The Best Markets In Budapest

From Hungarian antiques to farm fresh produce, these markets in Budapest have everything you need and more

When in Budapest, the best way to indulge in the local culture is not only at the city’s historic sites, but at its bustling markets and bazaars. As well as offering a window into everyday life as it happens, they’re excellent places to shop, sample local foods and meet interesting people. From Budapest Central Market and Gouba Bazaar to the smaller farmers markets in the cobbled courtyards of the city’s ruin bars, these are nine Budapest markets you shouldn’t miss.

Budapest Central Market

The largest of all the markets in Budapest, Central Market takes place in the stunning 19^th-century Great Market Hall. Every day but Sunday, hundreds of traders gather under the impressive vaulted ceiling and create a colourful blanket of Hungarian and seasonal produce from their stalls. Sample tasty national delicacies at the upper floor food stands, browse fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, charcuterie and wines at the farmers’ market-style stalls, and take in local life as you explore the lengthy, bustling hall. Upstairs, visitors can discover a variety of arts and crafts, Hungarian trinkets and souvenirs.

Lehel Market

A little less formal than Central Market (and open every day of the week), Lehel is packed with fresh Hungarian produce. The market takes place in the city’s 13^th district, in a hall that’s difficult to miss; an eccentric hotchpotch of structures, the facade looks like it’s been borrowed from a Greek temple and painted bright yellow. Inside, visitors will find locals stocking up on organic essentials, a huge selection of kolbász (sausages), honey, fruit and vegetables. Take the opportunity to sit down and people-watch after your shopping in one of the cafés upstairs.

Gouba Bazaar

Just off Király Utca, the street famous for its art and design boutiques, is Gozsdu Courtyard (Gozsdu Udvar). Every Sunday, this vibrant gastronomy and entertainment hub hosts the popular Gouba Bazaar. From spring through autumn, the market brings together myriad stall owners who showcase a wide range of curios including rare antiques, local art, jewellery and one-of-a-kind homeware. Live music plays throughout the day, performed by local musicians.

Fény Street Market

An upscale market on the Buda side of town, Fény Street (Utca) Market is a favourite of local gourmands. It’s open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, and specialises in Hungarian produce. Visit to receive a culinary education in local cuisine and discover artisan cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables, local meat, flowers and much more. Arrive hungry and try what is reportedly the best lángos in town, a delicious deep-fried flatbread served warm with sour cream and cheese, or your choice of toppings.

Ecseri Flea Market

A sprawling flea market just outside the city centre, Ecseri Flea Market draws in tourists and tour groups from out of town, but choose your time carefully. During the week, it’s a mere shadow of its weekend self. Arrive on Saturday, and everything imaginable is peddled at this eclectic bazaar: antique furniture and porcelain, old records, piles of books, plenty of artwork, vintage war paraphernalia, clothes and jewellery, toys…the list is endless. Come with time and a treasure hunter attitude, and there’s no limit to what you could leave with. Haggling is common, so don’t shy away from making an offer.

WAMP Design Fair

Taking place at least one Sunday each month, this market brings together Hungary’s most exciting emerging designers. A meeting place for young creatives, WAMP provides over a hundred local talents with a platform to show off their latest works. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase truly special pieces, from jewellery and clothing to homeware and furniture. The fair turns Christmas-themed over the first three Sundays of December, offering all manner of festive gastro and design delights. Keep an eye on the website for fair dates and locations as they’re released.

Szimpla Farmers’ Market

 A smaller Sunday offering, the farmers market at popular ruin bar Szimpla Kert is certainly worth a visit. Local honey and jams, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, baked goods and spices fill the quirky garden space. Best of all, you’ll be well-placed to grab a table for the Szimpla brunch, where visitors can pile their plates high from a buffet laden with all the colourful artisanal produce sold at the market downstairs.

Vegan Sunday Market

Anker’t is another popular ruin bar that hosts its own market – this one taking place once a month throughout the year. The market stocks vegan everything, from juices, cakes, dips and burgers to handcrafted soaps and beauty products. Part-market, part-community event, during the day there are open discussions and even cookery classes where visitors can try their hand at whipping up some delicious health-conscious treats. Discover more vegan dining options in Budapest here.

Downtown Market

A gastronome’s paradise, Downtown Market celebrates Budapest’s foodie scene. Alongside the farmers’ market, which is piled high with fresh produce, is a busy flank of stalls specialising in Hungarian cuisine. Mangalica, langós, stuffed cabbage and lecsó sausage all feature on the menus here. Pull up a stool at A Séf utcája, the pet project of Hungarian chef Lajos Bíró, for a gourmet sausage sandwich. Vegetarians will be hard-pressed to find something plant-based among these traditional stalls.

Fehérvári Street Market

Follow your nose to Fehérvári Street Market, where beautiful blooms line the aisles of the ground floor in serried ranks of vivid colour. It’s very much a local market, with sprays of carnations, chrysanthemums, poppies and peonies coming in at astonishingly low prices. After browsing the blousy bouquets on offer, head upstairs to the produce stalls and refuel with a steaming bowl of halászlé.

Advent Feast

Budapest’s Christmas market, the Advent Feast at the Basilica, has won awards for its enthusiastic approach to the festive season. There are light shows and stalls selling handmade stocking fillers and unique gifts. Glide out across the ice rink to perfect your pirouettes or sit back and watch the action with a cup of hot mulled wine.