Shopping in Budapest: tips, recommendations, traveler reviews

Budapest - the most beautiful European city, the capital of Hungary, and in some ways it is similar to the cities of neighboring Austria and the Czech Republic. But shopping in Budapest is much more attractive and profitable, and unique souvenirs are met at every step. Once in Budapest, be sure to investigate not only the large malls and main markets, but also small shops and shops, because they can meet the most interesting.

Shopping in Budapest - features

Historically, the city is divided into two parts - the old one called Buda and the new one, which bears the name of Pest. In the old part there are more small shops and antique shops, and in a new abundance of large and modern shopping centers. Shops here literally go one to the other.

The currency in Hungary is forint, but most stores accept euro plus, but at a rate below the official rate of about 10 or even 20%. Almost all shops accept cards.

Please note that on Sunday, as experienced travelers say, stores usually open a little later than the rest of the days, but close earlier, around 6 pm. Also there are features of work of shops on Sunday. By the decision of the local parliament, many of them are closed on this day and to accurately buy everything you need, do not plan for major or important purchases on Sunday, do not forget about it, planning to make shopping in Budapest.

Reviews of tourists are reminiscent of the possibility of tax refund. If you buy goods worth more than 50 thousand forints (this is a little more than 160 euros), you can return some of the money on the system of tax free. You can get the tax refund already at home, after crossing the border, but you must state this in the store at the time of purchase and be sure to keep all checks. Shops that return VAT (and he in Hungary 27%!), Are marked with a tax refund sign.

What to buy

No trip abroad is not without buying souvenirs. Recently, tourists try to bring as a gift not banal magnets and key rings, but something really reflecting the spirit of the country. And the first thing that comes to mind is gastronomic souvenirs. Hungarian cuisine is very tasty, diverse and its most important symbol besides goulash is a fragrant salami and paprika. Salami produced a few dozen species, and paprika can be bought as a bundle of peppers, and in a dried version in the form of spices.

Good local Tokay wine and fruit tinctures, which are called palinka, as well as the legendary herbal balm "Unicum", which helps in the treatment of colds.

Also, Hungary - the birthplace of the Rubik's cube, it's a sin not to buy this puzzle as a gift to the amateur to occupy his hands and head. Of the souvenirs more significant - local porcelain and ceramics and textiles with embroidery. Good quality and natural cosmetics, and at very attractive prices.

If you want to replenish the wardrobe, in Budapest, as tourists say, all the most famous world brands are represented, there is own production, leather goods are especially appreciated - footwear, handbags and fancy goods will diversify your shopping in Budapest. Feedback, however, suggests that if their quality is at an altitude, then the models are for the amateur and are far behind the fashion trends.

Shopping centers

In the area of the Western Railway Station, the largest West End shopping mall is located in Eastern Europe. On three floors, 500 points are located for the trade of clothing, cosmetics, gifts, interior items, goods for children, as well as cafes and restaurants. For gastronomic souvenirs, visit the large Supermarket Match on the first floor.

Near the other station, Keleti, built the second most important mall Arena Plaza. In fact, it differs little from the West End, the same world brands of the middle price segment, as well as local clothing departments.

If you have time to go to the outskirts of Buda, visit the popular shopping center Campona Shopping Center. Here, in addition to shopping, you can have fun with a visit to the oceanarium.

Boutiques

All major branded boutiques in the city are located in the center of Pest, the most important shopping places:

• Pedestrian street of Vaci.
• Andrashi Avenue, more precisely, its very beginning.
• Deak's street.

There are a lot of monobrand boutiques of world famous brands - Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Escada, MaxMara, Louis Vuitton, Cavalli. The prices are comparable to the Russian ones, but it makes sense to come to the sales season in order to make a profitable shopping in Budapest.

Outlets

If expensive world premium boutiques with new collections are too expensive for you, but you want to dress in designer clothes, visit local outlet shops. They, as usual in European cities, are on the outskirts. The largest and most noteworthy are Gloutlet and Premier Outlets Center.

The latter is built on the principle of an outlet village - this is when in a large area there are separate pavilions of different brands, and the space between them is filled with pedestrian streets, fountains, recreation areas and cafes. Shopping in Budapest in this outlet is a pleasure. Moreover, during sales, prices for many goods can be reduced to 90%.

Markets

The most famous and ancient market in Budapest is Central. It is located in the center and is not only a place where you can buy food and souvenirs, but also a monument of antiquity. A beautiful building with a turret and a tiled roof was built by a pupil of Eiffel himself in the late 19th century. In addition to porcelain dolls, balsams, paprika and wine, you can buy other gastronomic specialties, without which shopping in Hungary can not do:

• Budapest is famous for its delicacies, and on the first floor of the market you can buy dozens of salami from a sharp "winter" with a white bloom of mold to a spicy and fragrant juniper; Pork sausages Debrecers; Tender meat pates.
• In the cellar, look for the famous Colonial shop with crustacean spices from around the world. Here you can buy the famous rosemary oil and spicy Hungarian rolls freshly baked in a local bakery, as well as mushrooms, also grown here, in huge aquariums.
• In the mezzanine, you can taste local cuisine and desserts, ending shopping in Budapest with good coffee in a cafe with standing tables, or buying souvenirs, for example, in a shop with a signboard, Ellak sell not just dolls, puppeteers from a professional clan with two hundred years of experience work here.

Other markets in Budapest are less interesting, but also offer good local products and souvenirs. Look for the Hold útca Market market near the Parliament building, Klauzal tér Market in the heart of the Jewish Quarter or the modern tourist market Rakoczi tér Market.

Where to buy antiques

To buy antique knickknacks or quite expensive antiques, go to Miksa Falk, there are dozens of real antique shops, up to the top clogged with antique porcelain dolls in velvet dresses, lace curtains and tablecloths, paintings, antique utensils, furniture and handmade carpets. Some shops work as museums, so even if you are not going to buy anything, just come and look at the shop windows.

By the way, in the store Montparnasse Gallery you can buy French furniture of the Art Deco era, and in Nagyhazi Gallery a picture or carpet at an auction.

Also be sure to visit the flea market Esceri, here is the best shopping in Budapest for lovers of antiquity - hundreds of sellers spread out their treasures in an area of several hectares. Many things can be bought for very modest money. Such souvenirs are much more interesting than modern factory ones.

Where to find the best souvenirs

If you want to buy special things of local production, in addition to products, pay attention to the Rothschild Brand Shop, where Hungarian china is sold by Herend, which is famous for Budapest. Shopping here will be a special pleasure, because this brand is known all over the world, every object is made and painted by hand and such a gift, although not cheap, but especially valuable.

In the Folkart store you can buy national souvenirs - dolls, ceramics, lace, but of the highest quality and handmade. And if you have already bought a palinka, then in the A Magyar Palinka Haza you can find a glass for her and choose a couple of varieties of the drink for testing. Do not forget about the clothes of local designers, she is represented in the store Latomas.