Tbilisi is a true embodiment of a traditional Eastern city—vivid, soulful, and brimming with character. Its streets are alive with colorful bazaars, each offering a hospitable welcome and an endless variety of goods for every taste and budget. Among these, the Deserter (or Borjomi) Market holds its place as the city’s central trading hub, while the unique subterranean Meidan Bazaar hums beneath Vakhtang Gorgasali Square. Yet, none quite capture the spirit of the city like the charming Tbilisi Flea Market near the famed Dry Bridge—a place where time seems to pause amid the exchange of stories, handcrafted treasures, and spirited bargaining.
The story of the Tbilisi Flea Market began in the waning years of the 20th century, during the 1990s—a turbulent era when Georgia, newly independent, was facing deep social and economic upheaval. The struggles were particularly acute for residents of the city’s old quarters, where aging buildings lacked even basic utilities like running water and electricity. Many were forced to sell their belongings—antiques, heirlooms, personal treasures—simply to survive.
Out of this necessity, the flea market near Dry Bridge began to form, slowly but surely. As the hardships of the era began to fade and the country regained its footing, the market not only endured—it grew. Today, it is a vibrant, sprawling maze of curious and captivating wares that stretch across the park and into the soul of Tbilisi itself.
Wandering through the Tbilisi Flea Market is like stepping into an open-air museum, each stall a chapter in Georgia’s storied past. Here, you’ll find handmade souvenirs, vintage trinkets, and rare collector’s items. From antique coins and Soviet-era memorabilia to exquisite handwoven carpets and delicate porcelain dishes—every item has a history, and every vendor a tale to tell.
The market offers everything from traditional Eastern rugs and ornate Georgian icons to retro vinyl records, aged books, daggers, hand-forged knives, and animal horns polished into drinking vessels. You might stumble upon rare military medals, decades-old cameras, dusty gramophones, or childhood toys from a bygone age. Local artists display vibrant canvases, while artisans offer lovingly crafted flasks and ceramics. Even quartz watches and clay jugs whisper of the many hands they’ve passed through.
Collectors come here with a gleam in their eyes, hoping to uncover forgotten relics, while tourists and locals alike delight in the cultural mosaic—and the chance to haggle in true bazaar style. Though many of today’s vendors are resellers and intermediaries, the charm lies in their love for storytelling and their deep connection to the city’s past.
Travelers hoping to take home a piece of Georgian history should be aware: local law restricts the export of certain cultural artifacts, including carpets. Vendors are typically well-versed in these regulations and can provide the necessary permits to ensure a smooth experience at customs.
The Tbilisi Flea Market operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with vendors starting to pack up by early evening. Weekends—especially Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM—are the liveliest times to visit, as the market reaches its peak energy and the most diverse assortment of goods appears.
However, since the market is entirely outdoors, visiting during inclement weather is not advised. On rainy days, vendors typically stay away, and the lively atmosphere gives way to quiet streets.
The market is nestled near the historic Dry Bridge (Mshrali Khidi), a 19th-century architectural gem designed by Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri and built under the direction of Count Mikhail Vorontsov. The bridge once spanned the Mtkvari River, which was partially diverted and dried in 1933 to make way for a road—hence the bridge’s name.
To reach the market, you can take a city bus to the “Dry Bridge” stop, serviced by routes 20, 23, and 95. Alternatively, it’s a pleasant walk from Freedom Square Metro Station on the M1 line or from Shota Rustaveli Avenue, making it easily accessible from the city center.
Tbilisi Flea Market Opening Hours:
Daily: 09:00–17:00
Admission:
Free of charge
Contact Phone:
+995 (555) 696896
Address:
Kvishketi, 1a, Tbilisi
