1. Mtatsminda Mountain — views from the highest point
Why is this place: This is the highest point in the city (770 meters above sea level), from which Tbilisi is visible in the palm of your hand. In fact, it's not just a playground, but a whole amusement park on top of a mountain.
The main advantages: There is a historical funicular leading here, the ascent of which is a separate adventure with postcard views. On the mountain, in addition to the free viewing areas, there is the famous Ferris wheel. It lifts visitors up another 65 meters, giving truly breathtaking panoramas of Old Tbilisi, the Kura River and the TV towers.
Details: The fare on the Ferris wheel is 10 lari, payment via the park card (the card itself costs 2 lari). The place is ideal for an evening dinner at the Funicular restaurant under the light of the night city.
2. Narikala Fortress — panorama of the old town
Why is this place: This is an absolute masterpiece for any traveler. The thousand-year-old fortress, towering over the historical center, gives a classic, most recognizable view of Tbilisi. This is an ideal point to capture the whole essence of the capital of Georgia in one glance.
The main advantages: It offers a fantastic panorama of the Old Town with its tiled roofs, winding streets, Abanotubani sulfur baths, as well as the modern Mira Bridge and Rike Park. The playground is free of charge, and it is easy to get to it by cable car from Rike Park, paying a fare using a transport card (about 2.5 lari one way).
Details: Some sections of the fortress may be closed for restoration, but the observation deck at the top station of the cable car is always accessible.
3. The monument "Mother Georgia" (Kartlis Deda) is a symbol of the city from a height
Why this place: An aluminum woman with a cup of wine for friends and a sword for enemies is perhaps the most famous symbol of the Georgian character. It stands on the same Sololak ridge as the Narikala fortress, but a little further away.
The main advantages: The site at the foot of the monument offers a beautiful view of the center of Tbilisi on the one hand and the picturesque Botanical Garden on the other. In the evening, when the monument is illuminated, it looks especially majestic.
Details: The observation deck itself is quite small, but the views from it compensate for this disadvantage in full.
4. The Bethlemi - observation deck is a cozy corner near the temple
Why is this place: This is one of the most cozy and peaceful viewpoints in Old Tbilisi. It is located right at the northern wall of the Upper Bethlehem Church, which gives this place a special, almost mystical atmosphere.
The main advantages: This is an ideal place for a leisurely vacation and romantic meetings. The playground is equipped with benches and shaded, where you can buy soft drinks. The view of the Old Town, Rike Park and the Peace Bridge makes this place a gem for lovers of relaxing photo shoots.
Details: The place is free and goes well with a walk around the Narikala Fortress. Some travelers believe that this is where the most beautiful views of Tbilisi open, especially at sunset.
5. Metekhi Temple (Metekhi Rock) — a view of history
Why is this place: This is the place where the city began its history in the 5th century. The 12th-century Church of the Assumption of the Virgin stands on the high rocky shore of the Kura River, directly opposite the Abanotubani district.
The main advantages: One of the most picturesque views of the opposite shore opens from the temple site. From this angle, you will see the sulfur baths, the tiled roofs of the old town, the Narikala Fortress and the modern Peace Bridge. Nearby there is a monument to the founder of Tbilisi, Tsar Vakhtang Gorgasali, sitting on a horse.
Details: The site is free and very popular with tourists for the first photos of the city.
6. Tabori Monastery — a view hidden from tourists
Why this place: If the Narikala fortress is a "front" observation deck, then many travelers call the view from the Tabori Monastery (Spaso-Preobrazhensky) their favorite and even the best in the city. This place is located just above and away from the main hiking trails, so it's much quieter and quieter here.
The main advantages: From here, almost the whole of Tbilisi is visible in the palm of your hand. To get here, you need to go on a small but very picturesque ascent from the sulfur baths area, through old courtyards and inconspicuous stairs — this is its special atmosphere. As a reward, you will receive a panorama with cathedrals, minarets, the Bridge of Peace and without crowds of people.
Details: The place is free and ideal for those who seek solitude in order to truly experience the city.
7. Vera Park — silence in the city center
Why is this place: This is a real godsend for those who want to quietly admire the city away from the noisy tourist routes. After the recent restoration, Vera Park has become even more beautiful, acquiring a new glass observation deck with a panorama of the center.
The main advantages: The playground is comfortably located among trees and green alleys, equipped with benches. It offers a great view of the City. This is an ideal place for relaxing holidays and leisurely photos.
Details: The park is located in the city center, near the Rustaveli metro station, and the playground is completely free.
8. Turtle Lake — nature and relaxation
Why is this place: This is an ideal option for those who want to combine admiring the city with a walk in nature. The lake is located in the picturesque green area of Vake, at an altitude of almost 700 meters.
The main advantages: The equipped observation deck at the top of the hill offers a stunning view of Tbilisi. But the main thing here is the atmosphere: there are mountains covered with forest, fresh air and silence. It is easily accessible by cable car from Vake Park.
Details: The lake itself is small, but it is a great place for a picnic, jogging or a quiet walk with a view of the city lights.
9. The monument "History of Georgia" ("Chronicles of Georgia") is the largest place on the list.
Why this place: It's harder to get here than to other locations, so it's not as popular as, say, Narikala Fortress. But it is here that you will find the most unexpected and impressive view. In fact, this is not just an observation deck, but a whole surreal open-air museum on top of a hill.
The main feature of this place is 16 huge bronze-granite columns by Zurab Tsereteli, reaching into the sky. They are over 40 years old, but they have remained unfinished, which gives them a special power and mystery. The visitors themselves unanimously call this place "the best viewing room in the city."
What you will see: a 360-degree panorama of Tbilisi and the Tbilisi Sea: the city and a huge reservoir will be in the palm of your hand.
The monument itself: columns up to 35 meters high, decorated with bas-reliefs depicting kings, heroes and biblical scenes. It took about 30 tons of bronze to create them!
Quote from the review: "Nearby there is an observation deck with beautiful views of the city and the Tbilisi Sea. Very expressive and powerful. I would like to examine everything carefully." The main advantages: Free admission. Atmospheric and unusual. The "wow effect" is guaranteed. The best time to visit is at sunset.
10. Lake Lisi is a picturesque respite from the hustle and bustle of the city
Why is this place: This is not a classic observation deck, but rather a recreation area for locals, hidden among the hills. The lake is located at an altitude of about 620 meters above sea level, so its shores offer excellent views of the city and the green surroundings.
What you will see: The central place is occupied by the lake itself, surrounded by a picturesque park with developed infrastructure. There is everything here to walk around Tbilisi, just relax and get some fresh air.
The main advantages: You can go boating and catamarans on the lake. There are bike paths along the shore. There are many cafes and restaurants overlooking the water. There are children's and sports grounds. It's crowded on weekends, so come on a weekday to have some privacy.
I hope this list will help you to see Tbilisi from the best sides, both from the front and from completely unexpected ones. Have a happy trip and amazing photos from these heights!
