Shopping

An opulent place with its own indoor waterfall, you’ll find brands such as Mango, Mexx and Springfield here and much more.

Found at the bottom end of Vaci utca, this is the largest and finest market in the city (plus the most expensive). Here you’ll find knives, wood craft and embroideries along with other amazing souvenirs.

This shopping monstrosity has doubled in size since the opening of its second mall next door, linked by a pedestrian bridge. There are over 320 shops to browse through or try the many facilities with a cinema, gym, squash courts and a children’s playground with a nappy-changing room. There’s even a market out the back of the complex.

Located up the road from Deli metro station, this is a newer mall with just seventy shops, a cinema and gym. Location: XII Alkotas utca 53 Times: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

A well-known flea market for tourists to explore and bargain hard (the stall owners are notorious for rip-offs). Here you’ll find everything from bike parts and jackboots to peasant clothing and hand carved pipes, with a few antiques in the mix. Take the red bus 54 from the Hatar ut metro stop on the blue line or the black 54 bus from Boraros ter by Petofi hid.

A less well known flea market that operates on the weekends, you’ll find it around the ‘Pecsa’, the cultural centre in the Varosliget. While a fair bit of this market is junk, you might find a treasure here or there. A small entry fee applies.

Lots of beautiful folk art can be found here (some distinctly modern). It makes for beautiful gifts or something nice for yourself. Tel: +316 317 8103 Address: V Vitkovics Mihalyutca 12 Times: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Contemporary and traditional porcelain are the order of the day at this shop which is the place to go for Hungarian souvenirs. The most popular motif on offer is the Victorian pattern of butterflies and wildflowers that was produced for the British queen during the 19th century.

You won’t find tacky painted eggs here but modern Hungarian craft such as hand-blown glass, jewellery, ceramics and bound books.

Without a doubt the best English-language bookshop in the city, this place has fiction, travel guides and a large selection of newspapers. There is also a large selection of Hungarian literature.