In the years following the country joining the European Union, Hungary's capital saw an unprecedented growth in shopping options with new stores and malls opening around the city. VACI UTCA is Budapest's main pedestrian street and that's where you'll see tourists and locals window shopping, while others look for luxury brands in ANDRASSY UT. For antiques there's FALK MIKSA UTCA lined with charming and atmospheric shops and galleries, and for just about anything head to ECSERI PIAC, said to the biggest flea market in Eastern Europe. The covered CENTRAL MARKET HALL designed by Gustave Eiffel is also an interesting stop, selling fresh produce and local products.


Eclectick
The colorful creations of young national designers are on display at this shop. In addition to hip women's fashions and leisure suits for men, there are handbags and other accessories. In 2007 the basement was turned into a design gallery showing the works of Hungarian artists.

Folk Art Center
Look for an authentic piece of Hungarian folk art at the Folk Art Center. It has traditional products ranging from pottery to embroidery from all over the country, making them great souvenirs or the perfect gift. This is also a great way to get to know the history of the country and its culture.

Geppetto
The two brothers behind this shop in Katona Jozsef utca 15 are Hungary's most successful designers when it comes to coming up with cool contemporary furniture and decorative pieces. Check out their signature items at the shop and if you feel like having one of them at home, know that the prices range from reasonably priced to naturally expensive.

Naray Tamas
The country's most celebrated designer is Tamás Náray and his shop stocks his elegant ready-to-wear pieces made with quality fabrics. Browse the eye-catching fashions as well as the accessories.

Pinter Antik
This enormous antiques shop and gallery has everything from furniture to paintings, to jewelry, to ceramics. It spreads over three levels, and is located in the city's "gallery street" not too far from the parliament. Look at the vintage home wares, but also pass by for exhibitions of contemporary art by Hungarian and other European artists.

Retrock Deluxe
There's the original Retrock store, and then there's Retrock Deluxe, where you can find some refreshingly quirky designs by some of Hungary's most creative designers. At the first store you'll find many second-hand and vintage items, while this second shop is reserved for the (often minimalist) designer creations.

Studio Agram
Specializing in Art Deco items, this shop offers furniture and objects from around Eastern Europe along with other European pieces. If you're looking for some retro modernism with an Eastern touch for your home, this is the place to go, as it can advice you on how to ship your stuff to where you live.

Tisza
The shoes at one of these shops could very well be the best Hungarian souvenir you can find. There is more than one outlet in Budapest, where you can find the special rubber-soled shoes, sneakers, and boots. Many of the styles are retro flashbacks to the days of Communism, now the popular choice of a hip clientele, while others are modern competitors of Adidas or Converse. Also look for the brand's t-shirts and sportswear.