Budapest’s Central Market is an icon of the Hungarian capital that attracts locals and foreigners alike. There you will find all kinds of products, but also some interesting places to eat. This article shows you the most interesting things about Budapest’s Central Market.
The Central Market’s location makes it an ideal destination for the many visitors Budapest attracts each year. Located on Vámház Boulevard on the Pest side, next to the river Danube and Liberty Bridge, the market is an easy visit in any trip to the Hungarian capital.
To get to Budapest’s Central Market by public transport, you can get off at the Fovám Tér stop (metro line M4 and tram lines 47, 48 and 49). This stop is right in front of the market’s main entrance.
- Architecture and what to see in the market
- What to buy at Budapest’s Central Market
- What to eat at Budapest’s Central Market
- Where to stay in Budapest
Architecture and what to see in the market
Budapest’s Central Market was built between 1894 and 1897, a period of splendour in which five markets were erected to ensure the supply of goods throughout the city. The building’s architect was Samu Pez, who designed a neo-Gothic building in red and yellow brick with an impressive iron structure that rises up to support colourful ceilings of tiles from Pécs and translucent sides that allow the interior to be illuminated.
This characteristic market architecture has earned Budapest’s market the nickname of the ‘iron cathedral’. It is therefore the largest indoor market in Hungary.
Like most of Budapest, the market was badly damaged during World War II. Rebuilt after the conflict, the building was completely refurbished in 1991 to restore its splendour.
A visit to the market building is worthwhile. The main façade welcomes you with its beautiful Neoclassical door, escorted by the two corner towers and the colourful roofs of the building. The brick is visible in its combination of red and yellow tones.
The market is open six days a week: on Monday, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from Tuesday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. We do not recommend going early in the morning as this is when it is busiest, unless you like to experience it at its peak. From 10 a.m. to 12 noon or from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. are the off-peak hours.
What to buy at Budapest’s Central Market
nside the market, some 180 stalls and shops are spread over three floors, covering a total area of 10,000 square metres. You will find fresh and quality products, food, souvenirs and much more on the basement, ground floor and upper floor.
Starting in the basement, you will find a supermarket, a café and stalls selling typical Hungarian pickles and spices such as the traditional paprika, which we recommend you buy to take home.
On the ground floor you will find the largest number of stalls. They sell fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bread, cheese, cold cuts, etc., basically the main foodstuffs representing Hungarian cuisine of the highest quality. You can also try the famous kifli, i.e. a crescent bread filled with cheese or meat.
If you go up to the top floor, take the opportunity to enjoy a view of the market and its magnificent structure. The upper floor has stalls selling gifts, souvenirs, clothes, furs, wines and decorations, as well as several food stalls where you can eat. Along with the wines, you can buy the typical liqueur from this part of Europe such as Pálinka and Unicum.
What to eat at Budapest’s Central Market
You already have the souvenirs that you want to take home. Now what? What can you eat at the Central Market? You will find typical Hungarian dishes there. In addition to the kifli we already told you about, you can have an excellent goulash, the traditional Central and Eastern European stew, at the market.
You can also try lángos (fried bread with sour cream and cheese) or pastries such as kürtoskalacs (spiral cylinders coated with cocoa, cinnamon and other ingredients).
Do not forget to try some Hungarian wine either. There are many good ones, especially from the Tokaj region. You can have a Furmint or, if you prefer, a sweet wine such as Aszú.
Where to stay in Budapest
As we said, Budapest’s Central Market is located in the city centre by the Danube and a short walk from other places of interest. Also in the centre, about a 20-minute walk away, is one of the most recommended hotels to stay in Budapest, the Barceló Budapest, a modern four-star hotel with 179 spacious rooms.
One of the most valued features of the Barceló Budapest is precisely its location. Walking five or ten minutes to reach the main sights of the Hungarian capital is a great advantage for a weekend trip to the city.
