Nestled between Central Asia, Europe, and Russia, Georgia is certainly worth a visit. Tbilisi is the capital and largest city in Georgia. Restaurants and accommodation are affordable, the wine is plentiful and good, and the cuisine is excellent. There is a good reason why Georgian restaurants are so popular throughout Russia. Here are a few other attractions to see when you are not eating khachapuri.
Cable Car to Botanical Gardens
This cable car leaves from Rike Park near Europe Square and travels across the Kura River, to the top of the main hill above the old town. There is often a line, but it moves fairly quickly. Payment is done with the same contactless card used for the subway. One-way ride costs 2.5 Georgian Lari. The ride to the top takes about 5 minutes.
Once you get to the top viewpoint you can follow the signs to the botanical gardens, which are down some stairs. Entrance to the botanical gardens costs 4 Lari. The gardens are more of a landscaped park, and you can spend several hours walking around. There are many secluded spots, plenty of shade, and a waterfall. There are many opportunities to walk off the beaten path, and going to the gardens is a great way to leave the city without actually leaving the city.
Fine Art Museum
Featuring contemporary Georgian art, the Fine Art Museum is located in an impressive five story glass and steel building. The oldest art is located on the top floor, so it is suggested to go to the top floor and work your way down. Entrance fee is 15 Lari.
National Museum of Georgia
This museum has a little bit of everything, but the highlight is undoubtedly the large and extensive collection of gold and jewelry located in the basement. The exhibit has gold from Greek and Roman times, as well as a four thousand year old gold cup. The ground floor has some exhibitions on the natural history of Georgia, and the top floor has an exhibition on Georgia during Soviet times. This part was quite dark. Entry fee for the museum is 15 Lari.
Bonus: Metro
With two lines and 23 stations, the Tbilisi Metro is not only a great way to get around, it is also an interesting attraction. Each ride on the Metro costs .5 Lari, and you pay using a rechargeable tap card. The card costs 2 Lari. Trains run from 6:00AM until midnight.
Like most Metro systems of the Soviet Union, the Tbilisi Metro features deep stations, and cool decorations. Rustaveli station is the deepest in the network, and has a 120 Metre long escalator.
