Europe
Hungary
Central Hungary
Budapest
Things to Do in Budapest
Central Market Hall
See all things to do

Central Market Hall

See all things to do
See all things to do
Central Market Hall
4
8,859 reviews
#89 of 748 things to do in Budapest
Farmers Markets
Read more
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
Write a review
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
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Central Market Hall
See all
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Központi Vásárcsarnok
How to get there
  • Fővám tér • 2 min walk
  • Kálvin tér • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,141 within 3 miles
Hugo's Mexican Bar&kitchen
122
0.2 miMexican • American • Grill • Pub
Buddies Burger
276
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Costes Restaurant
1,083
0.2 mi$$$$ • International • European • Contemporary
Dionysos Taverna
2,984
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Greek
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
799
462 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Healthy
Pintxo Budapest
104
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Spanish
Input Kitchen & Bar
2,091
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Eastern European
CAFE FREI
456
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Café Intenzo
1,077
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Eastern European
1000TEA
204
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
See all
Attractions
686 within 6 miles
Fény Utca Market
57
49 ftFlea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
Fovam Square
45
142 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Liberty Bridge (Szabadsag hid)
3,182
295 ftBridges
Memorial to the First Honved Infantry Regiment
6
434 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Università Corvinus Di Budapest
1
348 ftUniversities & Schools
Corvinus Geek Club
1
364 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Gravity Brewing
9
0.2 miBreweries
Saint George Martyr Serbian Orthodox Church
22
0.2 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
János Kálvin statue
10
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Vaci Street
2,267
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
8,859 reviews
Excellent
3,076
Very good
3,455
Average
1,634
Poor
448
Terrible
250
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,422 contributions
Market frenzy!
Nov 2022
Massive building that looks somewhat like a railroad station. Hundreds of shops and stalls selling fresh produce, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, paprika, etc. Also lots of food stalls selling local traditional foods -- a good place for lunch, although everything in the market seemed somewhat overpriced. Currency exchange at booth inside is a rip-off, charging big commissions.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JADE ANGEL
Calgary, Canada7 contributions
Paparika, Unicum and Palinka
Nov 2022
Probably the most popular place to visit by the tourist.
The Paprika was way less costly than what I have to pay in Canada.
Unfortunately I don't know how to grade paprika. The price varied from vendor to vendor. Even the same vendor, they change the price regularly. The price for 1 kg of paprika ranged from 4500 to 9900 (hand made???)
So far the less expansive place for paprika is the left corner stall, third row from the main entrance
If you want to buy unicum or palinka, Try the little liquor shop downstairs. selection is limited though.
Must try the bakery's strudel and Krems cake.
A lot of the youtube blocs never mentioned to you that instead of the whole 2nd floor, there are only a few food stools at one corner of the second floor
We wen there a couple time, they were always crowded. some more crowd than other. Its fast food, so don't expect gourmet quality. but you can match the pictures with the food and the price. at least you know what you are getting.
the seating is very limited, shame on those people that seat there for a long time after their meals just socializing, why people with family and young kids trying to find a place to eat.
The toilette there is 250 fln as usual, except the one next to the restaurant, it was 200 and you get a couple for the restaurant.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
donavan94563
Orinda, CA186 contributions
Enjoy the Local Vibe
Sep 2022
The Great Market Hall in Budapest (in Hungarian Nagycsarnok or Vasarcsarnok) was built in 1897, and is the most beautiful and largest of all Budapest market halls. The market hall is not only ‘Great’ in its size, but is also great in other aspects. Most importantly the market is also central (5 min walk from the city centre).

The Great Market Hall itself is fantastic. It's vibrant and alive, and we loved browsing the different floors while taking photos of the beautiful lighting which spilled in from the upper windows.

While many European markets typically offer a good selection of inexpensive meals, the food stalls at the market seem to be focused on catering on tourists and inflating prices. As such, its a great place to visit and look around but not necessarily to buy.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anthony D
Boston, MA47 contributions
Central Market Hall is a Must-Visit
Mar 2022
This is a must-see place when visiting Budapest. Three floors of stands that sell foods, sweets, spices, housewares, and souvenirs. We went on a Thursday morning, and it was quite crowded not only with tourists, but also with locals doing their weekly shopping. I assume it is busiest on the weekends.
In addition, there are several restaurants on the second level that offer delicious Hungarian dishes. I forget the name of the place where we ate lunch, but it was at one end of the marketplace. It was fairly large and had picnic tables outside of the restaurant, as well as tables inside. There was a band playing inside, so we sat at the picnic tables because it was a little quieter. But, they had a cafeteria-style set-up with fresh homemade soups, goulash and meat dishes, as well as salads and desserts. I recommend having lunch here.
One cautionary tale....the Market Hall lies at the end of Vaci Utca, which is the tourist street, and is the path we took to get to the market. Be careful here! There are many scam artists waiting for unsuspecting tourists, especially around the currency exchange businesses and the ATM's. Do not talk to anyone that appears to be overly helpful without being asked! Even if you are aware of their presence, they are still very compelling and good at what they do. This includes all times of day.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IAN W
St Helens, UK4,002 contributions
Worth a Wander
Jun 2022
A vast market hall situated not far from River Danube which is well worth a visit,it was built at the end of the 19th century and its architecture is quite spectacular,it reminds me of a giant railway terminal from the Victorian era in England.
The ground floor is an eclectic mixture of fruit & veg stalls and spices stalls,mainly paprika in its many forms and on its upper floor are the various souvenir stalls and eateries.
One thing to look out for are the prices which are mainly advertised in florins,not Euros and every trader seems to have his own conversion rate,so before you buy,if you're paying in Euros,ask how much it will be!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TomNak
Denver, CO271 contributions
Convenient tourist trap with lots of shops
Feb 2022
This place is a tourist trap, but having said that there are a wide variety of little shops with souvenirs, food, and drinks you can try without having to wander around the city. If you don't have a lot of time to shop for small gifts and don't mind overpaying a little, then this is the place to go.

The building itself is pretty massive and conveniently located near the tourist attractions and city center.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WorldTravellerSoon
Canada351 contributions
Beautiful building
Oct 2022
Come to see the building and that's what you need. It is a huge market hall. The ground level is for the meat, vegetables and food souvenirs. There are a few fast food stalks on the second level. Food is very overprice - 15 Euro for a Lango with sour cream and cheese.

There is a toilet on the ground floor where you have to pay HUF250, one in the basement for HUF200.

There is a supermarket Lidl in the basement.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sellis44
Grimsby, UK224 contributions
Worth a quick look
Jun 2022 • Couples
Market nice to visit to see all the local produce. Souvenir stalls on 1st floor, prices are slightly higher than in local shops in side streets in the city.
Food also available on 1st floor but didn't try on this occasion.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A to the E
Chertsey, UK13 contributions
Visit to the Market
Sep 2022 • Couples
We heard about this place through friends and also TA reviews.

As many have said, downstairs there are several stalls selling fresh produce. The middle stalls have the more touristy items like paprika, wine, chocolate and chilli oils in gift form.

Upstairs there is a mixture of hand crafted and factory made items to purchase. You can friendly barter on the handcrafted pieces.

There is also a food corner with a mixture of local dishes some visibly better than others. Prices are OK if paying in HUF a Lángos (local flat bread Street food) is 1.500-3.500 HUF

Also there are paid toilets on the ground level.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ching Ching L
Wooster, OH40 contributions
Do not eat at the food stall!
Aug 2022 • Family
The market itself is good for shopping, and the building itself was also nice.

But the food at the stall was a complete ripoff! The set price was outrageous, and on top It the quality is poor, and every single optional topping they will charge on top of the set price. Sour cream, hot sauce, they even add price for the paper plate! We were not told of all these extras when we were offered the options and It is really terrible. The chicken was dry as cardboard, and the cabbage rolls smells funny I had to throw It away. For $40, we shared one plate of food. We would have been able to sit down at a nice restaurant and have a luxurious meal at that price. This whole experience leaves a bad taste in my mouth. So I will Never eat at the market food stalls again.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 4,468
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Central Market Hall (Budapest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Central Market Hall
Central Market Hall is open:
  • Mon - Mon 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tue - Fri 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Central Market Hall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 79 Central Market Hall tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Central Market Hall: View all restaurants near Central Market Hall on Tripadvisor