The best vintage shops in Budapest

What is it? No flashy shopfront, just a hidden treasure trove tucked away in a ground-floor flat on the Buda side – blink and you might miss it. Inside, a maze of rooms overflows with the coolest pre-loved clothes, boots, bags, pins, vinyl and even old books.

Why we love it Walking into Lovebug Vintage feels less like shopping and more like raiding your trendiest friend’s wardrobe – the one with impeccable taste and a sweet spot for nostalgia. There’s something delightfully intimate about it, it’s a real ‘if you know, you know’ kind of a place. You’ll come across things you didn’t even realise you wanted, like cassette tapes, posters from the noughties, postcards from decades past, dresses, shirts, skirts and endless accessories. It’s vintage chaos in the best possible way.

Time Out tip: Don’t be fooled by the size, there’s a lot packed inside, and scroll down their homepage for the webshop, too.

Address: Margit körút 62, 1027 Budapest (ground floor – press the LoveBug buzzer)

Opening hours: Tue-Sat noon-6pm. Closed Sun-Mon

What is it? The slightly more sophisticated sister of Lovebug (see above) located near the Opera House. It has the same cool, bohemian vibe, but in a more refined, boutique setting.

Why we love it The cotton candy-pink and playful décor puts you in a better mood every time you visit, plus it’s immensely Instagrammable. Expect gorgeous kimonos, denim jackets, vinyl records, accessories and nostalgic pieces you dreamt of having as a kid, later denied ever wanting them but now you’re ready to own up to loving them again. Browsing here welcomes you into the realm of pure fun and endless possibilities.

Time Out tip: Their Instagram feed is a goldmine of style inspiration and vintage fashion ideas.

Address: Hajós utca 19, 1065 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Closed Sun

What is it? One of Budapest’s largest and most iconic vintage and designer stores, located in the heart of the city, just off central Deák Ferenc tér.

Why we love it At Retrock, retro meets runway. The selection is huge and thoughtfully curated – you’ll find designer pieces from unique and intriguing parts of the world, and the works or talented Hungarian artists also get some spotlight. Think embroidered fabrics, elegant jewellery, ceramics, candles and even items of homeware – all with that special Retrock touch. It’s not the cheapest choice but these are forever pieces.

Time Out tip: Many of the items here are handmade or one-of-a-kind designer pieces – therefore not everything is secondhand, there are many brand-new pieces, too. Don’t hesitate to speak to the staff – they’re super helpful and know their stuff.

Address: Anker köz 2-4, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A sizeable, popular shop on Dohány utca near the Great Synagogue, where ’80s’ nostalgia collides with modern indie design. It’s not a classic secondhand store but rather an elegant showcase of vintage and contemporary fashion.

Why we love it For that ’80s’ nostalgia, cool sneakers, effortlessly stylish pieces, special keepsakes and the eclectic atmosphere. This isn’t your regular thrift store but rather a hybrid of eras and aesthetics. You can find anything from vintage jeans, sweaters, shirts and jackets to Fjällräven backpacks, Pride badges and creations by up-and-coming indie designers. You’ll lose an hour (or two) just exploring.

Time Out tip: Their online store is just as fun, full of fashion inspiration and ready-to-ship looks.

Address: Dohány utca 20, 1074 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

What is it? A real punk paradise in the city centre, full of authentic pieces from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, leather jackets and cowboy or Dr Martens boots organised categorically. Plus, a sprinkle of attitude.

Why we love it: Jajcica is for the edgy, bold and wild at heart. You can come hunting for something specific like a Hawaiian shirt for your next holiday, a complete outfit for a concert or a standout jacket for the autumn, or just to have a look around to find something with a lot of character. The staff are passionate experts and will be happy to help you find whatever you’re after. Every item here oozes personality.

Time Out tip: Ask questions! The team are encyclopaedic about fabrics, fits and stories behind each piece.

Address: Szondi utca 58, 1063 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Closed Sun

What is it? A cosy, bohemian secondhand shop in Buda’s up-and-coming locality of Margit-negyed, full of clothes, accessories and playful little treasures.

Why we love it Some items are priced by weight, others by tag, and the range spans from sports gear, adults’ and kids’ clothes to books, shoes, accessories, and even vintage picnic baskets. Maggie’s is affordable, friendly and delightfully eclectic, and many items end up being a steal here. They even have outfits for dogs!

Time Out tip: Creative souls will love this place, as you can sometimes come across beautiful fabrics and yarns to upcycle and use to craft your own unique creations.

Address: Margit körút 40, 1027 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Closed Sun

What is it? A charming and bohemian boutique-style vintage store next to the cultural hub MANYI on Margit körút. Visiting feels like stepping into your artsy friend’s living room, except that here, everything’s for sale.

Why we love it FRANC is where art and fashion blur into one beautiful mess. The warm, welcoming and creative atmosphere entices you in even if you don’t want to buy anything. But once you’re there, you’ll probably leave with a lovely, high-quality piece of clothing, a cool pair of sunglasses, shoes, your new favourite coffee mug or a poster. Beyond clothes, jewellery, porcelain items and ceramics, décor pieces and even artworks hide on the shelves.

Time Out tip: Prices vary widely, from affordable trinkets to quality art pieces, so browse carefully and feel free to ask about the stories behind some items.

Address: Margit körút 16, 1027 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 2pm-7pm. Closed Sun

What is it? Part of the international Humana secondhand chain, two central stores focus on genuine vintage finds in a classic setting.

Why we love it There’s a real mix of styles and eras, so you can find anything from a romantic, sporty or elegant vibe. There are kids’ clothes, ’90s’ windbreakers, items from big brands, and lovely shoes and accessories. The selection changes every five weeks, so it always stays fresh, and there are generous discounts all the time, which make the prices unbeatable.

Time Out tip: Check their website for restock dates to time your visit for the best new arrivals.

Addresses: Károly körút 8, 1052 Budapest & József körút 74, 1085 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

What is it? The passion project of Hungarian art historian Kata Oltai manifesting in a tiny but character-packed boutique in District VIII. Part fashion, part art, all personality.

Why we love it For the high-quality materials like fur, denim and leather and items with a punk or retro edge that make you instantly impulse buy. Everything feels personal and unique here, like wearable pieces of art with their own wild past lives that make you wonder about the cool people who owned them before. The store feels like the perfect place to play dress-up but grown-up style.

Time Out tip: See something you love on Insta or Facebook? Message them – they often sell directly online.

Address: József utca 16, 1084 Budapest

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 3pm-7pm, Sat 2pm-5pm. Closed Sun-Tue

What is it? A tidy, minimalist secondhand store near the National Museum. Proof that thrifting can be stylish and organised.

Why we love it Typo is perfect for those who find chaotic thrift shops overwhelming and for those who like their secondhand with structure. Everything here is clean, curated and neatly displayed – there are no overflowing shelves or endlessly crowded racks. Lasting, well-made and designer items are highlighted. As Typo prefers quality to quantity, the prices are not the cheapest but they’re still far below retail.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on their socials for a proposed rebrand to Momoko Vintage while keeping the same curated, top-shelf approach. Expect themed weekends and events, discount days and special sales.

Address: Krúdy Gyula utca 9, 1088 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm

What is it? A classic, down-to-earth thrift shop on lively Király utca, perfect for true treasure hunters.

Why we love it The racks are packed, but that’s part of the thrill – if you’ve got an eye for hidden gems, you’ll strike gold here. On certain days, you can snag items for just a few hundred forints (less than €2). Expect everything from ugly Christmas sweaters to awesome vintage tracksuits. Racks upon racks of potential – it’s the thrill of the hunt that makes it magic.

Time Out tip: Follow them on Instagram or Facebook – they often announce special ‘fixed price’ days where everything costs the same low price.

Address: Király utca 77, 1074 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Closed Sun