Rike Park

Rike Park in Tbilisi is a modern open-air space designed for leisure, strolling, and relaxation. Beloved by both locals and tourists, it has become one of the capital’s most accessible and well-loved public areas. The park’s landscaped grounds are adorned with trees, well-kept lawns, and flowerbeds, intersected by winding walking paths. Each year, Rike Park plays host to celebrations of Georgia’s Independence Day, bringing together residents and visitors in a vibrant display of patriotism and joy.

The park offers a wide array of family-friendly amenities. Children can enjoy safe playgrounds with soft, impact-resistant surfaces, explore living green labyrinths, or scale an artificial climbing wall. At the heart of the park lies a multifunctional amphitheater for live performances by musicians and actors, surrounded by cozy seating areas and a variety of art installations. These include a large chessboard with pieces nearly one meter tall, a decorative piano, and fountains that add to the atmosphere.

As evening falls, the park is illuminated by ambient lighting, and during the warmer months, the air fills with the music of the “singing fountains” that perform nightly. Several cafés dot the grounds, along with a tourism information office and a car rental service for those looking to explore further.

The name “Rike” (meaning “sands”) comes from the park’s geographic past. Until the early 20th century, the site was a river island surrounded by two branches of the Kura River. As one of the river arms dried out, it left behind a large stretch of sandy silt between the island and the riverbank. This terrain was eventually reinforced, landscaped, and transformed into the park we see today.

The park was conceptualized and developed during the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili. It opened to the public in 2010 as part of an ambitious urban development program funded by the state. However, after Saakashvili left office, the park’s funding was drastically reduced, and no new major additions have since been made.

The architectural centerpiece of Rike Park is the Cultural Center—an eye-catching, futuristic structure often referred to by locals as “the two tubes” due to its unique design. Originally intended to house a concert hall for drama and music performances, as well as an exhibition space, the center remains unfinished. Construction was halted in 2013 when a criminal investigation into alleged misappropriation of public funds by individuals involved in the project brought progress to a standstill. Despite its uncertain fate and ongoing debate—including proposals for its demolition—the Cultural Center has become an unofficial landmark and remains a favorite among tourists and photographers.

Adjacent to the park stands another of Tbilisi’s signature sights: the Bridge of Peace. Also opened in 2010, this striking pedestrian bridge was designed by the renowned Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, who also created the nearby Presidential Palace—visible from the park. While tourists are often captivated by the bridge’s contemporary form, local opinion is more divided, and it’s gained a somewhat cheeky nickname among residents: “feminine pads.” Nevertheless, the bridge is especially enchanting at night when illuminated by hundreds of LED lights.

At the edge of Rike Park, near Europe Square, you’ll find the lower station of the Tbilisi Aerial Tramway. The cable cars carry visitors to Sololaki Hill, where some of the city’s most iconic attractions are located: the towering monument “Mother of Kartli” (Mother Georgia), the Tbilisi Botanical Garden, the ancient Narikala Fortress with its Church of St. Nicholas, and a panoramic viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the cityscape—including Rike Park itself, the Cultural Center, the Bridge of Peace, and the picturesque rooftops of the Old Town. From this vantage point, one can also spot the Sioni Cathedral, the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Metekhi Church, and many more landmarks.

Rike Park is situated in the historic heart of Tbilisi, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. The most convenient route from the main train station is by metro. The closest metro stop, Avlabari, is just a 10-minute walk from the park. With its blend of modern architecture, recreational facilities, and cultural significance, Rike Park is not only a central hub of the capital but also a symbol of its ongoing transformation.