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The shopping experience in Budapest can broken into the following
categories:
Introduction to Shopping in Budapest
Although
nowadays, there are fewer bargains to be had on items such as shoes, clothes and jewellery,
there's no doubt that shopping in Budapest can be an interesting and
rewarding experience. Certainly, prices here are higher than elsewhere in the country,
although they remain slightly lower than most Western European or North American countries
(the exception being well-known fashion brands, which tend to be more expensive in
Hungary).
If you intend to visit towns and tourist areas outside of Budapest, it's wise
to note down prices when you first arrive so as to help gauge whether they're cheaper out of town.
And, if you plan to bring back some typically Hungarian goods or souvenirs, try buying direct from
a factory outlet (so as to avoid the sizeable markups made in some tourist shops).
As credit cards are widely accepted, there's little difficulty
loading up on the plastic, particularly in larger shops and stores geared towards tourists (or
those owned by Western retailers). However, in smaller shops and markets, cash is still king so
make sure you're carrying a reasonable amount of Hungarian forints (HUF).
As shopping areas in Budapest are well planned, you should find that shops
along Váci Utca (which has some of the smartest stores in the city) or along the Nagy
Körút (big road) meet with even the most discerning tastes. However, a stroll along
some of Budapest's side streets may also reveal specialist or neighbourhood shops that are of
interest too.
In addition, you're likely to see signs advertising small shops in the
courtyards (udvar) of residential blocks. Although some sell cheap toys, dodgy fashions and
trinkets, others may specialize in souvenirs and interesting gift items.
Opening hours
Hungarian shops normally open between 10am and 6pm on weekdays and between
10am and 1pm on Saturday, although nowadays many supermarkets (especially those out of town or
located in shopping malls) have extending hours. And, in residential or busy city centre areas,
you'll also find 24hr grocers shops (called 'ejjel-nappal' or 'non-stop') that sell essentials such
as bread, coffee, milk and tea, along with other foodstuffs, drinks and alcohol. However, as some
of these can be a lure for drunks and other unsavoury elements late at night, it's wise to exercise
caution.
Another typically European trait is that smaller shops tend to close for 1-2
hours at lunchtimes. Frustratingly, some outlets even shut while the owner pops to the
post office
for 10 minutes. Rest assured, however, he/she will return a couple of hours later having met
friends who insisted on a quick visit to the local pub or café. Look for a sign saying
"Azonnal (or Rogton) Jövök" on the door. Its up to you whether you wait!!
Small shops will also put a sign up to indicate when they're going on holiday.
This will normally be two weeks in July or August, so if you're looking for say, a specialist
engraver, make sure that you can collect your goods before leaving Hungary.
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