Tbilisi lies in a basin on both banks of the Mtkvari (Kura), ringed by hills, so almost any high point offers an impressive view: the tiled roofs of the Old Town, church domes, wooden balconies, modern bridges and mountains on the horizon. Here are the capital's best viewpoints, from the classics to spots mostly locals know.

Narikala fortress

Narikala is an ancient fortress on a hill above the Old Town, with a history going back to the 4th century. Massive walls and towers remain, with the restored Church of Saint Nicholas inside.

View: the Old Town, the bath domes of Abanotubani, Meidan, the Bridge of Peace, Metekhi and the whole Mtkvari valley.

Getting there:

  • Cable car from Rike Park on the left bank — a few minutes' ride over the river and Old Town, paid with a Metromoney transport card.
  • On foot — a steep path from Abanotubani or Betlemi Street (15–20 minutes).

Tip: walk the walls carefully; some sections lack railings and the stones are slippery.

Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda)

Near Narikala on the Sololaki ridge stands the aluminium Mother of Georgia statue, about 20 m tall, erected in 1958 for the city's 1,500th anniversary. In one hand she holds a bowl of wine for friends, in the other a sword for enemies — a symbol of Georgian character: hospitality and readiness to defend the land.

A ridge path from the statue offers great views of the city and the botanical garden.

The Botanical Garden

Right below Narikala, in a gorge, lies the National Botanical Garden, with a waterfall, little bridges and shady paths. From the ridge path you see the green gorge cutting into the city.

Mtatsminda

Mtatsminda ("Holy Mountain") is the highest point above central Tbilisi, topped by the TV tower visible from all over the city.

Up here:

  • An amusement park with rides and a Ferris wheel offering a panorama of the whole city.
  • Mtatsminda Pantheon on the slope, burial place of eminent Georgian writers, poets and public figures, next to the Church of Saint David.
  • Restaurants and cafés with terraces.

Getting there: by funicular from Daniel Chonkadze Street in Sololaki, a few minutes' ride with a stop by the Pantheon. You can also take a taxi or walk up.

Tip: come for sunset, as the sun drops behind the mountains and the city lights up.

Metekhi church

Metekhi church stands on a cliff above the Mtkvari opposite the Old Town, next to the equestrian statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali. It offers the classic view of the Old Town, Narikala and the Bridge of Peace, especially at night when the lights come on.

The Bridge of Peace and Rike Park

The glass Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari with a wavy illuminated roof, and a viewpoint itself, with Narikala, Metekhi and Old Town balconies in sight. Rike Park on the left bank has fountains, lawns and the lower cable car station.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Tsminda Sameba)

Tsminda Sameba is Georgia's main cathedral and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, built in the early 2000s on Elia hill. Its large, well-kept grounds overlook the Old Town and centre, and at night the lit cathedral is visible from almost everywhere.

The Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia is a monumental set of tall pillars with bronze reliefs of scenes from Georgian history and the life of Christ, by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. It stands on a hill by the Tbilisi Sea, a reservoir on the city's edge. People come for the sculptures and for the wide view of the "sea" and northern Tbilisi. A taxi is easiest.

Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake (Ku Tba) is a small forest lake on the slope above Vake. It's cool up here, with cafés and walking trails and city views on the way. A cable car runs up from Vake Park, and nearby is the open-air Ethnographic Museum, with traditional houses from different regions of Georgia.

Local favourites

For less touristy views try:

  • Makhata hill — a park with views of the north of the city;
  • Betlemi — old stairs and lanes above Abanotubani;
  • rooftop bars and hotels in the centre, many open to visitors.

When to go

  • Sunset — the best time at almost every viewpoint.
  • Blue hour — just after sunset, with the city lit and the sky still blue.
  • Morning — fewer people and soft light.
  • Summer middays are hot on open hilltops.

Costs

Most viewpoints are free. The cable cars, funicular and Mtatsminda rides are paid; a Metromoney transport card or bank card works.

In short

Start with the cable car to Narikala and Mother of Georgia, ride the funicular up Mtatsminda for sunset, and admire the Old Town from Metekhi at night. With extra time, add Turtle Lake and the Chronicle of Georgia. Tbilisi looks completely different from above — and just as beautiful.