37 Best Places to Shop in Budapest, Hungary

This is an old, established music store carrying the best selection of Hungarian composers on CD, as well as a good selection of sheet music. There's a small number of recordings by the best Hungarian classical performers as well, including celebrated pianist Zoltán Kocsis.

Marzipan has always been a favorite in Central Europe, and this well-loved confectioner has spent more than 75 years mastering the art. The store has always been most famous for its marzipan cookies, cakes, and candies, as well as its edible marzipan roses, but today just as many people come for the ice cream.

Located next to Szimpla Kert, Budapest's most famous ruin bar, this quirky shop is one of the easiest spots in town to find unique and interesting antiques, clothing, toys, furniture, and decor. With Szimpla Kert being famed for its eclectic style as well as recycled and upcycled wares, it makes sense that their design team would peddle lovingly restored and repurposed finds, along with works from other local designers. It's pricier than the dusty antiques stores you'll find dotted around town, but a safe choice for travelers. 

A favorite of Elton John, Elvis Costello, and Richard Branson, this Hungarian-founded high-end eyewear brand upcycles old vinyl records into designer frames. Drop by the showroom for a peek into the process while sampling potential new looks. Be warned: prices start at an eyewatering 145,000 HUF per pair. For some, it's a small price to pay for fashion that tells a story.

Award-winning Miklós Varga's flagship store off Váci utca is a big and welcoming one. Expensive gold and platinum necklaces with Tahitian pearls are showcased in the front of the store, but don't miss the unusual sterling silver collection in the back. There are some lovely pieces for everyday wear.

If you are looking for a really luxurious indulgence, why not consider a pair of handmade leather shoes, specifically measured to your feet? You can choose from a variety of traditional styles, from cordovan to nubuck. Though wildly expensive when compared to the cost of ready-made shoes, prices are still very competitive with bespoke shoes elsewhere in Europe and the United States. There's a small selection of ready-to-wear shoes available as well.

Central Europe's largest shopping mall is home to many luxury retailers, including Italian handbag maker Mandarina Duck, Austrian lingerie purveyor Palmer, high-end watchmaker Orex, and fashion-forward but relatively low-priced Mango (in the same league as Zara). There's a good offering of sports apparel here as well, with Nike, Champion, Puma, Adidas, and Quicksilver shops. The mall's roof is thoughtfully landscaped with benches and paths, providing welcome relief from the sometimes teeming floors below. The 14-screen cinema on the top floor is abuzz with activity most nights, with popular restaurants and bars right beside the box office. In addition to the metro, the mall is served by the 4 and 6 trams. It is open daily 8 am to 11 pm.