Lisi Lake Tbilisi: Beach, Prices and How to Get There

Lisi Lake sits on the northwestern edge of Tbilisi at about 624 metres above sea level, still inside the city limits. It is the largest body of water in Tbilisi: a sandy beach, catamaran rentals, a 3.2 km loop for running and cycling, and two paid car parks. The lake is 9–10 km from the centre, which works out to 15–20 minutes by car depending on traffic on the climb through Saburtalo.

Driving to Lisi Lake

The road runs through the Saburtalo district and climbs steadily. Both car parks cost 3 GEL (roughly $1): the main one at the entrance holds around 200 cars, and a smaller one sits on the southern shore near the beach. On weekdays you will find a space without trouble. On Saturday and Sunday both lots fill by 11 a.m., so leave earlier than you think you need to.

Lisi is a good first drive if you have just picked up a rental car in Georgia. The gradient is gentle, the asphalt is in good shape, and there are no switchbacks to deal with while you are still getting used to local traffic. For longer routes into the hills afterwards, MY.DRIVE lets you filter for a crossover with higher clearance from the start. Public transport exists too: a bus from Didube metro station takes 20–25 minutes and costs 1 GEL, but it runs infrequently and the last departure from the lake is early.

A note on driving in Georgia: traffic moves on the right, an international driving permit alongside your home licence is the safest combination, and drivers here change lanes with less warning than you may be used to. On the Saburtalo climb, expect to be overtaken on both sides.

The beach and swimming

The main beach is on the southern shore, sandy rather than pebbled, with a gentle slope into the water. Entry is free and a sun lounger costs 5–8 GEL. Changing rooms and showers exist but are basic, so do not count on hot water. Swimming season runs June through September, and in July and August the water reaches 24–26 °C. After rain the water stays cloudy for a day or two.

Catamarans and boat rentals

The rental dock is at the main entrance, open May to October, 10:00 to 19:00. A catamaran for two to four people costs 15–20 GEL for 30 minutes, a rowing boat 10–15 GEL, a SUP board 20–25 GEL per hour. Weekdays are queue-free. On weekends expect to wait 15–20 minutes. From the middle of the lake you get the full perimeter with the hills behind it, which is the only angle that captures the whole thing.

The loop trail: running and cycling

A full circuit on the paved path is 3.2 km. The path is separate from the pedestrian walkway and lit, so evening runs work. Local runners train here between six and eight in the morning, which is also when the light is best for photographs. Bike rental at the entrance runs 10–15 GEL per hour. The terrain around the lake is hilly, but the loop itself is nearly flat, which makes it fine for a pushchair.

Sports facilities, playgrounds and the climbing wall

There are three outdoor gym areas around the lake, plus free basketball and volleyball courts. A tennis court costs 20–30 GEL per hour and should be booked ahead on weekends. For children there are playgrounds and a climbing wall. Tbilisi Open Air, a music festival, is sometimes held at the lake in summer, and a monthly healthy-lifestyle event called Tbi-Lisi runs through the warm season. Dates shift year to year, so check before you plan around them.

Fishing at Lisi Lake

Fishing happens on the eastern shore and no licence is required. The catch is carp, crucian carp and silver carp. Local fishermen will rent you a rod for 5–10 GEL if you did not bring one. Best hours are five to eight in the morning or after six in the evening.

Where to eat

Lisi Garden café at the main entrance serves lobiani, a bread stuffed with spiced beans, for 5 GEL, grilled pork skewers for 12–15 GEL and lemonade for 3 GEL. There are fewer waterfront restaurants here than at Turtle Lake and the cooking is plainer, but prices are not inflated for visitors.

The better plan is to stop at Dezerter Bazaar on the way and assemble a picnic: flatbread, sulguni cheese, tomatoes and fresh herbs will cost a fraction of a restaurant bill. Free grills stand under the pines on the northern shore, and charcoal is sold at the entrance for 5 GEL a bag. On weekends every grill is taken by ten in the morning, so arrive by nine if a barbecue is the point of the trip.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quietest. By midday on a weekend the lake is busy: music, barbecue smoke, a queue for the catamarans. April to May and September to October are too cold for swimming but far better for walking, with a fraction of the crowds and cars. The northern shore is less trafficked than the southern beach and gives the best light at sunset, when the water shifts from blue to gold and the hill on the eastern side opens up a view of the whole lake against the mountains. I once stayed until eight in the evening without a torch and walked back to the car park along a dirt path in near-darkness. If you are staying for the sunset, bring a charged phone or an actual torch.

Before you go

Lisi rewards a half day rather than a quick stop: the beach, boats, loop trail and grills are built for a slow afternoon, not a photo and a drive on. Parking is 3 GEL, but arrive in the morning on weekends while spaces last. Carry cash, since cards are not accepted everywhere, particularly at the boat rental and the food stalls.