Turtle Lake, known in Georgian as Kus Tba, is a small hilltop lake in the Vake District of Tbilisi, Georgia, roughly 5 km from the city centre. It is a park lake rather than a beach: swimming is not the main use, and the shoreline is a boardwalk, grassy banks and lakeside terraces. The water is calm, sheltered and usually green, reflecting the wooded slopes of the surrounding hill. The lake takes its name from the turtles that have long been associated with it, and it has been a favourite weekend retreat for residents for generations. A boardwalk path loops along the edge, giving easy walks with views back across the city on clear days. The mood is family-friendly and unhurried, with picnic lawns popular for sunbathing, reading and casual meals. Several lakeside cafes serve coffee, drinks and Georgian dishes, and toilets are available near the cafes. There are no lifeguards and no sunbed rental of the kind found on the Black Sea coast. Access is part of the appeal: a cable car runs from Vake Park up to the lake for a few GEL, offering a short scenic ride above the trees, or visitors can take a Bolt or Yandex Go to the lake car park for about 8-12 GEL (3-5 USD). The area is busiest on warm weekends and at sunset, while mornings and weekdays are noticeably calmer. In spring and autumn the foliage makes the setting particularly photogenic, and in winter the lake remains open for brisk walks though some cafes reduce their hours. Visitors wanting real swimming or sandy shoreline should head to the reservoir on the city's edge or the Black Sea coast, whereas Turtle Lake is best for a relaxed green escape combining a cable car ride, a lakeside walk and a long coffee.
| Distance | About 5 km from central Tbilisi |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Cable car from Vake Park (a few GEL), or Bolt or Yandex Go to the lake car park (about 8-12 GEL / 3-5 USD) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | Turtle Lake (Kus Tba), Vake District, Tbilisi |
Amenities
- Lakeside cafes
- Boardwalk path
- Cable car from Vake Park
- Picnic lawns
- Toilets near the cafes
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, photographers, solo
Location
Turtle Lake (Kus Tba), Vake District, Tbilisi
41.7003, 44.7544 View on map
Highlights
- Cable car ride from Vake Park up to the lake
- Boardwalk loop with views over the city on clear days
- Picnic lawns and lakeside cafes
- Wooded hilltop setting close to the centre
Tips for visiting
- Take the cable car from Vake Park for the scenic approach and to avoid parking
- Go on a weekday or early morning to avoid weekend crowds
- Visit around sunset for the best light and city views
- Do not plan to swim; the lake is a park setting
- Use the cafes for toilets and refreshments
When to visit
April to October, with weekday mornings or sunset offering the calmest walks and best light.
Accessibility
The boardwalk is largely flat, but the cable car and lawns may have steps or uneven ground. Visitors with mobility needs can arrive by car or taxi to the lake car park.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim in Turtle Lake?
Swimming is not the main use of the lake, and there are no lifeguards. It is mainly a place for walking and picnics.
How do visitors get to Turtle Lake?
A cable car runs from Vake Park for a few GEL. Alternatively, a Bolt or Yandex Go to the lake car park costs about 8-12 GEL.
Is Turtle Lake suitable for children?
Yes, the boardwalk, lawns and cable car make it a popular family outing. Children should be supervised near the water.
When is the best time to visit?
April to October is best, with spring and autumn offering the most attractive scenery. Weekdays are quieter.