This is one of the city's most popular patisseries if the lines out the door are anything to go by. Daubner has been crafting some of the best desserts, confectionery and chocolates for over a hundred years as the lucky few tourists who discover this hidden gem soon discover. Choose from an extensive variety of decadent fruit tarts, rich cakes, classic strudels, buttery biscuits and their signature savory bread - pogácsa - in flavors like cheese, potato and pumpkin. Make a trip here to sample their time-tested original recipes and delicious baked goods; you won't regret it!
Located in Budapest, this wonderful pedestrian-only street runs from Vorosmarty-ter all the way to Vamhaz-korut and the beautiful Market Hall. The pedestrian section used to end at the point where the street is bisected by the Elizabeth Bridge, however, a few years ago a second section was made pedestrian as well. While the first section is lively and popular, the other area emanates more charm. A melange of cafes, fancy shops and boutiques can be found along the street. Among some of its spectacular sights are the remnants of the Medieval Váci gate at Vörösmarty Square and other interesting structures located along Váci utca.
The Central Market Hall has got to be the grandest and most beautiful market hall in the country if not entire Europe. Opened in 1897, the building designed by Samu Pecz underwent a thorough renovation and re-opened for its centenary in 1997. It's a massive, airy space filled with bright piles of food. The mezzanine level is crammed with dozens of folk embroidery and souvenir stands, plus a pleasant cafeteria, beer and food stalls. In the basement, you will find fish, pickles (savanyusag) and an international food store. The important thing to note here is that the butchers and greengrocers begin packing up their products almost an hour before closing.
This bookshop is rather small but nonetheless contains a good variety of quality British fiction. This is also the place to go if you're planning to continue traveling, it stocks Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Time Out, Everyman and other major travel guides to some pretty obscure destinations. There are also cookbooks, children's books and British magazines. The only drawback is that it is relatively expensive. Any title from the U.S. or UK can be ordered free of charge but you may have to wait a month or two for it to arrive. It is open on Sundays.
Stocking an exuberant collection of modern and vintage styles, Szputnyik is a modish addition to the city's already vibrant shopping scene. With its focus on timeless fashion, its owners have meticulously sourced the merchandise which remains an eclectic blend of brand new outfits and retro wear that never fail on the style quotient. Be it the clothes or the trendy accessories, each item is individually picked from various corners of the world. What sets its collection apart is the fact it the pieces belong to various eras, starting from the early years of the 20th Century till today. Dainty headpieces, chic blazers, stilettos and sunglasses are a part of its exciting selection. Apart from shopping addicts, Szputnyik also remains a haven for collectors and fashion experts.
For a city as whimsical as Budapest, it is hard to ignore its rich historical character. It is widely known for its ornate enclosed courtyards dating back to the 19th and the 20th centuries. Paloma is one such example of an ancient yard which has been wonderfully re-imagined by a bunch of talented art and history lovers. This remodeled hideout aesthetically captures the essence of the age-old Kossuth Lajos shopping street. Home to nearly 40 emerging designers and a host of art galleries, Paloma also embraces the older establishments that have been a part of this venue since the 90s. Home decor stores, florists, textile shops and jewelry boutiques occupy its charming premises, while it also offers well-furnished spaces for workshops, conferences and other small-scale events.
Premium Hungarian wine producers are featured in this small shop facing Hild ter. Le Sommelier is the proprietor's own label. You can also get Chateauneuf du Pape as well as wines from other major French châteaux, vintage port and Dom Perignon. Both wine glasses and a delivery service are available. Their carefully selected wines and attention to customers has allowed them to open two more shops.
Buborék, located at the foot of the historic Buda castle, is an avenue for all things pretty and peculiar. Meaning bubble, this store seamlessly captures the liveliness and joie de vivre of this city and manifests it in the form of wonderful art pieces. As you see enter the store, you can see a plethora of trinkets and jewelry, vintage artifacts, bags, quirky notebooks and gift ideas fighting for space in this tiny yet cozy gallery. Achieving the right balance of local and global, Buborék also houses a few designer items by both native and foreign artists. Whether you wish to purchase something specific or it is just something whimsical that you have a yen for, Buborék has a curio for every mood.
Bahia is a clothing boutique which specializes in selling a range of exotic clothing, accessories and other nick-nacks. Browse through selections of Nepalese skirts, Indian earrings and African bracelets. The shop also sells an eclectic variety of home decor items like dream-catchers, Tibetan prayer flags, exotic lanterns and hand-woven ethnic rugs. So if you want to redecorate your home or get a new Oriental wardrobe, this is the place to come to.