Can anyone tell me about how far it is to walk from the Chain Bridge (Pest side) to the Central Market? We want to shop there on Friday afternoon in June. I cannot seem to find a map on the internet that shows the shopping areas. Thanks

I would say it's about a half hour walk. You can take a street car or tram over there too. It is one big building. It mostly has local food, produce, et... but there is other things too. I think we bought paprika & apricot schnapps. The building itself is worth a look. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks googie, My husband will love the apricot schnapps. Are there many souvenires that can be bought at the Central Market as in lace, etc. or is there a better place to shop for that kind of thing. I have read about ladies selling things in little markets on the street. Did you find any of that? DId you buy any Hungarian crystal while you were there? Thanks again.

Many booths on the upper floor of Central Market sell lace, dolls and all kinds of souvenires, but I am afraid no idea about other places.

Just walk to the southern tip of the Vaci Utca (main pedestrian only shopping street)& you'll find it.

Sylbea- Yes, I agree with other posters- walk down to the end of Vaci Utca & also I remember there being lace & other items being sold up on castle hill. No, we didn't buy any crystal while we were there, but now we wish we would have...

Thanks so much for your responses. Is this the place (Central Market) that I should buy the paprika or should I go to a grocery store, deli or whatever? Is there a certain brand that is better than the others? I am going to bring some back for my family and I want it to be good and how do I know if it is fresh? I know that in the U.S. we have alot of spices on the shelf that are old! Sorry for the "dumb" questions. Another dumb question, I read someplace that alot of these markets in Europe do not give you bags for your merchandise and you should bring some along just in case, is this true here? I guess it wouldn't hurt to put some in your pocket. Thanks again. Really getting excited! 6 1/2 weeks.

Hi syl...you can buy bags at the checkout; don't forget you do your own packing. Have fun.

You can buy also palinka of apricots, or of plum or of peach, and hungarian Pick or Hertz salami.

Hi, The central market had mainly food stalls on the main floor and clothing, leather,jewelry,glasswear, traditional crafts on the second floor. I found the local market near the castle[ on the pest side] to have slightly better prices on leather purses and lace, also some nice chess sets.

Oops I meant to say the castle is on the buda side.