Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. With so much to explore, it's no surprise that souvenir shopping is a popular activity for tourists. From traditional Georgian crafts to modern fashion pieces, there's something for everyone. In this post, we'll explore some of the best souvenirs to buy in Tbilisi and where to find them.
Traditional Georgian Crafts
One of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Tbilisi is traditional Georgian crafts. These unique and beautiful items are often handmade by local artisans and reflect the rich cultural heritage of Georgia.
Georgian Ceramics
Georgian ceramics are a popular souvenir choice, with a long history of pottery in the country dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, you can find a range of ceramics in Tbilisi, from traditional jugs and bowls to more modern designs.
One of the most famous Georgian ceramic styles is the Kazbegi pottery. This style is characterized by its geometric shapes and bright colors, and it has been produced in the Kazbegi region of Georgia since the 18th century. Nowadays, you can find Kazbegi pottery in many souvenir shops in Tbilisi, as well as in the Kazbegi region itself.
Some of the best places to buy Georgian ceramics include:
- The Dry Bridge Market – This outdoor market is a great place to find a wide range of traditional Georgian crafts, including ceramics.
- Tbilisi Flea Market – Another great market for finding unique souvenirs, the Tbilisi Flea Market often has a good selection of ceramics.
- Iavnana – This shop specializes in traditional Georgian crafts, including ceramics. They have a wide range of items to choose from and offer shipping worldwide.
Georgian Textiles
Georgian textiles are another popular souvenir choice, with a long history of weaving and embroidery in the country. From traditional rugs and tapestries to modern clothing designs, there's a wide range of textiles to choose from.
One of the most famous Georgian textile styles is the Tbilisi silk. This type of silk has been produced in Tbilisi since the 5th century and is known for its beautiful patterns and vibrant colors. Nowadays, you can find Tbilisi silk products in many souvenir shops in the city.
Some of the best places to buy Georgian textiles include:
- The Dry Bridge Market – Again, this outdoor market is a great place to find a wide range of traditional Georgian crafts, including textiles.
- Tbilisi Flea Market – This market often has a good selection of textiles, including traditional rugs and tapestries.
- Tbilisi Central Market – This large indoor market has a section dedicated to textiles, with a wide range of fabrics and clothing items available.
Georgian Wine
Georgia has a long and proud tradition of winemaking, with over 8,000 years of history in the field. As such, Georgian wine is a popular souvenir choice for tourists looking to bring home a taste of the country.
One of the most famous Georgian wine styles is the qvevri wine. This type of wine is made using a traditional Georgian method that involves fermenting the grapes in large clay jars called qvevris. Qvevri wine is known for its unique taste and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Some of the best places to buy Georgian wine include:
- Vinotheca – This wine shop in the Old Town has a wide range of Georgian wines to choose from, as well as knowledgeable staff who can help you find the perfect bottle.
- Gvino Underground – This wine bar and shop is located in a historic wine cellar and offers a unique atmosphere for enjoying Georgian wine. They also offer wine tastings and tours.
- Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking – This winery is located outside of Tbilisi but is worth the trip for those looking to learn more about Georgian winemaking. They offer tours and tastings and have a wide range of wines available for purchase.
Georgian Sweets
Georgian sweets are a delicious souvenir choice, with a wide range of unique and tasty treats to choose from. From traditional honey cakes to modern chocolate creations, there's something for every sweet tooth.
One of the most famous Georgian sweet styles is the churchkhela. This type of candy is made by dipping strings of nuts (usually walnuts or hazelnuts) into a thick grape juice mixture and then letting them dry. Churchkhela is a popular snack in Georgia and can be found in many souvenir shops in Tbilisi.
Some of the best places to buy Georgian sweets include:
- Ludi Sweets – This shop in the Old Town specializes in traditional Georgian sweets, including churchkhela and tklapi (a fruit leather).
- Alani – This modern chocolate shop offers a range of unique flavors, including Georgian sea salt and smoked chili.
- Korkia – This shop offers a range of Georgian honey products, including honey cakes and honeycomb.
Modern Georgian Fashion
Finally, for those looking for something more modern, Georgian fashion is a great souvenir choice. With a growing fashion industry in the country, there are a number of talented designers creating unique and stylish pieces.
One of the most famous Georgian fashion brands is the Materiel. This brand has gained international recognition for its modern and stylish designs, and has been worn by celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Their flagship store is located in Tbilisi, and they also have a showroom in Paris.
Some of the best places to buy modern Georgian fashion include:
- Tbilisi Fashion Week – This bi-annual event showcases the best of Georgian fashion, with designers from across the country presenting their collections.
- Tamuna Ingorokva – Another popular fashion brand, Tamuna Ingorokva is known for its minimalist and elegant designs. Their flagship store is also located in Tbilisi.
- George Keburia – This fashion brand is known for its unique sunglasses designs, which have been worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa. Their flagship store is located in Tbilisi.
Conclusion
Souvenir shopping in Tbilisi is a great way to bring home a piece of Georgian culture and tradition. From traditional crafts to modern fashion, there's something for everyone. So next time you visit Tbilisi, be sure to set aside some time for souvenir shopping and explore the city's many markets and shops. And remember, no matter what you choose to buy, you'll be taking home a piece of Georgia's rich cultural heritage.