Other than its unique architecture and food, Budapest offers an array of shopping streets and interesting souvenirs that you could pick up. These are the places you can shop at and the local things you might want to buy.
Best places to shop in Budapest
Central Market Hall
This is one of the best places to get authentic Hungarian food and dishes. There are 300 stalls with vendors who have stayed in business for generations. Paprika, Mangalitsa, and pickled vegetables which are essential ingredients in the local cuisine can be found here.
Address: Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 366 3300
Westend Shopping Center
One of the biggest malls in Central Europe, you can find anything and everything you need here. From designer brands such as Adidas, Estee Lauder, and Marks&Spencers, to currency exchange services, you may just find yourself shopping till you drop.
Address: Budapest, Váci út 1-3, 1062 Hungary
Arena Mall
About five minutes’ walk from Keleti Railway Station, Arena Mall is similar to that of Westend Shopping Center, only bigger as it was built later. It boasts an IMAX cinema and a huge TESCO.
Address: Budapest, Kerepesi út 9, 1087 Hungary
Andrassy Avenue
Stretching from St Stephen’s Basicila to Heroes Square, this tree-lined boulevard with museums, exhibitions halls, cafes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brands like Lois Vuitton, Gucci line the streets in neo-classical/baroque buildings.
Insider tip: If you are going in the summer, do stroll along the avenue and shop in the late afternoon to evening as the trees don’t provide adequate shelter to the boiling heat of midday.
Fashion Street
Many buildings in this street are preserved in their historical styles and leased out to fashion brands. It is a popular venue for cultural events and has an art gallery in the Deak Palace building (in the picture below).
Unique local brands of Budapest
Now that you have seen where to shop, you may want to consider buying from these local popular brands.
Szputnyik Shop
Retro and vintage style lovers will appreciate Szputnyik’s passion for providing a range of new and old clothing to suit every customer’s individual taste. They also believe in being eco-friendly and only sell brands that have the same principles, including Herschel Co and Dr. Martens.
Retrock
Similar to Szputnyik, Retrock provides a range of vintage clothing, both new and unused and specially selects those that are patinated. They also have a designer collection from the 1960s to 1990s from brands such as Chanel, Armani and Hugo Boss. I especially loved their leather jackets which were in great condition!
Address: Budapest, Anker köz 2-4, 1061 Hungary
Omorovicza
With miracle waters from Budapest’s hot springs, Omorovicza is a skincare brand that promises to rejuvenate your skin and keep its youthful luster. It does come at a hefty price tag, equitable to that of Laneige, but you might just be able to snag up some good bargains while at its home base.
Best souvenirs to take home from Budapest
Chocolates and sweets
Inevitably, chocolate is a popular souvenir from many European countries. Hungary likewise, has its signature homemade chocolate brands. Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé has beautiful chocolate bars with Hungarian patterns, giving it that special touch as a memoir to savor when you get home.
Another popular confectionary brand is Cinq Filles. It is highly popular for its gummy bears and gift sets, which come with notebooks in lovely ribboned boxes.
Ceramics
A popular pastime in Budapest is ceramics and some brands like Rebu Ceramics sell customized handmade products that are sure to warm the heart of your special someone. For flowers that never wither, you can also head to Bokreta Ceramics.
Artisanal jewelry
Personally, as a woman, I enjoy wearing that little accessory which not only matches my outfit but is uniquely from overseas. Budapest specializes in creating their own artisanal jewelry made from natural wood and rock elements. Nalini and SAPI are some of the well-known brands but you can also find such shops in little markets at the Jewish Quarter.
Leather notebooks
Leather notebooks are pure pleasure to hold. From their hand-stitched bindings to their soft leathery feel, they are some of the best options to bring home as souvenirs. They can last you for years and be a well-worn memoir, especially if they have a cover from said country. Bomo Art has a range of leather notebooks to choose from and you can also choose to customize what you want. Alternatively, you can head to Fiok for leather notebooks as well as stationery.
