Shopping in Hungary
 

I noticed in a catalog that the premium down products were listed as Hungarian goose down. Has anyone found any top quality down pillows, etc. at a good price while in Hungary? What type of things are a good deal there? Are there any Christmas type decorations or ornaments that are unique to Hungary? I would like to pick up a few gifts while I'm there.

All types of things for sale in the market on the Pest side in Budapest. Gorgeous paintings, etc. too.

Any other suggestions on what to buy in Hungary?

I've never been to Hungary and have no immediate plans to go there. But I know that Hungary is known for rich folk art embroideries in various regional styles, and I'd probably look for those, maybe in the form of pillow covers, table covers ranging from doilies to full-sized pieces, other items that could be used as wall hangings though originally made for some other purpose. If you're looking for Christmas decorations, you can probably find Christmas stockings and small hanging ornaments of felt, with folk art applique designs (or, if not, I know that you can get them at the museum shop of the Hungarian Heritage Center in New Brunswick, NJ, and maybe they sell them by mail order as well). Ground paprika, dried peppers and red pepper paste would also probably be good things to buy if you would use them. Music CDs might also be interesting. It may be hard to find real Magyar folk music, because there's more of the Gypsy music marketed, but it might be worth looking.

LLC: Go to the lovely little town of Eger. Stay at the charming Hotel Senator House (actually an 11 room inn) and ask the very friendly and helpful owners of the Inn about the fantastic linens shop nearby (about two short blocks). It is in a private home and the staircase, hallways and rooms are decorated with the many beautiful hand made linens for which Hungary is noted. Paprika is a good purchase, but it can be purchased almost anywhere in the world. However, go down to Szeged and see how the peppers are grown and processed and it becomes more fun. Szeged is on the River Tisza and the Cathedral is beautiful. Depending on where you are coning from, you probably will pass through the Hungarian Plains and the horse country. The Hungarians are great riders. Szeged isn't far from Pecs which is another marvelous stop. Enjoy your trip.

My favorite Hungarian purchases have been [in no particular order]

1. different kinds of paprika purchased in a grocery store
2. Zsolnay porcelain [made in Pecs btw]
3. Handpainted REAL eggs and other Christmas tree ornaments.
4. CDs of Hungarian classical composers and folk artists that aren't available over here.

There is a big Folk Art store on Vaci Utca in Pest. Downstairs there is interesting ceramics. I've always wished I could buy the place out:)

Thanks all for the information. I may have to take an extra bag!