The second hand stores, also known as thrift shops in Budapest are overrun with clothing. This makes for a good bargain for those who have the time to sift through the many racks. No doubt shopping in these stores takes patience, as well as a skilled eye if you are looking for something in particular. When first entering one of these thrift stores there are racks of clothing as far as the eye can see.

Deciding where to start is usually the first challenge. However, once you have devoted yourself to a starting position it is exciting to start carving your way through the piles and racks. Upon leaving one is sure to have the sound of sliding clothes hangers ringing in their ears. It seems to be the only sound throughout the stores while inside.

There are plenty of chain thrift stores to be looked through including “Humana” and “Hada”. These stores either sell items by piece or by kilogram. They can be found throughout malls, market areas, side streets, and main roadways. Going into one of these stores prepared is key. Make sure you’re not lugging around extra items as these stores tend to be crowded and mobility is sometimes limited when in between customers and racks.

Also, be willing to devote a few hours of your day to find what you desire in these stores. Some are slightly organized by style but most are not organized by size, therefore you have to do a little extra digging if you’re the wearer of a not so common pant or shirt size. Also be willing to make numerous trips to the dressing rooms. Since these stores are holding clothes of an assortment of brands the cuts are sure to be different.



The upside is you are more than capable of leaving the store with multiple bags of multiple outfits for a fraction of the cost you would be certain to spend in a store in the mall. A pair of jeans that would normally run around 9000 HUF can easily be found for about 2500 HUF, a much more pleasing alternative for your wallet.

Amidst the chain stores there are also separate second hand stores that offer a more specific type of shop. One such store “Second Chance” located at Kiraly u. 28, offers name brand clothing items. There you can find popular items from Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, and similar brands.

The store name is more than fitting, these name brand clothes really did end up with a second chance. The store really took its name seriously with its fitting rooms. That’s right, when trying on clothes you can do so inside a fitting room made of recycled materials. This is sure to wow any customer as well as add to the hip vibe the entire store radiates. The store has swapped prices that make you flinch with décor that makes one do a double take.

By Laura Pollard for XpatLoop.com