Great Market Hall Budapest

Budapest Great Market Hall: a must-visit destination 

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. But did you know that of the city’s must-see attractions is the Budapest Great Market Hall?  It’s a bustling hub of activity that offers you a unique glimpse into authentic Hungarian lifestyle.

To get more ideas about the best things to do this summer in Budapest, don’t forget to check out our other article!

The origins of the Market Hall 

Near the Liberty Bridge, on the Pest side of the river, lies one of Budapest’s top attractions: the Budapest Great Market Hall, also known as the Central Market Hall or Nagycsarnok in Hungarian. It was built at the end of the 19th century and officially opened in 1897 by the Emperor Franz Joseph I. Designed by renowned architect Samu Pecz, the market was intended to provide a central location for local farmers and vendors to sell their goods. 

The market’s charming architecture is a a mix of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles, with the interior having been marked by steel beams and columns. Check out the building’s roof, too, which is adorned with colorful Zsolnay ceramic tiles; a hallmark of Hungarian architecture.  

A local foodies’ guide to the Great Market Hall in Budapest

Inside the Great Market Hall, more than 180 stalls and small shops inviting you to sample their wares and indulge yourself. You can get all sorts of goods on its 3 floors: fruits, vegetables, dairy products, cold cuts, fresh fish, Hungarian paprika, wines, and local meals. 

And if you love shopping, photo opportunities, socializing with people, guided tasting tours, or just checking out cool spots, you’ll love the Great Market Hall! 

Feast… your way through the Great Market Hall Budapest 🍴 

Like we just mentioned, the Budapest food hall is a treasure trove of culinary delights and a wide variety of local and international products. Souvenir stalls occupy the right-hand side of the market hall, offering a huge assortment of small gifts, from lavender bags to garlic honey. Take the opportunity to sample traditional Hungarian dishes, too, such as goulash, lángos, and chimney cake. 

Culinary tradition at its best 👨‍🍳 👩‍🍳  

If you look up at the imposing iron structure in the Great Market Hall Budapest, you can perhaps guess what the upper floor holds. Reach the gallery via the stairs and find detailed Hungarian handicrafts, colorful ceramics, leather goods and textiles.  

If you leave this area behind you and follow the wonderful aromas wafting towards you as soon as you arrive on the upper floor, you’ll find yourself in the Great Market Hall’s ”foodie heaven”. This area is full of bistros and snack bars. While the queues can be long, especially at lunchtime, it’s definitely worth the wait, as the Hungarian specialties which are freshly prepared here are delicious and the prices reasonable. How about a hearty goulash soup or lángos? Get this traditional Hungarian flatbread, which is made of yeast dough and baked in fat, at the Great Market Hall Budapest with every imaginable topping, either a traditional sour cream and grated cheese, or a sweet version with Nutella and fruit. Are you drooling, yet? 

Our hotel is literaly next to the Great Market Hall! ; the perfect place to stay during your Budapest city break! Some of the rooms offer you a spectacular view of the market hall and Gellért Hill, as well. This guide will help you discover the hotel’s neighborhood even better.

Traditional Hungarian cuisine 🍲  

Hungarian cuisine is rich in flavors and influences from neighboring countries. Make sure you try out classic dishes, such as goulash, a hearty soup made from beef, vegetables, and spices; lángos, a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese; and chimney cake, a sweet treat made from rolled dough coated in sugar and spices, then cooked over an open flame. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a guided food tour to learn about the history and culture behind each dish. 

Special events and attractions 📅 

The Great Market Hall hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal markets, cultural festivals, and culinary workshops. Check the market’s event calendar before your visit to make the most of your experience and have loads of fun. 

Tips for visiting the Great Market Hall 📢 

👉 Arriving early 

Arriving early at the market is always a wise decision, as it tends to get quite crowded during peak hours. An early start allows you to shop and explore the market at a leisurely pace, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. 

👉 Guided tours 

To get the most out of your visit, think about taking a guided tour. Local guides can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the market, as well as recommend the best vendors and dishes to try! Remember to also ask vendors for samples or recommendations, as well.  

👉 Cash 

Although many vendors at the market accept credit cards, it’s always useful to have some cash on hand for those who don’t.  

If you’re a family with young kids, the Budapest Great Market Hall also offers you a playground right outside the building which is a great option to keep the whole family entertained while exploring all the delicacies of Budapest. Find more information HERE.