If you’re planning a getaway to Kutaisi, prepare to return with more than just memories. Georgia’s charming city in the heart of Imereti is a treasure trove of authentic goods, local markets, and cultural keepsakes. With its cozy shops, spontaneous street stalls, souvenir boutiques, and supermarkets, there’s no shortage of places to hunt for the perfect memento. But for most visitors, one destination takes center stage: the legendary Green Bazaar.
Nestled in the historic quarters of Old Kutaisi, the Green Bazaar is a must-visit. Conveniently located at 3 Paliashvili First Lane, it’s easy to spot thanks to the grand “Colchis” bas-relief mosaic gracing its entrance — a local landmark that draws shoppers from near and far. The market opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering a vibrant slice of Georgian life within its Soviet-era architecture.
Step inside, and you’ll find a bustling world of local delicacies and artisanal goods. Shelves brim with pickled cheeses, pungent spices, bold sauces, fragrant herbs, nuts, and dried fruits. Sweet pastila and handmade churchkhela hang like edible ornaments, each one infused with tradition. Farmers’ stalls burst with seasonal vegetables and fruits — juicy berries, tangy greens, and colorful produce grown in the nearby valleys. Everything is fresh, fairly priced, and unmistakably Georgian.
The Green Bazaar isn’t just a feast for the palate; it’s also a haven for lovers of handmade crafts. Local Imeretian artisans sell traditional wooden bowls and kitchenware, copper and silver trinkets, intricate ceramics, and rustic pottery. You’ll find baking dishes, serving plates, miniature wine cups, and elegant pitchers — all made with the charm and soul of the region. If you’re after something with even more character, take a stroll through the antique shops in the Old Town. These eclectic stores offer rare keepsakes with stories as rich as Georgia’s history.
Looking for gifts? Skip the generic fridge magnets. Instead, fill your suitcase with spicy adjika, jars of colorful seasonings, or a bottle of local wine. Georgian wines are an essential souvenir — rich in flavor and legacy. Sample both homemade and commercial varieties sold by the liter, but for your journey home, go for signature bottled wines like “Rkatsiteli,” “Tsinandali,” “Kindzmarauli,” “Akhasheni,” or “Pirosmani.”
In Kutaisi’s Old Town, wine is woven into everyday life. You’ll find it in cozy wine bars, stylish boutiques, and local supermarkets. But for the full experience, join a wine tasting tour or visit a small family-run winery. These culinary adventures are more than just tastings — they’re warm-hearted gatherings. You’ll enjoy authentic wines paired with heartfelt toasts, stories of Georgia’s 8000-year-old winemaking heritage, light snacks, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.