Budapest has 8 top-rated large markets that are fun, artistic, and great for exploring

Living in Hungary, you will find that the locals seem to not be interested in large supermarkets but prefer to explore smaller local supermarkets, fruit and vegetable stores, meat stores, bakeries, and other small shops on street corners. If they want to do bulk shopping, local residents are more accustomed to going to the large markets in their districts (some of which are open-air or semi-open-air).

Rákóczi Market Hall

Rákóczi Market Hall is also known by the locals as 'Market Nr. 2' because it was established shortly after the 'Central Market Hall'. Unlike the bustling crowds and fast-paced transactions of the Central Market Hall, Rákóczi Market Hall is quieter and more niche. You won't see one tour group after another here. Instead, people stroll leisurely, making it easy to forget that this is actually a market!

Fehérvári Street Market

Fehérvári Street Market is located next to the famous Allee Shopping Center on the Buda side. Although its first floor also sells various fruits, vegetables, and even has a few fish stalls, its biggest feature is flowers. In this sense, it would be more accurate to call it Fehérvári Flower Market.

Hold Street Market

This large market, also known as Belvárosi piac, is located in the 5th district behind the American Embassy. It is a prime location where every inch of land is valuable, and it is definitely a place food lovers cannot miss. Small eateries line up one after another here. Whether you want to have a proper meal, enjoy some delicious food, or simply find a good place to eat after getting tired from walking around, this market can satisfy all your needs.

Lehel Market

There are three main highlights to visit Lehel Market: authentic Lángos pancakes, farm products, and a fairy-tale design resembling a sailboat. Lehel Market is a well-known old market among the Chinese community, and most of the visitors are local Hungarian residents, with very few tourists venturing there. So, if you want to truly 'do as the locals do,' why not go to the most down-to-earth market like a local and buy some vegetables?

Szimpla Farmers' Market

As a unique open-air farmers' market, Szimpla Market features many ruin pubs, charming cafes, and snack shops. Additionally, many fruit and vegetable farmers come to 'gather' on this day.