History of Origin
The Hopa Market in Batumi (or “Bazroba”) emerged 30 years ago. It began spontaneously on an empty field. Initially, ordinary city dwellers would bring out their used items and lay them directly on the ground. Of course, a few decades ago, there were only about 20-30 sellers trading here.
Then, with the opening of the border to Turkey, the flea corner transformed into Batumi’s main clothing market. Since most of the goods (then and now) were imported from Turkey, the first name was given in honor of a small Turkish town near the border.
At the time of its inception, the market could be divided into four sections: clothing, a small vegetable market, automotive parts, and foodstuffs. All these sections still exist and operate today. Currently, the official name of the Hopa Market is “Trade Center 2009,” and about 4,000 workers are employed here.
Batumi’s Clothing Market Today
Today, it is the largest clothing market of its kind in Batumi. In fact, it has remained the only shopping center of such scale throughout its existence. Over time, the stalls have become a bit more modern. Covered hangars have appeared. However, these changes still couldn’t erase the unique aura.
When you come here, you find yourself in the atmosphere of the bazaars of the ’90s, where you can bargain (especially relevant in the clothing and footwear section) and feel the local vibe.
“Bazroba” occupies a large area. To navigate it thoroughly, we recommend walking through the rows. They are arranged parallel to each other, allowing you to snake through them without fear of missing anything. If needed, you can remember the row numbers (displayed at the entrances and exits of the hangars).
If you start your journey from the end, you will first encounter the clothing section, followed by a covered vegetable market, an area with automotive parts, and then the food section. In this last food section, you can also purchase souvenirs, dishware, and clothing.
It’s not worth traveling here solely for groceries. Locals come here for affordable clothing and household items. The vegetable market is quite small. If your goal is to buy food, it’s better to visit the Boni market.
What to Buy as a Tourist
The Batumi clothing market offers many interesting items for tourists. At Hopa, you can buy a wide range of souvenirs at very attractive prices, such as magnets, mugs, jugs, clay products, and globes. Georgian daggers, backgammon, papakhas, and traditional clothing (only for children) are also sold here.
Since Batumi is known for its rains, it would be important for tourists to quickly find and purchase rubber boots, umbrellas, or at least a disposable raincoat. All of these are available here in a wide assortment.
And, of course, there’s wine. The market stalls offer a good selection of local alcoholic products, both in regular bottles and as souvenir items.
How to Pay at Hopa Market
You might expect the option to pay by card. However, for the most part, purchases at the clothing market can only be made with cash. It’s quite rare for stores selling household appliances or clothing to have card payment terminals. Therefore, before heading to the market in Batumi, make sure to bring cash in the national currency — lari. If needed, you can exchange currency here, as there are plenty of exchange offices around the perimeter of Hopa Market.
Operating Hours and Address
The official address of the Hopa Market is Agmashenebeli 21. In reality, the center occupies a large block and extends onto three streets: Agmashenebeli, Tabidze, Rurua. A large number of buses, minibusses, and, of course, taxis go here. If you’re unsure whether a bus or minibus goes to Hopa Market, just ask the driver if they go to Hopa, Bazroba, or Stepanovka (the name of the district where Bazroba is located).
Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, but many vendors take their time and start opening half an hour later. The market has one day off each month; Hopa is closed on the first Monday of every month. So before you head out shopping, make sure to check the operating hours and consult the calendar. From the center of Batumi, it will take you about 15 minutes by car to reach the market. The bus ride will take a bit longer: 20-25 minutes.
What to See Nearby
Hopa is enclosed by a fence and is closed at night. However, along the outer wall (only on Agmashenebeli Street), there are numerous small stalls, mainly selling phones and accessories for various gadgets. Moreover, Agmashenebeli Street is lined with shops of various kinds.
Here, you can buy household appliances and essentials, find everything for children (from cribs to strollers), and explore several stores with carpets and lighting fixtures, as well as pastry shops and pharmacies.
Since this was a residential area in Batumi, there aren’t any entertainment options here. The only place that might be considered a sight is the monument to Galaktion Tabidze.
More about Batumi and Georgia:
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
Find out more about me and my projects here