Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers a practical shopping scene for tourists focused on retail chains. The city includes malls and streets with international brands like Zara, H&M, Nike, and Gucci. Compared to other European cities, Budapest stands out for its lower prices on these chains and easy access through public transport.
| Places to go Shopping in Budapest | |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | WestEnd City Center, Arena Mall, ARKAD Budapest, Mammut, Corvin Plaza, Allee |
| Shopping Streets | Váci utca, Andrássy Avenue, Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc utca) |
| Outlets | Premier Outlet Budapest, Adidas Outlet |
| Luxury | Andrássy Avenue, Fashion Street |
Shopping Malls
Budapest’s shopping malls serve as all-in-one hubs with global brands, entertainment, and easy access via public transport, catering to tourists seeking convenience.
WestEnd City Center
- Metro: M3 (Nyugati pályaudvar stop); Trams 4/6
- Bus: Various lines to Nyugati tér
- Key Brands: Zara, H&M, Nike, Superdry, Columbia
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00
More About WestEnd City Center
Located next to Nyugati train station in central Budapest, WestEnd City Center spans over 60,000 square meters with more than 400 stores. Opened in 1999, it’s one of the largest malls in Central Europe, drawing shoppers with its mix of fashion (Zara, H&M), electronics, and home goods.
Arena Mall
- Metro: M2 (Puskás Ferenc Stadion stop)
- Bus: Lines 80, 95
- Key Brands: Primark, Calvin Klein, Armani, Levi’s, Desigual
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00
More About Arena Mall
Situated in eastern Budapest near Keleti station, Arena Mall covers 200,000 square meters with over 200 stores. Opened in 2007, it’s the largest in Central Europe, known for its blend of high-street (H&M,
Zara) and luxury brands.
ÁRKÁD Budapest
- Metro: M2 (Ors vezér tere stop)
- Bus: Multiple lines to Örs vezér tere
- Key Brands: Nike, H&M, Bershka, Foot Locker
- Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00
More About ÁRKÁD Budapest
In eastern Budapest, ARKAD spans 68,000 square meters with over 200 stores. Opened in 2002, it focuses on fashion (Nike, Zara) and lifestyle items.
Mammut
- Metro: M2 (Széll Kálmán tér stop); Trams 4/6
- Bus: Lines 139, 149
- Key Brands: Zara, H&M, Mango, C&A
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00
More About Mammut
In Buda near Széll Kálmán tér, Mammut comprises two connected buildings totaling 56,000 square meters and 300 stores. Opened in 1998, it offers fashion (Zara, Mango) and electronics.
Corvin Plaza
- Metro: M3 (Corvin-negyed stop); Trams 4/6
- Bus: Lines 83, 914
- Key Brands: H&M, New Yorker, Pull&Bear
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00
More About Corvin Plaza
Near the Grand Boulevard, Corvin Plaza covers 35,000 square meters with over 100 stores. Opened in 2010, it emphasizes affordable fashion (H&M, Bershka).
Allee
- Metro: M4 (Újbuda-központ stop); Trams 4/6
- Bus: Lines 7, 114
- Key Brands: Zara, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius
- Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19;00
More About Allee
In Buda’s 11th district, Allee spans 47,000 square meters with 150 stores. Opened in 2009, it mixes fashion (Zara, H&M) and beauty.
Shopping Streets
| Street Name | Shopping Highlights |
|---|---|
| Váci utca | Mix of souvenirs, high-street brands like Zara and Adidas, and local crafts; pedestrian-friendly with cafes and historic charm. |
| Andrássy Avenue | Luxury boutiques (Gucci, Louis Vuitton), and cafes; UNESCO-listed with Neo-Renaissance architecture. |
| Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc utca) | Premium brands (Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger); upscale vibe near Deák Ferenc tér with nearby parks and dining. |
More About Budapest’s Shopping Streets
Váci utca, stretching 1 km from Vörösmarty tér to Central Market Hall, offers a vibrant pedestrian atmosphere with 19th-century buildings. It features fashion (Zara, Adidas), souvenirs like paprika, and eateries; nearby attractions include cafes and the Danube promenade.
Andrássy Avenue, a 2.3 km boulevard from Erzsébet tér to Heroes’ Square, exudes elegance with tree-lined paths and historic sites like the Opera House. Shops range from luxury (Gucci, Armani) to bookstores; additional draws include embassies, galleries, and proximity to City Park.
Fashion Street, a short pedestrian strip near Deak Ferenc ter, focuses on premium retail (Boss, Lacoste) in renovated Baroque buildings. Its lively vibe includes cafes and easy access to Váci utca; nearby landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica enhance the experience.
Outlets
Premier Outlet Budapest
- Description: 23,000 square meters, over 100 stores with brands like Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss.
- Discounts: 30-70% off year-round; special events like Black Friday offer extra savings.
- Features: Food court, playground, open-air design with green spaces.
- Location and Access: Biatorbágy (20 min from Budapest); bus from Kelenföld station; 2,000 parking spots.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-20:00.
Adidas Outlet
- Description: Focuses on sportswear, 30-70% off Adidas and Reebok items.
- Discounts: Up to 70% on apparel, shoes, accessories.
- Features: Compact store with fitting rooms.
- Location and Access: Boráros tér (central); tram access.
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00.
Luxury Shopping
| Shopping Area | Luxury Brands |
|---|---|
| Andrássy Avenue | Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Dior, Michael Kors |
| Fashion Street | Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Massimo Dutti |
More About Budapest’s Luxury Shopping Areas
Andrássy Avenue’s upscale ambiance stems from its Neo-Renaissance palaces and tree-lined paths, hosting luxury brands alongside galleries and cates. Notable stores include Gucci and Louis Vuitton; nearby attractions like the Opera House and Heroes’ Square add cultural appeal.
Fashion Street, in renovated Baroque buildings near Deak Ferene ter, offers a premium vibe with brands like Boss and Hilfiger. Its pedestrian setup includes cafes and proximity to Vörösmarty tér for events like Christmas markets.
Tips for Shopping in Budapest
- Shop mornings (10:00-12:00) to avoid crowds. Weekends are busiest.
- Prices align with European averages but are lower than Western Europe. Seek sales in summer (August-October) and winter (post-Christmas to February).
- Tourists qualify for tax-free shopping on purchases over 50,000 HUF. Get forms from stores, validate at airport customs, and claim refunds (up to 27% VAT).
What to Buy in Budapest
- Paprika: Iconic spice in sweet/hot varieties; buy at Central Market Hall for authentic flavor in
Hungarian cuisine. - Tokaji Wine: Sweet “wine of kings” from Tokaj region; find bottles in wine shops for cultural significance.
- Palinka: Fruit brandy (apricot/cherry); sample at markets or stores like Tasting Table.
- Herend/Zsolnay Porcelain: Hand-painted items from royal brands; available at flagship stores on
József nádor tér. - Rubik’s Cube: Invented in Hungary; puzzles/merch at toy shops or markets.