The Meidan Bazaar (Georgian: მეიდნის ბაზარი, Meidnis Bazari) is a vibrant, underground marketplace located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, Georgia. Situated directly beneath Meidani Square and a stone’s throw from the iconic Metekhi Bridge, this bazaar is a historical and cultural landmark that offers a captivating shopping experience. It’s often described as a place where the charm of the past meets the commerce of the present, serving as a must-visit destination for tourists seeking authentic Georgian souvenirs and local products.

Historical Significance and Atmosphere:

Ancient Trading Hub: The area around Meidani Square has been a central commercial hub for centuries, with historical records from as early as the 4th and 5th centuries. Located at a key junction of the Silk Road, it drew merchants and traders from across the Caucasus and the East, creating a bustling, multicultural marketplace that was famous throughout the region.
Modern Revival: While the original open-air stalls no longer exist, the modern Meidan Bazaar continues this legacy in a unique underground setting. The market’s labyrinthine passages and cave-like, arched tunnels create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with stone walls and dim lighting that evoke a sense of history and mystery.
A Treasure Trove of Souvenirs: The bazaar is a dedicated one-stop shop for everything a tourist might want to bring home from Georgia. Unlike other markets that focus on food or flea market items, Meidan Bazaar specializes in curated, high-quality, and genuinely Georgian goods.

What You’ll Find at the Market:

Meidan Bazaar offers a rich and diverse collection of products that celebrate Georgian craftsmanship and tradition:

Georgian Wines and Beverages: As Georgia is the “cradle of wine,” the bazaar is renowned for its extensive selection of Georgian wines, from red to white to amber. Many stalls offer wine tastings, and you can also find traditional clay wine vessels.
Traditional Foods and Sweets: The shelves are filled with delicious local products, including natural honey, a variety of jams and preserves, churchkhela (a traditional Georgian candy made from nuts and grape juice), and an array of Georgian spices and teas.
Handicrafts and Art: The market is a showcase for Georgian artistry. You can find beautiful handmade goods, including intricate cloisonné enamel (minankari) jewelry, silverwork, hand-painted ceramics and pottery, traditional Georgian daggers and swords, felt hats, and wooden toys.
Other Souvenirs: In addition to these unique items, the bazaar offers a wide range of typical tourist souvenirs, such as postcards, magnets, and traditional Georgian dolls.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information:

Central Location: Meidan Bazaar is perfectly located for a tourist. It is directly beneath Meidani Square, in the Old Town, a short walk from major landmarks like the Sioni Cathedral, the Sulphur Baths, and the Narikala Fortress.
Convenient and Clean: Being an underground, dedicated market, it provides a clean and comfortable shopping experience, shielded from both the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
Opening Hours: The market is generally open every day, typically from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it a flexible and convenient option for souvenir shopping throughout the day.
Friendly Service: Vendors are typically friendly and willing to share stories about their products without being overly pushy, adding to the pleasant shopping experience.

Meidan Bazaar offers a curated and authentic snapshot of Georgia’s cultural and historical heritage, making it the ideal place to find the perfect memento of your trip to Tbilisi.