National Botanical Garden of Georgia, Tbilisi

The National Botanical Garden traces its origins back to royal “fortress gardens” first noted in the 17th century by explorers like Jean Chardin and botanists such as Joseph Pitton de Tournefort. It officially became the Tiflis Botanical Garden under Russian rule in 1845 and has since flourished into a verdant haven spanning approximately 161 hectares, with collections ranging between 3,500 and 4,500 plant species.

Wandering through the garden, you’ll encounter gentle waterfalls, shaded terraces, and gracefully preserved structures-including medieval towers and the Waterfall Bridge from 1914. The trails are threaded with historical touches and viewpoints, offering glimpses of nearby landmarks like the Narikala Fortress that border the garden.

As a true botanical mosaic, the garden showcases a broad array of flora: native Caucasian species, rare and endangered plants, and global specimens from Japan, China, the Himalayas, North America, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Look out for thematic areas such as the Japanese Garden and a lush arboretum.

Beyond flora and heritage, the garden invites exploration. You can stroll, bike, or even descend into its heart via a zip-line from Narikala Fortress-a thrilling arrival that transitions into peaceful walking paths, waterfalls, and shaded nooks perfect for relaxation and picnics.