As you'd expect they offer far more than the usual experience of popping into a shop, and you can find something truly unique as you explore a different side of the city's shopping scene.

Many visitors intend to simply window shop, or rather stall shop, but end up going home with something they never planned to buy but will always treasure...

Ecseri Market

Located outside the city centre in District XIX, this famous flea market might feel like it’s a bit out of the way, but you can easily grab a bus from Boráros Tér and cross the bridge over the motorway.

This enclosed market offers a trove of trash and treasures, with everything you can imagine from a fountain to portraits of politicians to smaller knick knacks that are more backpack friendly.

Even if you have no plans on buying anything, Ecseri Market is worth a visit to walk through everyday history. Whether you’re into porcelain or vintage postcards or cameras, this diverse market has it all.

Address:
1194 Budapest, Nagykőrösi út 156.

El Rapido

Want a taco with your shopping? El Rapido is a curiosity located next to famous ruin pub Szimpla Kert that rolls a Mexican restaurant up with a pub, a café, a delicatessen and a flea market.

Not quite Ecseri Market standards, but if you don’t fancy going far afield and you want down a few tequila shots and buy a unique trinket (maybe the tequila helps you pluck up the courage to buy something completely outrageous) then El Rapido is the place to shop.

Address:
1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 10.
 

Antik Placc

If you want to stay in the city centre, then head to the Klauzál tér market hall for the weekly antiques market on Sundays. The antiques on offer here come with a slight slant, where they’re renovated, modified and even redesigned.

This is a new wave of flea markets where new trends come with the old, giving your curiosities an even more unique feel to them. Only make sure you come in the morning when you can find the best items!

Address:
1072 Budapest, Klauzál tér 11.

Photos courtesy of the venues