Buy local: top 5 authentic souvenirs from Budapest

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When you think of souvenirs, odds are magnets, key rings and postcards come swiftly to mind. But for a city such as Budapest, one born out of a strikingly unique history and culture, the average souvenirs simply won’t do. If you’re a true traveler, take the time to look past the tourist traps to find authentic treasures that will always remind you of your time in this incredible city. To help you find the perfect memento, we’ve gathered the top five authentic souvenirs from Budapest and where to find them. 

1. Colorful tins of Paprika 

 Tins of Hungarian paprika, an authentic souvenir from Budapest
 Tins of Hungarian paprika, an authentic souvenir from Budapest

Édes or csípős? Sweet or spicy? If you’ve tried fisherman’s soup, goulash or chicken paprikash during your time in Budapest, you’ve tasted paprika — the spice of Hungary. Deep red, thick and flavorful, this spice is made from dried sweet peppers, and is uniquely Hungarian. Even the tins it comes in are perfect representations of Hungarian culture, adorned in the traditional floral patterns and colors seen throughout Hungarian history. Why buy it? Finding authentic paprika anywhere else is difficult or expensive, so getting it from the source is well worth it! Plus, it’s a valuable spice that you can use in a variety of dishes, including goulash, stews, soup or curries, and the tins look great in any kitchen.


Head over to the Great Market Hall in Budapest at Fővam tér to pick up a few tins of paprika as the locals do. This way, you’ll turn souvenir shopping into an unforgettable cultural experience. Take in the sights and smells of the market while you buy your pair of sweet and spicy paprika tins.

Cost: Pick up a set of tins for 1,500 – 3000 HUF ($5-10).

2. A set of Pálinka bottles

Hungarian Pálinka, an authentic souvenir from Budapest
Hungarian Pálinka, an authentic souvenir from Budapest

It is said that past generations of Hungarians would wake up and take a shot of Pálinka. Just like a slap in the face, it’s a brilliant pick-me-up. Moreover, it’s said to cure illnesses and keep stomach bacteria at bay, with many taking a shot right after a meal to avoid food poisoning. As the traditional fruit brandy spirit of Hungary, Palinka isn’t for the faint of heart. For many, one shot is enough to knock them off their feet, and tourists often return home with stories of wild nights in the town after a shot or two. But don’t be deterred, this cultural hero is for everyone. Whether you typically enjoy the hard stuff or not, you’ll love trying the many different flavors available, from apple (alma) and pear (körte), to apricot (sárgabarack) and plum (szilva) — with the last being a local favorite. And if you want to make sure you do it right, you can also go to a pálinka tasting event.

As stated by the European Commission, you can only buy true Palinka in Hungary and four Austrian provinces.  While you’re in the Great Market, stop by the palinka stalls to pick up a miniature set of a variety of flavors. You can also buy a homemade potion from a local distillery in one of the many seasonal markets throughout the city — that’s right, homemade distilling is encouraged here!


Cost: A bottle typically costs 2 – 3,000 HUF ($7-10), but you can probably find the mini bottle set for 1,500 HUF ($5).

3. A bottle of Hungarian wine

Tokaji Aszú wine, an authentic souvenir from Budapest
Tokaji Aszú wine, an authentic souvenir from Budapest

As you explore Budapest, make sure you try a glass or two of Hungarian wine. With 22 wine regions, Hungary is the true wine capital of Europe. Whether you prefer a rich red or a refreshing white, you have your choice of vineyards to choose from. As a souvenir, you can’t beat a bottle of wine from one of the four historical wine regions of Hungary: 

  • Eger in the north: Try the famous Egri Bikavér or ‘Bull’s blood’, a deep, hearty red 
  • Villány in the south: Enjoy a glass of world-class Cabernet from award-winning wineries
  • Nagy Somló in the west: Sip on the unique white wines in this ancient, volcanic region 
  • Tokaj in the east: Treasure the sweet and fruity aroma of world-renowned Tokaji Aszú

Wine is not only a cultural souvenir, but a historical one. Blessed with fertile, volcanic soil, Hungarians have been making wine, or “bor” since the birth of their nation in 1000 AD and just a century ago, the great kings and queens of Europe favored sweet Tokaji wine over any other – to the point that Peter the Great sent an army to safeguard the Tokaji vineyards. So, it’s safe to say that wine is the ultimate Hungarian souvenir, which you also have the chance to experience at a proper wine-tasting event.

Cost: Hungarian wine is cheap in Budapest — get a bottle for 1,500 – 4,000 HUF ($5-13).

4. Traditional rustic embroidery

Matyó embroidery, an authentic souvenir from Budapest
Matyó embroidery, an authentic souvenir from Budapest

Wherever you go in Budapest, you’re sure to spot the brightly colored floral patterns of traditional Hungarian embroidery. Try on a gorgeous embroidered blouse or grab a striking rug, pillow or tablecloth to spruce up your place back home. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a lovely, handmade souvenir to remind you of Hungary for the days to come. There are a few different styles to the needlework — the famous Matyó red roses and the vibrant Kalocsa flowers and eyelets.

When something isn’t stylish or pretty, Hungarians often say, “nem egy matyóhímzés”, or “it’s not Matyó embroidery”. Legend tells us that when the devil kidnapped a young man in the village of Matyó, he demanded a ransom of roses from his young bride. As roses did not grow in the dead of winter, the clever bride sewed red roses onto her apron. Well, the devil liked it so much, he gave the bride back her beloved groom. Today, Matyó embroidery still holds a special place of honor in Hungarian culture — and that’s precisely why it’s the perfect souvenir!

As always, the Great Market is the perfect place to find embroidered material at a good cost. Head upstairs in the market to choose from one of the many stalls run by locals. 


Cost: With rugs, tablecloths, pillows, and clothing to choose from, the price can range from 2,000 to 20,000 HUF ($7-70).

5. Handmade prints and jewelry

Artisan crafts and jewelry are popular souvenirs from Budapest
Artisan crafts and jewelry are popular souvenirs from Budapest

Looking for something less traditional? Don’t settle for boring old magnets or postcards. Budapest is quickly becoming the center of modern artisan crafts and jewelry. The 7th district in particular is known for its vintage and art shops, as well as for weekend markets packed with handmade treasures. Nestled in the heart of the city, the streets of Wesselényi, Király, Dohány, and Dob are lined with mom-and-pop shops. A few favorites with locals and tourists alike are Rododendron, Printa, and Paloma where you’ll find hand-printed posters, maps, journals, t-shirts and cards, as well as handmade jewelry from Hungarian artists. 

If you’re lucky, you might be in the 7th district during the WAMP design fair, where local craftsmen display their artwork, vintage finds and handmade jewelry in Erzsébet tér.  If not, pop into Gozsdu Udvar on the weekends to see many of the same local artists. 

Cost: Varies depending on the item, but most prints, maps or t-shirt would cost about 5,000 HUF ($17). 

Finding authentic souvenirs in Budapest isn’t difficult — if you know what you’re looking for. If you’re a foodie, seek out paprika, palinka, or wine. If you’re looking for something to brighten up your home, pick up a delicately embroidered tablecloth or runner, or a hand-printed map of the city. Or, if you’re looking for a simple bracelet or necklace to wear as a reminder of your time in Budapest, check out one of the many design shops in the 7th district. No matter what you choose, you’ll have a memory of Budapest that is made right in the city you’ve grown to love, and one shared by the very Hungarians you met during your travels. 

Q & A

What are the best souvenirs from Budapest? 
The best souvenirs from Budapest are made right in Hungary, such as Palinka, paprika, wine, embroidery, and handmade jewelry and prints. 
What are the traditional souvenirs from Budapest?
Traditional souvenirs from Budapest include Hungarian palinka, paprika, wine, and embroidery 
What souvenir can I buy from Budapest that is culturally authentic? 
You can find culturally authentic souvenirs in the Great Market Hall and the 7th district artisan shops, such as palinka, paprika, wine, embroidered materials, as well as handmade jewelry and prints. 
Where can I find souvenirs in Budapest? 
The best place to find authentic souvenirs in Budapest is the Great Market Hall, the seasonal markets (Christmas and Easter), and the artisan shops of the 7th district.
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