Popular Local Markets & Shopping Centers in Tbilisi
Shopping Centers & Markets in Tbilisi
There are dozens of food and flea markets in Tbilisi – some of them formal, others more spontaneous. Visiting is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and commerce, see what’s in season, pick up a few souvenirs, and above all get a feel for what makes the city tick.
As a former Silk Road outpost, trading has long been an important part of Tbilisi’s social fabric. Old Tbilisi revolved around the meidani, where merchants carried goods from East and West.
The market or bazari still plays an important role in everyday life in Georgia – even in the supermarket/megamall age. Many people prefer to buy their fresh food and household goods at markets, and you’ll see lone vendors and small informal fruit and veg markets on almost every corner
THE DRY BRIDGE MARKET
Tbilisi’s famous flea market is the best place in the city for Soviet retro, antiques, and other ephemera. Handicrafts and original artworks are also sold here.
The saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ doesn’t really apply to the Dry Bridge: Everything you see here is precious and fascinating in its own way, from the war medals to the kilim carpets, the USSR-era film cameras to the vintage vinyl.
See my full guide to the Dry Bridge Market for more tips.
Location: Dry Bridge (Mshrali Khidi), 9 March Park & Dedaena Park
Opening hours: Daily from 10am-5pm (visit on the weekend from 11am onwards for the most variety and best atmosphere)
THE DEZERTER BAZAAR
Tbilisi’s main produce market is a vast display of fresh fruit and veg from across the regions (and beyond). People also sell artisan food products such as farm cheese and cured meats, spices, herbs, and meat.
If you’re keen to expand your knowledge of Georgian cuisine, this is a great place to start. The undercover part of the market is my favourite. From there, stalls spread out all along the surrounding streets. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around and taking photos.
See my full guide to the Dezerter Bazaar for more tips.
Location: Abastumani Street (near Dinamo Stadium)
Opening hours: Daily from 7am-5pm
The Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar fusion of Asian Bazaar and European food market styles.
Here you will find a fresh Georgian vegetables and fruit, as well traditional cheese and fresh meat from village, also famous Georgian spices.
STATION SQUARE MARKETS & TBILISI GOLD MARKET
The outdoor markets surrounding Station Square merge with the Dezerter Bazaar and extend all the way up to the stadium and the railway station. There is also a popular clothing market at Station Square staged in the pedestrian underpass and in the overhead tunnel above the station.
If you need to buy warm winter gear or shoes, or you’re looking for second-hand clothing and vintage gems, there are piles and piles of clothing and accessories to dig through. It can be crowded and cramped though, so if you suffer from claustrophobia you might want to skip this one!
On the bottom level of the railway station, the Tbilisi Gold Market is a unique set up with rows of jewellery vendors sitting behind plexiglass. If you have time to kill before your train, this is a great place for a wander. As well as gold you’ll find plenty of minankari, traditional Georgian cloisonne enamel.
Location: Tbilisi Central Railway Station
Opening hours: Daily from 9am until late
BAZARI ORBELIANI
Offering a very different kind of market experience, the newly re-opened Bazari Orbeliani is a beautiful covered produce market and dining hall on Orbeliani Square. The building has a long history as a food market (it first opened in 1886). It’s wonderful to see the upper levels restored to their former glory.
If you’re searching for edible souvenirs or gifts, you can find a handful of artisan food products such as Waime! adjika and spice blends, Georgian wine and chacha, dried fruits and churchkhela, local honey, and tea from Guria sold here.
Upstairs, there is a fancy food court with a dozen or so different bars, cafes and restaurants. Georgian and international cuisines are on offer. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Orbeliani Flower Pavilion, a cute little fresh-cut flower market, which is located just outside the main entrance.
Location: Vekua Street
Opening hours: Daily from 9am until late
Galleria Tbilisi
The newest mall in Tbilisi located on Liberty Square in the heart of the city center. The mall has several floors and a completely modern design. The mall offers many brands and its location makes it very attractive. The mall also has a food court on the top floor (tip! You can enter the southeastern restaurant and exit to its terrace from which you can see the entire square in an amazing & special way). There is also a large supermarket downstairs if you don't feel like eating out. There is a metro station connected to the mall with a separate entrance in the northern part of the mall and from there you can easily get around.
Location: Georgia, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi District, Rustaveli ave., N2/4
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Website: Galleria TBILISI
East Point
A fairly new shopping center built in the form of open air shopping streets and full of the well known chains and brands such as ZARA, ALDO, ADIDAS, BERSHKA, H&M and more. The center about a 15-minute drive from the city center of Tbilisi on the way to the airport. A nice and up-to-date place for a shopping day if you feel like spending a few hours pampering yourself. All the familiar shops are available in the complex and there is also a little mall with a nice dining area. A taxi from the city center to the complex should not cost around 15 lari.
Location: #2 Al. Tvalchrelidze Str, 0182 Tbilisi, Georgia
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Website: East Point
Tbilisi Mall
Located a bit further away from the city center and looks older than the rest of the shopping centers, Tbilisi mall was the main mall both for locals and for tourists before Galleria mall was around. This mall is also full of brands like ZARA, MANGO, NIKE, STRADIVARIUS, PULL & BEAR and local stores. The mall is quite large and consists of several floors where anyone will find shops that he may like. However, the mall is not particularly designed and is further away from other alternatives so most of its buyers are local. The mall is about 25 minutes from the city center and a taxi cost to the mall should not exceed 20 lari.
Location: დავით აღმაშენებელის ხეივანი, 213 კმ., Tbilisi, Georgia
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Website: თბილისი მოლი • Tbilisi Mall
CITY MALL
City Mall is one of the most diverse shopping malls in Tbilisi. There are many different types of shops here. City Mall includes two shopping malls - City Mall Saburtalo and Gldani Mall. City Mall is located in Saburtalo Saburtalo, at 1 Petre Kavtaradze Street. There are shops selling clothes, jewelry, electrical appliances, household items, toys, books and more, as well as a bank and a pharmacy. The leading object of the shopping center is the hypermarket Goodwill. City Mall also has a gaming computer and a variety of computer game store GAME ZONE. The mall has a fast food restaurant, KFC, Avenue Cafe and Sushi Room, where you can taste delicious dishes. City Mall has stores such as Calzedonia, OVS, Intimissimi, Elit Electronics, Super, Lutecia, Voulez Vous, Factory, Delfos and many more. The mall has an outdoor parking lot for 300 cars, which is really convenient for customers. City Mall is visited by a lot of people every day. Here in one space you can buy food, gifts for your little ones, items needed for your family, update your wardrobe or just go to taste delicious sushi or other delicious dishes with friends.
Location: VAZHA-PSHAVELA N70
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Website: City Mall • სითი მოლი