8 of the Best Markets in Budapest

Those wishing to experience the full spectrum of the local food scene and get an intimate, behind-the-scenes look, will find that the Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall, is the perfect spot for culinary exploration. Constructed in 1897 and later extensively damaged during the Second World War, the market was restored in the 1990s to its full architectural glory and is now unquestionably one of Europe’s finest indoor markets. Covering three floors, the Great Market Hall is a great place to discover traditional street food specialities, including lángos, the best-known fast food dish in Hungary. Besides ready-to-eat food, visitors can enjoy fresh goods and regional delicacies such as Tokaj wines, Hungarian paprika, excellent salami and other souvenirs.

Located in downtown Budapest, the Hold Utca Market is relatively small – but manages to pack plenty in! The market aims to bring farm fresh produce into the center of the city, and as a result, there’s plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to be found here. Upstairs, street food stalls line the gallery, selling everything from lángos to gourmet burgers. The market also features a small restaurant from the winner of the European Bocuse d’Or, Tamás Szèll.

Found on the Buda side of the city, this bustling local market is one of the largest in Budapest and boasts a lively atmosphere, as well as plenty of stalls selling local produce. Fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers and traditional Hungarian specialties can all be found here, while there are also food stands selling dishes such as lángos for hungry shoppers.

A small neighbourhood market selling a range of fresh produce, Hunyadi Square Market can be found just off Andrássy Avenue in a picturesque square. As well as indoor space, in which stalls selling dairy products, baked goods, fruits, vegetables and more can be found, there’s also an outdoor market at certain times of the day.

This market located in Budapest’s 13th district, not far from Nyugati train station, is hard to miss thanks to its bold and quirky architecture. Its colorful design has sparked debate among locals, however one thing’s for sure: the produce available at this marketplace is varied and delicious! Kolbász (Hungarian sausages), honey, wines and plenty of fruit and vegetables can be found here, and visitors can brush shoulders with locals as they stock up on local produce.

Budapest’s most iconic ruin pub, Szimpla Kert, also hosts a farmers’ market every Sunday which is well worth a trip. There are always plenty of local honey stands, as well as fruits and vegetables, bakeries, and spices such as paprika. Grab a pastry from one of the local stalls, a coffee from the bar, and head upstairs to watch the market in action over a delicious DIY brunch.

Held on a monthly basis in one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs (Anker’t), this vegan market takes place on Sundays throughout the year, with a few editions during the summer months held in alternative locations. Locally made vegan produce, including food, drink and beauty products, are all on offer alongside cooking workshops and discussions focused on the vegan lifestyle. For anyone looking to find cruelty free products in a buzzing atmosphere, this is the place to go.

This monthly design market showcases some of the best emerging Hungarian talent, taking place outdoors on the picturesque Erzsébet tér in summer, and indoors throughout winter. Stalls selling jewelry, clothing, accessories and a few food items can all be found here. Thanks to the fact that it’s made up of local Hungarian designers, it’s the perfect market to visit for a unique purchase and to check out the latest Hungarian fashion.