts from different eras, is also frequently visited. Don't miss the iconic Rustavi Drama Theatre, showcasing local performances.

What are some hiking trails in Rustavi?

While Rustavi itself doesn't have many hiking trails, just a short ride away you can explore the trails leading to Mtatsminda Park or Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi. Alternatively, head to David Gareja Monastery Complex for a unique hiking experience.

What are some family activities to do in Rustavi?

Families can spend a fun day at Rustavi City Park, which has a lake and outdoor play areas. A visit to the Rustavi Historical Museum provides a family-friendly educational experience. For families with older children, a trip to Rustavi International Motorpark could be exciting.

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Rustavi?

Take a day trip to the nearby Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which is just 25km away. Explore its charming old town, ancient churches, and Narikala Fortress. Another option is David Gareja Monastery Complex, about 70km away, famed for its rock-carved monasteries.

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Rustavi, Georgia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Rustavi

Rustavi is one of the youngest cities of Georgia. The official year of Rustavi 's birth is 1948 when it received the city status. Before that, in Gabardan steppe, on the bank of the Kura river, there was a settlement that emerged due to the fact of the construction of a large metallurgical plant. In 1941, during Soviet times, Rustavi was the largest center of heavy industry, chemistry and machine-building.

Nowadays, Rustavi is the fourth largest city in Georgia. Several industrial enterprises are still active there. Its central streets are very busy thanks to the variety of shops, restaurants and cafes, but also due of its green and cozy atmosphere.

In Rustavi the left and right bank parts are divided by the wide Kura river. On the left bank there was the ancient city of Bostan-Kalaki. The excavations exposed the remains of walls and buildings foundations. During the 4th - 5th centuries AD, the fortress, the temple and the irrigation canal fed from the Kura, were built on the site of the city. In the 12th – the 13th centuries the city prospered. Later, ceased to exist due to the devastating attacks from Mongols.

Bolnisi Sioni

Ancient basilica of Bolnisi Sioni is located in the picturesque village of Kvemo-Bolnisi, 70 km away from Tbilisi, in the South-East of Georgia. The temple is the oldest preserved architectural monuments in Georgia, dated from the 5Th century. Read more...

David Gareja

25 km from Gardabani, the suburb of Rustavi , there is another original Georgian monument which equals such masterpieces of the world legacy as Vardzia rocky monastery, the cave city of Uplistsikhe , and Ushguli village - the grandiose complex of cave monasteries David Gareja. This monument is known all over the world for its exclusiveness and originality. Read more...

Tsugrugasheni

70 km away to the south-west of Tbilisi, not too far from the Bolnisi district, one can find a monument of the Georgian architecture of the Golden age – Tsugrugasheni church. It consists of a church and few other constructions. Read more...

16 Travel-Ready Pieces That'll Match Just About Everything

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Summer Travel 2024: Record Air Travel, Fewer Cancellations, Better Airports, More Passenger Protections

Year-to-date flight cancellation rate is just 1.4% during a record-breaking summer travel season​​​​​

WASHINGTON – Despite record-breaking levels of air travel this year, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) numbers show that the flight cancellation rate for the first half of 2024 was just 1.4% – nearly the lowest rate in over a decade. The latest data from airlines reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that weather continues to be the leading cause of flight cancellations.

On June 23, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 2.99 million individuals in a single day at U.S. airports – the most airline passengers the agency has screened in its history. TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals this Independence Day travel season, which is a 5.4% increase over last year. At the same time, airfares are down 6% over the last year and below pre-pandemic prices.

“This year’s record-breaking air travel is another good sign for our economy as more Americans take to the skies than ever before,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “To help avoid travel headaches, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to modernize airports and expand passenger protections for a smoother travel experience.” 

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $25 billion in U.S. airport infrastructure over five years. This unprecedented investment is not only improving runways and air traffic control towers but also adding gates and adding flight capacity, modernizing baggage systems, replacing passenger boarding bridges, reconfiguring security screening areas, improving safety, and more to finally deliver world-class airports in the U.S. and meet anticipated demand in the decades to come. Just this week, the Federal Aviation Administration announced $289 million in airport infrastructure grants in 40 states and an additional $1 billion in available funding to modernize airport terminals. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly 200 terminal projects are already under construction to modernize America’s airports and make air travel safer and smoother. 

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic action to improve airline passenger rights and oversight of the airline industry: 

• The rule makes clear that airline passengers are entitled to a refund when their flight is canceled or significantly changed and they no longer wish to take that flight or be rebooked, when their checked baggage is significantly delayed, or when extra services they paid for – like Wi-Fi – are not provided. The rule also requires refunds to be automatic, prompt, in the original form of payment, and in the full amount paid. Airlines must comply with the rule by late October.  
• Provisions of the final rule on airline refunds were fortified through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that President Biden signed into law on May 16, 2024. 
• The rule creates a more competitive airline market by requiring airlines to disclose critical extra fees – like change fees and baggage fees – upfront to ensure consumers can better understand the true cost of air travel. The rule also bans “bait-and-switch” advertising tactics and requires airlines to clearly tell passengers upfront that a seat is included with the cost of their ticket. This rule is expected to save consumers over half a billion dollars every year.  
• Launched the flightrights.gov dashboard, after which all 10 major U.S. airlines guaranteed free rebooking and meals when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to through enforcement action.  
• Secured nearly $4 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.  
• Issued nearly $170 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations since President Biden took office. In comparison, between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• Set up a system to expand the Department’s capacity to review air travel service complaints by partnering with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general , which will help hold airlines accountable and protect the rights of the traveling public.

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So here we go with some great offbeat spots to explore around our glorious peninsula!

Local hidden gems: A spotlight on the American treasures in our backyards

Sagamore Hill Historic Site, Sandwich

While  Scusset Beach State Reservation is better known for its sandy strand on Cape Cod Bay and the excellent fishing pier that extends into the Cape Cod Canal , it's also home to a trail that leads to the Sagamore Hill Historic Site , where a World War II era artillery installation kept watch over the canal. The big worry was German submarines and their threat to military and commercial shipping.

Two 155 mm guns graced the hilltop, nicknamed "Big Mary" and "Vicious Virgin." They had a range of about 20 miles, but were never fired at an enemy target. Today, you can see the remains of the "Ready Rooms," where ammunition was stored, and there's a fine view at the top of the trail.

Great Island, Sandwich

Sure, you've probably heard of Great Island in Wellfleet , an epic Cape Cod National Seashore trail that can run up to eight miles on a roundtrip journey. But did you know that there is also a Great Island in Sandwich? I've got to toss the Sandwich Isle on this list because it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited on Cape Cod.

Start with a visit to the Toolas Preserve in East Sandwich , where a small parking lot provides a base of operations for the short journey out to Great Island. After tooling around Toolas, walk down to the end of Great Island Road, where you will be greeted by an incredible marsh vista. A grassy path, formerly used by ox carts to harvest salt hay, takes you out to Great Island — and a little trail on the island lets you explore the interior.

Doane Rock, Eastham

I was recently involved in a minor kerfuffle at Doane Rock , the Cape's largest glacial boulder , when I ran into a new sign that told visitors not to climb on the mega-pebble. But happily, the Cape Cod National Seashore said the sign was placed there in error and it was OK to carefully climb the rock. The sign has been covered up and will be removed, according to the Seashore.

So now there is nothing between you and a major life accomplishment: summiting Doane Rock! At approximately 18 feet tall, climbing the huge rock is not a good idea for teeny kids or folks with physical challenges or balance issues. But, if you can make it to the top, it presents one of the greatest photo ops on the Cape.

Atwood-Higgins House, Wellfleet

Here's how the story starts, according to the National Park Service : "In 1920, George Higgins, a Brookline, Massachusetts, businessman, inherited his great grandparents’ home in a remote corner of Bound Brook Island in Wellfleet. The homestead included a 1730 Cape Cod-style house. Now known as the Atwood-Higgins House, it is one of the oldest in the region."

But Higgins didn't stop there. He assembled a collection of  intriguing outbuildings, described by the park as "his sentimental vision of a colonial-era homestead." This bucolic throwback, one of the most peaceful spots on the Cape, was donated to the Cape Cod National Seashore and you can walk the grounds and dream of simpler times.

Eric Williams, when not solving Curious Cape Cod mysteries, writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at  [email protected] . Follow him on X: @capecast.

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This Pennsylvania Garden Was Just Named the Most Beautiful in the World

You'll want to snap a few photos of these spots.

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Sometimes, you need to stop and smell the roses. Other times, you need to stop and smell the lilies, hydrangeas, tulips, and peonies, too. And that's where some of the world's most gorgeous gardens come in — including the No. 1 most beautiful, which happens to reside in the United States.  

In June, Titan Travel released its study researching the world's prettiest flower gardens. To find out which gardens are the most beautiful to visitors, the team searched social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, along with review sites like Tripadvisor, and utilized Google search data to see what people are looking for across the globe, normalizing an average score for each garden between one to 10.

After checking out all that information, the team named Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania the prettiest, with a score of 6.86. 

Danita Delimont/Getty Images

"Sitting just outside of Philadelphia , Longwood Gardens is an accessible source of beauty, with over 10,000 species and varieties of plants to explore," the team wrote about the botanical garden with more than 1,000 acres to roam. "Guests can explore the lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas." 

The researchers also noted the garden has a five-star review rating on Tripadvisor, where 19 percent of visitors use the word "beautiful" in their reviews. "The winning gardens also had among the highest volumes of posts on social media (307,185 Instagram posts and 6,096 TikTok tag mentions), as well as a 22.2 percent increase in searches over the last two years," it added. 

Following Longwood is Shinjuku Gyo-en in Tokyo at the No. 2 spot with a score of 6.83. "Visitors love to share snapshots of the beautiful scenes, with 713,595 posts on Instagram and 4,550 TikTok tags — showing off the cherry blossoms in spring and the fields that turn into sprawling sheets of silk in the winter," the researchers added about the urban oasis. 

Joining these two stunning spots at the top of the list is Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, New Zealand in third, followed by Kenroku-en, Kanazawa in Japan, Volksgarten in Vienna, Austria, Dubai Miracle Garden in Dubai, Singapore Botanic Gardens in Singapore, Mirabell Palace in Salzburg, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City, rounding out the top 10. Though really, wherever there are fresh blooms sounds beautiful to us.

See the full study at titantravel.co.uk . 

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