Booming young designers and an exciting art scene make local boutiques in Budapest a joy to browse through.
Shopping in Budapest is a little underground, a little vintage, a little luxury and a whole lot of unique styles! These boutiques are one-of-a-kind, perfect for souvenir pieces that’ll last a lifetime.
1. Printa – Best Concept Store
1075 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén St 10, Hungary (map, website)
One of hippest retail floors in Budapest, Printa is a concept store that’s got so much cool stuff in one: cafe, art gallery, studios and a design shop. If you’re looking for jewelry pieces, accessories to bring home or simply looking for a place to sip on a good cup of coffee, then Printa is definitely worth a visit. If you have enough time on your trip, they also offer really great workshops too!
2. Flatlab – Best Young Designers Collections
Baross utca 3. 14 -es csengő, Budapest, Hungary (map, website)
If you’re on the hunt for young and local designer pieces from Hungary, then a trip to Flatlab is a must. Situated on the 3rd floor of an apartment building, the store space is minimal but stylish. Flatlab began by a group of designers: Urban Legend (for urban cyclewear), MEI KAWA and Kniff, (womenswear and menswear creators). They also carry fun items like notepads or seasonal products, like swimwear, as well!
3. Szputnyik Shops – Best Fashion Boutiques
Dohány u. 20., Budapest, Hungary (map, website) Szputnyik D-20
1092 Budapest Bakáts space 8, Hungary (map, website) Szputnyik Bazár
Why does fashion need to be restricted by eras? Szputnyik really helps fashion lovers understand that both vintage and modern can exist in one cohesive setting. The brand is so successful that it has two boutiques in Budapest. This is perfect if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind piece, or something that creates a new look for the season or even if you’re on a budget. Both locations will offer something for everyone.
4. Nanushka – Best Local Designer Flagship
1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 17 Hungary (map, website)
Nanushka is the childhood nickname of head designer Sandra Sandor. Born in Budapest, Hungary she graduated from the London College of Fashion, only to return to her home town to establish the label. Through her collection Sandra aims to combine playful cuts and lush fabrics with elegance and comfort to create collections that exude a harmony which contrasts the overwhelming noise of the big-city experience. Nanushka is fashion for the urban nomad, for those who are on the move but always at home. Hmm…sounds like us?
5. Retrock – Best Urban Underground
Anker köz 2., Budapest, Hungary (map, website)
One of our favorites in the city! The layout of Retrock is spacious and easy to browse through. Managed by young city slickers in Budapest, the store carries unique one-piece items, both vintage, urban and modern. Designs are by both international and Hungarian designers. Some fun stuff you can find: movie posters, comics, knick-knacks for interior decoration.
6. Szimpla Sunday Market – Best Farmer’s Market
Kazinczy u. 14., Budapest, Hungary (map, website)
This has been one of the most popular things to do in Budapest. Szimpla Sunday Market (from 9am – 2pm) is the best place to sample healthy, farm-fresh, home-grown products. Cheeses, honeys, syrups…you name it! This is an attempt to connect local farmers with the people of Budapest. Located in midst of ruin pubs and crowded nightlife, the market is a great way to appreciate local produce in daylight. We highly recommend having a relaxing lunch on the spot!
7. Falk Miksa Street – Best Antique & Art
1055 Budapest, Hungary (map, website)
We won’t tell you which store or gallery to check out, but if you’re a lover of antiques, boutiques and art galleries, Falk Miksa Street is a great spot to spend a day. It’s only steps away from the Parliament Building, but the galleries even hold live auctions often so you can participate if you happen to see one. This is a great alley to find the perfect gifts or souvenirs to bring home.
8. Rózsavölgyi Chocolate – Best Chocolaterie
1053 Budapest, Királyi Pál utca 6, Hungary (map, website)
The shop is small so be careful not to miss it. Rózsavölgyi Chocolate designs and makes every piece of chocolate by hand, the store is calm, quaint, 100% lovely. If you’d craving for a bit of chocolateries in Belgium or France, this place is your delish fix!
9. Hungarian House of Photography – Best Photo Gallery
1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 20 Hungary (map, website)
During the end of 18th century, photographer Mai Manó built his home and atelier here. Since 1995, Hungarian House of Photography has been transformed into a gallery, exhibition space, photo library, and a shop. The building itself is a gorgeous piece of architecture, serving inspiration to many contemporary photographers who work and showcase their photography here.
10. Litea – Best Bookshop
1014 Budapest Hess András tér 4, Hungary (map, website)
It’s a great place to sit down and take a break in the Castle district. They also sell gorgeous post cards, and Litea is a charming place to sit down and write them. They carry Hungarian and foreign language books, but our favorite part is that you can stay here for as long as you want and not be bothered.
