In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia you can buy almost everything that you can find in western European countries. Apart from traditional things, modern equipment and appliances can be found and bought. Travellers can find souvenirs in open galleries and shops in Tbilisi selling local handicrafts, antique carpets or felt products. There, you can see Georgian craftsmanship in practice and buy something as a memory of Georgia.
For a rundown on some of the better known shops in Tbilisi and some tips on the most well known shopping areas, take a look at our Tbilisi shopping guide. Take some time out from your shopping spree to grab a bite to each at one of the many Tbilisi restaurants and cafes, located amongst Tbilisi's shopping districts. Our Georgia shopping guide provides some great sourvenirs to look out for during your holiday in Georgia.
Georgia Shopping Guide
Tbilisi has a rich display of culture, especially in the form of antiques and local art. The famous Bridge Market in the down town area of the city is the right place for a rendezvous with the local vendors, craftsmen and artists and for souvenir shopping in Tbilisi. The collection of artwork displayed here is generally not of good quality but sell at a fairly high price. The artists may also assume an air of importance and seem sort of self absorbed. It is recommended that you shop for inexpensive trinkets of Soviet origin rather than works of art. If however, you've set your heart on the artwork, make sure the artist arranges for a tax stamp from the nearest municipal headquarters. A tax stamp is required for all legal exports of artwork from Georgia and it is not an easy task for a tourist to get a stamp on short notice. Don't proceed with the deal without the tax stamp. While at the markets in Tbilisi catch up on shopping for footwear. Shoes are available here in plenty.
The market is spread across a wide area and it is difficult to navigate through all the sections. The food section is a delight any day and if you are patient enough to continue walking through the market, you are bound to find it. The search for the Georgian vodka or chacha at the market place can be quite elusive since this local variant is illegal and not available in the open market.
There are about ten markets in Tbilisi selling perishable goods, mainly from the local regions. You can find everything from the usual vegetables, greens, melons and other fruits, fish and meat, to poultry and live animals. These markets also stock spices, flour, groceries and dairy products.
Most shopping in Tbilisi is located in the busy Rustaveli Avenue. The avenue has quite a few restaurants and cafes where you could spend time over some refreshments and also taste the famous Georgian wines. All goods ranging from toys, sports gear, and shoes, to clothing, fabric and perfumes can be found here. You can also locate the much needed Internet café in Rustaveli Avenue. Walk along Rustaveli Avenue, past McDonald's and the Cinema (on the right) and in about 5 to 10 minutes, an Internet sign in English greets you at the entrance of an alleyway. The café is located on the right side of this lane. The Internet facilities here are great and as you leave, remember to get yourself a Tbilisi Metro map printed in both English and Georgian, at a cost of 1.5 Lari. It sure will help you navigate the city.
Tbilisi is a very clean city. The new regime has taken appropriate steps to keep the city litter free. A number of bins have been placed throughout the city and the people make good use of them.
Tbilisi is also an ideal place to shop for art and antiques. You can see the best pieces of local art on display in many of the Tbilisi art galleries located in Chardin Street. At Rustaveli Prospekt, you can find a wide choice of souvenirs. Mall culture has not yet caught up with Georgia. Babylon is the only shopping mall in Tbilisi and the shopping experience here is very different from shopping at the malls back home.
Religious icons make a perfect gift for a believer. Georgia is the place to purchase these orthodox icons; they can be bought from most of the churches or icon shops throughout the city. The figurines come at a reasonable price. They are beautifully crafted and can be easily packed.
Amidst all this travel in the Caucasian region, do you crave for some reading, inEnglish? Prospero's comes to your rescue. The shop in Tbilisi has a great collection of books on travel in general, and volumes of history and non-fiction related to this region. You could also browse through the reference, fiction, thriller and the children's sections. This is not any ordinary bookstore. Once you are done with the books, visit the shop's small café for some refreshments. The café offers a small selection of drinks, pastries and other snacks. Outdoor seating facility is also available.
The Central Railway Station of Tbilisi is being renovated to accommodate new facilities. On completion of work, the new building is expected to house fast food courts, upmarket shops stocking famous brands, and state of the art trade and entertainment centres, in addition to the railway station. The new building has a unique architecture and will be operational sometime in 2009.
Georgians are well known for their hospitable and sociable nature. Even strangers could offer to buy you drinks while at the restaurants. Take care to dress conservatively while visiting the churches and avoid short dresses. Women are expected to cover their heads when visiting religious places.
Public organizations and institutions function from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm; however, business establishments and shops are open from 10.00 am to 7 pm. All establishments function even during the weekends.
