Shopping at the Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok) is one of the best places to buy souvenirs and other typical Hungarian gift type things for family and friends. At the top floor of this interesting building (which, by the way, was designed by Eiffel, the same guy who designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris!) is where you find the biggest selection of hand made Hungarian craft gifts.

Also, on the ground level of the Market is a little store with a surprisingly large selection of international foods: Oriental, American (Yup, Peanut Butter, Salsa and Maple Syrup, too!), Mediterranean, etc. A bit pricey, but when that craving hits, you might be willing to sacrifice…

Markets are an essential part of life in Budapest, and offer a delightfully traditional shopping experience. Perhaps the most spectacular are the five cavernous market halls which dot the city. All were built in the late 19th century and several are still used as markets. The three-level Great Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok) on Fővám tér is the largest of all.

At Great Market Hall more than 180 stalls display a huge variety of vegetables, fruit, meat and cheese, under a gleaming roof of brightly-colored Zsolnay tiles. The market opens from 7am-6pm Mon-Fri and 7am-1pm Sat. Closed on Sundays!

How to get there: The Great Market Hall is located at Fővám tér, the opposite and of Váci utca from Vörösmarty tér, or right across the Danube from Gellért hotel. Get on tram 47 or 49 on Deák tér and take off after Kálvin tér (3rd tram stop from Deák tér, you can’t miss the hue red brick building).