Georgia is a small country in the Caucasus. It is known for its beautiful mountains, rich history, and warm hospitality. Visitors come here for its culture and natural beauty. But shopping in Georgia is also a special experience. You can visit traditional bazaars in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi. These markets sell handmade crafts, jewelry, spices, and local products. You will also find Georgian wine, ceramics, and colorful textiles. Bargaining is common in these markets. For a modern experience, explore the country’s shopping malls. They have fashion brands, electronics, and home goods. Local designers also offer unique clothing and accessories. Let’s explore Georgian shopping destinations.
Explore These Places for Great Shopping Experience in Georgia
1. Tbilisi Mall
Located on the outskirts of the capital, Tbilisi Mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping hubs in the country. It’s worth visiting for its sheer scale and the wide array of international brands, many of which are hard to find elsewhere in the region. The mall’s unique selling point is its comprehensive offering, combining high-street fashion, electronics, a large Carrefour hypermarket, and a cinema. For the best experience, browse stores like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and New Yorker, and then refuel at one of the many cafes in its bright and airy food court.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
2. East Point
East Point is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Tbilisi, Georgia. It is located on the outskirts of the city and offers a wide range of local and international brands. Visitors can shop for fashion, electronics, home goods, and more. The mall also has a large supermarket, a cinema, and plenty of restaurants and cafes for dining. Families can enjoy entertainment zones and play areas for children. Its spacious layout and variety of stores make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. East Point is a great place to combine shopping with leisure activities during your stay in Tbilisi.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
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3. Galleria Tbilisi
Galleria Tbilisi is a modern age shopping mall located near the city center. It offers a sleek and spacious environment. It houses a mix of international and local retailers, featuring fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods. Visitors can also enjoy delectable cuisine at food courts, trendy cafes, and fine dine restaurants. For entertainment, the mall includes a cinema and family-friendly zones. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible by public transport and car. With a well-planned layout and varied retail mix, Galleria Tbilisi is a top choice for shoppers looking for style, comfort, and convenience in Georgia.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
4. Dry Bridge Market
Dry Bridge Market is one of Tbilisi’s most famous open-air markets. It is known for its antiques, vintage collectibles, and handmade crafts. Visitors can walk through stalls selling Soviet-era souvenirs, old coins, paintings, jewellery, and unique home décor items. Every piece has a story, making it a great place for finding special keepsakes. The market is popular among both locals and tourists, offering a mix of history, art, and culture. Bargaining is common, and sellers are friendly and open to negotiation. While it operates daily, weekends are the busiest and have the largest variety of stalls.
Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All Days)
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5. Dezerter Bazaar
The Dezerter Bazaar is Tbilisi’s largest and most vibrant agricultural market, offering an authentic slice of local life. Located near the central railway station, it is a sprawling, chaotic, and utterly fascinating place. Its signature feature is the incredible variety of fresh produce, spices, cheeses, and local delicacies like Churchkhela. This is the best place to buy authentic Georgian spices, Sulguni cheese, and homemade wine directly from the producers. Be ready for a bustling atmosphere and use it as an opportunity to practice your bargaining skills.
Visiting Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All Days)
6. Meidan Bazaar
Meidan Bazaar is a bustling underground market located beneath Meidan Square in Tbilisi’s Old Town. It is a compact, vibrant space filled with small stalls and shops offering handmade goods, traditional Georgian clothing, local jewelry, spices, wines, and souvenirs. The bazaar is known for its local artisans, who create and sell products such as wool scarves, ceramics, and Khinkali cutters. Prices are often negotiable, and the sellers are friendly and approachable. Meidan Bazaar is ideal for visitors looking to experience Georgian craft culture and carry home unique, locally made gifts. It’s a great spot to explore if you want shopping with a local flavor in Tbilisi.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (All Days)
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7. Batumi Mall
Located in the vibrant Black Sea city of Batumi, this mall is a prime shopping destination for locals and tourists. Its proximity to the beach and major hotels makes it a convenient stop. Batumi Mall offers a good mix of fashion brands, a supermarket, and a small cinema. It’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat or a rainy day, providing a dose of retail therapy with familiar international stores. The food court is a great spot to grab a quick and affordable bite. Whether you're shopping for essentials, enjoying a movie, or dining with sea views, Batumi Mall provides a relaxed and convenient experience in the heart of Batumi.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
8. City Mall Saburtalo
City Mall Saburtalo is a modern shopping center located in the Saburtalo district of Tbilisi. It features a large supermarket and a food court with cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The mall includes family-friendly entertainment zones like a cinema and play areas for children. Ample parking and a clean, easy-to-navigate layout make it a convenient choice for a relaxed shopping day. With its variety of stores and modern design, City Mall Saburtalo is a popular destination for both residents and visitors in Tbilisi.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
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Things to Know Before Shopping in Georgia
- Traditional markets and bazaars usually open earlier, often around 8:00 AM, and may close by evening.
- Bargaining is common in open-air markets like Dry Bridge Market, but prices in malls are fixed.
- Cash is widely used in small shops and markets, while malls and large stores accept cards.
- The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL); foreign currency is rarely accepted.
- VAT is included in prices, and tourists can claim tax refunds at designated stores.
- Weekends, especially Saturdays, are the busiest shopping days.
- Markets offer unique local products like wine, spices, and handmade crafts.
- English is spoken in most malls, but in local markets, basic phrases in Georgian or Russian help.
- Traditional markets are great for finding authentic souvenirs at better prices than malls.
Final Thoughts
Georgia offers a shopping experience that is as rich and diverse as its culture. It’s a destination where you can step out of a sleek, modern mall and into a bustling, ancient bazaar within minutes. This unique blend is what makes it so special. Whether you are a dedicated bargain hunter sifting through treasures at the Dry Bridge Market, a fashion lover exploring the boutiques of Fabrika, or a souvenir seeker in the charming Meidan Bazaar, Georgia caters to every style and budget. We encourage you to look beyond the main shopping streets; the real magic lies in the small, family-run shops and the craftspeople who pour their heart into their work. Book a Georgia tour packages with Myholidays and get ready to explore Georgia.
Shopping in Georgia - FAQs
Prices for local handicrafts vary widely. You can find small souvenirs like magnets or keychains for a few Lari, while high-quality handmade enamel jewelry or a traditional wool hat can range from 50 to 200 GEL or more. At markets, prices are often negotiable.
Bargaining is expected and part of the culture in open-air markets like the Dry Bridge and Dezerter Bazaar. In modern malls and branded stores, prices are fixed. When you do bargain, always do so with a friendly and respectful attitude.
Yes, markets in Georgia are generally very safe for solo travelers. However, like in any crowded place, it's wise to be mindful of your belongings. Keep your wallet and phone secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in the most bustling areas.
In modern malls, larger stores, and most restaurants, paying by card is common. However, cash is essential for shopping at outdoor markets, bazaars, and with smaller vendors. It's always a good idea to have a mix of both.
Georgia offers tax-free shopping for tourists on certain purchases. Look for the "Tax-Free" sign in store windows and ask the cashier for a tax-free receipt. You can claim your VAT refund at the airport before departure by presenting the receipts, your passport, and the purchased goods.
For international high-street brands, head to Tbilisi Mall or Galleria Tbilisi. For unique, local designer fashion and a more alternative style, the concept stores at Fabrika and independent boutiques around the Sololaki district are your best bet.
Yes, there are strict laws against exporting items of cultural or historical significance without a special permit from the Ministry of Culture. If you are buying old rugs, art, or antiques from a place like the Dry Bridge Market, always ask the vendor about the item's age and provenance to ensure it can be legally exported.
Georgians are generally modern in their dress style. In malls and central city areas, you can wear what you are comfortable in. While there is no strict dress code for markets, it's always respectful to dress modestly, avoiding overly revealing clothing, to blend in and show respect for local customs.
