The Central Market Hall in Budapest, also known as Nagycsarnok and the Great Market Hall, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located at the end of the famous shopping street Váci utca, it offers a glimpse into Hungarian culture through its wide array of fresh produce, traditional foods and local crafts.
But is it worth visiting? Yes, I have been here twice now. Mostly to get some cool photos and a quick snack. However, if you’re limited on time, don’t skip more important attractions. But more on that later.
Like any major tourist spot, it’s important to be aware of scams. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or sampling local delicacies, make sure to keep an eye on your money. So let’s take a closer look at how you can have the best experience at Budapest Central Market Hall.
Article overview
Budapest Central Market Hall
When was Central Market Hall Budapest built? It has been a part of the city’s history for over 120 years. It was built in 1897 to provide a clean and organized place to buy and sell food.
The building was designed by a famous architect named Samu Pecz, who used a lot of steel and glass to create a bright, airy space. Despite being damaged during World War II, the market hall was repaired and reopened, and it continues to be a popular spot for both locals and tourists to this day.
We took the tram to the Fővám Tér M stop and walked a few minutes to the main entrance on Vámház Kôrút.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday to Friday: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
I shot the photos in this article in winter, around 10:00 am on a weekday. I’m guessing it is much busier in the middle of the day, and especially during the summer months
What to buy at Budapest Great Market Hall
The Central Market’s sheer size can feel a little overwhelming, especially when it’s crowded. Some 180 stalls and shops are spread over three floors, covering a 10,000 square meter area.
The basement houses a supermarket, café, and stalls selling traditional pickles and popular spices like paprika in cute metal boxes, which I recommend you buy to take home. I use it on everything, it gives potatoes and chicken such a beautiful golden color. And the box itself is a fun souvenir.
On the ground floor is the heart of the market, offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, truffle, etc. I loved photographing all the colorful fruit stalls with tropical options such as Papaya and Dragon Fruit. You also have to try Kifli, a crescent-shaped bread often filled with cheese or meat.
The top floor features gifts, souvenirs, clothes, wines, and food stalls, along with a stunning view of the market’s structure.
You can also find handmade crafts such as embroidered textiles in vibrant colors, hand-painted pottery, and carved wooden utensils, which make for excellent souvenirs that combine functionality with cultural significance. I bought a deep wood ladle which is not always easy to find.
📸 Pro tip >> One of the best photo ops in the market is from the upper floor. If you travel with someone, get them to go up and take a long exposure photo of you standing still in the middle of the walkway. It is a cool way to capture the busyness of the market while you are still in focus.
Can you eat at Budapest Central Market?
Yes, you can definitely eat at the Central Market Hall in Budapest. If you know anything about me you know that I’m a huge foodie. So I had been looking forward to the food court on the upper floor. This area is particularly popular with tourists looking to try traditional Hungarian dishes in a casual setting.
I had a not-so-fun experience, but more on that later. What I loved was the wide range of food on offer. Everything from popular Hungarian street food to Greek and Turkish-inspired dishes.
Lángos, a deep-fried dough with toppings like sour cream, cheese and bacon, is something I can never resist. And on colder days you can’t go wrong with traditional Hungarian Goulash soup or creamy Chicken Paprikash with dumplings.
Kürtőskalács, or chimney cake, appeals to me for its unique cylindrical shape and sweet toppings such as cinnamon or sugar. For meat lovers, Hungarian sausages (kolbász), with their rich flavors and spices, are another great choice
I also tried a Hungarian twist on one of my favorite foods in the world, gyros. Yum! I washed it down with a homemade lemonade, but you can get Hungarian beer and wines, including the famous Tokaji.
🔥 For my fellow foodies >> 2-hour Central Market tasting tour with a local
Common tourist traps
As mentioned above, I had a less-than-fun experience when buying food at Budapest Central Market Hall. I had read about what to watch out for before I went, which made me catch the young man behind the register trying to shortchange me.
I was paying 4750 HUF for a snack and drink. Since I had just been to the ATM I paid with a 10,000 forint note (€24.13), but I only got 500 back. I quickly told him that I got the wrong change, but he tried to brush me off. He smiled and said no no, everything is correct.
For a moment I doubted myself and looked at the price again, but I knew I got 5 10,000 notes from the ATM so I said exactly that. I started to get really annoyed and I think he heard it because he suddenly pretended that he thought he gave me a 5,000 note.
After a few minutes, I got my right change back, but by then I just wanted to leave. So when visiting the market, it’s important to stay vigilant. Here is a quick overview of what to watch out for:
- ⚠️ Bottle deposit: When purchasing bottled drinks at the Great Market Hall, you’ll be charged a small deposit fee in addition to the price of the beverage. This deposit, 50 HUF per bottle, is refundable upon returning the empty bottle. Make sure to keep your receipt so the vendor can’t refuse you.
- Everything costs extra: Be prepared to pay for any toppings they ask you about, plates, cutlery, takeaway containers, etc. The listed food price is often only the base rate.
- Shortchanging: As you now know, always count your change carefully. They might intentionally give you less change than you are owed, hoping you won’t notice.
- Overpriced goods: Some vendors may try to charge tourists higher prices than locals. It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what items should cost or compare prices at multiple stalls before making a purchase.
- Weighing tricks: When buying items sold by weight, make sure to watch the scale. Some might use tricks to make the weight seem higher than it actually is, leading to a higher price.
Is Budapest Central Market worth visiting?
While the Central Market Hall in Budapest is not a hidden gem, nor one of my favorite attractions in Budapest, it is definitely worth visiting if you have the time. It offers a unique glimpse into Hungarian culture and daily life and can be a fun stop for a snack.
Its convenient location at the end of Váci utca makes it easy to include in your itinerary. Housed inside, it is also a great option on days with bad weather. But I wouldn’t skip other top Budapest attractions such as Fisherman’s Bastion or the Parliament to see it.
Yes, you can sample traditional foods like Lángos, goulash and strudel, and pick up fresh produce and authentic souvenirs, but so can you in many other places in the city.
🎫 TWO HOUR PRIVATE CENTRAL MARKET TOUR
I so wish I had discovered this tour before I went. There were so many things I didn’t know what were and a food stall I really wanted to try but didn’t understand how to order.
🌟 Read next >> The Budapest Card: Is it worth it? (+ how much I saved)
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