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Tbilisi's highest point (770 m) with an amusement park and a funicular railway dating to 1905
Mtatsminda is a mountain in the centre of Tbilisi, on the right bank of the Kura River. Elevation is 770 m above sea level, with a 267 m vertical rise from the lower funicular station. The summit hosts an amusement park covering over 100 hectares, the Pantheon of Georgia's notable figures, and a TV tower visible from anywhere in the city.
The easiest way up is the funicular from Chonkadze Street (near Rustaveli Avenue) – a 5-minute ride. Alternatives: buses #90 and #124 from Rustaveli metro station (15–20 min) or a Bolt taxi (3–6 GEL to the lower station). On foot from Chonkadze Street – about 1 hour uphill through forest.
Park entry is free; rides are paid separately via a rechargeable card (1–5 GEL / ~$0.35–1.85 per ride). Allow 2–3 hours for the park, viewpoints, and the Pantheon. Suitable for families with children, couples, and anyone wanting a bird's-eye view of Tbilisi.
The funicular departs from the lower station on Chonkadze Street (460 m elevation). Modern carriages with panoramic windows climb at a 28–33° angle – during the 3-minute ride, you see the rooftops of Old Tbilisi, church domes, and the Kura valley. Halfway up is an intermediate stop at the Pantheon and St. David's Church, where Griboyedov, Baratashvili, Tsereteli and other prominent figures are buried. From there, 2 more minutes to the top.
The upper station is a monumental 1936–1938 building (architects: the Kurdiani brothers) housing the Funicular restaurant, known for Adjarian khachapuri and Georgian doughnuts (ponchiki). From the restaurant, you walk directly into the park. It's divided into three zones: extreme (roller coaster, water rides – summer only), family (bumper cars, Ghost Castle, carousels), and kids (mini-rides for toddlers). The 65 m Ferris wheel is the main attraction: glass cabins at the top offer a 360° view across Tbilisi, the Caucasus range to the north, and the Trialeti Mountains to the south.
After dark, the park lights up and the TV tower beside it glows like a local Eiffel Tower. The grounds are well-maintained: lawns, flowerbeds, benches, fountains. Several cafés operate in addition to the main restaurant. Live concerts and open-air events take place on weekends.
Funicular – built in 1905 by Belgian engineers, 501 m track, 267 m vertical rise, 28–33° incline
Ferris wheel – 65 m tall, the park's highest attraction, 360° panorama
Pantheon – necropolis at St. David's Church, burials since 1929, including Griboyedov and Baratashvili
Park area – over 100 hectares, about 60 rides and play areas
Elevation – 770 m above sea level, Tbilisi's highest point within city limits
Funicular rebuild – closed for 13 years after a 2000 cable accident, reopened in 2013 with new carriages
The funicular concept emerged in 1905 when a Belgian company that owned Tbilisi's tram network funded a cable railway up Mtatsminda. French engineer A. Blanche designed the project; Tbilisi architect A. Shimkevich handled the station buildings. The funicular became popular quickly, and in the 1930s an amusement park opened at the summit. The upper station building was constructed in 1936–1938 by the Kurdiani brothers – its silhouette is still visible from across the city.
In 2000, the funicular's cable snapped. No one was killed, but the line shut down for 13 years. It reopened in 2013 with completely new carriages and mechanisms. The park was also modernised with new rides and upgraded infrastructure. Today Mtatsminda is one of Tbilisi's key landmarks, and the TV tower on its peak is illuminated every night.
Funicular:
Card – 2 GEL (~$0.75), non-refundable, sold at the lower station
One-way ride – 8–10 GEL (~$3–3.75)
Night fare (after midnight) – 3 GEL
Amusement park:
Park entry is free
Rides are paid via a rechargeable card
Single ride – 1–5 GEL (~$0.35–1.85)
Ferris wheel – 2 GEL
The funicular card doubles as the park ride card. Unused balance is non-refundable – top up in small amounts.
No special restrictions. Standard height and age limits apply for extreme rides. Water attractions operate in summer only. Photography is allowed everywhere. Comfortable walking shoes recommended – the park covers a large area.
On site:
Several cafés and the Funicular restaurant (average bill 30–50 GEL / ~$11–18)
Free toilets
Souvenir shops
Arcade and video games
Parking: A road leads up to the park (Tbilisi–Okrokana direction); parking is limited.
Wi-Fi: Free near the restaurant. 4G works reliably.
Accessibility: The funicular is accessible for those with limited mobility (level entry into carriages). The park grounds are mostly flat with some slopes.
Funicular (recommended):
Lower station – Chonkadze Street (5 min walk from Rustaveli Avenue). Carriages every 10 min, ride time 5 min. Runs daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 AM.
Bus:
Routes #90 and #124 from Freedom Square / Rustaveli Avenue – 15–20 min, 1 GEL. These go to the park entrance via the road.
Taxi:
Bolt from the centre – 3–6 GEL to the lower funicular station, or 10–15 GEL to the park by road.
On foot:
From Chonkadze Street along a forest trail – about 1 hour. Steep but scenic.
Tip: Take the funicular up and walk down via the Pantheon – you'll see both the mountain and the necropolis.
Season: The park is open year-round, but all rides operate May–October. Water slides are summer only.
Time of day: Sunset (6:00–7:30 PM in summer) gives the best light for panoramic photos. The park is illuminated after dark. In summer, it's 5–7°C cooler on the mountain than downtown.
Duration: 2–3 hours for the park, Ferris wheel, and a stroll. With the Pantheon – 3–4 hours.
Avoid: Summer weekends (July–August) – the park gets crowded. In winter, some rides close, but the funicular and viewpoints operate.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
Card – 2 GEL (one-time purchase), one-way ride – 8–10 GEL (~$3–3.75). The card is rechargeable and also works for park rides.
2–3 hours for the park, Ferris wheel, and walking around. Add 1 hour if you want to see the Pantheon and walk down.
Yes. The park has a dedicated kids' zone with mini-rides, a train, carousel, and trampoline – all designed for children aged 3+. The family zone works for older kids.
The funicular and viewpoints are open year-round. Some rides close in winter (water slides, certain extreme ones). The Ferris wheel and main attractions usually remain open.
The Funicular restaurant in the upper station building is the main option – historic venue known for Adjarian khachapuri and doughnuts (average bill 30–50 GEL / ~$11–18). Several fast-food cafés also operate in the park.
Yes. A trail starts from Chonkadze Street – about 1 hour uphill through pine forest. It's steep but well-marked. Wear proper walking shoes.
At the funicular's middle station – the Pantheon with Griboyedov's grave and St. David's Church. At the bottom, 10 min on foot – Rustaveli Avenue, the National Museum, and Old Tbilisi.
Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM. Carriages run every 10 minutes. Night fare (after midnight) is 3 GEL.
