Georgia Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Georgia.
Georgia is a captivating country in the Caucasus region where ancient traditions meet stunning mountain landscapes and world-class wine culture. From the charming cobblestone streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, Georgia offers extraordinary hospitality, unique cuisine, and eight millennia of winemaking heritage.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Qvevri Wine
Traditional Georgian wine fermented in clay qvevri jars using an 8,000-year-old method. Amber wines from Kakheti are uniquely Georgian and impossible to find elsewhere.
Churchkhela
Walnut-stuffed grape juice candy shaped like a sausage, often called Georgian Snickers. Available in many flavors using pomegranate or different grape varieties.
Cloisonné Enamel Jewelry (Minankari)
Traditional Georgian enamelwork jewelry featuring intricate filigree patterns in brilliant colors. Brooches, earrings, and pendants are popular collector pieces.
Naqa Linen and Silk Scarves
Handwoven scarves and fabrics produced by Georgian artisans using traditional techniques. Vibrant patterns inspired by ancient Georgian ornamentation.
Hand-painted Georgian Pottery
Decorative pottery featuring scenes from Georgian folklore, wine culture, and national symbols painted in earthy tones. Plates, jugs, and bowls are popular.
Soviet Memorabilia
Vintage badges, medals, coins, stamps, and posters from the Soviet era found at Tbilisi's famous Dry Bridge flea market. Unique historical collectibles.
Georgian Spice Mixes and Adjika
Fragrant spice blends including khmeli suneli (mixed herbs) and adjika chili paste. Essential Georgian condiments that make excellent kitchen souvenirs.
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Dezerter Bazaar (Dezertirebi Market)
Tbilisi's most authentic and sprawling covered market selling fresh produce, spices, dairy, meat, nuts, and dried fruits. A sensory feast showcasing Georgia's agricultural bounty.
Dry Bridge Flea Market
Famous open-air antique and flea market spread along an old bridge. Vendors sell Soviet memorabilia, antique jewelry, coins, artwork, and Georgian crafts.
Fabrika Weekend Flea Market
Hip weekly market in the Fabrika creative complex courtyard with vintage clothing, design objects, handmade crafts, and street food. Very popular with young Tbilisians.
Batumi Green Bazaar
Batumi's main fresh produce market offering Adjara region specialties including subtropical fruits, fresh herbs, local cheeses, and the Adjarian version of khachapuri.
Telavi Market (Kakheti)
Regional market in Georgia's wine capital where local farmers sell seasonal produce, homemade wines in plastic bottles, honey, walnuts, and regional Georgian foods.
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Rustaveli Avenue
Tbilisi's main thoroughfare lined with international brands, Georgian designers, bookshops, and galleries. The elegant 19th-century boulevard is the city's premier shopping and cultural street.
Old Town Craft Alley (Abanotubani)
Narrow streets below Narikala Fortress packed with small stalls and shops selling handmade souvenirs, Georgian jewelry, ceramics, and traditional crafts. Great for authentic Georgian gifts.
Fabrika Creative District
Former Soviet factory transformed into Tbilisi's hippest creative complex with independent boutiques, designers, vintage shops, and artisan food producers. Weekend flea market is popular.
Batumi Boulevard
The 7km seaside promenade in Batumi lined with resort wear shops, souvenir stalls, and international boutiques. Busy in summer with beach-going crowds.
Marjanishvili Street Area
Emerging shopping area around Marjanishvili Square with local boutiques, cafes, vintage stores, and independent Georgian fashion labels. Less touristy than Old Town.
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Galleria Tbilisi
Tbilisi's premier upscale mall on Rustaveli Avenue featuring international luxury brands, Georgian designers, restaurants, and a cinema. Seven floors of retail in a modern building.
East Point Mall
Large Western-style shopping mall in eastern Tbilisi with over 150 stores including fashion, electronics, supermarket, food court, and entertainment. Georgia's largest mall.
Batumi Mall
Modern shopping complex in central Batumi with Georgian and international brands, supermarket, food court, and cinema. Popular with locals and tourists seeking familiar brands.
City Mall Tbilisi
Mid-range shopping mall in Tbilisi featuring fashion chains, homeware stores, a large supermarket, and a food court with Georgian and international cuisine options.
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is acceptable at Dry Bridge flea market and street souvenir stalls - start at 50-60% of asking price
Fixed prices apply at malls, supermarkets, and established shops - do not try to negotiate
At Dezerter Bazaar, politely asking for a better price when buying multiple items is common
Always be respectful when negotiating - Georgians pride themselves on hospitality and may be offended by aggressive bargaining
Small bills are essential at markets - vendors rarely have change for large notes
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Antiques and items of cultural or historical significance require a certificate of authenticity from the Cultural Heritage Ministry to export. Wine can be exported in reasonable quantities for personal use.
Tax Refunds
Georgia has no tourist VAT refund scheme currently in place for visitors.
Duty-Free Limits
You can bring up to 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of spirits into Georgia duty-free. Exporting more than 10 liters of wine without documentation requires permits.
Shipping
DHL and FedEx operate from Tbilisi for international shipping. Georgia Post is cheaper but slower. Fabrika area has packing services available.
Shop Smart in Georgia
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
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