Where to shop during Hungary’s 20 August long holiday

As expected, most shops and supermarkets will be closed next Tuesday due to the 20 August celebrations. Here we’ve compiled a list of your shopping options while the biggest chains remain closed. 

Shops closing for the 20th August celebrations

This year, 20 August falls on Tuesday, and with Monday being a day off as well, we have an extended weekend ahead of us to celebrate St. Stephen’s Day. HVG writes that the opening hours of shops across Hungary will be adjusted accordingly. The vast majority of them will be closed on 20 August. However, there are some exceptions to this closure, including petrol station convenience stores operated by multinational companies and smaller 24-hour chains like Roni and Manna in Budapest.

According to an article by Pénzcentrum, major supermarket chains such as Aldi, Auchan, CBA, Príma, Lidl, Metro, Penny, SPAR, INTERSPAR, and Tesco will follow their usual weekend schedules on Saturday and Sunday. However, this was fairly predictable. The main question is whether these stores will open on Monday, just before St Stephen’s Day.

Source: depositphotos.com

Will shops be open on Monday?

While this day is generally a day off in most workplaces, two chains (CBA and Penny) have confirmed that their stores will be open as usual on 19 August. However, as of Friday, many of the larger chains, including Aldi, Auchan, Lidl, SPAR/INTERSPAR, Metro, and Tesco, had yet to announce their opening hours for Monday. It is likely these stores will operate according to their regular Monday schedules. Still, given the possibility of weekend hours being applied, it’s advisable to check in advance or simply complete your shopping over the weekend.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Where to shop on Tuesday?

As 24.hu also notes, it will be tough finding shops open on Tuesday, as it’s a national holiday. Supermarkets, big chains, and shopping centres remain closed. Despite the widespread closures on 20 August, there are still some places where you can shop if necessary. For instance, petrol station shops and certain 24-hour stores may remain open, as well as smaller shops and tobacconists, depending on the owner’s decision to operate on the holiday. In addition, certain restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues will welcome customers.

It’s important to note that most pharmacies in Hungary will also be closed, so it’s wise to ensure you have any required medications in advance. The exceptions are duty pharmacies, which will remain open to assist patients; their contact details can be found on the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (OGYÉI) website.

Read also:

• Hungary prepares for Europe’s largest fireworks display on 20 August in Budapest – Here are the details
• 20 August celebrations – Hungary rolls out updated St. Stephen’s Day app

Featured image: depositphotos.com