10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Budapest

Vaci Street is the top pedestrian shopping street in Budapest, with each side of this bustling destination featuring an abundance of restaurants, cafés and retail stores. The path starts in central Budapest at the historic Vörösmarty Square, stretching over 1 km before reaching its end at Central Market Hall.

Along the way, there’s no shortage of souvenir stores where you can pick up something special to take home. There are also loads of great retail shopping experiences, including Zara, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and Adidas, ensuring you can find the latest fashion and homewares to fill your suitcases with.

Budapest is well-known for its sprawling markets, which feature virtually everything from local fashion and design items to delicious farm-to-table produce. If it’s exquisite cuisine you seek, the city’s most renowned destination is Central Market Hall. Built in 1897, this massive indoor marketplace spans 3 floors and includes almost culinary delight imaginable.

The Ecseri Flea Market is a great stop when searching for something low-key. Here, you’ll discover a wealth of eclectic furniture, homewares and antique treasures, with most things coming with a fascinating story. Finally, Vörösmarty Square plays host to the celebrated Budapest Christmas Market, which offers endless cheer via 100 intriguing stalls.

Fashion Street might seem small, but it’s bursting with upmarket clothing stores that take your style to the next level. Featuring a pedestrian-only design, you’re free to roam the pavement as you go about window shopping before choosing a boutique to explore inside.

Considering the name, it's hardly surprising that many of the world's leading fashion brands are found here. Popular brands include Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Cos and Philipp Plein. You can also find luxurious homewares stores set among opulent hotels like The Ritz-Carlton Budapest.

Andrássy Avenue is the place to be when you’re looking for the world’s most recognisable fashion labels. It’s lined with trees and runs right through the middle of Budapest’s historic district. You can shop for high-end brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and The North Face, among many others.

While you’re exploring this outstanding shopping destination, make sure to set aside some time to explore the cultural delights on display, ranging from the Museum of Fine Arts to the ultra-sleek Q Contemporary. Head to Andrássy Avenue and experience the best of Budapest’s alluring lifestyle.

Falk Miksa Street is where you will discover many of Budapest’s most acclaimed antique shops. However, don’t be surprised if you can’t find a bargain, as many of these stores are aimed at high-end clientele looking to acquire rare pieces of jewellery, silverware and furniture.

While you're in this part of town, it's a great time to explore fascinating galleries and museums in Budapest. Kieselbach Gallery hosts an array of modern exhibitions, as well as art auctions if you're looking to get involved in a pricey bidding contest.

Retrock Designer Vintage Store is a great option for those who love to deck themselves out in stylish throwback fashion. With the cosmopolitan lifestyle offered by Budapest ensuring that many of the city’s residents are undeniably chic, head here to find some top-quality vintage gear that makes you stand out.

Set across 2 jam-packed levels, many of the items on display are striking items produced by world-renowned labels that simply got left behind in someone’s wardrobe for too long. Flick through Retrock Designer Vintage Store’s many racks to uncover a great deal.

The Westend Shopping Center is one of the go-to retail experiences in Budapest. The complex has 3 sprawling rooftop gardens overlooking the upscale Terézváros neighbourhood.

It’s a good idea to set aside a few hours to explore the 400+ stores within the complex. Fashion lovers will find leading brands like Nike, Orsay, Columbia and Superdry. Meanwhile, there are also 50 restaurants and eateries for when you need to rest your feet. Enjoy a delicious meal at notable spots like TGI Fridays, Okay Italia and Bellozzo.

Arena Mall is a massive retail shopping centre that offers many of the world’s most popular brands, including Calvin Klein, Armani, Desigual, and Levi’s. For travellers looking to make the most of their time in Budapest, this mall is incredible for finding everything you need in 1 place.

Besides these retail giants, you can catch a striking IMAX screening at Cinema City. With the latest blockbuster movies shown late into the evening, it’s easy to spend the entire day roaming this massive complex before finally catching your breath with an entertaining film.

ÁRKÁD Budapest is a large-scale shopping mall dedicated to more than 200 retail brands. Featuring ever-popular shops like Nike, Foot Locker, Bershka and H&M, this vast collection of high-street and upmarket fashion labels ensures you won’t run out of things to explore during your visit.

Gastronomy is a big focus at ÁRKÁD Budapest, with several delicious options ensuring you can enjoy a tasty meal throughout the day. Sample authentic Thai flavours at the popular Padthai Wokbar or sumptuous Italian dishes at Okay Italia.

Paloma Budapest is great for uncovering many of Hungary’s most exciting emerging designers and artists. Set within a historic 19th-century building that previously fell into disrepair, this trendy setting has been called home by over 40 local creatives since they took over the space in 2014.

Between soaring archways and circling a charming interior courtyard, you’ll find hugely impressive artists designing everything from luxury leather goods to jewellery and ethical clothing. Plan your visit to Paloma to see what the next generation of Budapest-based creators is creating.