Where Worlds Converge

Despite its proximity to political uncertainty, the Georgian capital of Tbilisi is a relatively under-the-radar European destination rich in tradition, art and culture, and home to a thriving food and coffee scene.

- RACHEL NG

Pounding fast-paced beats of heavy music resonated through the dimly lit underground cavern as blue strobe lights beamed over tightly packed bodies dancing with abandon. I was standing on the sloped floor of a former swimming pool in the famous Bassiani nightclub, hailed as one of the best clubs in Europe. It's not hard to see why.

After passing through the entrance, it's a walk through seemingly endless corridors in virtually pitch-black darkness. I was guided only by the music to the main dance floor, where the bass beats pumping out of an incredible sound system engulfed me. The massive rave den certainly lived up to its name, which means "one with the bass".

Atmosphere and sound system aside, its unique location also adds to its character. I was actually beneath the largest stadium in the country, the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena where, during the day, raucous football matches are held before crowds of nearly 55,000.

Not something you'd expect in Georgia, one of Europe's oldest cities. Then again, it is Tbilisi, the capital city where the ancient and contemporary converge on a daily basis.

ECLECTIC FLAIR

Established in the 5th century, Tbilisi has a long history that has gone through the ebb and flow of growth and upheaval. Its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road made it an ideal place for trade, but also worked against its favour as it became highly coveted among regional powers.

It's been inhabited for over 1,500 years, and ruled by a variety of different cultures, including the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Russians.