Peppered with prominent shopping streets, cool little concept stores, art galleries, antique shops, and bustling markets, Budapest is an excellent place for browsing. Plan a shopping spree with our guide to local treasure troves of everything from high-end fashion to flea market wonders.
Andrássy út
Andrássy út is Budapest’s answer to the Champs Élysées. This tree-lined thoroughfare is filled with fancy shops like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex, and stretches all the way from behind the Basilica in downtown to Heroes’ Square. A shopping haul here may cost a fortune; however, it is perfect for window-shopping while strolling alongside beautiful century-old buildings, with the Millennium Underground, Continental Europe’s oldest metro, running belowground. 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út.
Ecseri Flea Market
Budapest’s largest flea market lies on the outskirts of the city, about a 40-minute bus ride from downtown. At first glance, Ecseri looks like a massive junkyard, which is not far from the truth; however, you can stumble upon some pretty precious items, too. Ecseri offers everything you’d expect from a flea market, from furniture to antiques, paintings, gramophones, typewriters, household items, retro cameras, Soviet-era relics, toys, and an assortment of random knick-knacks. A morning spent browsing here is quite a special experience, and while Ecseri is open from 9 am daily, Saturday is definitely the best day for browsing. Remember, don’t take anything too seriously and always haggle. 1194 Budapest, Nagykőrösi út 156.
Nanushka
Fancy a dress from Budapest? Nanushka is Hungary’s most famous fashion brand, already discovered by stars like Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence. Although it’s now well-known worldwide and ships to various destinations, the headquarters remain in downtown Budapest, manifested in a small store-cum-mini specialty café. Nanushka’s designs are feminine, cosmopolitan yet comfortable, and while they may cost a pretty penny, they are still much cheaper than other international brands and make a great souvenir. Although less prominent, menswear is featured, too. 1052 Budapest. Bécsi utca 3.
Váci utca
Váci utca is Budapest’s most prominent pedestrianised shopping street. Although it’s tourist central with crowds flooding the entire length of the street day and night, the line of little shops and restaurants is worth a look. While there are some tacky tourist traps here, you can also find small affordable shops and commercial chains like Zara, H&M, New Yorker, or Flying Tiger. The first half of Váci utca, starting from Vörösmarty tér, is busier, while the second stretch has a quieter atmosphere, ending with the Great Market Hall. 1052 Budapest, Váci utca.
Great Market Hall
Housed in a charming building with a colorful ceramics roof, the Great Market Hall is a favored spot for both tourists and locals. On the ground floor, grocers pile up fresh fruits and vegetables, while butchers sell everything from nose to tail, alongside a small fish market. Upstairs, you can try Hungarian specialties like lángos, a disc-shaped deep-fried dough traditionally topped with sour cream, garlic, and shredded cheese, as well as clothes and souvenirs. With paprika and sausages hanging everywhere, this market hall couldn’t be more Hungarian. Don’t forget to ask the vendors for a little taste of cold cuts or cheeses before buying. 1093 Budapest, Vámház körút 1-3.
Falk Miksa utca
Filled with dozens of shops specializing in art and antiques, Falk Miksa is the heart of the art trade in Budapest. The street starts at the statue of Lieutenant Columbo and his dog on the corner of the Grand Boulevard and ends by the Hungarian Parliament. Although you can discover some inexpensive items here, most venues cater to a classy clientele offering silverware, porcelain pieces, paintings, jewelry, furniture, and more. This street is a must-see for lovers of art and antiques; moreover, it’s also perfect for just browsing due to its unique peaceful atmosphere. Sometimes you can run into live auctions, too. 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa utca.
Paloma
Hidden in the courtyard of a stunning century-old Budapest apartment block lies Paloma, a second home for Hungarian designers. Nearly 50 local designers have open workshops here, showcasing handmade clothes, jewelry, bags, shoes, ceramics, and more. The best part is that you can almost always meet the designers and learn the story of your chosen souvenir firsthand. 1053 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos utca 14.
Herend Porcelain
Since its foundation in 1826, one of Hungary’s most iconic brands, Herend Porcelain, has amazed with intricate, hand-painted, high-quality plates, cups, ornaments, figurines, and more. Today, Herend is one of the world’s largest porcelain manufacturers. The ceramics company counts several royals and celebrities among its clientele, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Queen Victoria. You can visit their flagship store in District V or their boutique shop on Andrássy út to admire the finest pieces of porcelain. 1051 Budapest, József Nádor tér 10-11./ 1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 16.
Szimpla Farmer’s Market
On Sunday mornings, Budapest’s most famous and first-ever ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, opens its doors to a different crowd. A friendly and laid-back farmer’s market sets up here, bringing local producers and busy cosmopolitans together. Honeys, jams, freshly baked breads, cold cuts, fruits, veggies, cheeses, and various local produce feature, and something distinctly Hungarian is generally cooked on the spot from seasonal ingredients. Visiting a ruin bar is a must when in Budapest; however, seeing a different side of it on a Sunday morning is an extra experience. 1075 Budapest, Kazinczy utca 14.
BP Shop
You don’t have to spend much time in Budapest until you encounter someone wearing a shirt, a hoodie, or a cap with simply ‘BP’ or cheekily ‘BudaFCKNPest’ emblazoned on it. These are items from the BP Shop, which might seem a bit touristy at first; however, they are almost more popular among underground locals. The stores offer a selection that includes other big brands like Nike and Jordan, but if you’re looking for a souvenir that’s a subtle – or less subtle – nod to your time spent in Budapest, something from their cool and urban BP collection is a fun choice. 1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás utca 6./ 1077 Budapest, Wesselényi utca 24.
