Vake Park Tbilisi: Rides, Walks and History since 1946
🌳 City Park · ⏱️ 2–4 hours · 📍 Chavchavadze Avenue, Tbilisi Center
🌿 What you need to know before visiting
| 📍 Entrance | From Chavchavadze Avenue — a cascading fountain staircase leads into the park |
| 📐 Area | 200 hectares on the slope of the Trialeti Range |
| 📅 Founded | 1946 — the largest landscaping project in the history of Tbilisi. In the USSR — "Victory Park" |
| 🚡 Ropeway | From the park directly to Turtle Lake. Check operating hours in advance |
| 🎭 Highlights | WWII Memorial (1981), art tunnel, open-air cinema, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium |
| 🚌 Transport | Buses 9, 21, 34, 51, 59, 61, 85, 88, 140. Stops: Kipshidze or Vake Park |
| 💰 Admission | Free. Attractions and the ropeway require an additional fee |
🧭 Who This Article Is For
Vake Park is the main large park in the center of Tbilisi. There is plenty to do here both in the morning and evening: a morning jog or a walk in the silence, and evening cafes, fountains, and illumination. For families with children, there are attractions and playgrounds. For everyone else, there are city views from the viewpoints. This article is for those who want to understand exactly what to see here and how to structure their visit.
🌱 History: 200 Hectares Out of Nothing
In 1946, an unprecedented project started in Tbilisi: it was decided to build a park on a wasteland near the Trialeti Range. 200 hectares was a real challenge to the city's topography: workers had to carry out drainage work, and in some places literally blast the ground to create a favorable environment for planting.
The architect of the project was K. Dgebuadze, and the dendrologist was N. Tsitsishvili. In a short time, thousands of coniferous, fruit, and deciduous trees were planted. The name comes from the Georgian word "vake", meaning "plain" — an ironic detail for a park built on a mountain slope.
In Soviet times, the park was named "Victory Park". After independence, it became Vake Park.
🎠 What's here
- The cascading staircase of fountains. Entrance from Chavchavadze Avenue, designed by architects V. Abramishvili and N. Jobadze. This is not just a way in—it's the first impression of the park. At the end of the staircase is a large, round central fountain with a pool.
- World War II Memorial. At the end of the central street stands a memorial to those who died in the Great Patriotic War, erected in 1981. The architects are V. Aleksi-Meskhishvili and K. Nakhutsrishvili, and the sculptor is G. Ochiauri. One of the most significant historical sites in the park.
- The Art Tunnel is one of the park's most popular photo spots. The walls are brightly painted by street artists. If you're bringing a camera, don't miss it.
- Cable car to Turtle Lake. This is one of the most unexpected ways to find yourself by the water, bypassing city streets. Check opening hours before your visit.
- An open-air cinema is perfect for warm evenings. Showtimes vary, so please check in advance.
- Children's area and attractions. A children's playground with attractions and playgrounds. Reviews indicate it is in good condition.
- Boat lake. The park has a small lake where you can rent a boat. A pleasant option for a quiet getaway or a stroll with children.
- Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (formerly Burevestnik). Built in 1956 by architect K. Dgebuadze, it seats 25,000 spectators.
- Cafes and restaurants. Several establishments are located within the park, from a coffee shop to a restaurant serving Georgian cuisine.
Weekday mornings are the best time: the park is empty, the light is soft, and the birds are singing. Enjoy a jog or a leisurely stroll with a coffee from the cafe near the entrance. If you want an evening park with illumination and atmosphere, come on Thursday or Friday evening; it can get crowded on weekends. It's better to shoot the Art Tunnel in overcast weather to get fewer contrasting shadows. And check in advance if the ropeway is working: this is a separate route that changes the whole day.
🗺️ How to Plan Your Visit
1️⃣ Enter from the side of Chavchavadze Avenue — walk up the cascading fountain staircase to the central round fountain.
2️⃣ Walk along the central alley towards the WWII memorial — an important historical spot with great architecture.
3️⃣ Find the art tunnel — it is away from the main path, but easy to find by following the signs or asking passersby.
4️⃣ If it's working, take the ropeway to Turtle Lake. This is one of the best viewpoints in Tbilisi.
5️⃣ Stop by the lake — rent a boat or just sit by the water.
6️⃣ Children's zone and attractions — for families with kids.
7️⃣ Finish your visit at a cafe or restaurant on the grounds.
💬 What Visitors Say
"Vake Park is a real gem in the very center of Tbilisi. They created a garden city on the site of a wasteland, and now it is a well-kept place with alleys, fountains, and clean air. I especially liked it early in the morning when the park is just waking up."
"They managed to fit so many amazing things into one park: an open-air cinema, a cascading fountain, historical monuments, a stadium, and an art tunnel. For children, there are playgrounds and rides; for parents, there are cafes. Something for everyone at once."
"Boating on the lake and admiring the city views from the observation decks — in the evening, the lighting makes the park even more magical. I plan to attend one of the festivals this summer."
"Perfect for both family walks and solitary moments in nature. I highly recommend it on weekday evenings; it gets crowded on weekends."
🏁 Why It's Worth Visiting
Vake Park is not just "another square in the center." It is 200 hectares planted from scratch in 1946, featuring fountains, a memorial, an art tunnel, a ropeway to Turtle Lake, and an open-air cinema. It's a good place for a jog, a walk with children, a date by the fountain, or just an escape from the city noise. Free admission, various activity formats, and several spots that are worth visiting on their own.
ℹ️ Admission to the park is free. Attractions, the ropeway, and boats require an additional fee. Please check the operating hours of the ropeway before your visit. Transport: buses 9, 21, 34, 51, 59, 61, 85, 88, 140, stops Kipshidze or Vake Park. Information is current at the time of publication.
Have you been to Vake Park? What did you like most — the cascading fountains, the art tunnel, the ropeway, or the boat ride? Or maybe a morning jog in the silence? Tell us — we read all comments ❤️
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 The main entrance is from Chavchavadze Avenue. By bus: routes 9, 21, 34, 51, 59, 61, 85, 88, 140, stops Kipshidze or Vake Park. From Old Tbilisi, it is most convenient to take a taxi. The drive from the center takes about 10–15 minutes.
💬 Entrance is free. Attractions for children, the ropeway to Turtle Lake, and boat rentals require an additional fee.
💬 The ropeway leads from Vake Park to Turtle Lake. Operating hours may change depending on the season — check on-site or by phone before visiting.
💬 Yes. There is a small lake in the park with boat rentals — a nice way to spend time with family or as a couple.
💬 Both times are good in different ways. On weekday mornings, it is quiet, fresh, and uncrowded: good for a jog and a peaceful walk. In the evening, the park is illuminated, creating a special atmosphere, and cafes are open. It can be crowded on summer weekends.
💬 Yes, you can sit on the lawns. There are no specially equipped areas with barbecue grills, but picnic spots for food are quite accessible. Several visitors suggested adding mat rental spots.
💬 It fits perfectly. The park has several trails of varying lengths, including those with elevation changes along the hilly terrain. Visitors note the good condition of the paths. There are also sports zones.
💬 The Art Tunnel is an underpass whose walls are brightly painted by Tbilisi street artists. It is one of the most popular photo spots in the park. It is located away from the main alley — ask the staff or passersby for directions.
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Мне особенно понравилось, как автор описывает разнообразие маршрутов и зон для отдыха: от тенистых аллей и уютных дорожек до открытых лужаек, где можно устроить пикник, поиграть или просто посидеть с книгой. Для тех, кто живёт в Тбилиси или приезжает на выходные, парк Ваке — отличный способ провести время вне шума улиц.
Особенно ценно, что в статье есть практичные советы — где искать самые красивые виды, какие маршруты подходят для неспешной прогулки, а какие — для активной прогулки или пробежки. Такие детали помогают прочувствовать атмосферу парка ещё до визита и сделать прогулку максимально приятной.
Описание места создаёт ощущение лёгкости и умиротворения: приятно представить, как солнце пробивается сквозь листья, птицы поют, а вокруг — люди, гуляющие с детьми или друзьями. 🌞💛
Спасибо автору за вдохновляющий обзор!
А вы уже гуляли в парке Ваке? Какие уголки этого парка вам особенно нравятся — тенистые аллеи, площадки у пруда или виды на город от смотровых точек? 🌳✨