The best places to shop in Budapest

What is it? A hidden Italianate courtyard just behind Astoria is the gorgeous setting to showcase the wares of some 100 up-and-coming designers, whose hand-crafted creations fill a dozen micro-boutiques here.

Why we love it For original art, clothing, jewellery and homeware, Paloma is the place, in surroundings as far from a mall as you can get. Browsing is a delight, with the artisans themselves often on hand to present their artefacts.

Time Out tip: Sharing the courtyard with Paloma, Auguszt is Budapest’s most venerable confectionery, serving its signature pastries along with coffee, hot chocolate and teas. Try the Natalis with hazelnut cream and blueberry.

Address: Kossuth Lajos utca 14-16, 1053 Budapest

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

What is it? The definitive independent bookshop in Budapest, Massolit takes its name from the literary bureaucracy in Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita. New and secondhand books stand side by side on shelves that stretch from the door and café area right the way to the back in the cosy interior. Budapest, Hungary and Hungarian novels translated into English are the main focus of attention in the reception area as you walk in. Stationery and souvenirs also feature.

Why we love it A hub of expat life in Budapest with its readings, presentations and foreign-language stock, Massolit equally appeals to Hungarian visitors. Equally important is its role as a café – snag a comfy armchair and sink into a good book.

Time Out tip: The back garden is a real literary retreat, with tables scattered by a small patch of greenery that catches the sun in the afternoon.

Address: Nagy Diófa utca 30, 1072 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 9.30am-7pm

What is it? Slap in the city centre, Budapest’s largest vintage shop overflows with fashion curiosities, stocking secondhand garb and upmarket designer pieces for men and women, and nice things for the home.

Why we love it Everything sold at Retrock is top-quality, and that’s reflected in the prices. If you can’t decide whether you want a vintage dress or a designer shirt, it’s still worth browsing this two-storey shop. You never know what eccentric gear you might find. 

Time Out tip: Keep tabs on Retrock’s Facebook page for news of large deliveries from across the Atlantic – such as a recent one from Arizona – as well as photographic evidence of visits by movie stars working on location in Budapest. Johnny Depp seemed to enjoy delving deep into retro fashion.

Address: Anker köz 2-4, 1061 Budapest

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

What is it? If thought Szimpla Kert was just ruin bar – albeit Budapest’s oldest and most famous – think again. For several years now, it has thrown open its doors to an entirely different crowd on Sunday mornings. Local producers set up stalls proffering smoked cheeses, sausages and cold cuts, freshly baked bread, and jams and conserves, among many other goodies.

Why we love it There’s a real family-friendly atmosphere around the Szimpla backyard market on Sunday mornings, a conviviality encouraged by jazzy live music, and friendly banter between vendors, customers and regulars. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, it’s a pleasant way to start any Sunday.

Time Out tip: A charity cook-a-thon takes place in the courtyard serving huge goulash, stews and soups for the price of a donation – come hungry!

Address: Kazinczy utca 14, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Sun 9am-3pm. Closed Mon-Sat

What is it? The brand founded by Sandra Sándor, whose childhood nickname was Nanushka, marked its 20th anniversary in 2025. Nanushka is a first among equals, and Hungary’s most famous fashion label – no others have outlets in downtown Budapest and Mayfair, or show at Paris Fashion Week.

Why we love it Sándor’s refined designs blend femininity and function with modern worldliness, while her menswear displays the same sense of craftsmanship. Prices can reach a few hundred but are still lower than other international brands.

Time Out tip: Nanushka is also a café, serving the best coffee in the city centre. Even if the price tags here are beyond your budget, you can sit by the picture windows amid these gorgeous designs and watch Budapest go by.

Address: Bécsi utca 3, 1052 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm

What is it? Hungary’s largest junkyard offers a wealth of retro treasure from the Habsburg, pre-war and Soviet eras. It operates every day at a distant site in south Pest, accessible by buses 54 and 55 to Naszód utca (Használtcikk piac) from Boráros tér. 

Why we love it Ecseri reflects the urban history of Budapest in the form of furniture, uniforms, paintings and vinyl, allowing you to find the Austro-Hungarian lampshade, Soviet Army trapper hat or Hungarian pop 45 of your dreams – and haggle over the price.

Time Out tip: More vendors set up at weekends, which means more goodies to browse but more visitors browsing them – setting off superearly is the key. The first buses leave at 5.15am.

Address: Nagykőrösi út 156, 1194 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat 5am-3pm, Sun 8am-1pm

What is it? For antiques, head straight to Falk Miksa utca, the street that runs parallel to the Danube from Szent István körút near Margaret Bridge, to Kossuth Lajos tér and the Hungarian Parliament. The many shops here specialise in particular artefacts, whether painting, furniture, modern art, porcelain or jewellery.

Why we love it Because shopping on Falk Miksa is not only for experts or customers with deep pockets. Pop into BÁV, Hungary’s venerable pawnbrokers founded by Empress Maria Theresa in 1773, and you’ll find three storeys of often affordable artworks, jewellery and items of furniture. Ask a Hungarian friend to take you to one of their regular auctions.

Time Out tip: Riffing on the street name, urban sculptor Mihály Kolodko created a likeness of Peter Falk, the American actor with Hungarian roots who played TV detective Columbo in the popular series. Alongside the bemused sleuth in his familiar pose scratching his head lies a slain squirrel, the crime scene delineated by a chalk mark around it.

Address: Falk Miksa utca, 1055 Budapest

What is it? This stationery boutique is filled with charming notebooks adorned with retro drawings of hot air balloons, Budapest cityscapes, vintage aviaries, botanical illustrations, and more.

Why we love it For that tasteful, original gift that says ‘Budapest’, whether it’s an excerpt from an old city map or architectural detail from the Opera House, in all sizes, designs and colours, you really can’t find better.

Time Out tip: If you’re pushed for time but still wish to make a few purchases, Bomo offers a free courier service within Hungary for purchases over Ft 25,000 (€64) or will cover half the delivery cost abroad if more than €180 on goods alone. Check Bomo’s webshop for what’s available.

Addresses: Régi Posta utca 14, 1052 Budapest; Ybl Miklós tér 2, 1013 Budapest

Opening hours: Pest branch Mon-Fri 10am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Closed Sun. Buda branch also open Sun 10am-6pm

What is it? Established by Zita Majoros in 2009 as the surrounding Jewish Quarter developed as a nightlife hub, Printa is an eco-friendly design shop, art gallery and screen-printing studio, whose no-waste philosophy has allowed it to create inventive clothes, accessories and homeware with upcycled materials.

Why we love it Street maps and manhole covers depicting surrounding District VII are among the many must-have T-shirts and tote bags here, perfect souvenirs of your visit to what was, until 25 years ago, a neglected part of town. If your budget stretches a little further, take a look at the attractive, original coats and jackets for both sexes.

Time Out tip: The shop has an energetic vibe, and the pieces are so beautiful it feels more like an art gallery – order a top-quality coffee and relax amid this hive of creativity.

Address: Rumbach Sebestyén utca 10, 1075 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 10am-7pm

What is it? A labour of love for a married couple who met while working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, Taste Hungary combines the talents of Carolyn and Gábor Bánfalvi, and their expertise where food and wine are concerned. With their tours, books and events here such as Tasting Table, the pair offer visitors an immersive experience in discovering the cuisine and wines of Hungary.

Why we love it Unpretentious yet serious about in its mission to promote and showcase Hungarian food and wine, Taste Hungary is above all an enjoyable experience that will leave you far more knowledgeable about the country you’re visiting than when you arrived.

Time Out tip: If you don’t have time to peruse the selection of wines in the cellar and tasting room at Bródy Sándor utca 9, there’s a more conventional shop nearby at No.22, the stock constantly refreshed with new arrivals.

Addresses: Bródy Sándor utca 9 & 22, 1088 Budapest

Opening times: Shop at No.22 Mon-Sat noon-8pm. Cellar at No.9 by appointment. Most tasting times at 3pm & 6pm

What is it? One of Hungary’s most esteemed brands, Herend is world-renowned for its porcelain and pottery. This ceramics company started out in 1826 near the town of Veszprém, and counts innumerable royalty and celebrities among its clientele. Based in the small town of the same name, Herend has two main outlets in Budapest: a flagship store in the heart of town and a boutique on showcase boulevard, Andrássy út.

Why we love it if you’re looking for the ideal wedding gift, such as a vase or a tea set, here’s where to peruse. And purchases don’t have to be so elaborate or expensive – you can take home that pendant, bracelet or figurine of a unicorn, expertly hand-wrapped and packaged as hand luggage.

Time Out tip: Herend’s creations aren’t limited to their shops alone – just outside its flagship store, centrepiecing the relandscaped square of József Nádor tér, the company’s Tree of Life sculpture brings bright colours to this urban scenario.

Address: Flagship store József Nádor tér 11, 1051 Budapest. Boutique Andrássy út 16, 1062 Budapest.

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

What is it? Hungary’s thermal waters are said to have beautifying properties – the setting off point for luxury skincare brand Omorovicza. Their boutique on elegant Andrássy út stocks all kinds of creams and lotions that harness the cosmetic benefits of the local H2O, blending it with other high-end ingredients.

Why we love it If you’d prefer not to fork out hundreds for a cream, take home a small bottle of their staple Queen of Hungary spray. It’s a delightful pick-me-up with a hypnotising scent you and your skin will love.

Time Out tip: As well as a retail store, Omorovicza also runs the Budapest Institute (Mon 8am-8pm, Tue-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, closed Sun), a spa for facial massages using its various creams and thermal treatments.

Address: Andrássy út 45, 1061 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Closed Sun