Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park

Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park is a cozy recreation area located atop a historic hill in the very center of Kutaisi. This green oasis in Georgia is famous for its soulful atmosphere, where the nostalgic charm of past decades meets picturesque natural views.

Besik Gabashvili Amusement Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The park is named after the famous 18th-century Georgian poet Besarion (Besiki) Gabashvili. The place is ideal for family leisure: dense vegetation provides pleasant shade even at high noon, while vintage rides, maintained in excellent condition, bring joy to both children and adults.

The park's main feature is its location—it is considered one of the city's best viewpoints. Here, you can find quiet, shaded walking paths as well as active entertainment, complemented by colorful cafes serving traditional cuisine from the Imereti region.

For details on the park's operation or questions regarding the cafes, you can use the official contact information. The attraction is located in the upper part of the city and is easily accessible.

One of the most vivid experiences is a ride on the Ferris wheel. Upon reaching its highest point, you will find yourself at the highest spot in Kutaisi, offering magnificent panoramic views of the city, mountain landscapes, and the winding Rioni River. Another "must-do" is the cable car, whose vintage cabins smoothly transport you from the city center directly into the heart of the park.

For young visitors, it is a true paradise: bumper cars, horse carousels, inflatable trampolines, and fun toy trains. Those looking to test their luck and accuracy can visit the local shooting range. For lovers of unique photos, there is a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower in the park.

After all the activities, it is pleasant to simply stroll along the well-kept paths among flowers or relax in the shade of century-old trees. In the evening, when the park lights up, it is especially enjoyable to soak in the coolness and the slow pace of life before heading down the slope toward the ancient Bagrati Cathedral.

The most picturesque and popular way to reach the hilltop is by cable car. Its lower station is located in the center of Kutaisi's "Old Town," right by the embankment. The ride in a retro cabin over the Rioni River takes only a couple of minutes and costs 1 GEL, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views during the ascent.

For those who prefer walking routes, there is a staircase and a road leading up from the city center through a colorful residential neighborhood. This walk takes about 10–15 minutes. If you prefer public transport, you can take minibus No. 110, which will take you directly to the "Gabashvili Park" stop.

You can also reach the park entrance on Vazha Pashavela Street quickly and affordably by taxi from anywhere in the center. The Ferris wheel serves as the main landmark, as it is clearly visible from many parts of the city.

The hill where the modern park stands has a rich history. In the 18th century, the prominent Georgian poet and public figure Besarion Gabashvili, known by his pen name Besiki, lived here. The park was officially named in his honor.

The Culture and Leisure Park itself was founded in the 1950s. During the Soviet period, it developed as a cozy city square with attractions for family leisure. A milestone event was the 1961 renovation, when many decorative plants were planted and the legendary cable car was launched, which remains an important transport and tourist landmark for Kutaisi to this day.

In the following decades, the park underwent several more updates, with major work carried out in 2007 and 2017. This allowed for the modernization of infrastructure and rides while preserving the unique nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the cozy city fairs of the last century.

To see the park's main locations, including a ride on the Ferris wheel and a stroll through the shaded alleys, 1.5–2 hours is usually enough. This time is sufficient to enjoy the city panoramas and take memorable photos.

If you are traveling with children who want to try different rides, or if you plan to stay at a local cafe, you should allow 3 to 4 hours for your visit. The park's calm atmosphere encourages leisurely relaxation, especially in the evening when the illumination turns on.

Besik Gabashvili Park is open daily, welcoming guests from 09:00 to 21:00. This is a convenient schedule for both early morning walks and evening relaxation under the amusement park lights.

Please note that technical facilities, such as the cable car and the main carousels, usually start operating at full capacity from 12:00. Depending on the season and weather conditions, ride operating hours may vary slightly.

Exploring the surroundings of Gabashvili Park will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of ancient Kutaisi. After some active fun on the rides, it is pleasant to walk to historic monuments or relax in the quiet squares located nearby.

Its proximity to the city center makes this location an excellent starting point for exploring the main attractions and cozy corners of Imereti.