1. Ludovika

Location: 1075 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén u. 15
Opening hours: 12:00-19:00 (13:00-18:00 on Sunday)

This charming boutique stocks a range of vintage dresses, skirts and blouses. Ludovika also sells funky re-designed pieces, pre-loved bags in great condition and unique jewellery crafted by local designers. Visiting Ludovika is a must for anybody who loves one-of-a-kind items, particularly from the 1920s and 1970s. 

2. Öltöző

Location: 1075 Budapest, Síp u. 24,
Opening hours: 13:00-20:00 (12:00-19:00 on Saturday, 12:00-17:00 on Sunday)

This quirky shop offers an even more quirky range of clothes, accessories and shoes. Despite being a small cellar store, Öltöző is brimming with exciting bits and bobs. With so much to browse through, you can end up spending your entire afternoon here. Luckily, one of the best cocktail bars in Budapest is right next door, waiting for you to quench your thirst after all that shopping. 

3. Cream

Location: 1072 Budapest, Rákóczi út 36
Opening hours: 9:30-20:00 (closed on Sunday)

Cream stores and outlets are dotted all over the city, the biggest being just a few minutes from Blaha Lujza Tér. Each cream store boasts a large stock, offering inexpensive pre-owned clothing and accessories, making it unlikely you’ll walk out empty handed. Cream is the place to shop for those who revel in finding a great item after rifling through racks of clothing to find it. 

4. Komondors

Location: 1077 Budapest, Wesselényi utca 21
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (9:00-22:00 on Friday and Saturday, 9:00-18:00 on Sunday)

Situated on one of the most popular streets for tourists in Budapest, this vintage shop is the place to go if you like retro hoodies, sweaters, button ups and tees. Komondors also doubles as a coffee shop and bar, hosting parties with various music each weekend. Stop by this trendy spot for a coffee, shopping or even a dance. 

5. Reclaim Vintage

Location: 1077 Budapest, Király u. 39
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00

Despite having just opened in late 2023, Reclaim is already a favourite amongst vintage loving tourists and locals in Budapest. This warm and welcoming shop on Király utca stocks a variety of carefully collected and curated pieces from abroad. Reclaim’s selection of high-quality jeans and jackets makes it an essential if you are spending the day vintage shop hopping. 

6. Humana Vintage

Location: 1085 Budapest, József krt. 74,
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 (10:00-16:00 on Saturday and Sunday)

Humana deserves an honourable mention as it is a long-time vintage stronghold, beloved by Budapest locals. With 5 stores across the city, Humana is as accessible and convenient as any fast-fashion brand, yet customers are guaranteed a unique shopping experience with each visit. 

7. Retrock

Location: 1061 Budapest, Anker köz 2-4
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00 (12:00-20:00 on Sunday)

This spacious shop located close to the Deák Ferenc tér metro stop is perhaps one of the largest spots for vintage clothing in the country. Offering a world-wide selection of vintage jeans, skirts, sweatshirts, jackets, boots and so much more, there is a little something for everybody here. Retrock also sells unique upcycled clothing and accessories made by Hungarian and international designers. 

+1. Szimpla Kert

Location: 1075 Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14
Open at weekends

The iconic ruin bar is more than just an eccentric spot for tourists to spend the night drinking. Szimpla is the perfect place if you’re on the hunt for antique jewellery and trinkets as every weekend it is home to an unconventional flea market that hosts local sellers of various crafts and specialties. Some weekends you’ll even find locals selling pre-owned clothes, making for a much better souvenir than a shot glass or fridge magnet. Definitely a must if you’re looking for a cheap and fun weekend activity. 

Words by Lucy Drake for Xpatloop.com