Dezerter Bazaar - Vintage film photo of a market
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Dezerter Bazaar

4.1
·10k reviews·T'bilisi, Georgia

A bustling, sensory-rich market offering fresh produce, spices, and local crafts at unbeatable prices. Experience authentic Tbilisi life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Lively atmosphere, flea market finds

CrowdHigh
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Dezerter Bazaar - Vintage film photo of a market

Dezerter Bazaar

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Lively atmosphere, flea market finds

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling, sensory-rich market offering fresh produce, spices, and local crafts at unbeatable prices. Experience authentic Tbilisi life.

4.1
(10k reviews)

"A beautiful experience, but not on a hot day. Try the apricots. Not a pleasant place for everyone, but it was a beautiful experience for me personally."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bargain with a Smile

Prices are often negotiable, especially for larger quantities. A friendly approach goes a long way!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Comfort is key for exploring this vast market.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Produce Stalls

Vibrant Produce Stalls

Throughout the market

Feast your eyes on mountains of colorful fruits, vegetables, and fresh berries. The vibrant hues are a photographer's dream.

Reddit
Aromatic Spice Aisles

Aromatic Spice Aisles

Dedicated spice sections

Inhale the intoxicating aromas of countless spices, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect for bringing a taste of Georgia home.

Reddit
Handmade Candle Displays

Handmade Candle Displays

Various craft stalls

Discover unique, colorful handmade candles, often intricately designed. A charming souvenir or gift.

TikTok
Local Life Spectacle

Local Life Spectacle

Market perimeter and main thoroughfares

Observe the bustling energy of locals shopping and interacting. A true slice of Tbilisi life.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Chaos

Dezerter Bazaar is a vibrant, sprawling market. Expect a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Go with an open mind and be prepared for a truly local experience, not a polished tourist attraction. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Georgian culture and find incredible deals on fresh produce and unique goods. Reddit

Cash is King

While some vendors might accept digital payments, cash is the preferred and often only accepted method at Dezerter Bazaar. Make sure to have plenty of Georgian Lari on hand to snag the best deals on fruits, spices, and handmade items. ATMs are available nearby, but it's best to come prepared. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere, flea market finds
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, fresh produce
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoons
Why
Heat can be intense
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Markets in Tbilisi on a Sunday

🎯 Bargain with a Smile

Prices are often negotiable, especially for larger quantities. A friendly approach goes a long way! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Comfort is key for exploring this vast market. Reddit

reddit.com

Searching for baking ingredients

reddit.com

Where can i find spices like clove, cinnamon, green and black cardamom, star anise, Bay leaves, whole black pepper, etc at a good price? Is there a spice market in Tbilisi?

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant produce and lively scenes make for incredible photos. Be respectful of vendors and shoppers. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, the market can get hot. Carry water or buy fresh juices from vendors. Reddit

reddit.com

Hot pepper

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bargain with a Smile

Prices are often negotiable, especially for larger quantities. A friendly approach goes a long way! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Comfort is key for exploring this vast market. Reddit

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant produce and lively scenes make for incredible photos. Be respectful of vendors and shoppers. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, the market can get hot. Carry water or buy fresh juices from vendors. Reddit

🛒 Bring Your Own Bags

Reduce waste and make carrying your purchases easier by bringing reusable shopping bags. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dezerter Bazaar is a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly rewarding market experience, offering a true taste of local Georgian life. Visitors rave about the incredibly fresh and cheap produce, the aromatic spices, and the lively atmosphere. While some find the intensity overwhelming, most agree it's a must-see for an authentic cultural immersion. Reddit+1

"Beautiful, varied, delicious and cheap fruits for simple, smiling and beautiful people. A beautiful experience, but not on a hot day. Try the apricots. Not a pleasant place for everyone, but it was a beautiful experience for me personally. Don't forget to buy walnuts and nuts with the fruits there."

Dr. Ehab

"A must see in the city. A great reality check for people used to buying neatly wrapped meat and veg. Great spices. Walnuts. Yes, buy. But walk about and just absorb and you see. The produce colors are vibrant. People are friendly. It also a great place to watch people, especially those doing their shopping. Elegantly dress women who clearly dress for and represent a different era. And expand a block or so to see all the other sellers in the area. So much to see."

G P

"Interesting place with many goods, textile, fruit and veg, meat, dairy, SPICES, herbs, bread, plants chemicals etc. Name it and most likely you will find it there. Also lively place and lots of people around. Bring cash because most of sellers are cash only."

Andrei Silich

What People Like

Incredibly fresh and cheap produce
Vast selection of spices
Authentic local atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming
Intense sensory experience

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dezerter Bazaar is conveniently located near Station Square. You can easily reach it by metro to Station Square Station, followed by a short walk. Many buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) also stop in the vicinity. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available in Tbilisi and can take you directly to Dezerter Bazaar. It's a good option if you have a lot of purchases or prefer direct transport. Reddit

The market is vast and can be a bit disorienting. Start by exploring the main aisles and then venture into the smaller sections. Don't be afraid to ask vendors for directions if you're looking for something specific. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity due to the market's popularity and location. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi. Reddit

Absolutely! Being near Station Square, it's a central hub. You can easily catch transport to other attractions after your market visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Dezerter Bazaar is completely free. It's a public market, so you can wander through and soak in the atmosphere without any admission fee. Reddit

Dezerter Bazaar is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon/early evening. However, hours can vary slightly, and it's busiest on Sundays. Reddit

Weekends, especially Sundays, offer a more vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with flea market stalls also appearing. Weekdays are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping experience. Reddit

While it's always lively, visiting during the hottest part of the day in summer might be less comfortable. Early mornings or late afternoons can be more pleasant. Reddit

No, Dezerter Bazaar is a traditional market, and there's no need for pre-booking or reservations. You simply show up and explore. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience

You'll find an incredible variety: fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts, dairy products, meat, bread, handmade crafts, textiles, candles, and even household items. Reddit+1

The produce is generally fresh and locally sourced. Use your judgment, and if something looks or smells off, it's best to avoid it. Many locals shop here regularly. Reddit

Some vendors may offer samples, especially for fruits or nuts. It's always worth asking politely, but don't expect it everywhere. Reddit

Bargaining is common, especially for non-food items or larger quantities. Be polite, smile, and have a price in mind. Start lower than you're willing to pay. Reddit

It's renowned for its incredibly fresh and affordable fruits (especially apricots), a wide array of spices and herbs, and delicious nuts. Reddit

🍽️ 💰 Food & Dining

While the focus is on raw ingredients, you can find small stalls selling local snacks, bread, and sometimes simple cooked dishes. It's more about buying ingredients to cook yourself. Reddit

Look for freshly baked Georgian bread (puri), churchkhela (nut candy), and various dried fruits and nuts. You can also find fresh juices. Reddit

Absolutely! Dezerter Bazaar is the perfect place to source all the fresh ingredients for authentic Georgian dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, or various stews. Reddit

Yes, the area around Station Square has numerous cafes and restaurants offering a range of Georgian and international cuisine if you prefer a sit-down meal. Reddit

Prices are generally very affordable, especially compared to tourist areas. You can buy a kilogram of berries for around 10-15 GEL. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and the market offers fantastic opportunities for vibrant shots. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. TikTok

Focus on the colorful produce displays, the textures of spices, the interactions between vendors and shoppers, and the unique handmade crafts. TikTok

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the freshness of the produce. However, the bustling energy of the market throughout the day provides unique photographic moments. TikTok

The fruit and vegetable sections, the spice aisles, and areas with handmade goods like candles often yield the most visually striking photographs. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A prime lens can also be useful for low-light situations or for isolating subjects. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dezerter Bazaar can be an exciting adventure for families, offering a vibrant sensory experience for children. The colorful displays of fruits and vegetables are visually stimulating, and the sheer variety of goods can spark curiosity. Reddit Encourage kids to point out their favorite colors or fruits, and perhaps let them help choose a small souvenir like a handmade candle. TikTok

Practical tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking. Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days, and consider a stroller if you have very young children, though navigating crowded aisles might be tricky. Focus on the fun aspects – the sights, the smells, and the lively atmosphere – rather than expecting a perfectly organized shopping trip. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Dezerter Bazaar is a paradise for budget-conscious travelers. Prices for fresh produce, spices, and many other goods are significantly lower than in supermarkets or tourist shops. Reddit Stock up on fruits, nuts, and spices to save money on snacks and meals during your trip. Reddit

Mastering the art of polite bargaining can further reduce costs. Reddit Remember to carry cash, as this is often the only accepted payment method and can sometimes lead to better prices. Reddit The market also offers a chance to buy unique, locally made souvenirs at very reasonable prices. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Dezerter Bazaar is a dream location. The vibrant colors of the produce, the textures of spices, and the candid moments of daily life offer endless shooting opportunities. TikTokReddit Focus on details: the intricate patterns of handmade candles, the piles of colorful spices, or the expressive faces of vendors. TikTok

Best times for photography are often early mornings when the light is soft and the market is setting up, or throughout the day to capture the bustling energy. TikTok Be mindful of your surroundings, move with purpose, and always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of people. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Dezerter Bazaar Experience

Dezerter Bazaar is more than just a market; it's a cultural immersion. Visitors often describe it as a 'reality check' compared to sterile supermarkets, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into Georgian daily life. The sheer scale of the market means you can find almost anything, from fresh produce and spices to textiles and household goods. Reddit+1 Be prepared for a sensory overload – the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, the intoxicating aromas of spices, and the lively chatter of vendors and shoppers create an unforgettable atmosphere. Reddit

Key to enjoying Dezerter Bazaar is embracing its chaotic charm. Don't expect pristine aisles or fixed prices. Instead, engage with the friendly vendors, practice your bargaining skills (politely!), and be open to discovering unexpected treasures. The market is particularly famous for its incredibly fresh and affordable fruits, a vast selection of spices and herbs, and a variety of nuts. Reddit Many visitors recommend trying the local berries, which are often sold in generous portions at great prices. Reddit

For photographers, Dezerter Bazaar is a goldmine. The vivid colors of the produce, the textures of the spices, and the candid interactions of people create compelling visual narratives. TikTok Remember to be respectful when taking photos, and always ask for permission before focusing on individuals. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Reddit And don't forget to bring cash, as most vendors operate on a cash-only basis. Reddit

The Heart of Tbilisi's Commerce

Dezerter Bazaar, located near Station Square, is one of Tbilisi's largest and most traditional markets. It's a place where locals have been shopping for generations, seeking the freshest produce and best deals. The market's name, 'Dezerter,' reportedly comes from the soldiers who used to sell their surplus goods here after World War II. Reddit

The market is divided into various sections, each specializing in different goods. You'll find sprawling areas dedicated to fruits and vegetables, where vendors proudly display their seasonal bounty. Nearby, you can explore aisles filled with an astonishing array of spices, herbs, and dried goods, their aromas mingling in the air. Reddit Beyond food, the bazaar also features stalls selling textiles, clothing, household items, and unique handmade crafts, including the colorful candles that have become a popular souvenir. TikTok

Visiting Dezerter Bazaar offers a unique opportunity to witness the authentic rhythm of Tbilisi life. It's a place where the community gathers, exchanges news, and conducts their daily commerce. The interactions between vendors and customers are often lively and friendly, adding to the market's vibrant character. Reddit For travelers looking to experience the true essence of Georgia, a visit to Dezerter Bazaar is an absolute must.

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