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
Location
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.
History
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
Photo Source: Georgian Travel Guide
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.
Resume
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.
