The best markets in downtown Budapest

There is something special in spending a few hours at a friendly market. It is a much more exciting and richer experience than just going to a supermarket. The air is filled with all kinds of smells, you can bargain with the vendors, get the best products from real farmers, and somehow the people are always nicer there. Here are a few of Budapest’s best markets you should definitely explore.

The Great Market Hall

• 1-3. Vámház boulevard
• Monday: 6 AM – 5 PM
• Tuesday-Friday: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Saturday: 6 AM – 3 PM

The more than 120-year-old Great Market Hall at Fővám square is the most famous market hall in the capital. It is basically a melting pot for locals and tourists alike. In 2016, CNN Travel named The Great Market Hall Europe’s best market. It is not only a market, but it is a souvenir bazaar and a gastronomic experience as well. Surprisingly, it is one of the most affordable markets in Budapest, and the selection is basically endless. On the second floor, you will find all kinds of restaurants and buffets where you can probably get a better impression of Hungarian cuisine than in a fancy tourist-oriented restaurant downtown. If you would like to know more about the Great Market Hall, click here, where we wrote about why it is a must see place if you are in Budapest.

Market at Rákóczi square

• 7-9 Rákóczi square

You can find this market right behind the Rákóczi square metro station (M4). This market is famous for its butchers and their amazing selection of all kinds of meats. Of course, you will find great vegetables and dairy products as well. There is even a shop for the lovers of the Far East where you can get your hands on some special ingredients and kitchen supplies. The market’s building was built in 1894, and it was the second market hall in Budapest. The building burnt down in 1988, but luckily it was renovated and rebuilt a few years later.