Tbilisi Funicular
22 Daniel Chonqadze St., Tbilisi, GA
One of the world’s steepest funiculars, the Tbilisi Funicular connects the Georgian capital with the Mtatsminda Plateau. Built in 1905 and reopened in 2012 following renovations, the funicular connects Tbilisi with the mountaintop Mtatsminda Park, which comprises a restaurant complex, an amusement park, and a TV tower.
The basics
Standing almost half a mile (three-quarters of a kilometer) high, the Mtatsminda Plateau is the tallest point in Tbilisi and has been a top destination for sightseers for over a century. Though many locals and visitors ride the funicular in order to explore the mountaintop amusement park and entertainment venues, a round-trip sightseeing ride is worth it for the extraordinary views alone. The funicular also makes a stop partway up the mountain, which gives visitors access to St. David’s Church (Mamadaviti) and the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures.
The Tbilisi Funicular is now one of the city’s key tourist attractions, and there are plenty of ways to discover it. Private walking tours and tuk-tuk tours will introduce you to the landmark and its history, alongside other Tbilisi highlights. Alternatively, book a dinner atop the mountain and enjoy complimentary, round-trip funicular tickets as part of the experience.
Things to know before you go
- Don’t forget to bring your camera: the funicular cars come complete with wraparound and ceiling windows, and offer staggering views overlooking the city beyond.
- As the temperature can be several degrees cooler on the Mtatsminda Plateau, it’s advised to bring layers if you’re traveling in the evening or during cooler weather.
- To ride the funicular, pay 2 GEL at the ticket office for a plastic card; the card can also be used to pay for rides at the mountaintop amusement park.
How to get there
The Tbilisi Funicular links Daniel Chonqadze Street in central Tbilisi and Mtatsminda Park. To get there using public transportation, take the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line of the Tbilisi Metro to Liberty Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) Station, or use the 83 bus. The ground-level station can also be reached by taxi, by bike, or on foot.
When to get there
The Tbilisi Funicular operates daily, and ticket prices increase slightly for late-night fares. Time your visit with clear conditions on a sunny day in order to enjoy the best views overlooking the city and beyond.
What to Do in Mtatsminda Park
Once you make it to the top, Mtatsminda Park offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all stripes. Its amusement park—complete with soaring Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and waterslides in summer—is popular among families, while foodies will want to sample traditional Georgian bites at the Funicular Restaurant Complex. The 247-acre (100-hectare) park is also home to observation decks and walking trails, with plenty of greenery.
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