Central Market Hall

" Located at Fővám Square on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge, it sits at the end of the popular Váci utca pedestrian street. The idea of constructing such a large market hall was first proposed by Károly Kamermayer, the first mayor of Budapest, who saw it as a major investment. He participated in its opening ceremony on February 15, 1897. The concept for a market hall to improve food supply conditions in Budapest began in the 1860s, and by 1879, plans for such a facility were drawn up. It took several years for the plans to materialize, and by the early 1890s, the need for a market hall became urgent due to the rapid population growth and disorganized food supply. After the Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza gave approval, the site at Fővám Square was secured. Designed by Samu Pecz and completed in 1897, the market hall spans 10,000 square meters over three floors. Its architecture combines neogothic touches, with a distinctive roof covered in colorful Zsolnay tiling from Pécs. The market is housed within a steel structure and was significantly damaged during World War II. However, after a thorough renovation in the 1990s, the market reopened in 1997 and earned the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in 1999. The market is a popular attraction, especially among tourists. The ground floor features a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, pastries, spices, and spirits, including Hungarian specialties such as paprika, Tokaji wine, and kolbász sausage. The second floor is home to eateries and souvenir stalls, while the basement contains fishmongers, pickled vegetables, and specialized butcher shops. The market is open Monday through Saturday, with varying hours depending on the day."

"The Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) is the largest and oldest indoor market in Hungary. The opening ceremony was on February 15th, 1897. The market offers a huge variety of stalls on three floors. Most of the stalls on the ground floor offer produce, meats, pastries, candies, spices (including the famous Hungarian paprika), and spirits. The second mezzanine floor has eateries and souvenirs. That’s where I personally got the majority of my souvenirs. The basement contains fish mongers, picked vegetables stalls and a few specialized butcher shops. I had two Lángos. It consists of a fried dough on which you put either savoury or sweet toppings. I had the greek and the nutella one…yummy!"

"Known as the Great Market Hall, this market is among Budapest's largest indoor markets, showcasing stunning neo-Gothic architecture. It offers a variety of fresh produce, fish, meat, spices, cured meats, and dairy products. The upper floors feature food stalls and eateries where you can savor authentic Hungarian cuisine, including dishes like goulash with dumplings. Locals often shop for groceries and lunch here, making it advisable to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds. Consider exploring the market's highlights on a private food tour of Budapest."