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Budapest's Great Market Hall

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

It's no secret that I love markets. I try to visit local marketplaces wherever I go, and exploring different markets around the world has undoubtedly become one of my favorite parts about traveling. Great Market Hall, or Nagyvásárcsarnok in Budapest is certainly no exception. Great Market Hall comes in second place for my favorite spot in the city, closely behind the extraordinary Széchenyi thermal baths.

This sprawling indoor marketplace is brimming with food stalls, eateries and vendors selling traditional Hungarian goods like paprika and embroidered tablecloths. Although there are many souvenir shops, I was surprised by how few tourists there were, seeing as most of the market was dominated by locals. 

I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors of the old fashioned stalls, especially the signs with vintage fonts that made me feel as if I had stepped back into Budapest's intriguing past. I could have spent hours wandering through the market, watching the bustling locals buy their groceries and listening to the strange yet enthralling Hungarian language.

The market itself is visually stunning, but what makes it truly remarkable is the personality found inside of it. If you are planning a trip to Budapest, I highly recommend visiting Great Market Hall for a distinct taste of Hungary.

Where are some of your favorite markets abroad?
10 comments on "Budapest's Great Market Hall"
  1. These pictures are stunning! I really love the one of the colorful little bowls with spices (paprika?) in them. Captivating.

    Budapest has never really been on my radar, but after seeing your reaction to it, it's on my list! Plus, I love me some markets and never pass up a chance for adventurous eating! Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Thank you! I highly recommend going, Budapest is such a hidden gem! And it's really easy to do it cheaply too, which is always a plus!

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  2. I feel like you always find THE BEST markets.. and this one is HUGE! It is too big of a decision to decide which market is my favorite.. but I did go in Mercado de San Fernando in Madrid for the first time on Sunday. The place was WILD with salsa music and dancing! I will definitely be going back soon.. want to join me?

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    1. Ooh I've never been to Mercado de San Fernando, but I would LOVE to come with you! It already sounds amazing!

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  3. Love these pictures! Visiting marketplaces is always so fun when you're visiting a new place. You always get to see the best of everything (food, locals, etc). That's really exciting you're in Budapest right now. I keep seeing your instagram pictures and everything looks so beautiful!!! You're such a little jetsetter! : )

    anna-lamode.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you darling! It looks like you've been quite the jetsetter too lately! I just wish I could have seen you while you were in Europe! Although it looks like you found all of the best places in Paris without me ;)

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  4. Florence's San Lorenzo leather market holds a special place in my heart since I had to walk through it every day on the way to school the first time I studied abroad there. I also worked there for a summer selling leather jackets!

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    1. That's so cool that you worked there! I will definitely have to check it out whenever I make it to Florence (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!)

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  5. What a fun market! I would love to explore this place. The building looks like it could have been an old train station! Did you purchase anything while you were there?

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    1. You're right, it does look like an old train station! I never noticed that - good observation! When I was there I bought a cute woven Christmas ornament and some paprika for my mom. I was tempted by all of the mouthwatering Hungarian food stalls, but sadly none of looked very gluten free friendly :(

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