Discover Tbilisi: Urban Heritage and Mtatsminda Park

Historic Centre on the Mtkvari

Tbilisi’s historic district lies in the city centre on the west bank of the Mtkvari River. This location provides a clear reference point for anyone interested in urban heritage. As you plan, consider whether you want the historic district to be the focus of your days or whether you would like to explore different aspects of the city. This makes the choice of area part of your trip planning: what matters is which interests take priority during your stay.

Funicular: Route, Journey Time and Elevation

The Tbilisi Funicular opened in 1905. Its route is 501 metres long, and the ride to the highest point in the city takes five minutes. This point is 727 metres above sea level. These three figures give you a clear idea of the route, journey time and elevation. If you plan to take a ride, check the current operating status in advance.

Leisure Options at Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park has picnic areas, cafés and restaurants, as well as an amusement park with rides and attractions. This variety caters to different holiday interests, ranging from a break outdoors to entertainment and dining. Families may find the range interesting when choosing activities to enjoy together, although this does not mean that every individual attraction is suitable for them. Individual offerings may change; if you have specific plans, check what is available.

Urban heritage and park attractions offer different ways to shape your travel plans. If both appeal to you, consider which should take up more of your stay when choosing a holiday apartment. This gives you a starting point for selecting an area based on your own plans.

Georgia: More Cultural and Landscape Themes

In Georgia, Mtskheta offers another perspective on the country’s cultural history. The Historical Monuments of Mtskheta include Jvari Monastery, Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral and Samtavro Monastery. Mtskheta was the ancient capital of Kartli, the eastern Georgian kingdom, from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD. In 337, Christianity was declared the state religion of Georgia there. The buildings and the site’s long historical role show how closely religious and political history are connected in this part of Georgia.

Georgian qvevri winemaking is also an important cultural tradition: it began 8,000 years ago, is still practised today and was granted UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2013. For travellers interested in food and traditional production methods as well as urban heritage, this offers a different perspective on Georgia.

The Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands offer another perspective on Georgia, shaped by its landscapes. They include ancient Colchic broadleaf rainforests and wetlands, including percolation mires and other types of peatland. The area is home to 19 endangered animal species and is also a stopover site for globally threatened migratory birds. These natural attractions are quite different from Tbilisi’s urban history and can help you identify the interests you want your trip through Georgia to reflect.

The activities in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park also show the breadth of what Georgia offers: activities include hiking, horse riding, cycling, snowshoeing, and cultural and educational tours. Seasonal and operational details may change. Before choosing your accommodation, it is therefore helpful to consider whether you would like to focus more on urban heritage and culture or on nature and outdoor activities.

Discover More Destinations

Subordinate destinations: Tbilisi, Krtsanisi, Tskneti and Tsavkisi.

Discover more destinations: Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Kvemo Kartli.

Go to the main destination overview: Georgia.