You’ve made it to Budapest, lucky you! And now, you get to shop!
Okay, not really, there are so many amazing things to do in Budapest, from the thermal baths to cruising on the Danube. Still, one of the best parts about travel is bringing things home to help you remember those once-in-a-lifetime trips (or to share your trip, a little bit, with your people back home).
But, what souvenirs from Budapest should you pick up while in Hungary? Sure, you could buy a shot glass or a magnet, but chances are, those weren’t even made in Budapest, much less Europe (probably China, to be honest).
Now, I’m not against the occasional postcard or ornament, but there are so many more unique ways to commemorate your trip—especially in Budapest! Budapest is famous for paprika and porcelain, crystal and chocolate, pottery, and painted wooden eggs.
Leave space in your suitcase for 32 of the best souvenirs from Budapest to bring home with you (at least some of ‘em)!
Table of Contents
1. Pálinka
Fruit brandy, or pálinka, is Hungary’s national liquor (and therefore a great souvenir!). The most common flavors are sour cherry, pear, grape, and plum.
Since pálinka has such a high alcohol content (40%!), it’s easy to lose the fruit taste—to combat this, look for pálinka with fruit on the bottom. It’s a little pricier (although still only about $25) but worth it!
2. Paprika
Yes, you can technically buy paprika powder all over the world, but it’s best to get Hungary’s signature spice right in Budapest! And bonus, it’s inexpensive, very light, and packs easily into your luggage.
There are several varieties: smoky or spicy or sweet and even paprika cream in a tube, so choose your flavor (or try them all!). You’ll love having a little taste of Hungary back when you’re home.
3. Pepper mill
There’s nothing better than a useful souvenir, am I right? Not only will you be able to find pepper mills all over Budapest, but you’ll find a vast variety of beautiful, unique ones. Hunt down a painted one, find an antique one, or an intricately etched mill to spice up (ha) your kitchen back home.
4. Unicum
A little bit medicine, a little bit alcohol—that’s Unicum, a.k.a. Hungary’s other national drink. Unicum has an old history in Hungary, and its original recipe is a closely guarded secret.
Made with over forty herbs, many drink it as a digestif, and it’s supposed to be helpful for various health issues. It has a, shall we say, distinctive flavor, but it is definitely one of the most unique Budapest souvenirs!
5. Crystal
For gorgeous Budapest gifts, consider buying some Hungarian crystal. Ajka Crystal is the best of the best: intricate, handmade, and comes in incredible colors, like cobalt.
Whether you bring back a whole set of glasses, one goblet, or a unique piece of decor, Ajka Crystal will be a reminder you can turn it into an heirloom.
6. Goulash cream
If you’ve had Hungarian goulash (basically the national dish of Hungary!), you’ll wish that you could bring some home with you! Since that’s not exactly feasible, bring home the next best thing: goulash cream.
You’ll find this in supermarkets and souvenir shops all over the city, and it’s one of the best Budapest gifts you can give.
7. Wine
Okay, you guys, I’m about to blow your mind here: Hungarian wine is some of the best in the world! Who knew? (I did. Also the Hungarians. Now you do too!).
The most famous (and unique) variety is Tokaji, a sweet dessert wine, but there are quite a few other varieties you must try. And bring them back to spread the gospel of Hungarian wine to your friends and fam (and, of course, to drink yourself).
8. Porcelain
If the best souvenirs you have make you feel like the queen of a country, find yourself some Hungarian porcelain. Perhaps a teacup and saucer, so you can remind yourself of your amazing European vacay every day with some tea time.
9. Embroidery
Hungarian folk embroidery is an age-old art and is beautifully intricate in design and color. You can find it on traditional clothing and linens, and sometimes even on more modern shirts. The region of Budapest has its own embroidery style, so keep an eye out for that to be truly authentic.
10. Sausages and salami
Hungarians really love their pigs and pork. There’s even a holiday that celebrates boars (the annual Mangalica Festival)! So it makes sense to grab some sausage or salami as a souvenir from Budapest to bring home with you.
Purchase shelf-stable varieties so you can bring them home and share them! Or, you know, keep them all to yourself.
11. Boar bristle brush
As Hungary has a festival that celebrates pigs you’ll also want to keep an eye out for other products that come from boar. Especially a boar bristle brush!
These are considered some of the best hair brushes around (they gently detangle and spread the natural oils easily), they’re also great for dry brushing your skin, and make one of the best Budapest souvenirs.
12. Beigli (poppy seed and walnut rolls)
Beigli is a traditional Hungarian Christmas food that also happens to make a great souvenir, year-round. Beigli is made with a poppy seed and walnut mixture all rolled up in a dense, sweet dough.
These are not exactly the lightest souvenir to bring home (they’ve got some heft) but will definitely provide a festive taste of Hungary.
And, it’s a common joke (…or truth?) that the same beigli can get passed around for years before it gets finished—so you know it won’t rot on the plane ride home!
13. Painted wooden eggs
Although you will find hand-painted wooden eggs at the Budapest Easter markets, you can find them year-round in any market. (I have one in ornament form for my Christmas tree!).
Traditionally, on Easter, a man would “shower” (aka spray with perfume and water) his love and sing her a poem; in return, his beloved would give him a hand-painted egg.
You’ll find beautiful versions all over the city—the hardest part will be just choosing one (or two, or three…).
14. Local prints: Urban Sidewalkers maps
For the best artistic souvenirs from Budapest, consider supporting a local Budapest artist! You can find more traditional street scenes of Budapest, but also some with a modern twist. I recommend a hand-drawn map of Budapest, such as the ones sold at Citygraph.
15. Purses and backpacks
Budapest is called the “Paris of the East,” and just like Paris, France, it’s full of innovative fashion designers. One way to bring a piece of Budapest design home with you? With a one-of-a-kind purse or backpack.
16. Rubik’s Cube
Did you know that one of Hungary’s claims to fame is that the Rubik’s cube was invented here?
This means (I bet you can see where I’m going with this…) that it’s the absolute best place in the world to buy one! Also, it will give you something to do on those long train and plane rides—just try to solve it!
17. Honey
Hungarian acacia honey is world-famous for its quality. Hungary has been producing honey since medieval times, thanks to its large (natural) acacia forests. The forests are large enough, and isolated enough, that the acacia trees bloom alone, which ensures a rare, pure acacia honey.
18. Jam
Jam is an integral part of many Hungarian desserts and is also available widely.
Find some truly small batch jam and you’ll be transported right back to Budapest at the first taste. You can find all sorts of jam at the markets, but for the most classic flavors, grab an apricot or sour cherry.
19. Thermal water soap
One of the best things to do in Budapest? Visit the thermal baths, of course! Short of bottling up some of this magic water to bring home (which I do not recommend), it’s hard to bring this experience home with you.
Enter, thermal bath soap! Several shops and skincare companies use water straight from these spas to make some seriously amazing soap. So, you can at least pretend you’re back in the spa while you shower back home!
20. Chocolate
You simply cannot go to Europe without sampling the chocolate, and Budapest is no exception. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with whatever type of chocolate you find, whether at the grocery store or a smaller chocolate shop.
Stühmer might be the most famous chocolatier if you want to get the cream of the crop!
21. Magyaroszág shirt
In Hungarian, Hungary is not known as, well, Hungary but as Madgyaroszág. (Hungary comes from the Roman name, Hungária—you’ll still hear “Ria, Ria, Hungária!” chanted at sports games).
So obviously, you should buy a shirt with the “real” country name to commemorate your trip!
22. Dolls
If you’ve got a doll-lover in your life (or are one yourself…no judgment!) you’ll be pleased to see a variety of dolls all over Budapest. Most are dressed in traditional Hungarian dress, but some are carved out of wood (like nutcrackers) or dressed as famous Hungarian figures.
23. Foie gras
You already know that Budapest is the “Paris of East,” so you probably won’t be surprised to know that, just like the OG, Budapest is known for its foie gras (aka goose liver).
I know this sounds like something that does not travel well, but you can actually find little tins of it that would make a great gift.
24. Marzipan
We’ve discussed chocolate, of course, but Budapest is probably more famous for marzipan! Marzipan is a unique substance known to man, that is essentially almond paste.
In Budapest, you must get the Szamos brand of marzipan—you’ll see the little heart-shaped candies all over town!
25. Túró Rudi
While we’re on the topic of candy, another truly unique Hungarian treat is a Túró Rudi. Túró Rudi is a very common Hungarian candy bar and you will see them EVERYWHERE—which means they’re also cheap!
Turo rudi is a candy bar made of cheese curd, flavored with lemon, and wrapped in chocolate.
26. Tisza shoes
I know the last thing you want to bring home is more shoes (hello, weight restrictions!). But, a pair of Tisza sneakers are worth it. Also, you can just buy them when you get there rather than packing other sneaks. Win-win.
Tisza are the ultimate cool kid sneakers and are a uniquely Hungarian brand (since 1971!) to boot.
27. Lavender
Lavender grows all over the place in Hungary and is an easy-to-find souvenir to bring home. In its dried form, it also lasts a long time, which is a bonus. Pro tip: get a little satchel of dried lavender for your suitcase or your drawers at home to keep things smelling fresh.
28. Books
There are so many amazing bookshops in Budapest (and libraries! Although don’t get a souvenir from there, ha). Whether you want a secondhand book or a Hungarian classic expertly translated, you’ll find a bookshop to peruse (and maybe stop for a cup of coffee).
To get you started, check out the Atlantisz Book Island, the vintage Központi Antikvárium, or Alexandra for more modern titles and editions.
29. Gingerbread
Gingerbread seems like a Christmas-only thing, but you can find it year-round in Hungary! There are a lot of delicious varieties, but a classic Hungarian twist on gingerbread? The mirror in the middle! Traditionally, this was a statement from a man to his love to express his intent: the mirror symbolizes purity and commitment.
Also, mirrors used to be rare and expensive, so this was the ideal fancy token for courting.
Buy one for someone you love, or buy some just to taste, either way, this spicy Hungarian dessert makes a great treat.
30. Pottery
If you’re interested in Hungarian folk art like embroidery, Hungarian pottery is another heirloom-worthy souvenir to bring home with you from Budapest.
There are modern versions that still honor traditional forms, but there are also a lot of vintage ceramics to be found. The hunt is part of the fun!
31. Elderberry
The Hungarian elderberry is renowned for its purported immune-boosting properties, and the demand has skyrocketed since that virus-that-shall-not-be-named swept the world.
In Budapest, you’ll also find it in syrup form, to be used in lemonades and soda, as well as in pálinka (see above) and jam. Bring it home in gummy form, syrup form, soda form, as a supplement, or a jar!
32. Vintage goods
I think Budapest might have some of the best vintage and secondhand shops in the world (although to be fair, I have very little data to back this up).
If you want hip secondhand clothing, or if you want antique jewelry, Hungarian’s vintage goods are an excellent and one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Best gift shops in Budapest
Now you know what to buy from Budapest to bring home with you…but, where do you buy it?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but a good place to start is the Great Market Hall (also called the Central Market). Even if you don’t end up buying any Budapest souvenirs here, it’s still an essential spot to visit, for the atmosphere, architecture, and food samples.
For the best artisan arts, crafts, and design, you must go to PALOMA; for the best prints and textiles, go to Printa.
So, there you have it! The best souvenirs from Budapest, in my humble opinion. These fun, useful, or gorgeous souvenirs will remind you of the Pearl of the Danube, and always inspire you to come back.
Have you been to Budapest? What would you add to this list? If you haven’t, do you want to go?
excellent! thank you