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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, flea market finds
Dezerter Bazaar
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, flea market finds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling, sensory-rich market offering fresh produce, spices, and local crafts at unbeatable prices. Experience authentic Tbilisi life.
"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."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Aromatic Spice Aisles
Dedicated spice sections
Inhale the intoxicating aromas of countless spices, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect for bringing a taste of Georgia home.
Handmade Candle Displays
Various craft stalls
Discover unique, colorful handmade candles, often intricately designed. A charming souvenir or gift.

Local Life Spectacle
Market perimeter and main thoroughfares
Observe the bustling energy of locals shopping and interacting. A true slice of Tbilisi life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chaos
Cash is King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Comfort is key for exploring this vast market.
Searching for baking ingredients
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.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, the market can get hot. Carry water or buy fresh juices from vendors.
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!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Comfort is key for exploring this vast market.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant produce and lively scenes make for incredible photos. Be respectful of vendors and shoppers.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, the market can get hot. Carry water or buy fresh juices from vendors.
🛒 Bring Your Own Bags
Reduce waste and make carrying your purchases easier by bringing reusable shopping bags.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Being near Station Square, it's a central hub. You can easily catch transport to other attractions after your market visit.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
No, Dezerter Bazaar is a traditional market, and there's no need for pre-booking or reservations. You simply show up and explore.
🎫 🛍️ 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.
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.
Some vendors may offer samples, especially for fruits or nuts. It's always worth asking politely, but don't expect it everywhere.
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.
It's renowned for its incredibly fresh and affordable fruits (especially apricots), a wide array of spices and herbs, and delicious nuts.
🍽️ 💰 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.
Look for freshly baked Georgian bread (puri), churchkhela (nut candy), and various dried fruits and nuts. You can also find fresh juices.
Absolutely! Dezerter Bazaar is the perfect place to source all the fresh ingredients for authentic Georgian dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, or various stews.
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.
Prices are generally very affordable, especially compared to tourist areas. You can buy a kilogram of berries for around 10-15 GEL.
📸 📸 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.
Focus on the colorful produce displays, the textures of spices, the interactions between vendors and shoppers, and the unique handmade crafts.
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.
The fruit and vegetable sections, the spice aisles, and areas with handmade goods like candles often yield the most visually striking photographs.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
Mastering the art of polite bargaining can further reduce costs. Remember to carry cash, as this is often the only accepted payment method and can sometimes lead to better prices. The market also offers a chance to buy unique, locally made souvenirs at very reasonable prices.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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. Be mindful of your surroundings, move with purpose, and always ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of people.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Dezerter Bazaar Experience
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. Many visitors recommend trying the local berries, which are often sold in generous portions at great prices.
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. 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. And don't forget to bring cash, as most vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
The Heart of Tbilisi's Commerce
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. 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.
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. For travelers looking to experience the true essence of Georgia, a visit to Dezerter Bazaar is an absolute must.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit