There are 5 main types of supermarkets in Budapest: international supermarket chains (Aldi, Lidl, Tesco), local supermarkets (CBA, Príma, Reál), Asian shops (mostly Chinese and Vietnamese), 0-24 stores (Roni ABC, Manna ABC), and small local shops.
Students can find every important grocery product that they need at the bigger supermarket chains, and also at the local supermarkets. Aldi, Lidl, Spar, Tesco, Auchan, and CBA have the widest range of products.
Asian shops are an excellent choice for buying drugstore products, like beauty products, cosmetics, cleaning products, and some minor household items. And also if you want to buy alcohol, sweets, and crisps.
0-24 shops got you covered even during national holidays, however, these are more expensive than the regular supermarkets.
If you want to buy truly fresh and quality fruits, vegetables, meat, or locally produced products at a very reasonable price, then your best choice is the traditional markets. We show you some of the best at the end of the article.
What types of supermarkets are in Budapest?
There are 5 main types of supermarkets in Budapest, these are the following.
- International supermarket chains (Aldi, Lidl, Spar etc.)
- Local supermarkets (CBA, Príma, Reál etc.)
- Asian shops
- 0-24 stores (Roni ABC, Manna ABC)
- Small local shops
International supermarket chains
The available international supermarket chains in Budapest are the following.
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Spar
- Tesco
- Penny Market
- Auchan
You’ll find everything that you need in your everyday grocery shopping at these places, including bakery, cheese, meat, fruits & vegetables, drinks, alcohol, crisps, sweets, beauty products, and also some cleaning products.
Local supermarkets
The available local supermarket chains in Budapest are the following.
- CBA
- Príma (it’s a higher-end version of CBA supermarket, actually)
- Coop
- Reál
You can find almost everything that you need in your everyday grocery shopping needs, but usually at a higher price, with smaller range of products, and in slightly lower quality. Local supermarkets are however excellent choices for quick grocery shopping, if you need the most vital grocery items.
Asian shops
There are hundreds of Asian (mostly Chinese and Vietnamese) shops all around Budapest. Check your neighbourhood, it’s 100% that you’ll find an Asian shop in your proximity.
You can buy smaller household items, cleaning products, cosmetics, drinks, alcohol, crisps, sweets (even more special ones), and beauty products in Chinese and Vietnamese shops.
0-24 stores
There are 2 main 0-24 store chains in Budapest, these are the following.
- Roni ABC
- Manna ABC
If you’d need something urgently, or late at night, or perhaps it’s a national holiday and you forgot to buy groceries in advance, these 0-24 stores got you covered! However, these shops are more expensive than regular supermarkets, and their range of products is also smaller.
0-24 stores are mainly in central Budapest, but they also can be found everywhere around the city.
Small local shops
Last, but not least, there are many Hungarian local shops in Budapest, where you can get in and do a rapid grocery shopping. They are especially useful if you want to grab a quick snack, a refreshing soda, a beer or a bottle of wine that you can bring to a house party.
The selection is similar to the Asian shops. The only difference is that Asian shops are usually cheaper.
Which shop is the best for your needs?
Depending on your specific grocery needs it’s recommended to visit a specific type of supermarket. Overall, here are our shop recommendations based on your needs.
- Widest range of products: Aldi, Lidl, Spar, Tesco
- Grocery shopping on budget: Aldi, Lidl
- Best bakery selection: Aldi, Lidl, Spar, Tesco
- Best fruits & vegetables selection: Aldi, Lidl, Spar, Tesco, CBA, local markets
- Best alcohol selection: Asian shops, Tesco, Spar, Príma
- Best drugstore products: Asian shops, dm
- International ingredients and brands: Tesco, Príma, Auchan
- Best 0-24 grocery shops: Roni ABC, Manna ABC
Which supermarkets have the widest range of products in Budapest?
The following supermarkets have the widest range of products.
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Spar
- Tesco
- Auchan
- CBA
If you want to do general grocery shopping, these are your places to go. You can find everything in these supermarkets for your everyday needs.
Where can I buy groceries on a budget in Budapest?
Aldi and Lidl are considered the cheapest supermarkets for international students in Budapest who want to buy groceries on a budget. In addition, the quality of their products is also excellent, this is why they are considered the best option. Especially if you have a tighter budget.
Where can I buy the best bakery selection in Budapest?
Aldi has the best bakery selection in Budapest. Not only do they have high quality, but also Aldi makes sure that they always provide fresh bakery. Even close to closing times.
Lidl, Spar, and Tesco also have excellent bakery products.
This question is a tough debate in Hungary with many different opinions. It also depends on the specific bakery product you want to buy. For example, Tesco has the best mustard-sausage bakery.
But if we consider the quality, price, freshness, and availability, then Aldi is definitely the best supermarket in this regard.
Where can I buy the best fruit and vegetable selection in Budapest?
You can buy the best fruits and vegetables selection in the following supermarkets in Budapest.
- Aldi
- Lidl
- Spar
- Tesco
- CBA
- Local markets
Where can I buy the best alcohol selection in Budapest?
The following shops and supermarkets have the best alcohol selection in Budapest.
- Asian shops
- Tesco
- Spar
- Príma
- Auchan
What kind of alcohol can I buy in these shops? You can buy almost every type of alcohol in these shops and supermarkets, like beer, wine, and different spirits (pálinka, whiskey, vodka, gin etc).
Where can I buy cigarettes?
In Hungary, you can only purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products in dedicated ‘Nemzeti dohánybolt’ shops. Nemzeti dohánybolt literally means ‘national tobacco shop’.
Apart from tobacco products, you can also buy alcohol and other non-alcoholic drinks (including energy drinks) in these shops.
You can find such shops all around Budapest, for example at busy intersections, metro stations etc.
Where can I buy the best drugstore products in Budapest?
Asian shops are usually your go-to place if you need drugstore products (cosmetics, cleaning products etc.) at a good price.
Other than Asian shops, there are 3 major drugstores in Hungary.
- dm (drogerie-markt)
- Rossmann
- Müller
You can find all kinds of drugstore products, detergents, beauty products etc. in these shops. Asian shops however usually have better prices, but a smaller range of products.
Where can I buy international ingredients and brands in Budapest?
You can buy international ingredients and brands in the following supermarkets in Budapest.
- Tesco
- Príma
- Auchan
As these are bigger supermarkets with a huge range of products, you’ll most likely find special ingredients, products, and brands in them. Usually at a dedicated ‘international’ section within the shop.
Where can I buy groceries 0-24 in Budapest?
You can buy groceries 0-24 at the following shops in Budapest.
- Roni ABC
- Manna ABC
- Local 0-24 shops
Useful tips for grocery shopping in Budapest
Here are some useful tips for making grocery shopping in Budapest easier.
- Supermarkets and also some local shops are open on Sundays but with shorter opening times.
- The staff doesn’t speak English, only the most basic words and expressions. Younger employees however tend to speak quite well in English.
- Bring your own bag as in Hungary you won’t be given a free bag at the checkout. If you forgot to bring one, no worries, you can buy a paper or plastic bag in the shop.
- You can use special bags for bakery products, veggies, and fruits. You can even buy such bags at most of the supermarkets.
- In some shops (like Spar) you have to weigh the fruits and vegetables on a dedicated scale and print a barcode that you can put on the fruits and vegetables bag. If you forget to do that before you go to the cash register, you will either be sent back to weigh it, or the cashier will do it. Angrily.
- In some shops (like Spar) you have to also print a barcode for your bakery. This barcode has the info about the type and number of products. But if you forget it, it’s usually not a problem at the cash register as cashiers have a table with the available bakery products & their prices on it.
- 0-24 shops are more expensive than “regular” supermarkets and local shops.
- You can pay in EUR in supermarkets even though Hungary is not a member of the Eurozone. However, it’s more convenient to use Forint instead. 🙂
- You can pay by card practically in every supermarket, but some smaller shops prefer cash. Especially if you buy at a value under 1000 HUF (2.5 EUR / 2.6 USD).
Pro tip: some small local shops (Hungarians and Asians alike) try to apply higher prices if you pay by card. This is quite rare, but it happens. They do this because card payment costs them some money. But this is illegal! If they try to sell you the products at a higher price just because you want to pay by card, then either pay it in cash, or leave the shop.
When it comes to fruit & vegetable shopping, the best option is the traditional weekend markets. The quality is top-notch and the prices are lower than in a supermarket.
However, sellers in markets only speak English well in the most central ones, and you must always carry cash as sometimes – especially if you buy at a low price – sellers only accept cash in a market.
You can also buy some more special spices, meat, fish, and seeds in markets. If you want to buy truly fresh and quality ingredients, weekend markets are the champions.
What are the best local markets in Budapest for fresh fruit & vegetable shopping?
The best local markets in Budapest for fresh fruit & vegetable shopping are the following.
- Great Market Hall at Fővám tér
- Szimpla Sunday Farmers’ Market
- Rákóczi tér Market
- Klauzál tér Market
- Hunyadi tér Market
- Lehel Market Hall
- Fehérvári út Market
- Bosnyák tér Market
- Pancs-Gasztroplacc
These local markets accept cards, but make sure to bring some Hungarian Forint as well, as many sellers don’t accept cards. Especially if you buy at a low price.
If you want to try cooking some dishes from Hungarian cuisine, then you’ll find all the ingredients in these markets.
Great Market Hall at Fővám tér
The Great Market Hall is in a stunning Neo-Gothic building, next to Corvinus University of Budapest. This is the most beloved market in Budapest, and is quite frequently (especially at the weekend) full of tourists.
Students can explore a wide range of Hungarian delicacies, from paprika and sausages to artisan breads and pastries, making it a must-visit for those wanting to taste authentic local flavours. You can find literally anything in this market, including wine, cheese, bakery products, sweets, spices, seeds, honey etc.
- Address: Vámház körút 1-3, 1053 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00 on Mondays, 06:00-18:00 from Tuesday to Friday, 06:00-15:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Szimpla Sunday Farmers’ Market
Held in the iconic Szimpla Kert, the Ruin Pub in the Jewish Quarter, this market offers a unique platform of fresh produce and local crafts. The place gives visibility to many local farmers who bring their own fruits, vegetables, honey and other products to sell.
It’s a great spot for students to grab organic foods, and homemade products, and enjoy a lively community atmosphere.
It’s only open on Sundays!
- Address: Kazinczy utca 14, 1075 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 09:00-14:00 on Sundays.
Rákóczi tér Market
This traditional market, situated behind Rákóczi tér metro station, provides a diverse array of fresh produce, meats, and bakery items. It’s less touristy, offering a genuine local shopping experience and great prices that are perfect for student budgets.
- Address: Rákóczi tér 7-9, 1084 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:00-16:00 on Mondays, 06:00-18:00 from Tuesday to Friday, 06:00-13:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Klauzál tér Market
Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Klauzál tér Market is a convenient spot for students living nearby. It offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staple foods in a more intimate setting than the larger markets.
- Address: Akácfa utca 42-48, 1072 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:30-21:00 from Monday to Saturday, 07:00-18:00 on Sundays.
Hunyadi tér Market
Located in a quiet square in the vicinity of Oktogon, Hunyadi tér Market is known for its friendly vendors and selection of fresh, seasonal produce. It’s an ideal location for students to buy ingredients for a healthy, home-cooked meal in a relaxed, open-air environment.
- Address: Hunyadi tér 4, 1067 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 on Mondays, 07:00-18:00 from Tuesday to Friday, 07:00-14:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Lehel Market Hall
This modern-ish market hall, distinguished by its colourful exterior and a building that looks like a huge ship, stands at Lehel tér metro station. It has everything from fresh groceries to exotic spices and seafood, all under one roof.
In addition, you can find many Asian shops within the building, as well as a post office, too.
Pro tip: the best vendors are on the Váci út side of the building. In a quite tight space, unfortunately.
- Address: Váci út 9-15, 1134 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00 on weekdays, 06:00-14:00 on Saturdays, 06:00-13:00 on Sundays.
Fehérvári út Market
This one is on the other side of the Danube at Buda. Fehérvári út Market is a popular spot among students for its wide range of quality produce at competitive prices. Besides fruits and vegetables, you can find a good selection of Hungarian wines and cheeses.
If you’d like to meet your friends and have a nice coffee at a more modern place; or if you want to run some errands that you can’t do at the market, Allee plaza is right next to the market.
- Address: Kőrösy József utca 7-9, 1117 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:30-17:00 on Mondays, 06:30-18:00 from Tuesday to Friday, 06:00-15:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Bosnyák tér Market
Bosnyák tér Market is a treasure trove of local flavours and seasonal goods, making it a favourite among culinary-minded students. It’s smaller and less crowded, providing a personal shopping experience with fresh, locally sourced products.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit further from the city centre that requires an appr. 30-minute public transport travel from the centre.
- Address: Bosnyák tér 29, 1149 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00 on Mondays, 06:00-16:30 from Tuesday to Friday, 06:00-14:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Pancs-Gasztroplacc
Pancs-Gasztro Place is an odd one out as it’s more of a platform for local farmers and producers of all kinds than a traditional market. Located near the Corvin-negyed, Pancs-Gasztroplacc is a vibrant weekend market that attracts students with its festive atmosphere.
Here, you can explore organic foods and artisan eats, but also locally produced organic products like beauty products (soap etc.), handicraft items, drinks, juices, bakery products, sauces, and so on. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and savour a taste of local culture over the weekend.
It’s open only on Sundays!
- Address: Tűzoltó utca 22, 1094 Budapest
- Opening Hours: 09:00-14:00 on Sundays.
