Hello
When I travel, I prefer to find locally-made goods - art, crafts, jewelry - to remember a trip and bring back as gifts.
Is there an "arts district" that concentrates small, local artisans together(ish)?
Browsing at shops like this is a highlight of travel for me.
Thanks
I don't have any suggestions for you, but I think some others might.
Are you going only to Budapest, or will you be in other cities as well?
Two places come to mind outside of Budapest; Szentendre and Tihany.
In Budapest try https://folkartkezmuveshaz.hu/magunkrol/?lang=en and the Great Market Hall.
And, not exactly a "craft, but completely Hungarian: https://www.tiszacipo.com/history/
Then there are the antique markets on Falk Miska utca near the Parliament and the vendors in the Gozsdu Udvar on Saturday.
And this is worth the time: https://webshop.fuszeresz.hu/
I haven’t been to Budapest since May 2019, so no idea if these shops are still open…hopefully they are. If you get up to Castle Hill in Buda there’s a couple of shops featuring quality local handmade items—don’t recall their names but along the backside—as well as a great shop called Tarnok 10, which is their address, closer to the church—pottery and other artisan things. Printa on Rumbach in Pest has cool textiles and other things. Szentendre has a few intriguing shops mixed in with more touristy stuff. My most favorite thing to do is visit the flea market, Ecseri piac—30 minute bus ride, funky ramshackle market but I always find lots of interesting vintage things there…last trip I toted home 20 lbs of 1930s pottery pieces in my carry-on 😌
YES - I will only be in Budapest for a couple of days before getting on a river cruise. So I am looking for shops that are within a general walking (or tram ride) from near the Opera house where I will be staying.
On a related note - what should I be looking for in terms of handcrafts that Budapest is known for?
I've seen some lovely, traditional embroidery...but I would love to support some contemporary artisans, too.
Thanks!
Hungary has beautiful needlework. There are many different styles, but I would recommend looking for https://matyodesign.hu/ products. The company is located in the little village of Tard, which now has a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
You can find their products at the popular souvenir shop: Memories of Hungary and other places throughout the city.
You can find their Budapest locations here: https://matyodesign.hu/contact/?lang=en
Full disclosure: I know the owner and have been fortunate to attend one of their tours. I own several pieces of matyodesign products and they are all so special to me. You can even find them in the airport.
One of the locations listed for matyodesign is: https://folkartkezmuveshaz.hu/?lang=en
This is a fantastic shop with all kinds of Hungarian products.
Near the Synagog is a really great store: Holló Műhely (you can find them on Facebook)
On the Buda side, you can visit: https://prezentbudapest.hu/
For really special jewelry: https://dorivisy.com/
You will never go wrong gifting Hungarian paprika (I prefer sweet over smoked or hot).
For the chocolate lover in your life, be sure to find a https://stuhmer.hu/en shop.
Lastly, the Great Market Hall http://budapestmarkethall.com/great-market-hall-budapest will have everything you could possibly want.
When is your river cruise? I'll be taking a river cruise in July with a week pre-cruise in Budapest. I can't wait. :-)
Hi Eve
We are going on Emerald leaving on July 2 from Budapest
Nice. I'll be on Riviera, leaving July 15. Have a great time!
