Tbilisi: Street Art & Dezerter Bazaar Tour w/ Tastings

If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist spots in Tbilisi, this Street Art & Dezerter Bazaar Tour offers a peek into the city’s more alternative, colorful side. Designed for travelers who want a taste of local life, art, and flavor, this experience promises a walk through lesser-known neighborhoods with plenty of cultural insights, all topped off with delicious tastings.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances eye-catching street art with authentic moments at Georgia’s biggest farmers market, along with a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way. It’s a relaxed yet immersive way to see parts of Tbilisi that often stay hidden. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the tour covers about 2-3 miles, so comfortable shoes are a must, and weather can influence your experience.

This tour suits those curious about local art scenes and traditional tastes—perfect if you’re after something more authentic than the typical sightseeing routes. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy street culture and regional flavors, and who want a more interactive, laid-back experience in the city.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: Venture off the beaten path to discover street art and local neighborhoods
• Authentic flavors: Sample Georgian wine, chacha, and regional snacks at Dezerter Bazaar
• Cultural insights: Learn about Georgia’s artistic heritage and everyday life from a friendly guide
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple
• Duration & pace: A 3-hour walk covering 2-3 miles with plenty of photo stops and tastings
• Engagement: Interactive stops, scenic views, and insider tips throughout

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Tour

This walking experience offers a fresh lens into Tbilisi, one that mixes art, food, and local life seamlessly. We loved the way the tour takes you into neighborhoods that many visitors might overlook, giving you a genuine feel for the city’s creative spirit and lively markets. The guides, especially those like Giorgi, bring their knowledge and passion alive, sharing stories that make the sights and flavors resonate.

From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, the tour sets a friendly, relaxed tone. Walking through streets adorned with colorful graffiti, you’ll get a sense of Tbilisi’s vibrant street art scene. The stops at Fabrika and the Deserter Bazaar are highlights—each offering a different kind of local flavor and atmosphere. You’ll see the city’s artistic roots, passing by the former residence of a renowned painter, and learn about the local murals that brighten so many corners of the city.

At Dezerter Bazaar, the sensory overload kicks in—in a good way. Here, the bustle is contagious, with vendors selling dried fruits, cheeses, and regional snacks. The tasting of local wine and chacha is a definite plus—adding a genuine taste of Georgia’s famed drink culture. Visitors review the experience as highly engaging, with many praising their guides’ friendliness and knowledge. As one reviewer said, “Giorgi is fantastic. Hands up to him! He showcased his passion from the way he presented himself and his intelligence in street art.”

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Pickup & Orientation

The tour begins with a pickup from two central locations, making it easy to start your adventure without hassle. The guide will introduce the plan for the day, setting expectations for a walk that’s about 2-3 miles.

Stop 2: Fabrika Tbilisi

Fabrika isn’t just a trendy hostel; it’s a hub of creativity and youthful energy. It’s a perfect photo stop and a great way to see where Tbilisi’s modern artistic scene blooms. Along the way, you’ll get a chance to see graffiti, murals, and street art that tell stories of the city’s diverse influences. The guide may also share insights about the area’s artistic heritage, and there’s often the opportunity to grab coffee or tea at a local spot.

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Stop 3: Secret Stop

Next, a lesser-known spot awaits—a hidden alley or mural that offers perfect photo opportunities. This stop emphasizes discovering parts of the city that most travelers miss, often accompanied by scenic views and interesting stories about the artworks or neighborhood history.

Stop 4: Tbilisi Railway Station

Another scenic point, the railway station area, provides both a practical glimpse of local transit life and interesting backdrops for photos. It’s another piece of the city’s daily rhythm that adds context to your walk.

Stop 5: Dezerter Bazaar

The tour’s highlight for many, Dezerter Bazaar is where the true local flavor comes alive. This market is bustling, lively, and authentic—offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Vendors sell dried fruits, cheeses, regional snacks, and much more. The tasting experience here is a highlight—sampling churchkhela, tklapi, and regional cheeses, complemented by a shot of Georgian wine and chacha. Reviewers consistently praise this part of the tour: “The market cacha and homemade dry wine were some of the highlights,” one said.

Stop 6: Drop-Off & Continued Exploration

After three hours of exploring, you’ll be taken back to your accommodation or dropped at one of the central locations. Many participants choose to linger at the market or café after the tour, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The real charm here lies in the guides’ local knowledge and friendliness. Reviewers repeatedly mention guides like Giorgi as being engaging, well-informed, and passionate. Their ability to share stories about street art, local artists, and neighborhood histories adds layers to the experience that go beyond the surface.

The street art scene in Tbilisi is thriving, with murals and graffiti telling stories of the city’s diverse influences. We loved how the tour balanced art appreciation with exploring neighborhoods that have a real sense of community. The stops at places like Fabrika highlight the city’s modern, creative heartbeat, while the visit to Dezerter Bazaar immerses you in authentic Georgian life.

The tastings are another highlight. For a reasonable extra cost, you get to sip regional wine and chacha—an essential Georgia experience. The market snacks like churchkhela and dried fruits add to the sensory adventure, making every stop memorable. Reviewers love how these tastings are authentic and plentiful—”great food and wine” was a common praise.

Value for Money

Considering the 3-hour duration and the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers excellent value. The personalized small-group experience or private option ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. Many reviews note the depth of information provided—something that you might not get on a standard city tour.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is generally accessible and easy to follow, it involves a fair amount of walking on uneven streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The activity operates regardless of weather, so prepare accordingly with weather-appropriate clothing. The total distance covered is modest but enough to keep your interest high.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love street art, local markets, and authentic experiences. If you’re into discovering hidden neighborhoods, exploring local art and culture, or sampling regional flavors, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It also suits those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities and storytelling.

While it might not be perfect for those seeking a quick overview of major landmarks or traveling with very young children (given the walking distance), it’s fantastic for curious, open-minded visitors wanting to see a less polished but more genuine side of Tbilisi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, the pace and walking distance are manageable for most travelers. However, consider your family’s comfort with walking and street environments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking about 2-3 miles on varied terrain. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended since the tour runs in all conditions.

Are food and drinks included?
The tastings of wine, chacha, and sweets are included in the tour, but extra food or drinks outside those are not. You’re welcome to continue exploring the market afterward.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?
The tour is guided in English, so some understanding is helpful to enjoy the full experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours, covering a moderate distance with plenty of photo stops, tastings, and storytelling.

Are drop-offs available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at specified locations, making it convenient to start and end your day.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing accordingly is advised. The guide will adapt the experience as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Tbilisi street art and bazaar tour combines authentic neighborhood exploration with engaging storytelling and regional tastings. It’s a wonderful way to get beneath the surface of the city, experiencing both its artistic soul and everyday life. The guides’ passion and local knowledge elevate the experience, making it memorable for anyone interested in seeing a different side of Tbilisi.

Perfect for art lovers, foodies, and travelers craving a more personal encounter with the city, this tour offers a genuine taste of Georgia’s vibrant culture. While it isn’t a whirlwind sightseeing blitz, it rewards those willing to walk a little and embrace local flavors and stories along the way.

If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this tour is well worth considering, especially given the positive reviews and high ratings. You’ll leave with not just photos but a richer understanding of the city’s creative pulse and regional delights.

You can check availability for your dates here: