Shopaholics will love a trip to the Hungarian capital. Shopping is a popular past time for Hungarians, making shopping facilities and choice of location excellent.  Goods are relatively well priced compared to other major European hubs, making it a popular past time for tourists as well!

There are some excellent, well planned shopping districts to make it easy to find what you´re looking for, and make the experience enjoyable, whether you are after something special typically Hungarian to remind you of your trip, inexpensive souvenirs for friends and family or the latest fashion trends (Hungarians are generally stylishly dressed).

Credit cards are widely accepted in most outlets. The currency in Hungary is the Forint and is abbreviated either as Ft- or HUF. 270 Hungarian Forits is worth about 1.2 euro (subject to change!!).

For purchases over 50,000 Ft (around 200 euros) you can reclaim the VAT when leaving Hungary, quite a saving of 20%! The amount must be on one item and shown clearly on a receipt. Make sure your receipt includes the price of the item including and excluding VAT. The shop assistants will be able to provide you with a VAT reclamation form and a mailing envelope.


Things to buy in Budapest

Herend Porcelain

Herend is not a style of porcelain making, but rather a brand which began in a cottage workshop and grew in prestige and value over the years as one of the finest quality crafts available in the market. Today Herand is known as one of the finest quality porcelain products anywhere in the world, making them valuable collectors pieces.

A man called Moric Fischer, who acquired a small porcelain  factory in 1839,  was commissioned by the King of Sardinia to create some missing pieces of his favourite porcelain collection. The set was an old set of Chinese porcelain, very valuable and distinct in style.

Fischer spent one whole year studying the pieces and experimenting with his process to get the new pieces as close to the originals as possible. The king was very impressed with the result and Fischer earned the respect and admiration of other artists not only in Budapest but throughout the rest of Europe.

Today a wide range of dinnerware, tea sets, figurines and decorative pieces are available for purchase. You can buy from an official retailer  at many reputable porcelain dealers in Budapest (check that your purchase comes with a certificate of Authentication) or direct from the official Herand Museum and shop located in Central Budapest.

Here you can watch the porcelain artists in action and learn more about the history of this national icon. Admission is by tickets which can be purchased at the visitor centre.


Tokaji Wine

Winemaking in Hungary dates back to the 12th Century, and Hungary´s most famous wine today is the popular desert wine known as Tokaji, which can be bought and tasted at many stores all over the city.

The intensely sweet flavour is achieved because the wine growing climate in this region favours the ideal conditions for the Botrytis Fungus, which naturally dries out the grape after heavy rainfall, preserving the signature flavour of this type of wine. Secrets of the winemaking process including storing and ageing have yet to be discovered and this quality of flavour remains unmatched by other desert wines.

Hungarian Folk Art:

The state owned Folkart Haziipar has a great range of traditional Hungarian crafts including table cloths, dolls, ceramics and clothing. Each item is examined for quality before it enters the display section of the shop, and all goods are made by a group of regular contributing craftsmen.


Places to Shop in Budapest


Budapest Market Halls

A visit to the Central Market Hall, the biggest, oldest and grandest of several in Budapest, is not just a great opportunity to do some shopping but also to gain an insight into Hungary´s history and architectural past.

After the unification of Buda, Pest and Obuda, the need for a centre of trade for this growing commercial city became apparent. The Central market hall was built to cater to this need. The hall used to be connected to the Danube River by an indoor canal, allowing goods to be easily transported to the hall from the barges and transport ships.

These days the canal is long gone, but it still remains a busy market place which offers three level of fresh produce, cheeses, wines, fish and local Hungarian crafts. Go for the atmosphere alone, if not to buy. It´s also a good place to go to sample some of Hungary´s famous delicacies like black pudding, stuffed cabbage and deep fried pastry.


Flea Markets

For a fun day out and a great shopping experience, visit one of Budapest´s popular flea markets. Both the  Budapest Flea Market and the Ecseri Markets are good choices. In bad weather, try the Ecsri Flea Markets as it is almost completely covered. This popular flea market was first established during the 19th Century and it remains a popular spot for bargain hunters, both local and visiting.

Appliances, second hand clothing, antiques, arts and crafts, shoes and jewellery, its all here. If you´re serious about grabbing yourself a bargain you´ll need to arrive early on Saturday morning, with the rest of the local die hard collectors to grab the best items.

It is open every day of the week, Monday to Friday 8am- 16:00pm, Saturday from 6am- 15:00pm and Sunday from 8am- 13:00pm.


Pedestrian Shopping Strips

Vaci Utca

This famous strip has been a popular shopping area since the 1800´s. There are all kinds of shops in this area, from European fashion labels such as H&M and Zara, plus folk art, craft shops and wine shops. A great place to pick up some Tokaji wine.

The northern end is quite touristy and full of souvenir shops, but there are also some excellent restaurants at this end where you can order a “tasting menu” of traditional Hungarian foods. If you make it to the South end, you´ll find it much quainter and more historic. Here is where to come if you´re interested in Hungary´s jewellery and fashion designers.


Fashion Street

A fairly newly developed shopping zone that begins at the end of Vaci utca, featuring many Internationally known brands including Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and Benetton. If you´re not in the market for this kind of purchase, you can still enjoy wandering the street and admiring the elaborate window displays.


Shopping Malls

Budapest shopping malls are pretty similar to those in other European cities. There are various fashion chain stores, ATM´s, department stores, hardware , bookshops and electronics. Some also have cinemas, cafes and resturants. Some of the biggest ones in Budapest include:

West End City Centre: Vaci ut 1-3. VI district. Get there on the M3 Metro or 4-6 trams. Open Monday- Saturday from 10:00am- 21:00, closing at 18:00 on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

Arkad: Ors vezer ter 25, X. District. Get there on the M2 metro. Open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am- 21:00, closing on Saturday at 19:00

Duna Plaza: Vaci ut 178. XIII District. Get there on the M3 metro and get off at Gyongyosi station. Open Monday- Friday from 9:00am- 21:00pm, Saturday And Sunday from 10:00am- 19:00pm.

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