Metro station across the river from the tourist center of Tbilisi.
The area is old, but there are a lot of guest houses in it with prices noticeably lower than across the bridge - in the Old Town proper. There are several cafes in the area, also cheaper than in the Old Town.
There are several exchangers right at the exit from the metro.
The station is in the process of renovation, a small new park with a fountain just behind the station has recently opened.
The cards that are given for the funicular also work here. You just need to drop the money at the cash register. The train is literally standing for a few seconds, you need to have time to get in and out. The Internet doesn't work when you're driving. Stops are announced