The Great Market Hall is a vibrant market where one can get lost in a maze of stalls selling spices, produce, food products, jewelry, clothes, accessories, housewares, souvenirs, and so much more. The market is a great place to stock up on paprika (a must-buy in Hungary!) and souvenirs for friends and family. And of course, purchase a few Hungarian items for yourself!
Built in the late 1800s, this beautiful building is located near the Danube River about one block east of Liberty Bridge on the Pest side of the city. It is accessible by walking or public transportation.
The visit to the market started with our wonderful guide, Andrea, giving the group a Paprika 101 lesson. I had no idea there were so many varieties and uses for paprika!! The paprika at the market was beautifully packaged and some pouches came with little spoons or scoops. I bought several bags of paprika for family and friends as a delicious and unique souvenir!
US Customs and Border Protection does allow travelers to bring home packaged spices. I had no issues at the airport with the paprika, and in 2018, I brought home a bag of loose-leaf hibiscus tea from Egypt; again, no problems.
Navigating the market can seem overwhelming at first but it is pretty straightforward. On the 1st floor, one mainly finds booths selling all sorts of food items ~ produce, spices, meats, bakery items, and a handful of other items. The 2nd floor is where one finds stalls filled to the brim with all sorts of goods. Note that some vendors sell similar products so it is wise to do some browsing at the beginning instead of purchasing from the first vendor you visit. I also came across some eateries on the 2nd floor if you happen to get hungry while shopping!
While most vendors accept credit cards, it’s wise to have some cash on hand. I purchased items from three stalls, and one, a bookseller, accepted only cash.
Is the Great Market Hall worth visiting?
The Great Market Hall is an interesting place, and in my opinion, a visit to this site depends on how much time you spend in Budapest. If you are in Budapest for just a day or two, then I suggest you skip the Great Market Hall and visit places like Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Opera House, and the Parliament Building. If you will be in Budapest for a few days, then yes, stop by the Great Market Hall and stock up on paprika!
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