Best Shops, Shopping Malls, Markets and Bargains
Budapest Shopping

Budapest Shopping offers plenty of options to find good bargains. The number of shops in Budapest has heavily increased since the 90-ies, big shopping malls, new fashion shops appeared on every corner of the city.

It's good to have some information where and what to buy to make your Budapest Shopping a rewarding experience.

We created several pages related to Budapest Shopping to provide you this information. Follow the links within the text to get specific information.

Budapest Shopping-Opening Hours

In the center, mainly in Pest, you'll find several non-stop, 24-hour shops. They sell cigarettes, alcohol, soft drinks and snacks, and other foodstuff, usually at a higher price.

All shops are closed on public holidays.

Budapest Shopping-How to Pay

Large shops accept credit cards, especially in the touristy part of the town. In small shops and markets you have to pay in cash, so make sure you have enough Hungarian forints in your purse. 

Budapest Shopping-Taxes and Refunds

VAT (value added tax) is built in to the price of most consumer goods and services. Refunds are available for most purchases that exceed 50,000 HUF (roughly 200 €).

Look for Budapest shops that have "Tax Free" logo in the window. Ask the sales assistants to provide you with the necessary documents you need to get the refund. These documents are:

• the receipt of your purchase,
  
  
• a separate receipt that indicates the amount of VAT on your purchase,
  
  
• the VAT reclaim form, and
  
  
• the mailing envelope.

The shop assistant will also help you to fill in the form.

If you depart Hungary by plane you can collect your refund at the IBUSZ Agency at Ferihegy Airport. Do this right after checking in but before you pass security control!

If you don't have time to do that at Ferenc Liszt Airport, you'll still get your money, though the process is rather lengthy.

When you land at you home country's airport, get your forms certified by Customs. Then mail them in your envelope and wait for your refund.

Two important things to know:

TIP: the new terminal lounge on the airport, SkyCourt has many shops selling typical Hungarian souvenirs and artwork but you'll find many famous designes shops there too.

Budapest Shopping -What and Where to Buy?

Hungarian Specialties

There are many Hungarian specialties from food stuff to porcelain.

When I stroll in Budapest's city center I see that tourists love Hungarian folk-art souvenirs very much. These are handmade folkart products that are very characteristic of Hungary.

The most popular folklore products are: embroidered cloths, pillowcases, dolls dressed in Hungarian folklore costumes, dresses, pottery, and porcelain.

These souvenirs will decorate your home and always remind you of your stay in the Hungarian capital.

In Castle District and on Gellért Hill you definitely find vendors who sell these products. You also find folklore shops in Pest's chic shopping street, the Váci Street, though their products are a bit overpriced.

I recommend the Great Market Hall at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd). It's not only the best and cheapest place to buy your souvenirs, but it's the oldest market in Budapest.

The market building's architecture itself is worth a visit. For folk products go to the upper floor, or look for ethnic Hungarian women wearing folklore costumes and kerchiefs tied around their heads. They ususally travel up to Budapest with bags full of fine, authentic folk items to sell. You can buy things from them for much cheaper than in the touristy shops.

The hand-painted Herend and Zsolnay Porcelains also make exclusive gifts.
Both are world-famous brands and you probably can find them in your country, but in Hungary you can get them at lower prices.

The Best Places to Buy Hungarian porcelain

• Apponyi Márkabolt on József Nádor tér 11., V. district. and Rothschild Márkabolt in Kigyó utca 3. V. district.
  
  

• Zsolnay Márkabolt: there is one in almost all Budapest Shopping Malls, for example there's one in Lurdy ház and another iin Budagyöngye shopping Center..

For gourmands Budapest is a paradise. You can taste lots of Special Hungarian Foods ranging from goose liver to wines. Do not return home without buying some delicious Hungarian food and drink stuff.

Make sure you check the custom regulations of your country, before you buy anything that you want to take home with you!

You'll find fashionable designer products, as well as folklore and art products in the most popular shopping areas of Budapest. They are in the busiest parts of the city so the shops here are rather expensive.

Váci Utca

Apart from the already mentioned Váci utca, Andrássy Avenue is a place of famous designer shops (Gucci, Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana) exclusive gift shops, along with some fine restaurants and cafes.

Fashion Street

A shopping street dedicated to world fashion brands. The old buildings in Deák Ferenc utca have been renovated to house international brand shops like Tommy Hilfiger, Sisley, Mexx, Lacoste, Puma, Furla etc. There're also the Vapiano Italian Restaurant, a TGI Friday's and a Coffee Heaven should you feel peckish while shopping.

If you have less money to spend on gifts, head for shops along Nagykörút (Grand Boulevard) or the Budapest Markets. The Central Market Hall at the Buda end of Liberty Bridge is the best known food market in the city.

Wamp Design Fair - for Something Unique from Hungarian Designers & Artists

The Wamp Design market is a monthly gathering of talented Hungarian designers and artists to sell and promote their products. The event takes place once or twice a month in the "B" Hall of the Millenáris Park (Kis Rókus utca 16-20., behind Mammut Shopping Center) or in good weather on Erzsébet tér (M 1, 2 3 metros Deák tér station). Besides artworks you'll find some unique gastro products on the fair as well.

See fair dates here.

Shopping Centers - Aréna, Allee, Árkád, Corvin, Duna Plaza, Europeum, Lurdy, Mammut, West End etc.

If you love modern, flashy shops Budapest Shopping Malls are for you. You can buy all sorts of things from clothes to food products. The good thing is, that if you get tired or hungry, there are a couple of cafés and fast food restaurants to sit in.

The best Budapest Antique Shops are in Falk Miksa Street.

Budapest Flea Markets are excellent places to find good bargains.

Are you looking for fine art items? You'll find great and quality artworks in Budapest Art Galleries.

What's Your Favourite Budapest Shop?

Have you discovered a great shop in Budapest that isn't mentioned in any guide book (not even on Budapest Tourist Guide.com). Tell other shopping enthusiats about it!

Your Budapest Shopping Stories & Reviews

Click below to see shopping stories and tips written by other visitors to Budapest.

Articles Related to Budapest Shopping

Budapest Shopping Malls - large, modern shopping centers, that cater for your shopping hunger and entertainment.

Budapest Markets - the best places to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, souvenirs and get a feel of everyday life in Budapest

Special Hungarian Foods list of Hungarian delicacies and tips on where to buy them.