Tbilisi 2 Parks: Turtle Lake & Dedaena Park with Flea Market

Tbilisi 2 Parks: Turtle Lake & Dedaena Park with Flea Market
Location: Kvemo Kartli, Georgia
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Check availability
Rating: 5 stars
Supplier: Chill Easy

If you’re craving a taste of Tbilisi’s lively street culture combined with relaxing natural beauty, this tour offers a little bit of both. For around three hours, we get to wander through the eclectic flea markets of Dedaena Park, enjoy the buzzing skate park and vibrant bars, then escape to the peaceful waters of Turtle Lake with its scenic hilltop views. To top it off, a nostalgic Soviet-era cable car ride gives us panoramic views we won’t forget.

What we love about this experience is how it balances urban charm with nature’s calm. The flea market is a treasure trove of local crafts and antiques, perfect for finding a unique souvenir. Also, the cable car provides a fun, nostalgic ride with sweeping city vistas that make you appreciate how easy it is to switch from lively streets to peaceful lakeside scenes.

A possible consideration is the tour’s limited duration — three hours fly by quickly, so you’ll want to pace yourself, especially if you plan to indulge at the cafes or take your time browsing the market. If you’re looking for a quick, authentic glimpse of Tbilisi’s contrasting sides, this tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of lively local culture and scenic outdoor spots that showcase the city’s relaxed, scenic side.

Key Points

• Eclectic Flea Market: Discover unique crafts, antiques, and souvenirs at Dedaena Park’s bustling flea market.
• Urban and Natural Mix: Experience the lively skate parks and bars before escaping to tranquil Turtle Lake.
• Scenic Views: The cable car ride offers sweeping panoramas of Tbilisi, blending history with a fun ride.
• Relaxing Lakeside: Enjoy lakeside cafes, water bicycles, or a leisurely walk around Turtle Lake.
• Authentic Experiences: The tour combines local markets, scenic views, and a taste of Soviet-era transport for a well-rounded glimpse of Tbilisi.
• Value for Time: In just three hours, you gain a broad view of the city’s energetic and peaceful sides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tbilisi’s Parks: A Full Breakdown

Starting at Dedaena Park: The Heart of Local Life

Our journey begins along the Mtkvari River, where Dedaena Park’s lively flea market awaits. This is more than just a shopping stop; it’s a window into Tbilisi’s creative soul. You’ll find crafts, vintage items, and souvenirs from local artisans, which makes for memorable keepsakes. The market’s vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of street performers and artisans, really captures the city’s bold, eclectic spirit.

From the reviews, many travelers note that the market is a delightful surprise. One says, “It’s like walking through a treasure chest of Georgian arts and crafts,” highlighting how this spot is perfect for those looking to take home a piece of local culture.

Beyond the market, the skate park adds an energetic vibe. Watching skaters perform tricks is entertaining — a true reflection of Georgia’s youthful, modern scene. Afterward, some visitors enjoy relaxing in the recreation zone or savoring a drink at the lively bars. The combination of local flavor and urban energy makes Dedaena Park a great intro to Tbilisi’s multifaceted personality.

Transition to Turtle Lake: A Scenic Drive and Breathtaking Views

From Dedaena, we take a scenic short drive uphill to Turtle Lake, perched upon a hill overlooking the city. The journey alone offers stunning views of Tbilisi’s skyline and the surrounding hills. Once there, the atmosphere shifts to peaceful and recreational.

Turtle Lake is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. People love to rent water bicycles, which gives a fun, leisurely way to explore the lake—something many reviews praise. “Riding the water bicycle was a highlight,” one traveler shared, noting how relaxing it was to paddle around while taking in the panoramic cityscape.

The lakeside cafes are perfect for a quick coffee or snack, providing a relaxing break with views of the rolling hills and the tranquil water. Whether you prefer to wander around the lake, sit with a drink, or just soak in the scenery, Turtle Lake offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle.

The Soviet Cable Car Ride: Nostalgia and Panorama

The tour’s final highlight is the cable car ride, a remnant of the Soviet era that still offers fantastic panoramic views of Tbilisi. The ride is both a nostalgic experience and a practical way to descend from the hilltop.

Many travelers mention how the cable car adds a sense of history and fun to the tour. “It’s a simple but memorable ride,” one reviewer noted, emphasizing how the panoramic vistas make it worth the slight old-fashioned feel. The ride smoothly connects you back into the city, allowing you to appreciate the layered beauty of Tbilisi’s architecture and landscape from above.

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The Practicalities and Value

Transportation and logistics are straightforward — hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it hassle-free, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city. The tour is designed for small private groups, which means a more personalized experience, and the guide can tailor the narrative to your interests.

The cost, which includes the cable car ticket, a cup of coffee, and an optional water bicycle ride, offers good value considering the variety of experiences packed into just three hours. The guided aspect ensures you get insightful commentary about each site, making your visit more meaningful.

A key point from reviews is that the tour operates in all weather, so be prepared with weather-appropriate clothing—Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable, but it shouldn’t stop your plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick but comprehensive taste of Tbilisi’s lively street culture, scenic beauty, and history. It’s also suited for anyone short on time but eager to see both urban and natural attractions. The combination of markets, lakeside relaxation, and panoramic views makes it appealing to a broad range of travelers, especially those who value authentic local encounters over commercialized attractions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Tbilisi. You’ll love the way it combines the energy of Dedaena’s flea market and skate park with the peaceful scenic beauty of Turtle Lake. The cable car ride adds a fun, nostalgic touch, and the small-group format ensures a relaxed, engaging experience.

While it’s a brisk 3-hour jaunt, the variety of sights and activities mean you’ll leave feeling like you’ve seen two sides of the city—urban vibrancy and natural serenity—without feeling rushed. If you’re someone who enjoys discovering local markets, scenic views, and a bit of history, this tour is a smart choice.

Overall, it’s a fantastic value for the price, especially with the included transportation, the guide’s insights, and the chance to experience Tbilisi’s authentic charm firsthand.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and easy to start your experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour runs for about 3 hours, so plan accordingly to make the most of your time.

Can I ride the water bicycle?
Yes, water bicycle rides are included if you choose that option, and many travelers find it a relaxing way to enjoy Turtle Lake.

Is this a group or private experience?
It can be booked as a private tour, which offers a more personalized experience, but check availability.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Are children under 12 allowed?
Children under 12 are only permitted on private tours and should be noted when booking.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or babies under 1 year.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and authentic taste of Tbilisi in a manageable time frame, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for independent travelers eager to see the city’s creative side, relax by the lake, and enjoy panoramic views—all with a friendly local guide leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: