Hungary’s capital is a magnificent city, one of Europe’s jewels, enhanced by the Danube running through its heart. This river connects the two sides of the city: the hilly “Buda” and the flat, bustling “Pest.” Today, I want to help you plan your trip to Budapest and show you what to buy in Budapest.
If you’re spending 2 or 3 days in Budapest, set aside a little time to shop for some of the city’s best souvenirs.
What to Buy in Budapest?
Shopping in Budapest is also an opportunity to explore Hungary’s capital. Few people know that until the early 19th century, Buda and Pest were two separate cities, only later unified.
First, consider getting the Budapest Card, which gives you unlimited public transportation and discounts at the city’s main attractions.
Central Market Hall
In Pest, near the Liberty Bridge, you’ll find the Central Market Hall, just a few meters away. Located on Förvám Street, it’s open every morning except Sundays.
Built in the late 19th century, this magnificent building showcases Hungarian style with colorful tile rooftops. We enjoyed a food tour like this one through the market, which was spectacular.
The ground floor offers a wide range of food products, with vibrant, high-quality fruits and vegetables. One must-try purchase is a small bottle of pálinka, a strong, fruity brandy.
If you’re brave, try Unicum, a popular, bitter Hungarian liquor, or the smooth Tokaj Aszu wine. Marzipan treats are also popular souvenirs.
Some pricier Hungarian specialties include foie gras and truffles, which add unique flavors to fine chocolates. On the second floor, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs, including delicately embroidered white blouses, lace tablecloths, rustic textiles, and an array of affordable keepsakes.
For more fun options, here are a few tours:
Esceri Flea Market
If you’re still wondering what to buy in Budapest, here are some more ideas.
Private tours in Budapest, like this one recommended by a reader, often highlight the city’s street markets as fantastic spots for unique finds, from Austro-Hungarian memorabilia to Communist-era artifacts and curiosities.
Located at 156 Nagykorosi Street in the 19th district, the Esceri Flea Market offers an endless variety of treasures, including Communist artifacts, antique clothing, icons, jewelry, silverware, and porcelain.
Known as the “Chinese Market,” this area on Kobanyai Street in Jozsefvarosi is accessible by bus 9 from Deak ter or tram 28 from Blaha Lujza Square in Pest. While open daily, it isn’t the cleanest or safest spot, and many products are Chinese imports or counterfeits, so take caution.
Shopping Streets in the Capital
After leaving the Central Market Hall, you can visit Váci Utca, the most commercial street in Budapest.
A vibrant shopping street filled with restaurants, perfumeries, shoe stores, and delicatessens, it’s perfect for exploring Budapest’s most popular shopping district.
Alongside many retail shops, you’ll find street vendors selling items at low prices. If you keep walking along Váci Utca, you’ll eventually reach Vörösmarty Square.
This is an ideal place to take a break at Gerbaud, Budapest’s most elegant confectionery. Sample a Dobos cake or Truffeltorte, the café’s specialty.
Andrássy Avenue, along with Váci, is one of the city’s most prestigious shopping streets, featuring many of Budapest’s high-end boutiques.
Top Shopping Centers in Budapest
Exploring Budapest means diving into its unique shopping areas, where you’ll find everything from local delicacies to distinctive souvenirs. For a shopping day out, why not start with a guided tour of the Buda Castle Caves? It’s an exceptional way to combine sightseeing with shopping, uncovering hidden underground treasures before hitting the stores above ground.
For malls, Arena Plaza is a modern shopping center that opened in 2007, housing a wide selection of fashion stores and is conveniently accessible from the Keleti Pályaudvar metro station.
Another popular mall is West End, with over 400 stores from well-known brands, plus cinemas and numerous restaurants. You can reach it from the Nyugati Pályaudvar metro station.
For those who enjoy antiques and second-hand items, the Ecseri Flea Market is a fascinating stop, offering vintage paintings, furniture ready for restoration, and even memorabilia from the Communist era.
Herend porcelain is another of Hungary’s most treasured souvenirs. Handcrafted since 1828, Herend ceramics, including beautiful hand-painted vases and dinnerware, have won numerous gold medals at world exhibitions. You can find the main store on József Nador Square.
For us Spaniards, Budapest represents a unique opportunity to explore a substantial piece of Central European history.
The Significance of Budapest’s Past
Budapest’s history, especially its past within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is felt through its heritage and elegance—elements that even Communist rule couldn’t erase entirely.
Straddling both Eastern and Western Europe, Budapest’s use of its own currency, the Forint, often means more favorable prices compared to nearby Vienna. Dining and nightlife are very affordable here, although retail prices may align more closely with other major cities, with certain brand items even priced higher at times.
For art and light lovers, a visit to the Museum of Light Art offers a unique, inspirational experience—a perfect end to a day of shopping and discoveries in Budapest.
Budapest is a true European gem, where you can see the city in just a few days without breaking the bank or requiring endless metro rides and lengthy walks.
Enjoy Budapest to the fullest and savor the delicious local cuisine, where a modest budget can go a long way in its restaurants.
A European capital sure to surprise you, Budapest offers even rare Communist relics at spots like the Hospital in the Rock. Curious about taking home a genuine gas mask as a unique memento?