What to Buy in Budapest: 23 Souvenirs You Can Only Find in Budapest!

Have you planned your trip to the Hungarian capital and are wondering what souvenir to get for your home or what Budapest-themed gifts to bring for your loved ones?

Budapest encapsulates everything that stands out in Hungarian culture, from its heritage to its cuisine. This makes the city's souvenirs unique and valuable.

Choosing souvenirs in Budapest can be a challenge, as you will be faced with countless options and it will be difficult to pick. In this article, we suggest the best souvenirs from Budapest, so you know in advance what choices you have and can decide what to bring back for yourself and your loved ones!

If you are planning your trip to Budapest now, don't forget to book your flights through Travelo.gr at the best market price and check out information such as transfers from Budapest airport to the city centre and anything else that will be useful for your trip to this beautiful city!

 

The best souvenirs you can find in Budapest!

 

# Palinka

Palinka, one of Hungary's most distinctive gifts, is a strong fruit brandy, primarily made from plums, with varieties including apricots, apples, pears, and cherries. With an alcohol content ranging from 40% to 70%, it is an exquisite choice for spirits enthusiasts.

In Budapest's bars, Palinka is always on the menu. If you've tried it, a bottle will forever remind you of your trip. You can find it in many liquor stores and grocery shops at affordable prices.

# Rubik's Cube

Did you know that the famous Rubik's Cube was created in Hungary in 1974 by Erno Rubik? It is considered a national treasure and a symbol of Hungarian creativity.

Although it seems like an ordinary souvenir, the Rubik's Cube holds special significance. It is a wonderful way to acquire a piece of Hungarian history.

# Paprika

Hungary, a major producer of paprika, offers this fruity and slightly sweet spice with a rich flavour and vibrant red colour. It is used in many traditional Hungarian dishes, such as goulash, Paprikash, and Halászlé (fisherman's soup).

It is an ideal choice for those who want to remember the culinary experiences of Budapest or for gifts to cooking enthusiasts. You can find paprika at the Central Market Hall in sweeter or spicier versions.

 

# Kurtoskalacs

Kurtoskalacs, or more commonly known as chimney cake, is a delicious Hungarian sweet distinguished by its conical shape, which is then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Sold in bakeries and markets throughout the country, they are served warm and sometimes filled with ice cream.

While they are certainly tastier when enjoyed fresh and warm there, Kurtoskalacs make wonderful souvenirs for someone you want to give a taste of Budapest to after you arrive home.

# Tokaji Wine

Sweet Tokaji wine has a reputation for being the oldest wine in the world. It takes its name from the Tokaj region in northeastern Hungary, where the grapes are typically grown. It is also known to be one of the sweetest wines in the world, thanks to its production method.

There are six different varieties of white wine grown in the Tokaj region: Furmint and Hárslevelű (the most popular), Sárga Muskotály, Kövérszölö, Zéta, and Kabar.

The grapes acquire their sweetness from a mould called botrytis, which shrinks and dries the fruit, creating a unique sweet flavour.

This Hungarian wine varies greatly in price and quality, so be sure to do some research before buying or, better yet, book a tour of the Tokaj region and taste the different varieties for yourself!

# Hungarian Puzzle Boxes

Beloved souvenirs from Budapest feature on all lists of what to buy in Budapest. These elaborately carved wooden boxes with handmade figures and patterns are more than they appear.

Also known as the Hungarian Secret Box, it features an internal compartment where you can store your jewellery or other small valuables, which can only be opened with 'locks' that are difficult to find – hence the name 'puzzle box'!

They make an ideal souvenir or gift for children or puzzle enthusiasts, and you can find them in Budapest's souvenir shops and market stalls.

 

# Hand-Painted Eggs

An ideal and unique souvenir from Budapest is the hand-painted eggs. These colourful works of art are not only amazing home decorations but also carry deep historical significance.

In Hungary, these handmade eggs are typically gifts during the Easter season, symbolising rebirth and purity. They are also given outside of the Easter season, as a sign of love and care.

 

# Ajka Crystal

Ajka Crystal, recognised in Central Europe for its superior quality, is supplied to famous companies such as Waterford Crystal, Dior, Tiffany's, Wedgwood, and others. 90% of its production is exported internationally.

A piece of Ajka crystal in your home will attract attention, given its refined aesthetic. Ajka products include glasses, decanters, vases, and bowls, and while they are an expensive option, they are also stunningly beautiful.

# Hungarian Porcelain

In Hungary, the two leading porcelain producers are Herend and Zsolnay. Herend porcelain, known locally as Herendi, is world-famous and produced near Lake Balaton.

One of Herend's most popular designs is the Chinese butterfly, a favourite of Queen Victoria. You can purchase this luxurious porcelain from Herendi Chinaware Manufacturer Co. in Budapest and from specialist retail stores.

Zsolnay, though less known, is equally luxurious porcelain, with its Eozin technique lending a unique lustre to its products.

 

# Hungarian Dolls

Traditional Hungarian dolls, known as matyó dolls, make wonderful souvenirs from Hungary. They are famous for their impressive embroidery and colourful dresses, reflecting their rich cultural heritage. Each doll wears the traditional attire of its region of origin, making them unique.

# Unicum

Unicum is a special Hungarian herbal liqueur and makes the perfect choice for a unique gift from Hungary. It is made from more than 40 different herbs and aged in oak barrels. Usually enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, it is considered Hungary's national drink.

The taste of Unicum can be intense and may not appeal to everyone, but Hungarians always have it in their homes. It is easy to find in liquor stores, supermarkets, and gift shops throughout the city.

 

# Shot Glasses

If you plan to enjoy Unicum or Palinka at home, why not enrich your collection with a classic souvenir: a shot glass? This affordable and pleasant keepsake is available almost everywhere, from souvenir shops to supermarkets and market stalls.

 

# Hungarian Textiles with Traditional Embroidery

One of the most unique souvenirs you can get from Hungary is Matyó embroidered home textiles, such as tablecloths, cushion covers, and towels. For an even more special souvenir, you can choose an embroidered garment.

This impressive embroidery often includes floral patterns, especially roses, and is created by the Matyó community in Mezőkövesd, in northeastern Hungary.

If you are always looking for authentic pieces, know that their price will be high – a large rose can require up to 6 hours of embroidery!

To ensure you are buying a genuine embroidered product, look for a photo of the seamstress on the label and check for imperfections on the inside, as handmade items are not perfect.

 

# Hungarian Sausages

Meat lovers will be thrilled with sausages as a souvenir from Hungary. These sausages, often made from pork, paprika, and garlic, may also contain other seasonings such as marjoram, caraway, or even brandy or white wine.

The ideal place for shopping is the Central Market Hall, where you will find many varieties. However, be sure to choose pre-packaged sausages that you can carry in your luggage.

# Marzipan

Marzipan, a sweet treat made from almond paste and sugar, is an ideal souvenir from Budapest, especially for children. Throughout the city, there are confectioneries selling marzipan figures in various shapes and sizes.

In Hungary, there is even a museum dedicated to marzipan in Szentendre, near Budapest. If you visit Szamos Marzipan Confectioner's, be prepared for queues, as it is one of the most popular marzipan shops in the city.

 

# Hungarian Beigli

If you are looking for a gastronomic souvenir from Budapest, Hungarian Beigli is an excellent choice. It is a sweet roll filled with walnuts or poppy seeds, which usually accompanies the Christmas table in Hungary, but you can easily find it all year round.

Many bakeries offer Beigli with various fillings, such as chocolate, cherries, or plums.

 

# Hungarian Artwork

One of our favourite souvenirs is a unique piece of art from each new destination we visit. Seeing a painting on your wall at home and remembering the beautiful moments of your trip is an invaluable experience. In Budapest, you will find many shops and stalls with impressive artwork by local artists.

We particularly recommend paintings featuring the Danube or the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, as well as works depicting St. Stephen's Basilica, the Chain Bridge, and other famous city landmarks.

Budapest is full of beauty, and you are sure to find a piece of art that will charm you!

# Towel from Budapest's Thermal Baths

For those who love baths, we have the ideal souvenir from Budapest, the thermal bath capital of the world. What could be better than a towel from the city's famous thermal baths, such as Szechenyi, to remember your beautiful moments there? You can find it in the baths' gift shop.

 

# Refrigerator Magnets

A refrigerator magnet depicting one of Budapest's popular attractions, such as Buda Castle, will be a wonderful reminder of your visit and you will see it every time you open your fridge!

 

# Coffee Mug

Just like refrigerator magnets, coffee mugs with images of Budapest's most important buildings are popular souvenirs from the city. Mugs with inscriptions like "I love Budapest" and other original phrases are very popular.

# Stuhmer Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, the famous Stühmer chocolate is a must for your Budapest souvenir list. These are handmade chocolates, with a tradition dating back to the early 20th century, produced by the Stühmer family in Hungary.

Stühmer chocolate is renowned for its high quality and rich flavours.

In Stühmer's seven stores in Budapest, you will find many options, from luxurious pralines to simple chocolate bears. These chocolates make an amazing gift to bring home from Budapest.

 

# Traditional Dolls

Traditional Hungarian dolls, with their impressive costumes and intricately decorated hats, are recognisable in museums worldwide. These beautiful handmade items are ideal either as gifts or collectibles, with their porcelain faces hand-painted and their delicate stitching and embroidery of their dresses being impressive.

They are available in various sizes, from small dolls perfect for a bedside table, to full-sized dolls.

Tips for buying souvenirs from Budapest

There are so many options when it comes to shopping in Budapest, and with so many cheap souvenirs for sale like fridge magnets and marzipan, you can very easily fill your suitcase.

To help you have a better experience, below you will find some key shopping tips for Budapest that you should follow:

• Carry cash with you: Although most shops in Budapest accept credit and debit cards, smaller market stalls and gift shops may not.
• Do your research and don't buy immediately: Many shops sell the same souvenirs, so be patient, and you are sure to find a lower price and better quality.
• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is: For example, authentic Matyo embroidery products are expensive, and if you see them sold at an affordable price, they are likely lower-quality imitations.
• Haggle in Budapest's markets: If the item you want doesn't have a price tag, chances are you can haggle. The Central Market Hall is one of the places where you will definitely want to try haggling.

In general, you can't go wrong choosing souvenirs with cultural significance, such as Hungarian textiles with traditional embroidery, Hungarian porcelain, and Hungarian dolls. However, if you just want something lighter and more classic, choose a shot glass or a bottle of Hungary's national drink, Unicum. Don't forget the classic Hungarian puzzle box which will be a unique keepsake for a lifetime!

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