As Above So Below – Journey Through Underground Tbilisi

Travelers with a taste for adventure and a curiosity for hidden history will find this Underground Tbilisi tour a captivating experience. It offers a rare glimpse into restricted Soviet-era sites that are normally off-limits to the public, making it perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual sightseeing. With just 3 hours, it packs in enough intrigue, history, and underground exploration to satisfy thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

What we love about this experience is the chance to walk through abandoned tunnels and control rooms frozen in time, see authentic artifacts from the Cold War era, and explore underground sites that tell stories many Georgians themselves might never have seen. Plus, the tour is private, which means you get a tailored experience with your guide, Tinatin Goguadze, who’s known for her deep knowledge and friendly approach.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves restricted sites that require security clearance and access permissions, so it needs to be booked at least 3 working days in advance. The underground spaces can be narrow and dark—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with enclosed, possibly claustrophobic areas. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, history fans, and urban explorers who enjoy uncovering secret places.

Good To Know

• Exclusive Access: You visit Soviet KGB bunkers and abandoned underground labs usually closed to the public.
• Authentic Artifacts: See Cold War-era equipment like Geiger counters and gas masks.
• Expert Guide: Led by Tinatin Goguadze, with rich insights into Georgia’s underground history.
• Private Tour: Tailored experience for your group, ensuring a more personal adventure.
• Time-Efficient: Just 3 hours, perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary.
• Limited Availability: Requires booking at least 3 days in advance due to security clearance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction to the Underground Adventure

This tour offers a chance to peel back the layers of Tbilisi’s underground world, revealing secret sites that many locals and travelers alike will never see. From a Cold War bunker where Soviet officials once prepared for nuclear conflict to underground tunnels and abandoned control rooms, it’s a fascinating journey into Georgia’s hidden past.

What makes it stand out is the exclusivity of access—these are locations normally sealed off, with official permissions only granted to tour groups like this one. It’s a chance to get close to relics from the Cold War era, like Soviet Geiger counters and gas masks, all while walking through tunnels that whisper stories of espionage, secrecy, and a different time.

Another great aspect is the narrative. The guide, Tinatin, brings a wealth of local knowledge and genuine enthusiasm, helping you understand the significance of each site. The experience isn’t just about seeing abandoned places but connecting with their stories and the atmosphere of Cold War paranoia.

However, a potential drawback for some is the dark, enclosed nature of these underground sites. The tunnels may be narrow, and some spots require bending or crawling, so it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly those with claustrophobia or mobility challenges.

This tour suits travelers who crave a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that combines history, adventure, and a sense of mystery. If you love exploring hidden corners of a city and learning about its secret past, this will be right up your alley.

What to Expect

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at Nadzaladevi Subway Station
Your guide will meet you at the entrance of the Nadzaladevi subway station. From here, the adventure begins with transportation to the underground sites. Since the locations are restricted, this initial meeting ensures all permissions and security clearances are in place before entering.

First Secret Stop (1.5 hours)
The tour kicks off with a visit to the Soviet KGB bunker—an underground command center filled with original artifacts. Expect to walk through tunnels and abandoned control rooms, where you might see vintage Geiger counters, gas masks, and Cold War maps still hanging on the walls. The guide will explain the purpose of each item and the bunker’s role during tense moments of the Cold War.

Second Secret Stop (1.5 hours)
The journey continues underneath Tbilisi to explore a forgotten underground mine laboratory used for Soviet clay mining experiments. Here, you’ll observe the actual drilling mechanisms and learn about the Soviet scientific projects conducted in secret underground labs. The atmosphere is eerie and fascinating, with relics and machinery that tell stories of Soviet technological ambitions.

Final Stop at Tbilisi Sports Palace
The tour concludes at the Tbilisi Sports Palace, providing a convenient point to exit or continue exploring the city.

Highlights & Unique Features

• Restricted Soviet Sites: These are not typical tourist spots but historical sites preserved in time, making each step feel like a discovery.
• Original Artifacts: The tour includes the opportunity to see Soviet-era equipment up close, adding a tangible dimension to Cold War history.
• Underground Tunnels and Control Rooms: Walking through tunnels offers a sense of secrecy and adventure, with some areas narrow enough to require crouching.
• Expert Guidance: Tinatin Goguadze’s detailed commentary helps decode the significance of each site, making the experience educational as well as exciting.

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The Experience from Reviews

One reviewer mentioned that the artifacts like gas masks and Geiger counters made the experience feel very authentic. Another noted that the underground tunnels felt surprisingly well-preserved, with a “creepy yet fascinating” atmosphere. The guide was described as knowledgeable, friendly, and able to answer all questions thoroughly.

Some travelers found the underground spaces a bit cold and confined but appreciated that it added to the real sense of stepping back into history. On top of that, the fact that access is limited and secured means you’re walking through places that are usually off-limits, which amplifies the thrill.

Practical Details and Value

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it an efficient yet immersive experience. You can check availability for different starting times, which provides flexibility depending on your schedule.

Price and Value

At $110 per person, the tour offers a compelling value—especially considering the exclusive access and the detailed guidance. The inclusion of transportation, the visit to the underground lab, and access to original artifacts makes it a comprehensive package. For anyone interested in Cold War history or urban exploration, this price reflects a unique, high-quality experience.

Accessibility and Booking

Since the sites are restricted, booking must be done at least 3 working days in advance to secure security clearance. The tour is designed for a private group, ensuring a personalized experience. It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for children under 16, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

What’s Included

• Guided exploration of underground Soviet sites
• Transportation to and from Nadzaladevi station
• Access to restricted sites with official permission
• Use and exploration of original Soviet artifacts

Important Restrictions

• No pets, drones, or alcohol allowed
• Not suitable for children under 16, claustrophobic individuals, or wheelchair users

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This underground journey is perfect for history buffs, urban explorers, and adventure seekers who are eager to see hidden parts of Tbilisi’s past. The tour’s focus on restricted Soviet sites provides a rare look into Georgia’s Cold War history, making it a standout experience for those wanting something beyond typical sightseeing.

It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind narrow tunnels and dark spaces and are comfortable with prior booking and security clearance. If you’re interested in authentic artifacts and stories of espionage, you’ll find this tour both educational and exhilarating.

On the other hand, if you’re claustrophobic, have mobility issues, or prefer more open, light-filled environments, this tour might not be the best fit. It’s also best to set aside some time to appreciate the guide’s storytelling, as that’s where the experience truly comes alive.

The value for money is solid given the exclusivity and depth of the sites visited. It’s a memorable way to connect with Tbilisi’s hidden history and add a thrilling twist to your Georgian adventure.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The guide will meet you at the entrance of the Nadzaladevi subway station.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, including transportation and exploration time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 16, especially due to confined spaces and security protocols.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, at least 3 working days ahead, to allow for security clearance and access permissions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and exploring underground tunnels. Closed shoes are recommended.

Are there any restrictions on personal items?
Drones and pets are not allowed, and it’s best to keep valuables minimal as some areas are narrow.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of underground sites.

What artifacts will I see?
Expect to see Soviet Geiger counters, gas masks, Cold War-era maps, and other original relics.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour special?
The exclusive access to sites normally closed to the public, guided by a knowledgeable local expert, and the chance to see authentic Cold War artifacts firsthand.

This underground adventure in Tbilisi offers a compelling mix of history, mystery, and discovery. Perfect for those who love uncovering secret stories and exploring hidden corners of a city, it promises an experience that’s both educational and truly one-of-a-kind.

You can check if your dates are available here: