Old curiosities
Cameras and gramophones.
Ekkatterrinna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexkom000 — CC BY 4.0 · Alexkom000 — CC BY 4.0 · Alexkom000 — CC BY 4.0 · Alexkom000 — CC BY 4.0 · Alexkom000 — CC BY 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · tjabeljan — CC BY 2.0
An open-air market of antiques and old curiosities in central Tbilisi, around the Dry Bridge and in the neighbouring park by the Mtkvari, sometimes called «the market of memories». Sellers lay out their goods on tables, pavements and under the trees, in a scene that mixes history, nostalgia and the spirit of the city. The bridge was built in the mid-nineteenth century and earned its name in the 1940s, when the branch of the river that flowed beneath it was diverted, leaving it standing over dry land. For decades Tbilisi residents have come here to sell their old belongings, and the market has become one of the city's best-loved sights. You will find Soviet-era medals and memorabilia, old coins, cameras, radios and gramophones, copperware and samovars, silver jewellery, old books, and paintings by local artists displayed in the park next door. Many sellers are older people happy to tell the stories behind their wares. Browsing is free. The market runs daily from morning until about late afternoon and is liveliest at weekends. Bargaining is expected, so start lower, and check Georgia's rules on exporting antiques before buying old pieces.
Cameras and gramophones.
Traditional wares.
In the park next door.
At the Dry Bridge and the neighbouring park by the river, central Tbilisi
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Georgian National Museum (Simon Janashia Museum)Georgia's leading museum of history and archaeology, officially the Simon Janash8 minutes walk
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Bridge of Peace and Rike ParkA bow-shaped pedestrian bridge of steel and glass spanning 150 metres across the12 minutes walk
Sioni CathedralThe Cathedral of the Dormition, known as the Tbilisi Sioni, stands on Sioni Stre14 minutes walkIt opens daily, but Saturday or Sunday mornings are best, when the most sellers are out with the widest choice.