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Dry Bridge Flea Market, საქართველო - Things to Do in Dry Bridge Flea Market

Things to Do in Dry Bridge Flea Market

Dry Bridge Flea Market, საქართველო - Complete Travel Guide

Dry Bridge Flea Market (Mshrali Khidi) is located in Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of Georgia that beautifully blends ancient history with modern culture. This historic city, founded in the 5th century, sits strategically along the Silk Road and showcases a fascinating mix of European and Asian influences through its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The city's Old Town features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional sulfur baths, and colorful balconied houses that cascade down hillsides toward the Mtkvari River. Tbilisi has emerged as one of the most exciting destinations in the Caucasus region, offering visitors everything from ancient churches and Soviet-era monuments to trendy wine bars and contemporary art galleries. The city's famous hospitality, known as Georgian supra culture, combined with its affordable prices and unique cultural experiences, makes it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path.

Top Things to Do in Dry Bridge Flea Market

Browse Dry Bridge Flea Market

Explore Georgia's most famous flea market where vendors sell everything from Soviet memorabilia and antique jewelry to vintage books and traditional crafts. The market operates daily but is most vibrant on weekends when locals and tourists hunt for unique treasures. You'll find authentic Georgian artifacts, old photographs, handmade items, and curious collectibles that tell the story of Georgia's complex history.

Booking Tip: No booking required - just show up with cash (Georgian Lari preferred). Best visited on Saturday or Sunday mornings (9 AM - 4 PM) when selection is largest. Bargaining is expected, so start at 30-50% of asking price. Bring small bills and be prepared to walk away to get better deals.

Explore Tbilisi Old Town

Wander through the historic heart of Tbilisi with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional balconied houses, and ancient churches. Visit the iconic Narikala Fortress, the sulfur baths district of Abanotubani, and the stunning Sioni Cathedral. The area perfectly captures the essence of old Tbilisi with its mix of Georgian, Armenian, and Persian architectural influences.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, or join guided walking tours for 25-40 GEL ($10-15). Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Wear comfortable walking shoes as streets are uneven. Many churches require modest dress - bring a scarf to cover shoulders.

Take Cable Car to Narikala Fortress

Ride the modern cable car system from Rike Park to the ancient Narikala Fortress for panoramic views over Tbilisi's rooftops, the Mtkvari River, and surrounding mountains. The 4th-century fortress offers the best vantage point in the city and houses the recently reconstructed St. Nicholas Church. The journey itself provides stunning aerial views of the Old Town's colorful architecture.

Booking Tip: Cable car costs 2.50 GEL each way (about $1). Operates daily 11 AM - 11 PM, but sunset rides offer the most spectacular views. Buy tickets at the station - no advance booking needed. Fortress entry is free. Visit on clear days for best photo opportunities.

Experience Traditional Georgian Wine Tasting

Discover Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking heritage through tastings at traditional wine cellars, modern wine bars, or organized tours to nearby Kakheti wine region. Learn about the unique qvevri (clay pot) method that UNESCO recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Sample indigenous grape varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli while learning about Georgian wine traditions.

Booking Tip: City wine tastings range from 15-50 GEL ($6-20) for 3-5 wines. Book Kakheti day tours for 80-150 GEL ($30-60) including transport and lunch. Reserve wine cellar visits in advance, especially on weekends. Many tours include traditional Georgian feast (supra) with wine pairings.

Visit Sulfur Bath Houses

Relax in the famous sulfur baths of Abanotubani district, where legend says King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded the city after his falcon fell into hot springs. These therapeutic baths have been used for centuries and offer private rooms with natural sulfur water pools. The experience combines relaxation with cultural immersion in an authentic Georgian tradition that dates back to the city's founding.

Booking Tip: Private rooms cost 15-40 GEL ($6-15) per hour for 2-4 people. Public baths are cheaper at 3-5 GEL but less private. Book popular baths like Orbeliani or Royal Bath in advance. Bring flip-flops and towels, or rent on-site. Best visited in evening after sightseeing to soothe tired muscles.

Getting There

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is the main gateway, located 17km southeast of the city center with direct flights from major European cities, Istanbul, and regional destinations. Airport buses (Bus 37) run every 30 minutes to the city center for 1 GEL, while taxis cost 20-30 GEL ($8-12). The city is also accessible by train from Baku, Yerevan, and Batumi, with the central railway station located near the Old Town. Overland travel is possible via marshrutkas (minibuses) from neighboring countries, though border crossings can be time-consuming.

Getting Around

Tbilisi has an efficient and affordable public transportation system including metro, buses, and minibuses that cost 1 GEL per ride with a Metromoney card (available at stations for 2 GEL). The metro system has two lines connecting major districts, while buses cover areas not served by metro. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive - use Bolt or Yandex apps for fair pricing, with most city rides costing 3-8 GEL ($1-3). The Old Town and central areas are very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi)
Rustaveli Avenue
Sololaki District
Vera District
Vake
Saburtalo

Food & Dining

Tbilisi's food scene ranges from traditional Georgian taverns serving khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (dumplings) to modern fusion restaurants and international cuisine. The Old Town offers atmospheric restaurants with traditional Georgian feasts, while Rustaveli Avenue and Vera district feature trendy cafes and wine bars. Don't miss trying churchkhela (Georgian snickers), badrijani (eggplant rolls), and local wines. Street food is excellent and safe, with many vendors near the flea market selling fresh bread, grilled meats, and seasonal fruits. Meals at traditional restaurants cost 15-40 GEL ($6-15) per person, while street food ranges from 2-10 GEL.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tbilisi

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Vera Italiana Restaurant

4.8 /5
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ALFREDO

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Tbilisimo

4.8 /5
(760 reviews)

Farina Tbilisi

4.8 /5
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Ambrosiano

4.6 /5
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Tbilisi is from April to June and September to November when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and rainfall is moderate. Spring brings blooming trees and pleasant weather perfect for exploring outdoor markets and walking tours. Summer (July-August) can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C, but this is when the city is most vibrant with outdoor festivals and events. Winter is mild compared to northern climates but can be rainy and gray, though it's the best time for cozy wine tastings and indoor cultural activities. The Dry Bridge Flea Market operates year-round but is most enjoyable in pleasant weather.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Georgian phrases like 'gamarjoba' (hello) and 'madloba' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort and it helps with bargaining at the flea market
Always carry cash in Georgian Lari as many small vendors, restaurants, and attractions don't accept cards, and ATMs are widely available throughout the city
Embrace Georgian hospitality by accepting invitations to share meals or drinks - Georgians are incredibly welcoming and these spontaneous encounters often become the highlight of trips

Explore Activities in Dry Bridge Flea Market