Archaeological remains suggest that Georgia was one of the first places where wine was produced, many centuries ago. In fact, bunches of grapes are commonly used as decorative elements on many of its buildings, and its valleys are full of different varieties of vines that produce some truly delicious wines. So be sure to pack at least one bottle of wine in your suitcase.
- What to buy in Tbilisi that is typical of Georgia: from the market to local crafts
- Traditional markets: the best place to find small treasures
- Shopping centres: a gateway to leisure and major brands
- Shopping districts: from Old Tbilisi to Freedom Square
What to buy in Tbilisi that is typical of Georgia: from the market to local crafts
Some of the best souvenirs you will want to take home from Tbilisi will be culinary delights, as well as a couple of bottles of wine: the most famous variety is Kindzmarauli, which has a deep cherry-red colour and is made from the Saperavi grape variety. Other things you can buy include honey, Georgian teas, spices such as khmeli suneli, the famous Svanetian salt, jams and pickles.
One of the most unusual products is tklapi, known as ‘fruit leather’, which consists of thin slices of wild plums, pears, blackberries, figs, apples and cherries. Other items include chacha, a traditional grape brandy often referred to as Georgian vodka, and churchkhela, a sausage-shaped sweet with a very distinctive flavour that comes in various colours that you will see hanging in many traditional shops.
What’s more, you must not forget the country’s traditional crafts, such as its tablecloths and the famous Lurji Supra textiles, featuring traditional motifs in shades of blue, as well as ceramics, enamelled jewellery, rugs and the wine-drinking horns known as kantsi. Another type of gift that many tourists seek out in Tbilisi’s markets are objects, medals, clothing and anything related to the former Soviet Union, to which Georgia belonged. These antiques are highly prized by foreigners.
Traditional markets: the best place to find small treasures
The main market for buying local food and produce is Dezerter Bazaar. There, you will find plenty of stalls selling spices and nuts as well as cheeses, pickles and the famous churchkhela. The market is also the place to buy fruit and vegetables typical of Georgian cuisine.
If you are looking for little treasures such as handicrafts or antiques, the Dry Bridge Market is the best place. This open-air market is full of stalls selling porcelain, artworks, silver and antique crafts. It is also perfect if you are looking for objects, souvenirs or books from the Soviet era. Tbilisi also has so-called farmers’ markets and other places such as the Orbeliani Bazaar and the Station Square Market, where you can buy food products.
Shopping centres: a gateway to leisure and major brands
Like any modern city, Georgia’s capital also boasts excellent shopping centres where you can find international shops as well as a wide range of dining and leisure options. One of the most popular is Tbilisi Mall, which is highly recommended for shopping as it is one of the largest in the country.
Similar in style, East Point and City Mall Saburtalo/Gldani combine fashion and electronics shops with restaurants and leisure facilities. Closer to the city centre is Galleria Tbilisi, which is next to Freedom Square. The shopping centre is very centrally located and offers fashion and leisure options, such as cinemas and a bowling alley, just a short distance from the famous Rustaveli Avenue. Finally, Merani Mall is smaller but also houses beauty and fashion brands also on Rustaveli Avenue.
Shopping districts: from Old Tbilisi to Freedom Square
One of the most popular places to buy souvenirs is undoubtedly Old Tbilisi, as it is home to many shops selling crafts, wine and gourmet products. This is particularly true of the streets near the Gabriadze Tower and Gallery 27, where you will find small shops selling truly authentic items.
As you stroll along Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square, you will find shop windows mostly belonging to fashion boutiques and bookshops. These streets are also home to several charming cafés where you can take a break as you shop. What’s more, from there you can directly access Galleria Tbilisi and Merani Mall.
If you are looking for small treasures, you must not forget markets such as Dry Bridge and the area around Rustaveli Avenue, where you will find antique stalls and art galleries.
