Hungary's 20th-century communist officials would probably be amazed to see all the shopping options that have sprung up in Budapest over the past couple of decades.
From upscale stores selling fine porcelain and antiques to sprawling markets packed with bargains and fascinating people-watching, here's a small selection of shopping spots to enjoy on your trip to Budapest:
Central Market
The Central Market, also known as the Great Market, is one of the city's many fantastic local markets. The vast 19th-century building isn't just a tourist landmark; it's also where locals do their daily shopping.
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Butchers sell everything from nose to tail, while vendors offer up mountains of local, seasonal vegetables and fruit. The briny aroma of pickles leads you down to the basement level, home to lavish display cases along with fish and game.
Oh, and the strings of dried paprika hanging everywhere won't let you forget you're in Hungary either.
Central Market, Vamhaz korut 1-3, Budapest 1093 Hungary; +36 (1) 366 3300
Falk Miksa Street
Whether you're a serious collector or simply love to browse, Falk Miksa Street, a lovely tree-lined street two blocks from the Danube, is the perfect place for a stroll.
Running between Parliament and Margaret Bridge, Budapest's antique row has the highest concentration of antique shops in the city. A few stores and galleries worth checking out:
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– Kieselbach Gallery specializes in paintings and doubles as an auction house. (Szent István körút 5; +36 1 269 3148)
– Nagyházi Gallery is one of the largest stores, where you can find everything from street statues and rustic painted furniture to grand chandeliers and gleaming Biedermeier pieces. (Balaton utca 8; +36 1 475 6000)
– Darius Antiques sells top-quality 19th- and 20th-century furniture, weapons, rugs and paintings. (Falk Miksa utca 24-26; +36 1 311 2603)
Falk Miksa Street, between Szent István körút and Szalay utca
MesterPorta
Hungarian folk artisans create beautiful pieces from clay, wool, felt, thread and glass. Most Hungarian regions have their own folk style or distinctive folk motifs, and MesterPorta is a small shop offering a fine selection of high-quality folk art.
You'll find sets of all-black pottery, colorful embroidery from the Matýó region, delicately painted eggs and much more. Each piece is labeled with the name of the master who made it.
MesterPorta, 1011 Budapest, Corvin tér 7; +36 20 232 5614
Herend Porcelain
A delicate piece of Hungarian porcelain can make the perfect little keepsake to remember your trip to Budapest.
Founded in 1826, Herend specializes in exquisite plates, ornaments, figurines and much more.
By 1851, Herend's products were known around the world and soon caught the eye of Queen Victoria in London.
It quickly expanded globally, showcasing its wares at World's Fairs from St. Petersburg, Russia, to St. Louis, USA, and survived both World War II and the communist era.
Today there's a visitor center, a museum and a production site where you can watch the craftspeople at work.
The company's website also lists the shops that sell Herend porcelain, though tourists should beware of imitations.
Herend Porcelain, 8440 Herend, Kossuth Lajos utca 140; +36 88 523 100
Sputnik Shop
Looking for vintage clothing with a Hungarian twist? You'll want to drop by the Sputnik Shop.
The name and the concept are actually inspired by the Japanese novel "Sputnik Sweetheart" by Haruki Murakami. The Sputnik Shop says it loves catering to travelers, and its clothing blends a retro, quirky, individual style with a care for the environment. Beyond clothes, you can pick up watches, glasses, backpacks and plenty more.
There are two shops in Budapest.
Sputnik Shop D-20, 1074 Budapest, VII. Dohány Street. 20. +36 1 321 3730
Sputnik Shop K-22, 1061 Budapest, VI. Király street. 22. +36 1 215 3475
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Ecseri Flea Market
If you're up for heading to the outskirts of Budapest, you can enjoy one of the city's biggest flea markets. It's roughly a 40-minute ride from the city center on public transport.
The Flea Market Insiders site gives it a glowing recommendation. You might uncover finds like antique cameras, Soviet-era relics, old jewelry and secondhand books. And, as at most flea markets, haggling and great people-watching are part of the fun. It's a wonderful place to grab an inexpensive souvenir and a slice of Hungarian life.
Ecseri Flea Market, Budapest, Nagykőrösi út 150, 1194 Hungary
Andrássy Avenue
Some say Andrássy Avenue is Hungary's answer to the Champs-Élysées. This broad boulevard, lined with elegant mansions and museums, is also home to some of Budapest's most exclusive shops.
The experience won't be uniquely Hungarian, but this is where you'll find stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton if you're in that kind of mood.
Gucci, Andrássy 23, Budapest, 1061, Hungary; +36 1 322 0971
Louis Vuitton, Budapest, Andrássy út 24, 1061 Hungary, +36 1 373 0487
Hold Utca Food Market
The Hold Utca Food Market is one of those places to see and be seen in the upscale 5th district.
Set right behind the American Embassy, this traditional food market has been given a stylish makeover to serve the wealthy residents living nearby.
Ambassadors, TV stars and famous opera singers can be spotted shopping here for their weekly treats. From fresh meat and fish to traditional Hungarian dishes and eateries, this food market has everything a foodie could wish for.
Hold Utca Food Market, Budapest, Hold u. 13, 1054 Hungary
Fashion Street
Stretching from Vörösmarty Square to Deák Ferenc Square, Fashion Street is one of the most popular shopping areas in Budapest.
This avenue is home to some of Budapest's best souvenir shops, along with high-end boutiques.
But Fashion Street really comes alive during the summer and winter months, when tourists flock to Budapest to soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
Just be careful not to get too carried away by the sheer number of options on offer.
Fashion Street, Deák Ferenc út 15, Budapest, 1052
Shopping Malls
Just like in the United States, Budapest has plenty of fully stocked shopping malls to choose from.
With more than 10 centers in all, the shopping mall concept caught on fast in the city, and these places fill up throughout the week and on weekends.
With some excellent bargains and discounts, the malls offer everything from high-end shopping and high-street stores to traditional Hungarian treats and food courts.
The best shopping malls to visit in Budapest:
- Arena Mall Budapest, Kerepesi út 9, 1087 Hungary
- Allee, Budapest, Október huszonharmadika u. 8-10, 1117 Hungary
- WestEnd City Center, Budapest, Váci út 1-3, 1062 Hungary
Currency
Hungary is part of the European Union but does not officially use the euro. Its currency is the forint. Budapest can be less expensive than many other capitals in Europe thanks to the exchange rate.
