65 Best Places to Shop in Hungary

A favorite of Elton John, Elvis Costello, and Richard Branson, this Hungarian-founded high-end eyewear brand upcycles old vinyl records into designer frames. Drop by the showroom for a peek into the process while sampling potential new looks. Be warned: prices start at an eyewatering 145,000 HUF per pair. For some, it's a small price to pay for fashion that tells a story.

Award-winning Miklós Varga's flagship store off Váci utca is a big and welcoming one. Expensive gold and platinum necklaces with Tahitian pearls are showcased in the front of the store, but don't miss the unusual sterling silver collection in the back. There are some lovely pieces for everyday wear.

If you are looking for a really luxurious indulgence, why not consider a pair of handmade leather shoes, specifically measured to your feet? You can choose from a variety of traditional styles, from cordovan to nubuck. Though wildly expensive when compared to the cost of ready-made shoes, prices are still very competitive with bespoke shoes elsewhere in Europe and the United States. There's a small selection of ready-to-wear shoes available as well.

If you're a vinyl-head looking for deep cuts, there's no better store than Wave. A beacon for alternative music since the 1990s, it stocks some of the rarest records in the region, from Hungarian jazz and folk tunes to Yugoslavian rock bands.

Central Europe's largest shopping mall is home to many luxury retailers, including Italian handbag maker Mandarina Duck, Austrian lingerie purveyor Palmer, high-end watchmaker Orex, and fashion-forward but relatively low-priced Mango (in the same league as Zara). There's a good offering of sports apparel here as well, with Nike, Champion, Puma, Adidas, and Quicksilver shops. The mall's roof is thoughtfully landscaped with benches and paths, providing welcome relief from the sometimes teeming floors below. The 14-screen cinema on the top floor is abuzz with activity most nights, with popular restaurants and bars right beside the box office. In addition to the metro, the mall is served by the 4 and 6 trams. It is open daily 8 am to 11 pm.