Shopping in Budapest

Budapest is an extraordinary city with a fashioncentre you're near two of the most popular malls;
sense to match! Whether it's flea markets andthe Westend City Centre and Mammut Mall.
antiques you seek, or department stores boastingThe Westend is located beside the Western
the latest fashions, Budapest has it all.Railway Station. This is actually Central Europe's
A shoppers paradise...largest shopping mall. Hosting over 400 stores, a
Vaci Utca is Budapest's only pedestrian street and14-screen cinema complex, and a massive
can be found in District V (five). Anyone whoselection of food areas, you'll be really impressed
loves to shop, shop, shop not to mention spend,by this shopping centre.
spend, spend, will adore this street which isMammut Mall is located on the Buda side at Szena
adorned with 19th century architecture. This longSquare and houses over 300 shops. The mall is
street starts from Vörösmarty Square andmade up of two seven-story buildings. You'll find
leads to the Great Market Hall near FÅ'váman entertainment centre and numerous
Tér.restaurants and cafes here too. Perfect for a
If you're looking for something a little up market,family day out.
then Vaci Utca is where it's at - some have evenOther shopping malls in Budapest that are well
compared it to London's Oxford Street! Theworth a visit include Duna Plaza, MOM Park, Arkad
famous avenue has long been a place where theand Lurdy Haz.
rich and famous of Budapest enjoyed spendingBudapest's best markets...
their money and in more recent years, touristsBudapest is renowned all over the world for its
come here for the reduced price designer labels.fantastic markets. Some of these excellent
Beware though; these designer items still have amarkets are housed in grand market halls. Not
hefty price tag attached.only are they great places in which to see locals
Some of the most popular shops to be foundgoing about their daily business, but also offer high
here include Aranypok, Arena, Boss, Mango,quality produce at cheap prices. Everything from
Esprit, Gant, Estee Lauder, and Clinique, with asouvenirs, to leather goods, clothes, fresh fruit
few more reasonable priced stores like Zara,and vegetables etc. can be found on sale here.
H&M, C&A and Marks & Spencer's here too.The Central Market Hall is the most popular of all
Due to increased numbers of tourists flocking tothe markets to be found in Budapest. It's the
Budapest many souvenir shops have popped up inlargest indoor market and is located in the 9th
this area in the last few years - perfect if you'redistrict. Many flock to this market to buy its
looking for a few last minute pressies orworld-renowned paprika!
keepsakes of your time in the city.The sheer size of the place alone will dumbfound
Many bars and cafes also line the street. If you'reyou, not to mention the enormous selection of
feeling a bit peckish after your shoppingstalls. Most stalls on the ground floor sell souvenirs,
experience, there are some great eateries thatgifts and wine. You'll also find mouth-watering
you can have a drink or a bite to eat. In fact,meats, fresh vegetables and fruit and sublime
some of the best local fare can be found alongcheese. If you need to take a break from all this
here.bargaining, there are plenty of snack bars around.
Budapest's best Department Stores...Other excellent and notable markets in Budapest
Like every European city, a number of hugeinclude Ecseri flea market, Hunyadi Ter Market
department stores have settled in Budapest.(district VI), Klauzal Ter Market and Rakoczi ter
You're assured of good quality, reasonable goodsMarket in district VII.
in these department stores.Know before you go!
Corvin is a popular department store and isOpening Hours:
located in the Budapest's VIII district. Here you'llHungarian shops normally open between 10am
find items like kitchen accessories, towels, clothes,and 6pm on weekdays and between 10am and
furniture, toys and more. There is also a1pm on Saturday's.
supermarket on the ground floor.Some stores have longer opening hours.
Oh and don't forget about the well-known BritishBe aware also that some smaller stores close if
department store, Marks & Spencer's. It isthey are running errands. The lengths of these
located on the main shopping street in Budapestvary and can't be calculated. Look out for a sign
Vaci Utca in district V. You'll also find C&A on Vacisaying "Azonnal Jövök" on the door. It's up to
Utca. Both of these department stores have ayou whether you wait!
fine selection of women's and men's clothes,Currency: Hungarian forints (HUF).
sportswear along with baby's and children'sCredit cards are widely accepted, so there's little
clothing.difficulty loading up on the plastic! Nevertheless,
Shopping Centres in Budapest...there's no harm in bringing cash on you, as cash is
Budapest's malls have proved popular with bothking when it comes to smaller shops and markets.
locals and tourists alike. Go back 15 years andPopular Gifts/Keepsakes from Budapest:
shopping centres/malls were unheard of inTourist shops are crammed full of goods that
Budapest - they only had the likes of them inHungarians believe a visitor would most like to buy
New York or Germany. Today though, Budapestas a souvenir of their time in Budapest, namely
has loads of shopping centres located all over theporcelain (Herend and Zsolnay), embroidery, cut
city. These mostly host western shops andglass and crystal. We advise you to buy these
brands.items from the factory outlet if you can - this will
A lot of the malls are situated close to eitheravoid you having to pay the huge mark up that
major intersections or metro stations allowingtourist shops put on the products.
easy access to them. If you're staying in the city