Central Market Hall
Central Market Hall
4
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
This market hall, also known as the Great Market Hall, is one of the largest indoor markets in Budapest and boasts beautiful neo-Gothic architecture. Here, you'll find lots of fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products. And on the upper floors, you can taste authentic Hungarian cuisine (like goulash with dumplings) at the food stalls and eateries. Locals come here for their groceries and lunch so it's best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds. Don't miss the market's best highlights on a private food tour of Budapest. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Központi Vásárcsarnok
How to get there
- Fővám tér • 2 min walk
- Kálvin tér • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- GCKJANebraska650 contributionsA must-do in BudapestA must-do when visiting Budapest. We've visited when it was vibrant and bustling and then when everything was practically shut down. It's nice to see that at the end of September, business is almost back to normal. Fair prices for all of your souvenir needs. Locals still shop for fresh produce and meat.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- CabanaWomanShreveport, Louisiana233 contributionsA fun experience in local goodsThis is a huge market, very crowded - even in the heat. Lots of paprika and meats downstairs. Upstairs the vendors have many other items - leather goods, clothing, jewelry. And casual prepared foods for dining or take away.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 October 2023
- msticklerLake Oswego, Oregon946 contributionsIf You Like Markets, You'll Enjoy this OneI suppose one could describe it as a bit touristy. It certainly has an overabundance of paprika stands, but there is very good smoked meats here, a decent selection of Tokaj wines at fair prices, a good cheese shop, and fun self-serve restaurant upstairs. Our AirBNB was close by so we stopped in three times over the week we spent in Budapest.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Caroline LPLondon, United Kingdom1,685 contributionsNot for VegansWe had to visit here further to the reviews on YouTube it was ok most of the stalls were butchers although there were so fruit and vegetables too. I bought some truffle both the slices and the pot ready prepared both good but pricey. Worth a look around.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 November 2023
- vwlangleyCharlotte, North Carolina101 contributionsDisappointingNot nearly as many restaurant stalls as I thought there would be. Maybe a dozen, all extremely busy. Difficult to get thru with backpacks. We ended up eating but the food wasn’t great and we thought it was more expense then elsewhere. Cool building. Definitely touristy.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- Shane BTe Awamutu, New Zealand811 contributionsMake it one of the first things you do in Budapest.Many other reviewers had explained layout etc so this review is more about our experience. First we went towards the end of our stay in Budapest wish we had gone earlier would have loved to have brought some of the cheeses and cured meats and munched through them during our stay. We were there around midday and seating around the food outlets was pretty full but we found a great cafe just over the road. We felt the souvenirs were a little cheaper then we had found elsewhere up to 1/3 cheaper. Certainly worth a visit even if it is just to soak up the atmosphere.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2023
- adamt_CdnGatineau, Canada110 contributionsGreat Market Burgers Vender K.3.I grab a pulled pork burger at one of the upper deck food venders and was pleasantly surprised at the generous size and taste of it. Great prices compared to a regular restaurant. Fast food done to a high-standard.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 26 November 2023
- Elaine GDumfries, United Kingdom25 contributionsNice too seeA nice market in a historical building. I would say this is worth a visit, although don't expect to find hugely unique souvenirs - most of it is the typical touristy stuff you find everywhere, with the exception of a few small stalls downstairs selling what seemed like hand made items. The food market downstairs is interesting for a look, including lots of opportunity to buy paprika. Upstairs there are some stalls selling hot food, and a buffet restaurant. Personally we did not eat here as the prices were, in my opinion, absolutely extortionate.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 December 2023
- johnC_9Dublin, Ireland402 contributionsGood but watch outGreat place to see with loads of food options. But greedy market sellers ruin the experience. Trying to charge €18 for a tiny egg shell size Christmas decoration. I tried to barter but they claimed it's hand made even though they're available on all stalls and at other Christmas markets. I'd be surprise if they sold anyVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 December 2023
- madmumof3Guildford, United Kingdom284 contributionsGreat little not not so little findPerfect for that day when it’s raining and you need to do something inside. Great stalls and sellers, mostly very friendly. So much choice of produce, meats, provisions, gifts, and Christmas decs. We loved it here and so easy to get to by tram from the centreVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 December 2023
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J E S S
London, UK60 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
I saw this was a must visit whilst in Budapest and I love going to markets so I thought it would be a good idea. The ground floor is quite intriguing as there is many shops that sleek the exact same thing just different prices. There was plenty of paprika to take back home as souvenirs but many were really over priced.
The -1 floor had an Aldi and a fish/meat market but most had closed as we had come in too late in the day.
The top floor was ridiculously busy. On one side you had little market stalls selling toot and clothes, shoes, you name it they had it. The other side had little market stalls to eat which was really hectic and loud. There is one sit down restaurant at the top but we decided to get an “authentic experience” which we’d soon turn out to regret.
There’s no assigned seating so you have to find somewhere first,all the tables were dirty as nobody comes round and regularly cleans them after other people. The chairs are all falling apart and the tables were wobbly. We had a paprika sausage and some potatoes and it was so greasy and tasted like cheap meat even though it was extortionate in price. We ended up not being very well later on and felt a bit sick.
Definitely visit but I wouldn’t eat there at all, find a sit down restaurant.
The -1 floor had an Aldi and a fish/meat market but most had closed as we had come in too late in the day.
The top floor was ridiculously busy. On one side you had little market stalls selling toot and clothes, shoes, you name it they had it. The other side had little market stalls to eat which was really hectic and loud. There is one sit down restaurant at the top but we decided to get an “authentic experience” which we’d soon turn out to regret.
There’s no assigned seating so you have to find somewhere first,all the tables were dirty as nobody comes round and regularly cleans them after other people. The chairs are all falling apart and the tables were wobbly. We had a paprika sausage and some potatoes and it was so greasy and tasted like cheap meat even though it was extortionate in price. We ended up not being very well later on and felt a bit sick.
Definitely visit but I wouldn’t eat there at all, find a sit down restaurant.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. F
Nottingham, UK1,029 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Central market hall is a 900 year old market of classic style. It is accessible by Tram via number 2, Buses or by Metro at walking distance from Fovam Ter station.
The market is double storey. Downstairs you find lots of stalls. Some sell stuff focused at locals like meat and bakery items while majority are similar grocery stalls selling paprika and other Hungarian specialties.
Upstairs is mostly Souvenir shops and food stalls. Souvenirs are reasonably priced especially if compared to Downtown shops and Airport. You can further bargain for the price depending on your skills, as I saw many customers doing so. I bought a bag and a souvenir at very good price.
A bit off-putting is the food area as here the tourist awareness among the food stalls is evident. Still reasonably priced and serving better and authentic street food than most of city, you might get tourist treatment especially if you don't speak local language and might get overcharged than locals.
I visited the most busy Langos stall. Langos is deep fried dough and most famous Hungarian street food. My order was taken by a lady who spoke adequate English. I ordered the Meat Lovers Langos and asked her to make it spicy. First she didn't put toppings like other customers and then when I asked why you didn't put spicy Hungarian sauce, she just crammed the sauce at the top of Mozarella Cheese, making the Langos very messy and wet. Second mistake I made was asking for beer, as no price mentioned for drinks on the board, this gives them freedom to charge as they like.My Langos was 1650 HUF yet the beer was charged disproportionate 1200 HUF. I advise to check the prices beforehand as it might save you from getting shredded.
Overall, this is a reasonable place to visit for Hungarian Street Food. If you follow a few precautions, you might end up paying relatively less than others, even if you don't, the prices are still reasonable.
The market is double storey. Downstairs you find lots of stalls. Some sell stuff focused at locals like meat and bakery items while majority are similar grocery stalls selling paprika and other Hungarian specialties.
Upstairs is mostly Souvenir shops and food stalls. Souvenirs are reasonably priced especially if compared to Downtown shops and Airport. You can further bargain for the price depending on your skills, as I saw many customers doing so. I bought a bag and a souvenir at very good price.
A bit off-putting is the food area as here the tourist awareness among the food stalls is evident. Still reasonably priced and serving better and authentic street food than most of city, you might get tourist treatment especially if you don't speak local language and might get overcharged than locals.
I visited the most busy Langos stall. Langos is deep fried dough and most famous Hungarian street food. My order was taken by a lady who spoke adequate English. I ordered the Meat Lovers Langos and asked her to make it spicy. First she didn't put toppings like other customers and then when I asked why you didn't put spicy Hungarian sauce, she just crammed the sauce at the top of Mozarella Cheese, making the Langos very messy and wet. Second mistake I made was asking for beer, as no price mentioned for drinks on the board, this gives them freedom to charge as they like.My Langos was 1650 HUF yet the beer was charged disproportionate 1200 HUF. I advise to check the prices beforehand as it might save you from getting shredded.
Overall, this is a reasonable place to visit for Hungarian Street Food. If you follow a few precautions, you might end up paying relatively less than others, even if you don't, the prices are still reasonable.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VW49
Ashburn, VA6,014 contributions
Nov 2019
Central Market Hall is a huge, crowded marketplace in Budapest. A wide range of products, souvenirs and foods are offered in a large indoor hall packed with vendor booths and stores. Plenty of people were there and it was not easy to navigate on the upper level through the narrow passage ways between all the businesses. A visit is certainly a cultural experience to see the many produce and meat stands and restaurants. We had no idea whether pricing was reasonable or not, but many locals were shopping. More familiar to us was the Aldi store down on the basement level. There also were a few booths selling Soviet military headgear but the sellers objected to photographs of their merchandise.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LAD63
Shepton Mallet, UK2,728 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
After reading up about this and recommendations from locals, my husband and I visited the market during our 4 day break. Lovely building and looked promising on entry. Sadly not so. Lots of veg and fruit stalls- bought some fruit but as we were staying in a hotel no need for veg or meat and sausages. So many of the same stalls selling paprika in hessian bags for tourists at extortionate prices. Bought some by the weight but still very pricey. We had saved ourselves to eat in the food hall upstairs. After fighting our way through the clothes & bag stalls (reminded us of a Turkey market) we reached the food stalls which again were over priced and the eating areas a mess with half eaten food in polystyrene containers and tables neither cleared or wiped down. Left and found a traditional restaurant nearby waiter service for same price- if you have the time visit but there are so many other places to visit better than this
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DFamily_12
Harrogate, UK329 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The outside of the building in particular is magnificent with its colorful tiled roof. However, we found the inside very disappointing. It is obviously in an area with lots of tourists but we felt it had lots it’s authenticity and the food stalls looked poor quality and expensive. We had been to a much smaller market on Hold Utca which was lovely and with excellent food and for a better experience we would recommend a trip there.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric
La Jolla, CA389 contributions
Mar 2020
The Central Market can get quite packed as it's filled with locals & tourists. The market has 2 levels. The ground floor features more meats & produce, while the upstairs is very narrow and has several gift shops & quick food options. There are so many visitors waiting in-line & eating on the narrow 2nd floor, that we could hardly walk through. If you hate crowds, stick to the ground level, there is much more space to walk around.
In terms of the food & gift shops, the quality is similar to street food, there were hardly any gourmet food options. The one must-try option when visiting the Central Market is to buy a bottle of Tokaji wine (Hungarian Dessert Wine). If you are looking for something to eat & do not want to deal with the long lines in the Central Market, there are Christmas markets set up around the holiday time with ample tables & seating.
In terms of the food & gift shops, the quality is similar to street food, there were hardly any gourmet food options. The one must-try option when visiting the Central Market is to buy a bottle of Tokaji wine (Hungarian Dessert Wine). If you are looking for something to eat & do not want to deal with the long lines in the Central Market, there are Christmas markets set up around the holiday time with ample tables & seating.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mia Milo
Brunei Darussalam363 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
It is the most beautiful Budapest market hall... It was built in 1897 with beautiful tiled roofs and a colourful facade of patterned orange bricks. You find great food and gifts in this market... You can walk from Chain Bridge to enjoy the beautiful view before reach at Central Market Hall
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia21,265 contributions
Feb 2020
Another of our favourite destinations during our perambulations turned out to be the Central Market. Whilst there’s always the possibility it will be chock ful of tourists, turns out about 5 pm is a very chilled out time to visit. One stall in particular sold the best cherry strudel we’ve had anywhere - and was actually cheaper than the bakeries close to our apartment - so ‘via the market for some strudel’ almost became a destination in itself - especially since one piece was about €1 and enough for the two of us.
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeT19278
San Jose, CA170 contributions
Oct 2019
I generally like visiting grocery stores and farmers markets when I travel to get a different view of how the populace live. My wife and I visited on a rainy day, so it might have been more crowded than otherwise. The ground floor is the food level with all sorts of peppers, sausages, and bakery items. Lot of colorful and delicious things to see. The upper floor has some restaurant stands which were all overcrowded when we visited in mid-afternoon. The back end of the second floor is all souvenir stands, and it seemed that every stand sold the same 100 items. Not a lot that we found that was unique.
So we went back down to the ground floor and sampled things from a few different stands for a picnic dinner later (as well as some souvenir paprika paste).
While you're there, look up and marvel at the architecture as well!
So we went back down to the ground floor and sampled things from a few different stands for a picnic dinner later (as well as some souvenir paprika paste).
While you're there, look up and marvel at the architecture as well!
Written 18 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex
Hong Kong, China441 contributions
Dec 2019
Biggest market in Hungary but stuff varies in quality..
1. I recommend you to go there if you want to buy traditional food. What i mean is to buy raw food there and bring it back home. Don't dine in any of the restaurants in Central Market Hall as they are not pretty good and there are many better one near by.
2. The souvenirs there are nothing special, all ordinary stuff but sold in an expensive price. I don't recommend you buying souvenirs there.
3. Anyway, if you want to experience the largest market in Hungary, go to Central Market Hall but buy things vigilantly.
1. I recommend you to go there if you want to buy traditional food. What i mean is to buy raw food there and bring it back home. Don't dine in any of the restaurants in Central Market Hall as they are not pretty good and there are many better one near by.
2. The souvenirs there are nothing special, all ordinary stuff but sold in an expensive price. I don't recommend you buying souvenirs there.
3. Anyway, if you want to experience the largest market in Hungary, go to Central Market Hall but buy things vigilantly.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are credit cards and euros acceptable currency at the Grand Market?
Written 25 March 2024
You can use credit cards but euro is not accepted in the market hall and most places
Personally I change to hungarian currency and only use this alot of people on stalls and in shops will try short change you so if your using your cards make sure you know exactly what your being charged before you agree to pay hope this helps you
Written 26 March 2024
È possibile portare il cane nel trasportino?
Written 19 October 2022
È possibile portare il cane chiuso nel trasportino?
Written 19 October 2022
Are visitors welcome to take photos in the market?
Written 28 October 2021
Yes you can take as many pictures as you want
It is a very busy place so sometimes evening before it closes can be a good time less people butbthe market hall is an overrated place and if your not careful someone will be looking to take advantage alot of pick pockets hang around in the market so pay attention to phones cameras wallets don't be too trusting the people that are friendly are the ones trying to pull one over on you
Written 26 March 2024
Расплачиваться можно и картой. Только стоит ли? Это туристический аттракцион с высокими ценами на продукты, сувениры впечатления не произвели. Интересно только само здание снаружи и внутри. Если хотите купить салями, фуа-гра, паприку по приемлемым ценам: рынок Лехель (Lehel). Это популярный у местных крытый рынок, рядом с метро Lehel ter. Архитектурно не удивит, обычный живой рынок, но баночку восхитительного Фуа-гра от 8 до 16 евро приобретёте.
Written 19 February 2020
What is the name of the #2 tram stop in hungarian for this market. Many Thanks.
Written 13 October 2019
The Metro Line 2 Station near the Central Market Hall is called "Fővám tér" in Hungarian.
Written 13 October 2019
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