One thing I have to say about Tbilisi is that it knows how to do bookshops! Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or simply looking for a new read, Tbilisi offers an eclectic mix of bookshops, from cosy second-hand stores to artistic havens and even specialty comic book shops.
Here’s a guide to the best bookshops in Tbilisi, each offering something unique for those looking to explore Georgian literature, international works, and everything in between.
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- 1. Stamba Bookstore
- 2. Books in Vake
- 3. Prospero’s
- 4. Ligamus
- 5. Sulakauri Bookshop
- 6. Grandpa Shaqro Books
- 7. Parnassus Bookstore
- 8. Biblusi Gallery, Saburtalo
- 9. Cafe Novel
- 10. Books From Past
- 11. Book House
- 12. Eari Books of Spring
- 13. Old Books Market at Dry Bridge Market
- 14. Parsek 1 – Comics and Coffee
- 15. On the SAME PAGE
- 16. Itaka Books
- 17. Auditoria
- 18. Book House on Bakhtrioni Str.
- 19. Siesta Publishing
- 20. Bookvica Old & Rare Books Shop
- 21. Santa Esperanza
- 22. Second-hand Book House
- 23. BiblioNas
- 24. OLMA
- Nomad Book Club
- More Bookshops in Tbilisi
Planning a trip to Georgia?
Here’s what you need to know:
PACKING: Georgia uses plug Type C (grab a multi-way travel adaptor if needed). If you’re visiting in winter, you will need a very warm coat, thermal layers, and snow-proof shoes, especially if you’re travelling outside of Tbilisi. And, of course, a good book.
TRANSPORT: Download the Bolt app for taxis, which are very cheap by European standards (there’s also BoltFood for food delivery). The metro and buses are simple enough to use (you can use a contactless card). For travel outside of Tbilisi, trains are efficient and reliable, though marshrutka minivans are the most popular and cheapest option. For private transfers, you can book with GoTrip, or find car rentals through Booking.com.
PHONE: I got a local sim card with MyMagti, though they’re not the only option. 30 days with unlimited data cost GEL44 and I often used this data to hotspot and work from cafes, even in the mountains.
MONEY: Most ATMs charge for international cards, including Bank of Georgia, but sometimes you can find some that don’t; it’s hit and miss. Contactless is widely accepted (if asked “Which type of card?” you can say “TBC” or “Bank of Georgia”, it doesn’t matter for international cards), but cash is good to have on hand. For transfers, a local bank account is needed, which don’t come with BIC or SWIFT numbers, which can be tricky.
LANGUAGE: I never had any major issue with a language barrier (Google Translate always helps). Note that the younger generation speaks English well, but the older generation speaks Russian as a second language and usually struggles with English.
IS GEORGIA SAFE? I visited during the recent and ongoing protests and felt perfectly safe. I’ve experienced protest movements, both peaceful and violent, in Thailand and Hong Kong, and felt confident this would not affect my trip. My advice is keep up-to-date with news and consider what you’re comfortable with.
1. Stamba Bookstore
Located in the stylish Stamba Hotel Complex, Stamba Bookstore is one of the coolest bookshops in Tbilisi.
Offering a selection of both English and Georgian-language books, it has a curated collection of contemporary literature, art books, and novels. The space itself is modern and cosy, ideal for browsing and finding something unique while enjoying Stamba’s artistic vibe.
Be sure to check out the large book collection in the hotel’s lobby and the adjoining D Block Workspace.
2. Books in Vake
This quaint bookstore is tucked away in the Vake district, one of Tbilisi’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.
Offering a large selection of Georgian and English-language books, Books in Vake is the perfect place to pick up fiction, history, and culture-focused works.
3. Prospero’s
Named after the protagonist of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero’s is an independent bookshop with a great selection of English-language books, including a section dedicated to Caucasian writers.
Whether you’re after contemporary novels, history, or philosophy, this spot offers a well-curated collection for book lovers. It’s a favourite among locals and expats alike, making it a must-visit. There’s also a Prospero’s Cafe next door, which does excellent food and drink (a perfect reading spot!).
4. Ligamus
Ligamus is a university bookstore with an interesting selection of Georgian and international books, including classics and contemporary fiction.
The basement section is a library, the ground floor hosts a cafe and working space for students, whereas the first floor has more English-language books and also functions as an event space.
5. Sulakauri Bookshop
Sulakauri Bookshop is a small, modern bookshop in Vake that sells books as well as stationery (a great selection of journals) and bookish gifts.
6. Grandpa Shaqro Books
For fans of rare finds and second-hand treasures, Grandpa Shaqro Books is a gem in Tbilisi.
This independent, cosy bookstore specializes in old and vintage books, perfect for those who love browsing through dusty shelves for something unique. It’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the charm of pre-loved books.
7. Parnassus Bookstore
A well-known local bookshop, Parnassus offers an extensive selection of Georgian and foreign-language books. The store is bright and spacious, and it’s particularly loved for its diverse range of genres, including art, history, and classic literature. However, the staff are not the most friendly.
8. Biblusi Gallery, Saburtalo
Biblusi is a chain of bookstores and you can find outlets all over the city, however the few that have “gallery” attached to the name are larger and have a cafe space.
Situated in the Saburtalo district, this Biblusi Gallery offers a variety of books in both Georgian and English, a cafe on the first floor, as well as a stationery shop.
9. Cafe Novel
More than just a bookshop, Cafe Novel combines cinema and books with food and drink (and there are even some board games you can play there too.
The relaxed setting is ideal for reading, browsing, and connecting with fellow book lovers. This quickly became my favourite bookshop in Tbilisi.
10. Books From Past
Don’t be fooled by the name! Books From Past is a modern, artsy bookshop that focuses more on coffee table books and art books.
There’s also a great cafe upstairs called They Said Books, which makes for a great spot to work from your laptop.
11. Book House
Located in a charming building, Book House offers a variety of Georgian and international literature.
If you like your books completely disorganised on bookshelves covered with dust, but with oodles of character this is your place.
12. Eari Books of Spring
Specialising in local literature and poetry, Eari Books of Spring is a small bookstore and cafe.
However, I went there twice and both times it didn’t feel very friendly (midday on a Saturday I was asked to leave because some kind of meeting was taking place?).
13. Old Books Market at Dry Bridge Market
For a unique book-buying experience, visit the Old Books Market at Tbilisi’s famous Dry Bridge Market. Here, you’ll find a mix of second-hand and vintage books sold in boxes along the Kura River, akin to Les Bouquinistes de Paris. The market also sells various antiques and memorabilia, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Read Next: I included Dry Bridge in my list of the top 15 things to do in Tbilisi.
14. Parsek 1 – Comics and Coffee
For comic book fans, Parsek 1 is the ultimate spot. This store combines a comic book shop with a cosy café, creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a comic or graphic novel with a cup of coffee.
Located in Tbilisi’s Old Town, it’s a haven for pop culture enthusiasts.
15. On the SAME PAGE
On the SAME PAGE is a quirky and charming bookshop with a focus on both local and international literature. The store prides itself on its diverse collection of fiction, poetry, and philosophy books. It’s a place to explore new reads, join literary events, and discover works that bring people together through shared stories.
They’re also starting up a library system, which is super-cool.
Read Next: To learn more about the capital’s literary scene, read A Literary Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia.
16. Itaka Books
If you’re seeking a wide range of modern fiction, Itaka Books is the place to be. This cosy bookstore offers a great selection of contemporary novels, poetry, and works of local Georgian authors.
It’s a quiet and welcoming space, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in a good book, though their English-language section is limited.
17. Auditoria
A small but lovely bookshop, Auditoria focuses on academic works, philosophy, and sociology. It’s perfect for students, researchers, and those with a specific academic interest. The shop also has a decent selection of literary fiction, making it an interesting stop for those looking for intellectual stimulation.
18. Book House on Bakhtrioni Str.
Located in a quieter part of Tbilisi, Book House on Bakhtrioni Str. offers a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. With an emphasis on literary classics and contemporary Georgian fiction, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in a good read while experiencing the more tranquil side of Tbilisi.
19. Siesta Publishing
While primarily a publisher, Siesta Publishing also operates a small bookshop, showcasing their publications as well as other international and Georgian works.
It’s a fantastic spot to discover contemporary authors and niche literary works, all within an intimate and quiet space.
20. Bookvica Old & Rare Books Shop
For those seeking rare, antique, and vintage books, Bookvica Old & Rare Books Shop is the perfect destination. Specialising in historical, rare, and hard-to-find books, this little shop is a treasure trove for bibliophiles looking for something truly unique.
21. Santa Esperanza
Santa Esperanza is a stylish and eclectic bookshop offering a variety of books in both Georgian and English. With a particular focus on art and literature, the store combines books with a gallery-like atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and literature.
There’s also a cat (you can just about make his tail out in the above photo), so this bookshop gets extra points.
Read Next: Looking for a read set in Georgia or by a Georgian author? Check out these 23 Thought-Provoking Books About Georgia (the Country).
22. Second-hand Book House
As the name suggests, Second-hand Book House specializes in second-hand and used books. If you enjoy hunting for bargains and treasures, this spot offers a wide selection of books at affordable prices, making it a great place to add new reads to your collection without breaking the bank.
23. BiblioNas
A charming bookshop with a large selection of books in both English and Georgian, BiblioNas is a great place to browse for literary works, novels, and more. It’s especially recommended for those interested in discovering new Georgian authors and international works.
24. OLMA
OLMA is a well-known bookstore that offers an extensive selection of books in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and academic titles. Located in Tbilisi’s centre, it’s a great place to pick up books for both casual reading and academic interests.
Nomad Book Club
Georgia is the Nomad Book Club pick for March 2025, where we explore a new country or region each month through books set in that place. Sign up to the newsletter to join the club and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.
More Bookshops in Tbilisi
Tbilisi is a city that caters to every type of book lover, from rare book hunters to fans of contemporary literature. Whether you’re looking for an old gem at Dry Bridge Market or a peaceful café to enjoy a novel, Tbilisi’s bookstores provide a perfect mix of culture, history, and modernity.
So, grab your book bag and embark on a literary adventure through the bookshops of Tbilisi!
More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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