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Shopping in Tbilisi: Malls, Bazaars & Souvenirs Guide
Your complete guide to shopping in Tbilisi: modern malls, historic bazaars, antique markets, and the best Georgian souvenirs to bring home.
Tbilisi caters to every type of shopper — from modern malls stocked with international brands to bustling bazaars reminiscent of Middle Eastern markets. Whether you're hunting for Georgian wine, hand-woven textiles, or Soviet-era antiques, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Major Shopping Malls
| Mall | Location | Key Stores / Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi Mall | Near Metro Akhmeteli, West Tbilisi | Largest mall in Tbilisi; ZARA, H&M, Carrefour, cinema |
| East Point Mall | East Tbilisi, Isani district | Closest alternative to IKEA Georgia; furniture and home goods stores |
| Galleria Tbilisi | City center, near Rustaveli Avenue | Luxury brands, boutiques, central location advantage |
| City Mall | Central Tbilisi | Mid-range; Turkish brands available, affordable price range |
| Karvasla | Old Town (Kala) | Historic caravanserai converted to a crafts hub; handicrafts, souvenirs, local designers |
Tip: The metro is the most convenient way to reach malls. For Tbilisi Mall, use the Akhmeteli Theatre station. Shopping centres are generally open 10:00–22:00.
Best Bazaars and Markets
Dezerter Bazaar (Dezertis Bazroba)
The largest and most vibrant food market in Tbilisi. Fresh produce, local cheeses, spices, nuts, dried fruits, and Georgian pickles fill the stalls. Best visited between 07:00 and 14:00 when the market is at its liveliest. Metro: Station Square / Vagzlis Moedani.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
One of Tbilisi's most fascinating open-air markets, located on the banks of the Mtkvari River. You'll find Soviet-era memorabilia, vintage photographs, handmade jewellery, paintings, old coins, and much more. Open every day, though weekends offer the greatest variety. Bargaining is expected and appreciated.
Tbilisi Antique Market
Ideal for collectors seeking rare coins, antique jewellery, artwork, and collectibles. Located near Dry Bridge and most active on weekends.
Rike Park Area
On weekends, the area around Rike Park on the left bank of the Mtkvari fills with street artists and small stalls selling handmade goods — watercolour paintings, wood carvings, and original jewellery.
What to Buy: Georgian Souvenir List
- Georgian Wine — The most popular souvenir from Tbilisi. Look for Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Mtsvane, and natural amber (orange) wines made in traditional clay amphoras (qvevri). GoodWine stores and Carrefour's wine sections offer reliable selections.
- Adjika — Georgia's iconic spicy sauce, available in jars at bazaars and souvenir shops. A great edible gift.
- Georgian Tea — Black teas from the Guria and Adjara regions are prized by tea lovers. Packaged teas are widely available in souvenir shops.
- Hand-Woven Rugs and Textiles — Hand-loomed rugs and woollen textiles from the Svaneti region are both decorative and practical souvenirs.
- Churchkhela — Strings of walnuts dipped and dried in grape juice — a traditional Georgian sweet found throughout Tbilisi's streets and bazaars. Visually striking and delicious.
- Cloisonne (Minankari) — Traditional Georgian jewellery technique involving coloured enamel set within fine wire frameworks. Find authentic pieces at Karvasla and specialist souvenir shops.
- Handmade Ceramics — Painted decorative plates, vases, and home accessories. High-quality examples can be found in boutique shops throughout the Old Town.
- Georgian Cosmetics — Handmade soaps and creams featuring natural beeswax, propolis, and herbal oils; available at pharmacies and organic shops.
Supermarkets
| Supermarket | Description |
|---|---|
| Carrefour | Widest product range; excellent for imported goods, wine, and ready meals. Branches in Tbilisi Mall and other major malls. |
| Fresco | Mid-range chain found throughout the city; practical for everyday needs. |
| Nikora / Spar | Budget-friendly option for local products and basic groceries. |
| GoodWine | Premium wine retailer with multiple Tbilisi locations. Expert staff and a curated selection make it the best destination for wine gifts. |
Shopping Tips
- Bargaining is acceptable at markets: At Dezerter Bazaar, Dry Bridge, and antique markets, price negotiation is expected. A polite but firm approach usually yields a discount.
- Fixed prices in malls: Prices in shopping centres are non-negotiable.
- Payment methods: Cards work smoothly in malls and large stores. Many stalls at open-air markets only accept cash (GEL — Georgian Lari); carry some local currency when heading to bazaars.
- Wine import limit to Turkey: Turkish customs regulations allow a personal duty-free allowance of 1 litre of alcoholic beverages per person. Check current limits with Turkish Customs before travelling.
- Always ask for a receipt: Especially for higher-value purchases — receipts are required for returns and warranty claims.
- Currency exchange: Exchange booths inside malls typically offer less favourable rates. Better rates can be found at exchange bureaux along Rustaveli Avenue or around Marjanishvili.
Price Comparison: Turkey vs Georgia
| Category | Georgia Price | Compared to Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, spirits) | Very affordable | 60–70% cheaper |
| Electronics (phones, laptops) | Similar | Roughly the same |
| Clothing (ZARA, H&M) | Similar or slightly cheaper | 5–15% cheaper |
| Handicrafts and souvenirs | Very affordable | Significantly cheaper |
| Groceries (supermarket) | Affordable | Generally 20–30% cheaper |
| Cosmetics (international brands) | Similar | Comparable prices |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best shopping mall in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi Mall (near Metro Akhmeteli) is the largest and most comprehensive. It houses ZARA, H&M, and Carrefour. For a more central location, Galleria Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue is an excellent alternative.
Is Dry Bridge Flea Market open every day?
Yes, it is open every day. However, weekends — particularly Saturday and Sunday — bring far more vendors and a much wider variety of goods.
How much wine can I bring from Georgia to Turkey?
Turkish customs regulations allow a personal duty-free allowance of 1 litre of alcoholic beverages per person. Amounts above this limit may be subject to customs duty or declaration requirements. Verify current regulations with Turkish Customs before you travel.
Do they accept credit cards at Dezerter Bazaar?
Most stalls at Dezerter Bazaar accept cash only (GEL — Georgian Lari). It is strongly recommended to carry local currency before visiting the market.
Where is the most reliable place to buy Georgian wine?
GoodWine stores (multiple locations in Tbilisi) and Carrefour's wine sections offer the most reliable and extensive selections. At GoodWine, knowledgeable staff can help you choose wines suited to your taste.
