Great Market Hall

The Great Market Hall in Budapest is a bustling paradise for food lovers and culture enthusiasts, where every corner reveals a new sensory delight and a slice of Hungarian life.

Highlights

• Wander through the vibrant stalls on the ground floor, where fresh produce and Hungarian delicacies await.
• Ascend to the upper level for an array of handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Hungarian street food.
• Gaze in awe at the stunning architecture and intricate design of this historic market hall.

Great Market Hall of Budapest Tours

Explore Budapest’s Great Market Hall through various guided tours that offer unique insights and tastings of Hungarian cuisine, suitable for different schedules and interests.

Ticket Options

The Budapest Culinary Walk tour starts at £89.79 per person. This price includes all food and drink tastings, a bottle of mineral water, and the guidance of an English-speaking guide.

Bookings can be made online, with an option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Group and Private Tours

Tours cater to small groups, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants for a personalized experience. Private tours are also available and can be customized to fit your preferences.

The tour includes visits to the Central Market Hall and 4 to 5 additional venues, generous food and drink tastings, and stops for photos and questions. Gratuities are not included.

The tour runs every day except Sundays and Hungarian national holidays. Be prepared to walk, as the tour covers a lot of ground and is unsuitable for wheelchair users.

What to see and do 

Discover a variety of attractions and activities that the Great Market Hall has to offer.

Explore the Market Architecture

One of the most striking features of the Great Market Hall is its architecture. Designed by Samu Pecz, this neo-Gothic marvel stands as a testament to Budapest’s rich architectural heritage. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by an imposing neogothic entrance—it’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the late 19th century.

The building’s steel structure is a sight to behold, but what truly sets it apart are the colorful Zsolnay tiles adorning the roof. These ceramic tiles, produced by the famous Zsolnay factory, add a splash of color to the otherwise industrial facade. 

Fun fact: The market was heavily damaged during World War II but was meticulously restored in 1991. This restoration was so well-done that it earned the market the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in 1999! So, as you wander through, you’re not just shopping—you’re stepping through history.

Discover Hungarian Cuisine

You can’t visit the Great Market Hall without diving into its culinary delights. Hungarian cuisine is rich and varied, and this market is the perfect place to get a taste of it all.

Popular Foods to Try

Start with a classic: lángos. This deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. You’ll also find a plethora of Hungarian sausages, rich with the distinctive flavor of paprika. Don’t forget to try rétes, a strudel-like pastry that’s flaky, sweet, and utterly addictive.

For the best food experiences, head to the upper-floor food stalls. Here, you can sample a variety of street foods and traditional dishes. Insider tip: Visit during weekdays in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds. The market is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!

While you’re there, don’t miss out on trying some local drinks. Hungarian wine, beer, and the herbal liqueur Unicum are all must-tries. The upstairs borozós (cheap bars) are perfect for a quick, authentic drink. If you happen to visit on a Saturday, you’re in for a treat. The market becomes particularly lively, showcasing food from various countries, making it a multicultural feast.

Morning Visits

Early birds get the best selection. Plan to visit in the morning when the market is less crowded, and the freshest goods are on display. Trust me, it’s worth setting the alarm a bit earlier for this.

Shop for Local Products

The Great Market Hall isn’t just about food. It’s also a fantastic place to shop for local products.

Available Goods

From fresh produce and meats to pastries and spices, the market offers a range of traditional Hungarian delicacies. Look out for túró rudi, a chocolate-covered curd snack, and Tokaji wine, often dubbed the “Wine of Kings.”

But it doesn’t stop there. The market is a treasure trove of handcrafted items. You’ll find beautiful folk art, intricate porcelain, and embroidered goods. If you’re a fan of unique souvenirs, head to the back section of the market for the best handicrafts. It’s like a mini art gallery, showcasing some of Hungary’s finest artisanal works.

Explore Each Floor

The Great Market Hall is a multi-level experience, each floor offering something unique.

Ground Floor

The ground floor is the heart of the market, bustling with activity. Here you’ll find an array of meats, pastries, candies, spices, and spirits. It’s the main area for fresh food shopping, and the aromas alone are enough to make your mouth water.

Upper Floor

Head upstairs for a completely different vibe. The upper floor houses eateries and souvenir shops, making it a great place to sample traditional Hungarian snacks and meals. Whether it’s a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this floor has you covered.

Basement

Don’t skip the basement—it’s one of the market’s hidden gems. Here, you’ll find a fish market, traditional pickles, and even a supermarket. It’s a quieter, more laid-back area, perfect for those who want to explore without the hustle and bustle.

Opening Hours

The Great Market Hall welcomes visitors with the following standard opening hours:

• Monday: 6 am – 5 pm
• Tuesday: 6 am – 6 pm
• Wednesday: 6 am – 6 pm
• Thursday: 6 am – 6 pm
• Friday: 6 am – 6 pm
• Saturday: 6 am – 3 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Note: The market is typically closed on Sundays and public holidays such as Easter, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and other national holidays.

National Holidays and Special Closures:

The Great Market Hall usually closes on significant national holidays, including:

• March 15
• May 1
• August 20
• October 23
• November 1

It’s important to check closer to your visit date for any updates on closures due to holidays or special events.

Directions

Visiting the Great Market Hall in Budapest is a breeze with multiple transport options available. Here’s how to get there:

By Metro:

Line M3 (Blue Line): Take the M3 to Kálvin Tér and enjoy a short stroll to the market.

Line M4: For the closest access, hop on the M4 directly to Fővám tér, just a 3-minute walk from the Great Market Hall.

By Tram:

Tram Lines 47 and 49: Both lines stop at Fővám tér M, placing you right at the doorstep of the market. The tram journey also offers scenic views of Budapest, including the Liberty Bridge and the Danube River.

By Bus:

Bus routes 15, 8E, 9, 133E, 107, 72, 909, 914, and 914A all stop near the Great Market Hall. The nearest stops are Kálvin Tér M and Szent Gellért Tér – Műegyetem M, both just a few minutes’ walk from the market.

By Train:

Train Lines H5 and H7: These lines stop near the Great Market Hall, providing an alternative option for those traveling from different parts of the city.

Walking:

The Great Market Hall is located at the end of the popular pedestrian shopping street, Váci Utca, making it an easy walk from various central locations in Budapest. If you’re coming from the Buda side of the city, enjoy the scenic walk across the Liberty Bridge.

Nearby Places

Liberty Bridge: Also known as Szabadság híd, this iconic bridge is just a short walk from the Great Market Hall. Its art nouveau design and bronze statues of Turul birds offer a stunning architectural experience, while the views of the Danube River and Buda Hills are simply breathtaking.

Gellért Hill and Gellért Spa: Gellért Hill provides some of the best panoramic views of Budapest and is crowned by the Citadella and Liberty Statue, commemorating Hungary’s liberation from Nazi rule. At its base, the Gellért Spa offers therapeutic thermal baths in a beautifully designed art nouveau building, perfect for a relaxing visit after exploring nearby attractions.

Váci Utca: This pedestrian-only street stretches from the Great Market Hall to Vörösmarty Square and is one of Budapest’s main shopping streets. With a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, it’s a delightful place to stroll, shop, and savor local and international cuisine.

Hungarian National Museum: Located nearby, this museum showcases Hungary’s rich history, art, and culture. Must-see exhibits include artifacts from Hungary’s ancient past, medieval period, and 19th-century revolutionary history, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Corvinus University of Budapest: Adjacent to the Great Market Hall and along the Danube River, Corvinus University stands out with its modern architecture. Take a stroll through its grounds for a glimpse into Budapest’s academic life.

Did you know that: (4 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Great Market Hall, also known as Nagycsarnok, is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest, opening its doors in 1897.
2. During World War II, the Hall suffered significant damage and was almost destroyed, but it was restored to its former glory in the 1990s.
3. The market’s roof is adorned with colorful Zsolnay tiles from Pécs, a Hungarian city famous for its ceramics.
4. The Great Market Hall isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a culinary paradise where you can sample traditional Hungarian dishes like lángos and gulyás right on the spot.

History

• 1894. Construction of the Great Market Hall begins under the direction of architect Samu Pecz.
• 1897. The Great Market Hall officially opens its doors, becoming the largest indoor market in Budapest.
• 1940s. World War II causes significant damage to the building, affecting its operation.
• 1950s. The market undergoes a series of repairs and restorations to revive its former glory.
• 1991. A massive fire breaks out, causing extensive damage to the structure.
• 1994. Restoration efforts are initiated to return the Great Market Hall to its original design and functionality.
• 1997. On its 100th anniversary, the restored Great Market Hall reopens, once again serving as a central hub for commerce.
• 2000s. The market gains international recognition, becoming a popular tourist destination and winning several awards for its architecture.
• Present Day. The Great Market Hall stands as a bustling focal point of Budapest’s culinary and cultural scene, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

FAQ

Map & Address

Great Market Hall (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) is located at Vámház körút 1-3, 1093 Budapest, Hungary.