Alongside Turtle Lake and the Sea of Tbilisi, this pretty lake is one of the most important recreational areas for tourists and, of course, the inhabitants of the Georgian capital. Here you can not only swim, but also go boating and even jogging or cycling on a real cycle path. If you hate sports, you’ll find plenty of places with beer, good wine, pizza, sushi and, of course, Georgian cuisine. We’ve put together this guide with lots of great insider tips to help you find your way around.
- Area: 47 hectare 😮
- Location: Kura River valley
- Max. depth: 4 m (13 ft)
- Many leisure activities 🤾♂️
- Cool Restaurants & Bars
- Bo entrance fee 🤑
- Parking for a fee 🚘
Lisi Lake – an Oasis of relaxation in Tbilisi
Imagine yourself immersed in an arid world with the brilliant aesthetics of the Caucasus. Lisi Lake is located just 17 kilometers from the city center. No city noise, no hustle and bustle, just you and nature with a few turtles, ducks and all your bugs, mosquitoes and cute free-roaming cats. Just kidding, the natural landscape of Lisi Lake is relaxing and invites you to slow down from the city madness! Lisi Lake is a natural paradise and it’s pretty damn big – the entire area covers 0.47 square kilometers! Whether you’re pedalling along the 3-kilometre cycle path or simply soaking up the sun on the beach – you’ll find happiness here. And the best thing? The air up here is so clean you can literally taste it.
Where is Lisi Lake and how do I get there?
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are various ways to get to the lake quickly.
| Means of transport | Route | Duration | Cost | Special features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Line 29 from Station Square | approx. 30-45 minutes | Cheap | Not the fastest option, but scenic | |
| Taxi | Yandex Taxi or Bolt App | approx. 15-20 minutes | Moderate prices | Fast and convenient, ideal for larger groups | |
| Car | via Aghmashenebeli Alley | approx. 20-30 minutes | Parking spaces available | Flexible, but traffic jams possible |
| Cocktail | Price |
|---|---|
| Corona Rita | 58 ₾ |
| Passoa Brazil | 52 ₾ |
| Captain Jack | 35 ₾ |
| Pina Colada | 32 ₾ |
| Blue Hawaiian | 42 ₾ |
| Sex on the Beach | 30 ₾ |
| Negroni | 41 ₾ |
| Cosmopolitan | 22 ₾ |
| Mojito | 26 ₾ |
| Mai Tai | 28 ₾ |
| French 75 | 26 ₾ |
| Aperol Spritz | 29 ₾ |
| Espresso Martini | 26 ₾ |
| Moscow Mule | 35 ₾ |
| Long Island Iced Tea | 30 ₾ |
| Long Island Energy | 36 ₾ |
| Margarita | 23 ₾ |
| Mr. Master | 35 ₾ |
| Clover Club | 23 ₾ |
| Cuba Libre | 18 ₾ |
| B-52 | 19 ₾ |
| Hiroshima | 24 ₾ |
If you just want to pop into Lisi Intelligentsia for a quick coffee, you are also welcome. The prices here are mid-range, but this is in line with the quality of the food.
Lisi Charlie Café
If you want to dine in the forest, this unique location at Lisi Lake in Tbilisi is the place for you. The Lisi Charlie Café has a small indoor area in case of bad weather, but you should prefer the charming garden with Tibetan prayer flags in the middle of the forest.
You can chill out and enjoy life here with a cozy glass of Kisi from Shalva Gvaramadze for just 5 ₾. There is also coffee (rather average), cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition to various types of khachapuri and lobiani, they also offer pizza. The pizzas from Lisi Charlie Organic Café can’t really compete with the high-end pizzas from the Rude Boy Bar in Tbilisi, but they still taste good and are perfect for sharing.
- Pizza Vegetarian 19 ₾
- Pizza Pepperoni 25 ₾
- Pizza Prosciutto 27 ₾
- Pizza with 4 Cheese 30 ₾
If you want something lighter, Lisi Charlie Café offers several soups, pasta and tasty salads in different variations. Unfortunately, the prices have been increased several times in recent years, which is due to the increasing popularity of Lisi Lake Tbilisi.
Our insider tip - Hatay Sofrası: Golden Moon Restaurant
When the traffic jam on the way back from Lisi Lake in Tbilisi was once again too much, we made our way on foot and came across this great restaurant. The small but lovely garden of the Golden Moon Ali Baba Restaurant with its own parking lot at the exit from Lisi Lake is a great place to chill out.
The Golden Moon Ali Baba Restaurant offers really great Turkish cuisine for a top price. If you’re hungry between meals, you can get a lahmacun for just 5 ₾ or a tavuk dürüm for 10 ₾. You can get an ayran or Turkish coffee here for just 3 ₾. It’s worth mentioning that there is also Georgian cuisine here, but we haven’t tried it yet.
Lisi Lake for Families and Children
There’s no question that the lake delights the whole family. Whether you want to let your babies crawl on the meadow or take the kids out for a pony ride at the Lisi Lake Hippodrome, everyone will find something to enjoy here.
Fun and games for children
Lisi Lake is a true paradise for children, without other adults being annoyed by loud shouting! In special areas, the kids can really let off steam and enjoy the day to the full:
- Children’s playgrounds – There are great playgrounds all along the lakeshore (some for a fee with swings, slides, climbing frames and much more. There is also a ninja parkour. Stressed parents can let their kids run free almost everywhere.
- Climbing wall – For little adventurers, there is an exciting climbing wall where they can put their skills to the test. Under parental supervision, of course!
- Pony riding – At Hippodrome Lisi Lake, children can ride ponies and feel like real cowboys and cowgirls. An unforgettable experience for little horse fans!
- Discover nature – The recreation area gives children the opportunity to experience nature up close. They can feed ducks, throw stones into the water or simply stroll along the shore and explore the surroundings.
Insider Tips for Lisi Lake
Of course, we have put together a few tips to make your stay even more enjoyable.
The best Photo Spots on the Lake
- Panoramic view from the hill – Climb the hill on the western shore and enjoy the breathtaking view over the entire lake. Perfect for landscape shots in the morning or evening light.
- Hidden bays – Discover the small, hidden bays on the shore. Here you can take romantic photos at sunset or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Reflections in the water – When there is no wind, the lake turns into a giant mirror. Use this effect for creative photos with fascinating reflections.
Events and festivals
Let us give you an overview of regular events at Lisi Lake.
- Lisi Wonderland – An annual music festival with international DJs and bands. Dancing in the open air, right on the lakeshore – an unforgettable experience!
- Lisi Lake Run – A running event for all fitness enthusiasts. Whether professional or amateur runner, everyone can test their limits here and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Open-air cinema – In summer, Lisi Lake is transformed into an open-air cinema. Make yourself comfortable on a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Insider tips off the beaten track
Want to explore Lisi Lake off the beaten track? Then we have a few insider tips for you here:
- Birdwatching – Lisi Lake is a paradise for birdwatchers. With a bit of luck, you can spot rare species such as the white-tailed eagle or the black stork.
- Hikes in the surrounding area – The area around Lisi Lake offers numerous hiking trails that take you through forests and hills. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
We wanted to point out that fishing is a great option, but this is not permitted.
Tbilisi Lisi Lake Weather and best Time to visit
We all know that the weather in Tbilisi can sometimes be absolutely brilliant, but it can also be really harsh and brutal. Keep in mind that the lake is located at over 500 meters and especially in winter there can be really strong winds. Nevertheless, in good weather conditions, the lake offers activities all year round, let us illustrate this in the following table.
| Season | Temperature (°C) | Sunshine Hours | Precipitation | Special Features | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | 10-20 | 5-7 | Moderate | Comfortable temperatures, blooming nature, fewer tourists | Hiking, cycling, picnics, birdwatching |
| Summer (June-August) | 25-35 | 8-10 | Low | Hot and sunny, ideal for swimming, many events and festivals | Swimming, boating, sunbathing, water sports, festivals, open-air cinema |
| Autumn (September-November) | 15-25 | 5-7 | Moderate | Mild temperatures, colorful foliage, fewer tourists | Hiking, cycling, leisurely walks, fishing |
| Winter (December-February) | 0-10 | 3-5 | Snow possible | Cool and occasional snow, quiet atmosphere | Walks, ice skating (when the lake is frozen), winter picnics |
Special warning – Attention Rabies at Lisi Lake!
Unfortunately, we have to address this topic in this article. Rabies is still widespread in Georgia! At Lisi Lake, you may also encounter stray dogs and cats, so exercise caution. Don’t automatically cuddle every animal and keep a close eye on them. If you are bitten, make your way to the nearest hospital and get vaccinated immediately – rabies is 100% fatal to humans. I am referring to first-hand information here. One of my dear friend’s dogs was bitten by a stray dog here and had to be put down as a result.
Our honest conclusion: Why Lisi Lake is worth a Visit
Lisi Lake is more than just a lake – it’s Tbilisi’s wild Garden of Eden! Whether you’re looking for action or just want to relax and unwind, you’ll find your happiness here. It’s best to visit when there aren’t too many people around. Sure, it’s not perfect (who is?), but its rough edges only make it more interesting. So, grab your friends, your family or just yourself and make your way to this unique natural gem. You won’t regret it!
