The capital of Hungary, also known as the Pearl of the Danube, draws thousands of tourists like a magnet throughout the year.
Within the city, you’ll find the Central Market Hall of Budapest, one of the most popular must-see attractions for anyone visiting this locale.
This market is one of the city’s most vibrant spots, offering an array of aromas and flavors that truly capture the essence of life in Budapest.
Join us on a tour of the largest covered market in Hungary’s capital! It’s one of the top things to do in Budapest.
What to See at the Market?
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Upon entering the Central Market Hall of Budapest for the first time, you step into an unexplored world so colorful and lively that it’s hard to know where to begin.
The first thing that catches visitors’ eyes is the building’s neo-Gothic facade, a nod to its original design.
Inside, the market is home to a range of shops offering an impressive variety of products.
The stalls are organized by type of goods. Keep in mind that the market building has three levels:
The Basement
For the best market experience, we recommend starting in the basement.
This level houses shops specializing in pickles and Eastern spices—both staples of Hungarian cuisine.
This area also has a café where you can savor authentic Hungarian coffee or visit the supermarket conveniently located on this floor.
Ground Floor
The ground floor is a delight to walk through, bustling with stands selling fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and charcuterie.
It’s the ideal spot to pick up anything you might need to prepare a special meal.
This area includes a bakery where you can sample the best croissants in Budapest, and there’s also a hair salon here.
However, beyond shopping, we recommend taking in the lively atmosphere and getting a glimpse of everyday life in the Hungarian capital.
Upper Floor
After exploring the market’s most colorful sections, it’s time to head to the upper floor. Here, you’ll find shops selling wine, furs, and souvenirs.
The perfect place to buy a souvenir in Budapest and admire the grandeur of the market’s architecture from this level.
Lastly, to wrap up your visit, we suggest enjoying the food court also located on the upper floor, where you can sample Hungarian cuisine at various stands equipped with communal tables and chairs.
Alternatively, you can dine at a buffet restaurant offering delicious food and local beer as the “house specialty.”
Many food stalls feature a range of sausages and chorizos to try.
For a unique visit, we recommend trying one of these activities:
- Food and Wine Tasting
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
- Market Visit and Hungarian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef
What to Buy at the Central Market?
Budapest’s market, in addition to being a tourist attraction and a local favorite, is also home to stores selling fruits, vegetables, meats, charcuterie, and cheeses.
You’ll also find an area dedicated to souvenirs, including embroidered tablecloths, traditional dresses, and other items perfect to take home as a keepsake.
For those with adventurous tastes, we recommend picking up a local spirit from the Hungarian Carpathian Basin made with fruits. Though it’s quite strong, it’s worth taking home to share.
Where to Eat at the Central Market in Budapest?
If you’re looking to try authentic Hungarian food, the Central Market Hall in Budapest is your best bet.
In fact, the best of Hungary’s culinary offerings can be found right here in the food court.
This upper area of the building brings together a series of shops where you’ll find the finest cuts of meat and the most exquisite charcuterie products.
While you can enjoy these delicacies as a main course, you might also pair them with a bottle of wine, which is readily available in the market hall.
For dessert, we suggest buying some fruit from the ground floor—a great way to end your visit to Budapest’s bustling market.
If you’re looking to socialize, the food court is the perfect spot. Here, you’ll share tables not only with other visitors but also with locals from Budapest.
Hours and Directions to Budapest Market
The Central Market Hall of Budapest is located at Vámház körút 1-3.
It’s an easily accessible area, with a metro station close to the main entrance and a tram stop just a few meters from the market.
- To reach it by Metro, take the M3 (Blue Line) and get off at Kálvin Tér.
- If you’re using the Tram to get to the Budapest market, you can take lines 2, 47, or 49 and get off at Fővám tér.
- A taxi is another option. Taxi drivers are often helpful guides for tourists, sharing tips on the best places to visit in Budapest. In fact, many visitors hire taxis for exclusive city tours.
All taxis in the city charge the same rate—both per kilometer and for the base fare and waiting time.
Compared to other European capitals, taking a taxi in Budapest is affordable.
The Central Market is open for business from Tuesday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
It’s also open on Mondays from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.
You can visit the Central Market of Budapest any day of the week except Sundays. However, Saturdays are the busiest and most lively, especially in the morning.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting the Market
If you’re on vacation in Budapest, we highly recommend exploring the market. This bustling commercial hub offers a variety of typical products that are well worth browsing and buying.
Exploring the main market lets you experience the region’s traditional dishes up close. We suggest trying Hungarian sausages, cheese fritters with sour cream, salads, and fried fish.
One dish not to be missed when visiting Budapest is goulash soup, one of the most famous traditional Hungarian recipes, which you can enjoy right at the Central Market.
If you’re unsure what to order, it’s best to take the market’s guided food tour that we tried. You can book it here.
History of Budapest’s Central Market Hall
University professor Samu Pecz designed this magnificent structure, which today hosts hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors.
Budapest’s market is a neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, built in 1894. However, its grand opening celebration was held on February 15, 1897.
On that same day, four more market halls opened across the city, though none could match the size of the Central Market.
Over time, this commercial plaza expanded both internally and around its surroundings. Eventually, a fish market was added, along with the expansion of the dock on one side.
After experiencing a commercial boom, Budapest’s Central Market was hit hard by World War I.
Merchants and shoppers alike faced a chaotic atmosphere that led to price hikes and an increase in frequent disturbances.
Hungary, severely affected during World War II, saw buildings like the Central Market suffer damage. Both the ground floor (once the poultry market) and the side hall on Pipa Street completely collapsed during the conflict.
After enduring the impact of the wars and a temporary closure due to safety concerns, Budapest’s main market hall underwent a stunning restoration and reopened its doors in 1994.
That same year, it became one of the city’s most important public buildings. In 1999, it received the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence, the highest international award in architecture.