- Shawn Basey
- Aug 4
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 7
Your Ultimate Guide to the Top Swimming Spots in Tbilisi
Summers can be brutal in Tbilisi.
Temperatures can easily soar into the upper 30s (around 100°F). The humidity and smog create an oven-like effect. Luckily, many restaurants and cafes have air conditioning, making it bearable.
When I endured a Ukrainian winter, I learned that alcohol can be your friend. A shot before leaving the apartment can make you forget the cold. In a Tbilisi summer, an icy cold brew is your ticket to relaxation. However, if you're traveling with kids, are a Muslim, or simply prefer to cool off in water, hitting the pools is essential.
I’ve got you covered. Here’s a complete list of swimming spots in Tbilisi, from natural settings to luxurious hotel pools.
Key Takeaways
Diverse Options: Tbilisi offers a wide range of swimming spots, from exciting water parks like Gino Paradise to serene natural escapes like Lisi Lake and luxury hotel pools.
Family Fun vs. Serious Swims: For a full day of family entertainment, Gino Paradise is the top choice. For dedicated lap swimmers, professional facilities like the Vake Swimming Pool or the Olympic Complex are ideal.
Accessible Luxury: Many high-end hotels, like the Radisson Blu and Sheraton Grand, offer day passes to their pools, allowing you to enjoy a luxury experience without booking a room.
Understanding Tbilisi's Aquatic Offerings
Tbilisi has a variety of swimming options. However, not all are reasonably priced. Some can be surprisingly expensive. Perhaps it’s to keep the crowds down? Who knows. If you’re willing to spend, you’ll mostly get what you want. There are alternatives to traditional pools, like relaxing at a lake or enjoying a water park, which is often a cheaper option.
Types of Swimming Spots
Water Parks: Designed for maximum fun, water parks are perfect for families and thrill-seekers. They feature numerous slides and diverse pools, offering a full day of entertainment.
Hotel Pools: Many hotels in Tbilisi provide luxury and convenience. Their well-maintained pools often come with amenities like spas and gyms. Some hotels offer day passes, making a premium experience accessible without an overnight stay.
Sports Complexes: Ideal for serious swimmers, these facilities typically feature Olympic-sized pools and professional environments, often including comprehensive wellness amenities.
Tbilisi’s Waterpark
Gino Paradise: The Ultimate Aquatic Oasis
Gino Paradise is a 13-hectare aquatic wonderland near the Tbilisi Sea. It’s the largest and most popular aqua park in Tbilisi, especially since the Didube water park shut down during COVID.
The park boasts a variety of features. Its pools include a wavy pool with a climbing wall, a slow-moving "wild" river for floating, and a panorama pool with a bar and sea views (although I saw a construction wall instead). There’s also a dedicated outdoor children's area with slides and warm water. For relaxation, hot tubs with hydro massage are available. A 25-meter Olympic pool is meant for serious swimmers, but mostly it’s filled with teenagers.
My kid loved the wave pool. Every time the signal went off for the waves, he would drag us back out there. He was absolutely bonkers about it.
There’s also Eastern Europe's tallest 31-meter toboggan, featuring six tunnel slides and five different speeds.
Beyond swimming, the complex offers a wellness experience, including a wellness center, spa lounges, a private seating garden, a fitness room, and a swimming academy. It features 17 types of saunas, a small lake for trout fishing (with on-site preparation), and 12 food courts for any craving. Gino Paradise provides access to a safe, well-equipped beach on the Tbilisi Sea, complete with sunbeds, showers, and dressing rooms. This extensive list of facilities means there’s something for everyone—from families and thrill-seekers to those seeking relaxation. The comprehensive offering drives its popularity, as it allows visitors to fulfill multiple leisure needs efficiently, providing high perceived value despite the admission fee.
Getting there isn’t straightforward. It’s located on Beshenova Street, adjacent to the Tbilisi Sea. Public transit is limited, but you can get a cheap taxi from Station’s Square or take the 333 bus.
Admission for Gino Paradise is set at 99 GEL (approximately $36.7 USD) on weekends, with a sale price of 74.25 GEL (approximately $27.5 USD) available. This makes it one of the cheaper places to swim and relax, even less than some pools.
Children under five years old get in free.
Tbilisi Sea Club: Exclusive Lakeside Leisure
Located directly on the shores of the Tbilisi Sea, the Tbilisi Sea Club offers a well-equipped environment for relaxation and active water activities. It provides amenities and services for a fee, moving beyond simple water access to deliver a comprehensive leisure package.
Key features include two pools, one designed for children. There’s also a spacious sunbathing area on a floating dock, perfect for sunbathing.
For those seeking active pursuits, the club offers water slides, children's playgrounds, and opportunities for various water sports. Lessons for sailing, water skiing, and swimming are available. The club is equipped with cafes and a large restaurant that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, making it suitable for events like weddings and birthdays.
Public transit is as challenging as getting to Gino Paradise, so a taxi is advisable.
Admission is 40 GEL (approximately $14 USD) per person on weekends, typically including free parking, a sunbed, and access to the outdoor pool and the Tbilisi Sea. Children are usually admitted for free.
The Tbilisi Sea Club is best for families with children, couples, and individuals seeking a managed, amenity-rich beach club experience. It’s ideal for those wishing to combine swimming with sunbathing and other water sports. The club offers a more private experience compared to free public beaches, making the entrance fee worthwhile.
Sport Center Swimming Pools
Vake Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre: The Professional's Choice
Established in 1965, the Vake Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre is one of the best and most popular swimming pools in Georgia. It’s known for its long history, professional staff, and commitment to cleanliness and safety. This facility has hosted numerous significant sports championships, solidifying its reputation.
The key features include a 50-meter indoor pool, often described as the cleanest in Georgia. Since it’s an indoor facility, it’s less about summer fun and more about lap swimming.
Getting there is easy; it’s just past Vake Park on Chavchavadze Ave. 49B. It’s accessible by various public transport options, including bus lines (345) from Vake or Rustaveli, or by taxi.
Admission for a one-day pass is 100 GEL (approximately $37 USD), which includes access to the swimming pool, sauna, and fitness club. For children aged 8 to 18 years, admission is 50 GEL (approximately $18.5 USD) per day. Monthly and yearly passes are also available, offering better value for frequent visitors.
Neptune Sport Complex: All-Season Aquatic Fitness
Neptune Sport Complex is a full-service, all-season sports and wellness complex in Tbilisi. It’s one of the city's largest gym facilities, providing an extensive range of swimming, exercise, and relaxation amenities. Its retractable roof allows for year-round access, which explains the 100 GEL admission price.
Key features include versatile pools: a 25-meter main pool and a 12-meter children's pool, both with a retractable roof. This design allows for open-air swimming during summer.
The complex also offers a comprehensive fitness and spa experience, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, wellness area with Finnish and Turkish saunas, steam room, and massage services. For structured exercise, Neptune provides fitness classes, including pilates, spinning, Latino dance, boxing, and aqua fitness, along with individual swimming lessons from professional trainers. An on-site café serves wholesome dishes.
Getting there is straightforward, similar to the Vake Swimming Pool.
Olympic Complex (Isani): For Serious Swimmers
The Olympic Complex in Isani features a 50-meter, 8-lane pool, serving as the primary training ground for the Georgian water polo team. This facility is a key destination for professional and serious swimmers.
Key features include its main attraction: a 50-meter, 8-lane Olympic pool. It’s important to note that this pool often has a water polo court set up, meaning lanes might run width-ways during certain times. However, staff can typically open a full 50-meter lane upon request, especially in the evenings. Access to a gym is usually included with pool passes, and the complex is known for its decent changing rooms.
Getting there requires some travel. The complex is located at 5 Malxazis Turn (მალხაზის შესახვევი). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Isani Metro stop, with public buses running directly to the pool.
Admission for a two-hour pass is 20 GEL (approximately $7 USD), and a monthly membership is 220 GEL.
Krtsanisi Residence Pool (Sport Time): Scenic Urban Escape
Located on the edge of the city in Krtsanisi, the Krtsanisi Residence Pool, or Sport Time, offers a swimming experience with picturesque views. This spot provides a refreshing escape amidst the urban bustle, combining relaxation with convenient amenities.
Key features include a spacious outdoor swimming pool measuring 21m x 7m with a depth of 1.3m to 1.9m. The facility includes a beach bar and cafeteria, ensuring refreshments are readily available. Access to the fitness facility is also included with pool entry.
Getting there involves traveling to Krtsanisi, likely best accessed by taxi or private car from the city center.
Admission for daily entry to the outdoor swimming pool is 30 GEL (approximately $11 USD) on weekdays and 45 GEL (approximately $15 USD) on weekends. Children under three years old are admitted free, and minors under 12 years can enter for 15 GEL (approximately $5.5 USD).
Hotel Swimming Pools
Holiday Inn Tbilisi Pool Garden: Luxury & Convenience
The Holiday Inn Tbilisi features one of the city's most luxurious outdoor pools, distinguished by natural wood flooring and decorative trees. This creates a refreshing urban escape. This pool, along with those at other prominent hotels like Radisson Blu, The Biltmore, and Wyndham Grand, exemplifies a trend where luxury hotel amenities are accessible to the public through day passes. This model provides a premium swimming experience without the cost of an overnight stay, enhancing Tbilisi's appeal.
Key features include a seasonal outdoor pool measuring 25m x 7m x 1.4m. Day entry typically grants access to the hotel's sauna and fitness facilities. The hotel also offers amenities such as a buffet breakfast (available for a surcharge), a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli. Guest reviews frequently highlight the pool, location, and staff as positive aspects.
Getting there is easy due to its location at 1, 26 May Square, Saburtalo. It’s accessible by public transport, with Tsereteli Station a 20-minute walk away. Taxis also provide easy transport.
Admission for daily entry to the Pool Garden is about 100 GEL.
Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Pool: Rooftop Views & Urban Luxury
The Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, a 5-star property in Old Tbilisi, offers a luxurious swimming experience. For luxury hotels, the swimming pool is not merely a facility but an integral part of a broader, high-quality experience. The pool significantly contributes to the overall allure of the hotel, attracting both staying guests and local patrons.
I visited once a long time ago, and someone else was paying, so I had a great time. The place is clean and serves good drinks. While it’s not designed for family fun, it is enjoyable.
It’s probably around 100 GEL these days too.
Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace: Luxury & Comprehensive Wellness
The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, another massive 5-star hotel, offers a luxurious wellness experience with both indoor and seasonal outdoor swimming pools. Located in Avlabari, it provides stunning panoramic views of the city and Old Town, making it an appealing urban retreat.
Key features include an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a dedicated children's pool. The hotel boasts a full-service spa, a 24-hour health club, and a cutting-edge fitness center. Visitors can enjoy a jacuzzi, grotto, steam room, and sauna, along with a spacious relaxation area. Additional amenities include a poolside bar, a restaurant, and free self-parking.
Getting there is convenient due to its location in Old Tbilisi. It’s accessible by public transport, with the 300 Aragveli subway station just a 9-minute ride from Station Square. Various bus routes serve the area, and taxis offer a quick ride from the city center.
Admission for an all-inclusive day pass is 100 GEL (approximately $25.9 USD). They even host DJ parties on Fridays.
Essential Tips for Your Tbilisi Swim Day
To ensure a comfortable and safe swimming experience in Tbilisi, consider the following essential tips:
Best Times to Visit
Summer Season (June-August): This period is when outdoor pools and water parks are at their prime, offering the most enjoyable conditions for cooling off.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Pools and water parks like Gino Paradise can get crowded on weekends. Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience, allowing for greater enjoyment of the facilities.
What to Pack
Sunscreen: With Tbilisi's hot summers and ample sunshine, sunscreen is essential for outdoor swimming.
Towels: While some facilities provide towels, it’s always a good idea to bring your own.
Cash (Georgian Lari - GEL): Many establishments accept card payments, but smaller vendors may require cash. Public transport also operates using a unified card system or requires exact cash fares.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at outdoor locations with limited shade.
Swim Cap: Certain professional pools may require swim caps for hygiene. It’s advisable to check with the facility beforehand.
General Safety and Etiquette
Doctor's Note: Don’t be surprised if a swimming pool requires a "doctor's note" for a fee onsite. This is common and costs around 15 GEL.
Europark Note: As of July 21, 2024, Europark is no longer operational, and this guide focuses on currently available options.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Tbilisi Swim Awaits!
Tbilisi offers a diverse array of swimming experiences, catering to every preference. From the exhilarating slides and entertainment of Gino Paradise to the luxurious comfort of upscale hotel pools and the professional training environments of sports complexes, there’s an aquatic escape for everyone.
With this comprehensive guide, visitors can make informed choices that align with their specific needs. Whether seeking family fun, a peaceful retreat, rigorous fitness, or urban luxury, Tbilisi's swimming spots provide ample opportunity. So, pack your swimwear, grab your towel, and prepare to beat the heat while creating unforgettable aquatic memories in Georgia's vibrant capital!
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