Bassiani: Tbilisi’s Iconic Techno Club Worth the Hype?

Spending the last couple of months in Georgia and the Caucasus and being big fans of major events and parties—especially after experiencing Berlin’s nightlife firsthand and attending many festivals like Circuit Barcelona and Milkshake Amsterdam—we couldn’t miss a night at Bassiani, allegedly The Berghain of Tbilisi and Georgia. The Georgia’s largest techno club that can accommodate up to 1,200 people and located in Dinamo Arena, a large Soviet-era stadium that still hosts matches and events. Like Berlin’s Berghain, Bassiani has gained a reputation for exclusivity and strict access, so let’s take a closer look to see if it’s worth a visit in Tbilisi—or even planning a trip here specifically for it.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi Near Bassiani

The iconic club, Bassiani, set in the Dinamo Arena football stadium complex in the Didube-Chugureti district of Tbilisi, is famed for its underground, industrial atmosphere and exceptional electronic music scene. It’s easily accessible from the city center, with Stadion Dinamo metro station conveniently nearby, making it ideal for those looking to explore Tbilisi’s nightlife.

Here are some great nearby hotel options:

• Tbilisi Edition - Design Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel blends contemporary elegance with Georgian-inspired design, offering a sophisticated retreat just a short distance from the heart of Tbilisi’s nightlife and cultural attractions.

• King David Royal Dan Floor 21 A: Located high up in the King David Residences, this luxury accommodation offers breathtaking city views and modern amenities, making it perfect for visitors seeking comfort and a memorable stay close to the action.

• Luxury Inn Grand Residence: With spacious rooms and a warm, welcoming ambiance, this upscale hotel provides both comfort and convenience, giving travelers an elegant base near Bassiani and Tbilisi’s vibrant cultural spots.

These hotels provide a mix of design, luxury, and proximity, making them excellent choices for a Tbilisi stay centered around the city’s unique nightlife and cultural scene. Most importantly, they are comfortable, so after a long night in the dark pit of Bassiani, you will have a cozy place to decompress 🙃!

Why It’s Called Bassiani

What does Bassiani even mean? (By the way, I really like this name; it’s easy to remember, and it sounds like an Italian word). Bassiani’s name is derived from the Georgian term “ბასს-იანი” (Bass-iani), meaning “the one with the bass.” It’s inspired by the historic 13th-century Battle of Basian between the Kingdom of Georgia and the Sultanate of Rum.

Bassiani has been doing its thing since 2014!

Bassiani Opening Hours and Events

Bassiani is open every Friday and Saturday from 12 a.m. (11:59 to be exact) to around 10-11 a.m. the next morning. Crowds start arriving by 1:30 a.m., though people often show up as late as 6 a.m. We went on a Saturday night around 2 a.m. and found no line—a refreshing contrast to Berlin! We attended the “Wings of Desire” event, where the entire club takes on a LGBTQ+ vibe. Horoom, the second dance floor, is particularly LGBTQ+ friendly, so events that feature it lean more toward having a gay crowd.

Bassiani Door Policy, Registration, and Tickets

Bassiani isn’t for everyone, and some have called its policies discriminatory. Personally, we had no issues, though it’s clear that the club has its own rules.

To understand Bassiani, it helps to understand Georgia: unlike London or Barcelona, this region is full of contradictions. While the younger generation embraces European ideals, not everyone fully accepts change, and homophobia still largely exists, even among younger people. All the queer individuals we met are not open with their families, though the LGBTQ+ community is as present here as in any European country.

This environment influences Bassiani’s strict entry policies. Face control is rigorous, and entry requires ID and a social media account. Bassiani aims to maintain a safe space for patrons, even if that means being selective. We’ve heard of straight married couples and visitors from less LGBTQ+-friendly places like Russia being turned away. Tbilisi itself shows a similar sentiment, with anti-Russian graffiti throughout the city.

If you’re a Western visitor with a verifiable social media account, entry is smooth, as you can do this a few days before you plan to go to Bassiani. Alternatively, connecting with locals who frequent Bassiani can be helpful. Knowing locals who frequent Bassiani can also help you gain access. We always recommend slow travel and forming local connections instead of just showing up in Tbilisi to “tick off” Bassiani.

How To Prepare For The Best Club in Tbilisi, Bassiani's Dresscode

There’s generally no strict dress code, although black always works well for nightlife. I saw one girl literally dressed as a sexy angel with wings! Expect people in typical European club wear: hoodies, mesh T-shirts, black tank tops, oversized jackets over a bra, and so on.

Also showing up to the bouncers at the entrance not completely drunk or loud helps.

Conveniently, you can pay with a card everywhere (Berlin, you heard me loud and clear!).

Getting ready for a night at Bassiani - you really can dress quite casual.

What to Expect Inside

Bassiani has two dancefloors: the main room (appropriately called Bassiani), which once was a pool and Horoom, which is LGBTQ+ and doubles as a larger bar when not hosting shows. The main room has more of a Berghain vibe, alternating between techno sets and performances. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of techno, so the music wasn’t my favorite (Ryan prefers it, though), though it could’ve just been the night. But I loved the vibe—the crowd is cool, unpretentious, and mostly in their 20s and 30s.

As of 2024, Bassiani has 14 resident DJs, including Dito, DVS1, Hamatsuki, Hector Oaks, HVL, Kancheli, Kvanchi, NDRX, Nebbieri, Newa, Sophie Phare, Valley Dolly, Zesknel and Ditto. On the main dancefloor, the DJ sets are interrupted by performances, and during Halloween week, the atmosphere felt slightly too heavy for me—a bit of color wouldn’t hurt. In a way, Bassiani feels familiar to anyone used to the club scene, just with a darker vibe.

Once inside, stairs to the right lead to the Horoom room, which has a bar and smoking area. The left leads to the cloakroom, a lounge area, and a bar with a small dark room in the back (for whoever needs a naughty moment). Straight ahead, you’ll reach the main room. Compared to Berlin, substance use is less intense here; people mostly drink and interact at the bars instead of disappearing into the toilets to take things for a big part of the night.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I’d love to return to Bassiani. The lack of lines and the welcoming, diverse crowd made the experience stand out, with a mix of locals and tourists keeping things vibrant. Next time, I’m hoping for a music lineup that aligns more with my tastes and maybe a shift toward brighter visuals from the artistic direction—something to add a touch of contrast to the club's dark aesthetic. Overall, Bassiani feels like a fresh yet familiar club experience that balances intensity with authenticity, making it worth a revisit.