The Most Beautiful Parks in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is home to many small or large parks in which to relax, escape the summer heat, or just walk around in nature. These green spaces are scattered throughout the city, making them easy to get to on foot, but some do require public transportation or a taxi ride. So, here are some of the most beautiful recreational areas for you to relax in after a long walk in the city.
1. Rike Park
Bridge, Church, Park
Rike Park, located in the Old Town near the Avlabari metro station, lies on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. It is a popular destination for local families living in the neighborhood and tourists who stroll around the area for the sights. It’s easy to access either by the glass pedestrian Peace Bridge from Erekle II Street, descending staircase from Avlabari, cobblestone street of Metekhi Church or via crossing the bridge from Maidan Square. Moreover, if you walked up the steep road to Narikala Fortress, you can take the cable car down to the park.
2. National Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden, Bridge
The National Botanical Garden, occupying 161 hectares of land, owns a collection of at least 4,500 taxonomic groups. The history of the garden crosses more than three centuries. The first mention of the garden was found in French traveler Jean Chardin’s writings in 1671; he called it a “royal garden,” which was most likely founded in 1625. During the Persian invasions in 1795, the garden was destroyed and revived only in the early 19th century.
3. Mziuri Park
Park
The entrance to the park features the sculptures of his famous characters every Georgian loves and admires. However, the park was abandoned for many years, until the project called New Mziuri started to breathe a new life into it and provide educational and entertaining events to the public.
The old café was reconstructed quite recently, becoming a social café, while the amphitheater and the playground for children were also restored. It’s worth mentioning that the New Mziuri café is the only one that offers a menu in braille for those with visual impairment.
4. Vake Park
Memorial, Park
Also in Vake district, Vake Park is the biggest and one of the most charming parks in Tbilisi. The green space occupies 200 hectares of land and features a large fountain in the center, bike lanes, and entertainment attractions for kids.
The park, which opened in 1946, is an excellent example of a Classical Socialist park with a mighty classical entrance and broad stairs leading to the World War II Memorial standing on top of the hill.
5. Mtatsminda Park
Amusement Park, Park
However, do note that the park isn’t open for 24 hours as the rest of the green spaces in Tbilisi. Thus, the entrance is free, and the park closes at 9 p.m. each day. You can reach the area by taking a taxi or bus, hiking up or riding a funicular railway from Chonkadze Street.
6. Kus Tba
Kus Tba, or Turtle Lake in English, is a small lake located on the outskirts of Tbilisi. It’s one of the most famous areas visited by locals during the summer months to escape the evening heat.
You can circle the lake, do some activities on training equipment installed here, or just sit in a café with the view of the lake and enjoy your favorite beverage or meal.
The area is reachable by a taxi or a cable car from Chavchavadze Avenue. If you are determined enough, you can even hike up there, but it’s going to be a long hike on a slope.
7. Open Air Museum of Ethnography
Museum
Located on the road towards the Kus Tba, the museum encompasses 14 ethnographic zones and typical houses of the regions of Georgia, each showcasing a representation of a particular historical, ethnographic state in the country.
8. Lisi Lake
Similar to Kus Tba, Lisi Lake is another popular recreational destination among Tbilisians. Located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, the area is accessible by a taxi. Here, you can ride a bike, jog, exercise, fish, have a picnic, or sit at one of the cafés and enjoy your spare time.
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