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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, located in Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of the city's most fascinating cultural attractions and a treasure hunter's paradise. This sprawling weekend market stretches along the Mtkvari River near the historic Dry Bridge, offering an eclectic mix of Soviet-era memorabilia, antiques, vintage items, and unique Georgian artifacts. The market has become a symbol of Tbilisi's resilient spirit and its ability to transform everyday spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. Tbilisi itself is Georgia's captivating capital, where ancient history meets modern energy in a city that has been a crossroads of cultures for centuries. With its distinctive architecture featuring traditional balconied houses, sulfur baths, and a dramatic fortress overlooking the city, Tbilisi offers visitors an authentic taste of Georgian hospitality, world-renowned cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. The city's unique position between Europe and Asia has created a fascinating blend of influences that visitors can experience through its markets, restaurants, wine bars, and cultural attractions.

Top Things to Do in Dry Bridge Flea Market

Browse Dry Bridge Flea Market

Spend hours exploring this legendary weekend market where vendors sell everything from Soviet medals and vintage cameras to handmade crafts and antique jewelry. The market is particularly famous for its collection of historical artifacts, old photographs, and unique Georgian items that make perfect souveners. Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience.

Booking Tip: The market operates on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from early morning until late afternoon. Bring cash in Georgian lari for purchases, as most vendors don't accept cards. Best selection is available in the morning, and prices are most negotiable later in the day.

Explore Tbilisi Old Town

Wander through the atmospheric cobblestone streets of Old Tbilisi, admiring the traditional architecture with its distinctive wooden balconies and colorful houses. The area is home to numerous churches, including the Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Basilica, as well as charming cafes and art galleries. The neighborhood perfectly captures the essence of Georgian culture and history.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided walking tours cost around 30-50 GEL per person and provide valuable historical context. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.

Visit Narikala Fortress

Take the cable car or hike up to this ancient 4th-century fortress that overlooks Tbilisi and offers panoramic views of the city and Mtkvari River. The fortress complex includes the recently reconstructed St. Nicholas Church and provides excellent photo opportunities. The site is particularly magical at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle below.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 2.5 GEL each way and operate daily from 11 AM to midnight. Walking up is free but can be steep. Visit during golden hour for the best views and bring a jacket as it can be windy at the top.

Experience Georgian Wine Culture

Discover Georgia's 8,000-year wine-making tradition by visiting local wine bars, cellars, or taking day trips to nearby wine regions like Kakheti. Sample unique Georgian varieties made using traditional qvevri (clay vessel) methods, including amber wines and distinctive local grape varieties. Many venues offer wine tastings paired with traditional Georgian snacks.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings in the city range from 25-80 GEL per person depending on the venue and number of wines. Book Kakheti wine region day trips for 150-250 GEL per person including transportation and multiple tastings.

Relax at Abanotubani Sulfur Baths

Unwind at the historic sulfur bath district that gave Tbilisi its name, where natural hot springs have been used for centuries. The domed brick buildings house private and public baths where you can soak in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters. Many bathhouses also offer traditional scrub massages and other spa treatments in an authentic Georgian setting.

Booking Tip: Private bath sessions cost 40-100 GEL per hour depending on the facility and can accommodate 2-8 people. Public baths are cheaper at 3-5 GEL per person. Book in advance on weekends and bring flip-flops and a towel.

Getting There

Tbilisi is served by Shota Rustaveli International Airport, located about 20 kilometers from the city center, with direct flights from many European cities and connections to major international hubs. The airport bus (Line 37) costs 1 GEL and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center, while taxis cost 25-35 GEL. Alternatively, many visitors arrive overland from neighboring countries, with good bus connections from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, or by train from Armenia.

Getting Around

Tbilisi has an efficient and affordable public transportation system including metro, buses, and minibuses (marshrutkas) that cost 1 GEL per ride when using a MetroMoney card. The metro system has two lines that connect major areas of the city, while buses and marshrutkas fill in the gaps. Taxis are abundant and relatively cheap through apps like Bolt, with most rides within the city costing 5-15 GEL. The city center is quite walkable, and many attractions including Dry Bridge Market are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

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

Food & Dining

Tbilisi's food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Georgian cuisine and modern interpretations, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and generous hospitality. Must-try dishes include khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (soup dumplings), and mtsvadi (grilled meat), best enjoyed at traditional restaurants called 'sakhli' or modern Georgian bistros. The city offers everything from street food stalls and casual family-run establishments to upscale restaurants, with many venues featuring live Georgian music and traditional dance performances. Wine is an integral part of dining culture, and most restaurants offer excellent selections of local varieties.

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
(1364 reviews) 2
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Ratto Bistró

4.7 /5
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ALFREDO

4.7 /5
(1098 reviews)

Tbilisimo

4.8 /5
(760 reviews)

Farina Tbilisi

4.8 /5
(731 reviews)

Ambrosiano

4.6 /5
(749 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tbilisi is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring outdoor markets like Dry Bridge and walking around the city. Summer can be quite hot and humid, but it's also the peak season with the most festivals and outdoor events. Winter is mild compared to many European cities, and while some outdoor activities may be limited, it's a great time to experience the cozy indoor culture, thermal baths, and winter wine tastings. The Dry Bridge Flea Market operates year-round on weekends, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable browsing conditions.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Georgian phrases like 'gamarjoba' (hello) and 'madloba' (thank you) - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it often leads to better prices at markets
Always carry small denomination Georgian lari bills when visiting Dry Bridge Market, as vendors rarely have change for large bills and bargaining is much easier with exact amounts
Visit the sulfur baths in the early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and get a more authentic, relaxing experience in this historic part of the city

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