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Dezerter Bazaar: Tbilisi's Vibrant Food Hub
Experience the vibrant Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi: a sensory feast of fresh produce, spices, and Georgian culture near Station Square.
Dezerter Bazaar is a bustling market in Tbilisi, Georgia, offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, meats, cheeses, and more. Named after deserting soldiers who once sold their gear here, it's a sensory experience and a cultural melting pot.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Dezerter Bazaar
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
5 Abastumani St, Tbilisi, Didube-Chugureti, GE
Monday
7 am-7 pm
Tuesday
7 am-6 pm
Wednesday
7 am-6 pm
Thursday
7 am-6 pm
Friday
7 am-6 pm
Saturday
7 am-7 pm
Sunday
7 am-7 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Freedom Square, take the Tbilisi Metro's Red Line to Station Square. Upon exiting the station, follow the crowds and the aroma of spices down Abastumani Street. The market will be on your right, a couple hundred yards from the metro station. Metro fare is 0.5 GEL per ride, plus 2 GEL for the Metrocard.
Walking
From Station Square, walk along Abastumani Street. The Dezerter Bazaar will be located on your right. The walk is short and direct.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Maxim to book a taxi to Dezerter Bazaar, located at 5 Abastumani Street. A short taxi ride from the city center typically costs between 5-10 GEL. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your journey.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning (7am-1pm) for the freshest produce and the most vibrant atmosphere.
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Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept card payments.
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Bargain respectfully for the best prices.
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Try local specialties like khachapuri, churchkhela, and various spices.
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Watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Discover more about Dezerter Bazaar
Dezerter Bazaar, located near Station Square in Tbilisi, is more than just a market; it's a vibrant reflection of Georgian culture and daily life. This sprawling bazaar, covering over 2,000 square meters, has been a central part of Tbilisi's culinary scene since its establishment in the 19th century. Its name originates from the 1920s, when soldiers deserting the Russo-Georgian War sold their equipment and wares here.
Today, Dezerter Bazaar offers an authentic Georgian experience with a mix of Asian bazaar and European food market styles. Visitors can find fresh produce sourced directly from rural villages, traditional cheeses, spices, meats, and local delicacies. The market is a sensory journey filled with sights, sounds, and aromas, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Tbilisi residents.
The market is open daily, with the liveliest atmosphere in the morning. It's a place where you can taste seasonal fruits, witness Georgian bread baking, and find unique handcrafted souvenirs. While the original Soviet-era building was replaced in 2012, the market retains its charm and continues to evolve with modern elements.
A brief summary to Dezerter Bazaar
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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