Tbilisi and its surroundings are becoming increasingly popular and favorite places among tourists and independent travelers. In addition to attractive prices, stunning nature and delicious food, there are combined notes of Italian, French, Dutch architectures. But they are combined in a completely unimaginable extravaganza, unique to Georgia. Here are some places worth visiting in and around Tbilisi to get a little idea of this place.
Shota Rustaveli Avenue
Shota Rustaveli Avenue is probably the most popular prospectus among people in whose memory Soviet Georgia is still alive. It was there that secular evening walks to the opera house took place, the Lahidzevskie river flowed like a sweet river and an immense amount of khachapuri and achma was eaten.
On Shota Rustaveli Avenue, the first Tbilisi school is still standing. Here, children of the most famous people of Georgia, including Mikhail Saakashvili, studied. Nowadays, the places of old small eateries have been replaced by more expensive cafes, restaurants and shops. But, from those times, at the beginning of the street, the collapse of local creativity and souvenirs remained. The entire avenue is decorated with small bronze figurines, and the lights are turned on in the evening.
Street Shardeni
Shardeni Street is one of the parts of Tbilisi that has completely changed. The street is decorated in the European, closer to the French, style with small cafes, art galleries and souvenir shops. It is a pleasure to walk down the street, taking a break for a cup of coffee, sometimes feeling like in the center of Paris.
At the beginning of the street you can see the monument “Mother of Kartli” — a woman with a sword in one hand and wine in the other. The monument symbolizes the attitude of Georgia to strangers and friends. On Shardeni, you can see an enlarged copy of a bronze archaeological find of the 7th century BC, “Tamada”.
The Bridge of Peace
The Bridge of Peace is one of the fabulous buildings of the new Georgia. The magnificent pedestrian bridge over Kura, built in 2010, is a symbol connecting the old and the new Georgia. The bridge is symbolically stretched between the old Tbilisi — the Metekhi district and the new one — with Saakashvili Palace and Rike Park.
The shape of the bridge was invented by Italian architect Michele de Lucca. It looks most advantageous in the evening, when the lights come on and the bridge begins to overflow, as if covered with large diamonds. Lighting the Bridge of Peace was invented by the French designer Philip Martino.
Near the Bridge of Peace is the best casino in Tbilisi — Shangri La. It was twice awarded the Golden Brand award for quality service. This is not surprising, because the unit belongs to the famous international network, Storm International of Michael Boettcher. The casino has a restaurant, the panoramic windows of which overlook the Bridge of Peace. This was done on purpose, stressed Darren Keane, Storm International Managing director, so that guests can enjoy the beautiful view.
Rike Park
Rike Park is located opposite to the Bridge of Peace, next to the Saakashvili Palace. Rike Park, one of the most vivid examples of modern Georgia. Its opening took place in 2010. It harmoniously combines dancing fountains with a holographic show, huge chess with human figures and a small playground. In the afternoon you can ride a segway, and in the evening, together with the local residents, you can admire the center of Tbilisi in the multi-colored lights.
Amusement Park Mtatsminda
Mtatsminda is one of the oldest parks in Tbilisi, it is located on a mountain hill. A few years ago there was opened an amusement park for children. There is almost everything in the amusement parks of major cities of the world for children of different ages. From the interesting — the Ferris wheel, which offers a beautiful city view in a clear weather. But the main highlight of Mtatsminda is not so much the attractions, as the general architectural appearance of the buildings. These are surreal houses, fairy-tale characters, unusual shapes and unexpected color combinations.
