Budapest Shopping

  1. Ajka Kristály

    Established in 1878, Ajka has Hungarian-made lead-crystal pieces and stemware. Most of it is very old-fashioned, but there are some more contemporary pieces.

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  2. Anna Antikvitás

    Anna is the place to go if you're in the market for embroidered antique tablecloths and bed linen. They're stacked up all over the shop.

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  3. Arten Stúdió

    This fine-art gallery is somewhat commercial, with lots of bric-a-brac, but also shows works by such modern Hungarian artists as Árpád Müller and Endre Szász. Enter from Pesti Barnabás utca.

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  4. Babaklinika

    Just down from the Astoria metro station, the 'Doll Clinic' specialises in selling (and repairing) handmade dolls and other toys.

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  5. Balogh Kesztyű

    If he can have a pair of bespoke shoes (Vass, opposite), why can't she have a pair of custom-made gloves? You'll get them here at 'Balogh Gloves' - and in any number of materials.

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  6. BÁV

    This chain of pawn and secondhand shops, with a number of branches around town, is always a fun place to comb for trinkets and treasures; check out this branch for chinaware, textiles and artwork. Other stores include the VI Andrássy út branch for old jewellery, watches and silver; the V Bécsi utca branch for knick-knacks, porcelain and glassware; and the II Margit körút branch for furniture, lamps and fine porcelain.

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  7. Belvárosi Aukciósház

    The 'Inner Town Auction House' usually has themed auctions (jewellery, artwork and graphics, furniture and carpets etc) at on Monday from September to June, but is open for viewing throughout the week.

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  8. Bibliotéka Antikvárium

    The Bibliotéka at the start of VI Andrássy út is a bit of a jumble sale but always worth a once over for possible treasures.

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  9. Budapest Wine Society

    This society for serious oenophiles has several branches, including one on trendy IX Ráday utca. No one knows Hungarian wines like these guys do. There are free tastings on Saturday afternoon.

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  10. Central European University Bookshop

    The two-floor bookshop at the Central European University has a good selection of academic and business titles with a regional focus as well as some secondhand stock.

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  12. Chinese Market

    A rather unusual place, this is essentially a series of stalls run by Chinese, Vietnamese and Thais that offer the usual array of knock-off designer clothing and cosmetics, cigarettes and liquor of dubious provenance. There are some decent (read authentic) Asian food stalls here too.

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  13. Ciánkáli

    Whatever your 'drag' of choice happens to be - 1960s camp to leather or military - the folks at this antifashion emporium of used and vintage clothes will have you kitted out before you know it.

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  14. City Park Flea Market

    The City Park Flea Market is a huge outdoor flea market - a kind of Hungarian boot or garage sale - held next to the Petőfi Csarnok (Concert Hall) in City Park. The usual diamonds-to-rust stuff is on offer - from old records and draperies to candles, honey and herbs. Sunday is the better day to visit.

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  15. Concerto Hanglemezbolt

    For classical CDs, tapes and vinyl, try the wonderful 'Concerto Record Shop', which is always full of hard-to-find treasures.

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  16. Dárius

    This shop, which handles furniture, paintings, glass and porcelain, is among the best on V Falk Miksa utca.

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  17. Duna Plaza

    This is second only to West End City Centre in size, with three floors of 120 clothing and shoe shops, a multiplex cinema with a dozen screens, bowling lanes, an ice-skating rink and the requisite Greek taverna .

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  18. Ecseri Piac

    Often just called the piac (market), this is one of the biggest and best flea markets in Central Europe, selling everything from antique jewellery and Soviet army watches to old musical instruments and Fred Astaire-style top hats. Saturday is the best day to go.

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  19. Ezred Nonstop

    Ezred Nonstop is a self-catering option and, as you'd expect, is open around the clock.

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  20. Folkart Centrum

    Also called 'Népművészet', Folkart is a large shop where everything Magyar-made is available - folk costumes, dolls, painted eggs, embroidered tablecloths - and prices are clearly labelled. The staff are helpful. Similar but even bigger is the Folkart

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  21. Folkart Kézművészház

    A massive shop where everything Magyar-made is available - folk costumes, dolls, painted eggs, embroidered tablecloths - and prices are clearly labelled.

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  23. Haas & Czjzek

    Just up from Deák Ferenc tér, Haas & Czjzek has been selling beautiful porcelain and glassware since 1879. They stock Zsolnay as well as the more affordable Hungarian-made Hollóháza and Alföldi porcelain. Among the less fragile items are beautiful cookware and cutlery.

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  24. Hephaistos

    Named after the Greek god of smiths and metalworkers, this shop has a zany collection of furniture, fittings and household goods, including many made of wrought iron, a medium in which the Hungarians have traditionally excelled.

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  25. Herend

    For both contemporary and traditional fine porcelain, there is no other place but Herend, Hungary's answer to Wedgwood. Among the most popular motifs is the Victoria pattern of butterflies and wild flowers designed for the eponymous British queen in the mid-19th century.

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  26. Herend Village Pottery

    Herend Village Pottery is an alternative to what some consider the overwrought, prissy Herend crockery. Hard-wearing Herend pottery and dishes are decorated with bold fruit patterns and are perfect for less refined, but still stylish occasions.

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  27. Holló Atelier

    Holló Atelier, off the northern end of Váci utca, has attractive folk art such as embroidery, wall hangings, painted wooden toys and dolls all with a modern look. It's a Budapest favourite for gift shopping.

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