Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi
Narikala Fortress
Narikala Fortress
4.5
from A$3.97
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Plan your visit
The area
How to get there
- Avlabari • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
813 within 5 kms

Divino
316
0.1 km$ • Bar • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly

Wine Buffet
219
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Georgian • Vegetarian Friendly

Sormoni Meidan
662
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Barbecue • Wine Bar • Eastern European

MacLaren's Irish Pub
362
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Irish • European

Schuchmann Wine Bar & Restaurant
619
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • Fusion • Wine Bar

Organique Josper Grill Bar
1,206
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Barbecue • European

Aristaeus Ethno Wine Bar
71
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Vegan Options

Los Crayfish Hermanos
224
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International

Luca Polare
362
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

g.Vino Wine Bar
690
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Gastropub • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
101 within 5 kms

Jumah Mosque
223
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals

Legvachtahvi Gorge
46
0.2 kmGeologic Formations

Cathedral of St. George
50
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Museum of Illusions
345
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums • Science Museums

Tbilisi Antique Archaeological Museum
7
0.2 kmHistory Museums

Heydar Aliyev Park
86
0.2 kmParks • Other Nature & Parks

Old Town (Altstadt) Tbilisi
3,154
0.3 kmHistoric Walking Areas

Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
329
0.3 kmMonuments & Statues

Meidan Bazaar
43
0.2 kmFlea & Street Markets

Metekhi Cathedral
504
0.3 kmReligious Sites
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,927 reviews
Excellent
1,097
Very good
577
Average
217
Poor
29
Terrible
7
Mohammad Qutishat
Amman, Jordan2,164 contributions
See the fortress from the city below, go up to the fortress to view the city from the top!
Mar. 2020
Narikala Fortress is a small old fortress, there is nothing much to see up there, most of the walls still standing, and there is a small church inside the walls which was rebuilt.
You can see the Fortress clearly from a lot of places in Tbilisi, especially when it is lit at night it looks so beautiful, but if you go up there is nothing much to see, still going up there is recommended but not to actually see the fortress but to have a great view of the beautiful Tbilisi from above.
I recommend going up the hill using the cable car, visit the mother of Georgia & the Narikala Fortress, then go down from the other side through the lovely National Botanical Garden of Tbilisi city, You can also go down using the zipline in the Botanical Garden.
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mohamed S
Alexandria, Egypt1,243 contributions
Panoramic
Feb. 2020
This little fortress is originally a Persian (Sassanian) fortress, but later modified by the arabs, mongols, and others. Built on the hill overlooking the river Mtkvari and the prestigious sulfur baths. The name is a derivation of the mongol name which means little fortress. The fortress shows nothing special but still it gives marvelous views over the city and it also compromises a small chapel, St. Nicholas, which was rebuilt recently after the independence replacing the old one destroyed in a fire.
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,524 contributions
At the old "Little Fortress" of Tbilisi ...
Sep. 2019
The old Sasanian citadel was firstly built in the 4th century and was named "Narikala", meaning "Little Fortress". But very little indeed remains from the old fortress, which was built and rebuilt many times along the centuries ... It is considered the "Mother Fortress of Georgia" and can be easily reached through the "Aerial Tramway". After visiting "Narikala Fortress", you can walk down using the existing trails and paths. Be ready for awesome views of Tbilisi, the old town and Mtkvary River. Enjoy!
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TAIN2013
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia2,858 contributions
Beautiful views
May 2019
The ruins of the fortress stand on a small hill overlooking the botanical gardens. While you can walk up to the fortress from the old town and the sulphur baths, it is much easier to take the cable car to the Mother of Georgia monument and then walk to the fortress from there. You can always walk down which is much easier.
The fortress is mostly in ruins except for a church which has been rebuilt. As usual with any ruin, it requires a reasonable amount of physical fitness to explore. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear - preferably hiking boots. The site was first fortified in the fourth century and rebuilt several times. The current structure dates back to the seventeenth century. Parts of the ruins have been made safe for tourists and you can climb up and walk the ancient walls while other parts are in their natural state and may not be safe to climb.
What makes it all worthwhile are the views from the top. The best time to visit is in the evening when you can see the city lighted up from the top as the sun sets.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melanie
London, UK12 contributions
Nice hike up there
Feb. 2020 • Solo
Did walk up there from the city! It is a short walk, views on a clear day are very good and theres hidden paths everywhere!
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ASmulders
The Hague, The Netherlands126 contributions
Beautiful fortress
Mar. 2020 • Family
A beautiful place for visit and you will have a beautiful view from there!!!
You can also combine the visit with the botanic garden.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shaymolakhatun93
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates17 contributions
CHILLING WEATHER
Feb. 2020
I went to fortress by cabal car in evening , its very cold at top. on right side we walk towards statue of mother georgia on the way some guys with pet standing while going thy start conversation n give pets without informing and saying to click pics, later thy said 1 animal cost 5 lari. can u imagine thy put 3 pets without my knowledge n of course have to pay. the view from the fortress towards whole city is incredible , must visited place. At night fortress look stunning from down city from fortress its easy way to come down to city so i walked and enjoy enjoy nature, so i bought only one way for cabal car.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bita N
Tehran Province, Iran441 contributions
Average
Feb. 2020 • Couples
It's a ruined castle not much to visit only nice from distance.You can get there by the cable car.Take care if you want to go up the steps of the ruined wall .
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John1971NC
Riverton, WY267 contributions
Stopped by here on way to Mother of Georgia monument
Feb. 2020 • Solo
This stop takes about thirty minutes to see everything. You also get good views of Tbilisi from above. Good walking shoes are a must.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sven
Stockholm, Sweden1 contribution
Incredible view
Feb. 2020
My favourite spot in Tbilisi to have an incredible view over the city. This is the place for photographers. Had some really great shots.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
isadi04
Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates11 contributions
Would it be wheelchair friendly?
Suna van Zyl
Tbilisi, Georgia244 contributions
The cable car is wheelchair friendly but not the walking paths at the Fortress
Надежда М
0 contributions
1. Есть ли ограничения по времени посещения?
2. Какова стоимость входа?
3. Понимаются ли Карты к оплате ?
Сергей Лелюхин
Kislovodsk, Russia407 contributions
Если будете приобретать транспортную карту в этом месте, то не забудьте сохранить чек и квитанцию, подтверждающие дату покупки. При окончании пользования ею, вы сдадите её вместе с первым и последним чеком и квитанцией. Сможете вернуть 2 GEL залога. Мелочь, а приятно.
Ruchi D
Dubai, United Arab Emirates53 contributions
What is the best or the most ideal time to visit the fortress using the funicular?
Cornelious O
54 contributions
Funicular and the Narikala fortress cable car are two different things. We went mid day and it was awesome. Sun was out and you can get a good view of the city. The funicular goes up to a restaurant and amusement park, it was also beautiful up there and the restaurant was good.
Beethoven Josep... R
0 contributions
I want to visit this place but I dont know how to book a tour. can somebody please help me. I'm in Jeddah
Vanja B.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates54 contributions
Hello there,
you can book directly from your hotel when you arrive to Tbilisi, it is very easy. Or, I can give you contact details of my tour guide, if you want. Her name is Nini, she was great. I spent 3 days there with her.
JustOneMoreBite27
Dubai, United Arab Emirates490 contributions
Do you have to pay to the fort?
Nathalie A
Beirut, Lebanon326 contributions
You can take steps. It's totally free, but its good to take the aerial cable car to get there with just 1 gel. The cable car is taken from rike park, you can buy a 2 way ticket (up and down for 2 gel).
We took a cable car to go up and used steps to get back down. I guess it's best combination to get to see the best out of the city from the cable car and the fortress on foot
KrystalJane
0 contributions
Which place is snowing in Georgia now?
mustusb
Manama, Bahrain278 contributions
when we were there in the 3rd week of December, it was snowing everywhere outside Tbilisi.
cathleen joy F
10 contributions
do I really need to book ahead for this?
Mori121
Tehran, Iran27 contributions
No it doesn't need to book !it is free,just enjoy the are!
Maabadri
Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates1 contribution
Year round weather in Tbilisi.
Lia S
Moscow, Moscow City, Russia69 contributions
Best months to me are March-April (everything blooming), June (mild summer, can be over 30 C sometimes, though) and September - mild and full of seasonal fruits, and also full of colors if you go to the mountains.
If you are from Dubai I wouldn`t really advice going there during winter months, will be cold for you. It is rarely snowing but can be around +5 to - 5 and dank, so not really pleasant to walk around and enjoy nature and sightseeings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Narikala Fortress
- We recommend booking Narikala Fortress tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 185 Narikala Fortress tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Narikala Fortress:
- 4 Full days in Georgia with free aiport transfers (From AU$176.80)
- Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery (From AU$3.93)
- ツ ✌ Tbilisi Walking Tour - Sightseeings! Cable Car, Wine Tasting, Oldest Bakery (From AU$13.44)
- Tbilisi city walking Tour with local guide (From AU$3.27)
- Amazing All inclusive Tour for 7 Days From Tbilisi (From AU$617.87)
- Hotels near Narikala Fortress:
- (0.03 km) apartments in Old Tbilisi
- (0.10 km) Envoy Hostel and Tours
- (0.11 km) Kisi by Tbilisi Luxury Boutique Hotels
- (0.13 km) Hotel Elesa
- (0.22 km) Tiflis Palace
- Restaurants near Narikala Fortress:
- (0.14 km) Divino
- (0.15 km) Sormoni Meidan
- (0.20 km) Wine Buffet
- (0.14 km) Culinarium Khasheria
- (0.13 km) Drunk Owl Bar