Tbilisi Botanical Garden, officially known as the National Botanical Garden of Georgia, is a vast green valley located behind Narikala Fortress in the historic centre of Tbilisi.

Covering approximately 161 hectares, the garden combines walking trails, waterfalls, bridges, viewpoints and thousands of plants from Georgia and different regions of the world. It is an excellent place to escape the busy Old Town without leaving the city center.

Quick Information

Official name: National Botanical Garden of Georgia
Common name: Tbilisi Botanical Garden
Address: 1 Botanikuri Street, Tbilisi
Entrance fee for adults: 4 GEL
Students: 1 GEL with valid identification
Schoolchildren: 0.50 GEL
Children under 6: Free
Opening time: Daily from 09:00
Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours
Best seasons: Spring and autumn
Nearest metro station: Avlabari
Main access: Botanikuri Street or the upper entrance near Mother of Georgia

The garden’s closing time changes according to the season. Check the latest timetable before visiting, especially during winter, public holidays or extreme weather.

Why Visit Tbilisi Botanical Garden?

The botanical garden offers a completely different atmosphere from the narrow streets and crowded attractions of Old Tbilisi.

Within a few minutes, visitors move from the historic centre into a green gorge filled with trees, streams and walking paths. The surrounding hills reduce much of the city noise, making the garden feel surprisingly remote despite its central location.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Nature lovers
• Families
• Photographers
• Visitors looking for a quiet walk
• Travellers interested in plants and landscape design
• Anyone wanting a break from the summer heat

However, the garden is much larger and hillier than many first-time visitors expect. Comfortable shoes and drinking water are essential.

History of Tbilisi Botanical Garden

The history of the garden extends back more than three centuries.

French traveller Jean Chardin described royal gardens in this area in 1671. Later sources referred to them as the Fortress Gardens or Seidabad Gardens because of their location beside Narikala Fortress.

The gardens appeared in the records of French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in 1701 and on the 1735 map of Tbilisi created by Georgian geographer Prince Vakhushti Bagrationi.

The Persian invasion of Tbilisi in 1795 severely damaged the gardens. They were restored during the early 19th century and officially established as the Tiflis Botanical Garden in 1845.

Over time, the institution expanded its plant collections and developed an important role in botanical research, education and the conservation of Georgian flora.

Today, the National Botanical Garden of Georgia contains more than 4,500 taxonomic plant groups and collections representing the Caucasus, East Asia, the Himalayas, North America, the Mediterranean and other regions.

What to See in Tbilisi Botanical Garden

Tsavkisistskali Waterfall

The waterfall inside the garden is one of its most popular natural attractions.

It lies in the Tsavkisistskali Gorge and can be viewed from the surrounding paths and bridge. The strength of the water varies according to the season and recent rainfall.

The rocks near the waterfall can become extremely slippery. Stay on the marked paths and do not attempt to climb onto wet rocks.

Do not confuse this waterfall with Leghvtakhevi Waterfall, which is located outside the botanical garden near the Sulfur Baths district.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden provides a small and carefully arranged contrast to the surrounding natural landscape.

Its design includes ornamental plants, stones, water features and elements inspired by traditional Japanese garden principles. Spring is an especially attractive time to visit when many plants begin to flower.

Georgian and International Plant Collections

The garden contains plants from different climatic regions, including species native to Georgia and the wider Caucasus.

Visitors can explore collections representing East Asia, North America, the Mediterranean, Turkey, Siberia and the Himalayas. Plant labels provide information about selected species, although signage is not equally detailed in every section.

Historic Arboretum

The arboretum contains mature trees planted during different stages of the garden’s development.

These shaded areas are particularly pleasant during the hotter months. However, some sections are located on slopes and require more walking than the main routes.

Bridges and Walking Paths

A network of paths and bridges crosses the garden and follows different levels of the gorge.

Some routes are wide and relatively easy, while others include steep slopes, stairs and uneven ground. Study the map near the entrance before beginning a longer route.

Panoramic Viewpoints

The upper sections provide views across the garden, Narikala Hill and parts of Tbilisi.

For photography, morning and late afternoon usually offer softer light. The gorge becomes shadowed earlier than the open city, so do not begin a long route too close to closing time.

A Less-Known Historical Detail

Between 1932 and 1958, territory around a former Muslim cemetery became part of the botanical garden.

Several graves and memorials survived, including the grave of Mirza Fatali Akhundov, a prominent 19th-century Azerbaijani writer and philosopher. The Pantheon of Azerbaijani Public Figures remains an important reminder of Tbilisi’s historically multicultural population.

Which Entrance Should You Use?

Tbilisi Botanical Garden has more than one entrance, and choosing the correct one can make the visit considerably easier.

Lower Entrance from Botanikuri Street

The lower entrance is located at the end of Botanikuri Street, above the Abanotubani district.

This entrance is convenient if you are already visiting the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths, Jumah Mosque or Leghvtakhevi Gorge.

Entering from this side means that much of the route will gradually lead uphill.

Upper Entrance near Mother of Georgia

The upper entrance can be reached from the area around the Mother of Georgia.

For many visitors, the easiest option is to take the Tbilisi Cable Car from Rike Park to Narikala Hill. From the upper cable-car station, walk towards the Mother of Georgia and follow the signs for the botanical garden.

This route allows you to enter from a higher point and walk downhill through the garden towards Botanikuri Street and the Sulfur Baths.

Recommended Route

For a convenient one-way visit:

1. Take the cable car from Rike Park.
2. Visit the Mother of Georgia.
3. Enter the botanical garden from the upper entrance.
4. Walk downhill through the garden.
5. Visit the waterfall.
6. Exit onto Botanikuri Street.
7. Continue towards the Sulfur Baths and Old Tbilisi.

This route avoids repeating the same path and reduces the amount of uphill walking.

Narikala Restoration Notice

Narikala Fortress is undergoing restoration and remains closed to visitors at the time of this 2026 update.

The cable car, Mother of Georgia and Tbilisi Botanical Garden remain accessible. However, walking routes and barriers around the fortress may change during the restoration project.

Follow the signs on the hill and never enter fenced construction areas. Check the latest local information if reaching the garden through the Narikala area is an important part of your plan.

How to Get to Tbilisi Botanical Garden

From the Sulfur Baths

Walk uphill along Botanikuri Street from the Abanotubani district. The lower entrance is located at the end of the road.

This is the shortest option for visitors already exploring the historic bath district.

By Cable Car

Take the cable car from Rike Park to the upper station on Narikala Hill.

From there, walk towards the Mother of Georgia and follow the signs for the botanical garden entrance.

By Metro

Avlabari is the nearest metro station to the Old Town side of the garden.

From the station, walk towards Metekhi Bridge, cross into the historic centre and continue through Meidan Square and the Sulfur Baths district to Botanikuri Street.

The complete walk normally takes around 20–30 minutes.

By Taxi

For the lower entrance, enter “National Botanical Garden of Georgia” or “1 Botanikuri Street” as your destination.

For the upper route, enter “Mother of Georgia” as the destination. Vehicle access near Narikala may be limited because of restoration work, so the driver may need to stop before the final pedestrian section.

Read the guide to online taxi apps in Georgia before ordering a ride.

Best Time to Visit

Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons for flowering plants, fresh greenery and comfortable walking temperatures.

April and May are particularly attractive, although rain can make some paths slippery.

Summer

The garden offers more shade than many areas of central Tbilisi, but summer afternoons can still become extremely hot.

Visit in the morning, carry enough water and avoid the longest uphill routes during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing colours. September and October are excellent months for longer walks and photography.

Winter

The garden remains open during winter, but some plants lose their foliage and the paths may become wet, icy or muddy.

Closing time is usually earlier during the colder season.

Accessibility and Walking Conditions

Tbilisi Botanical Garden has steep paths, stairs, slopes and uneven surfaces.

The garden is therefore not fully accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with significant mobility limitations. Even the easier routes can involve elevation changes.

Visitors with knee, hip or balance problems should consider entering from the upper side and following a shorter downhill route. However, downhill walking can also place additional pressure on the knees.

Wear shoes with good grip and avoid difficult paths after heavy rain.

What to Bring

For a more comfortable visit, bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Drinking water
• Sun protection
• A hat during summer
• A light rain jacket in uncertain weather
• A charged phone or offline map
• Identification if requesting a reduced ticket

Food and drink options inside the garden can be limited, so do not rely on finding an open café along every route.

Zipline over the Botanical Garden

A commercial zipline operates above part of the botanical garden and provides aerial views of the gorge.

The zipline is a separate paid activity operated independently from the garden. Its price, opening hours and weather restrictions can change.

Check the operator’s current conditions before travelling specifically for the zipline. Strong wind, rain or technical maintenance may interrupt the service.

Continue Exploring Old Tbilisi

The botanical garden can easily be combined with:

• Mother of Georgia
• Narikala Fortress — currently under restoration
• Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
• Jumah Mosque
• Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
• Meidan Square
• Rike Park
• Bridge of Peace
• Tbilisi Cable Car

The Old Tbilisi Free Tour operated by Tbilisi Free Walking Tours finishes near the Sulfur Baths district.

The botanical garden is not included in the walking-tour route and requires a separate entrance ticket. However, the tour’s finishing location makes it easy to continue independently towards the lower garden entrance on Botanikuri Street.

FAQ

How much is the entrance fee for Tbilisi Botanical Garden?

The published adult entrance fee is 4 GEL. Reduced prices are available for students and schoolchildren, while children under six can enter free of charge. Bring identification when requesting a reduced ticket.

What time does Tbilisi Botanical Garden open?

The garden generally opens daily at 09:00. Closing time changes according to the season, so check the latest schedule before visiting.

How long do I need for Tbilisi Botanical Garden?

Allow at least two hours for the main paths and waterfall. A more complete visit can take three hours or longer.

Which entrance to Tbilisi Botanical Garden is best?

The upper entrance near the Mother of Georgia is best for a mostly downhill route. The lower Botanikuri Street entrance is more convenient when arriving from the Sulfur Baths, but the walk through the garden will involve more climbing.

Is Tbilisi Botanical Garden suitable for children?

Yes, but adults should supervise children closely near steep paths, bridges, water and slippery rocks. A lightweight child carrier may be more practical than a stroller on some routes.

Is Tbilisi Botanical Garden wheelchair accessible?

Not completely. Much of the garden has steep, uneven or stepped terrain, and accessible routes are limited.

Can I visit the botanical garden during Narikala restoration?

Yes. The botanical garden, Mother of Georgia and cable car remain accessible. However, pedestrian routes near the fortress may change, so follow current signs and barriers.

Is there a waterfall inside Tbilisi Botanical Garden?

Yes. The Tsavkisistskali Waterfall is one of the garden’s main attractions. It is different from Leghvtakhevi Waterfall near the Sulfur Baths.

.