Shopping Guide in Tbilisi

Shopping in Tbilisi

What to Buy:

• Georgian Wine: Take home bottles of Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, or unique orange wines. Wine shops throughout city; Vinotel and Nicolas offer excellent selections. Prices from 10-100+ GEL per bottle. Airport duty-free also available.
• Churchkhela: Traditional candle-shaped candy made from nuts and grape must. Colorful, delicious, authentic souvenir. Markets and specialty shops.
• Spices & Sauces: Adjika (spicy paste), khmeli suneli (spice blend), tkemali (plum sauce). Available at Dezerter Bazaar and specialty shops.
• Carpets & Textiles: Traditional Georgian rugs, especially from Tusheti region. Also handwoven textiles and embroidered items.
• Ceramics & Pottery: Hand-painted plates, bowls, wine vessels. Traditional designs and modern interpretations available.
• Cloisonné Enamelwork: Traditional Georgian craft creating colorful metal decorative items.
• Soviet Memorabilia: Dry Bridge Market offers medals, badges, posters, cameras, and Soviet-era collectibles.
• Honey & Natural Products: Georgian honey varieties, bee products, herbal teas from mountain regions.
• Jewelry: Traditional Georgian crosses, enamel jewelry, silver work. Artisan shops in Old Tbilisi.

Shopping Areas:

• Dry Bridge Flea Market: Antiques, art, Soviet items, curiosities. Best on weekends. Bargaining expected.
• Dezerter Bazaar: Large covered market for spices, dried fruits, churchkhela, cheese, and food products. Authentic local atmosphere.
• Rustaveli Avenue: Modern shopping with international brands, bookstores, wine shops. Higher-end retail.
• Gallery 27: Curated Georgian designer boutique featuring contemporary fashion and accessories.
• Airport Duty-Free: Convenient for wine and last-minute purchases, though prices higher than city shops.

Bargaining Tips:

• Bargaining expected at markets and flea markets, less common in established shops
• Start at 50-60% of asking price, settle around 70-80%
• Friendly negotiation part of experience; remain polite and good-humored
• Cash provides better negotiating position than cards
• Multiple item purchases strengthen bargaining power

Pro Tip: Visit Dezerter Bazaar in morning for freshest products and fullest selection. Bring cash for market purchases.