Sziasztok, darlings!

Budapest is full of treasures–and that’s especially true when it comes to hidden fashion gems. But where can you find them? Y’all know I love a good bargain, and after almost six years of expat life in Budapest, I’ve found a quality thrift store or two (or three, or four ; ) ). Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just looking to refresh your wardrobe with something unique, let’s dive into the best thrift shops in Budapest!

Classic Thrift Stores

1. Cream and HADA

Let’s start with the most common thrift store chains in Budapest. I put these two together because I haven’t found much of a difference between them. Similar to Value Village or Goodwill, these shops have a sprawling selection, but I’ve found a lot of recycled fast fashion in their stock. So get ready to spend some time treasure-hunting! I’d recommend the large Cream located at Blaha or the large HADA at the Corvin Mall.

2. Cseritipont

Cseritipont is a favorite among thrift shoppers in Budapest. With a diverse selection of clothing, footwear, and home goods, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. What I like about Cseritipont is that it regularly also stocks household items (I’m always on the hunt for crystal dinnerware!). This is the shop that reminds me the most of Goodwill back home. If you’re cleaning out your closet, Cseritipont is also a place where you can make clothes donations in Budapest.

3. Maggie’s

We’re heading over to the Buda side for this second-hand store! Maggie’s is conveniently located right off of the 4/6 tram line, so it’s quite easy to get to. Maggie’s is on the bigger side, which bodes well for treasure hunting, and there’s a small selection of home goods as well as clothes. I think what sets Maggie’s apart is that it has quite a dedicated section of toys and clothes for children.

4. Jajcica

Located behind Nyugati Railway Station, Jajcica isn’t the most visible choice, but it’s well-stocked, nonetheless. This is a great place to go to stock up on leather (vests, boots, you name it!) at a good price. Visit their website to get a better look at their selection!

5. Narancsliget

This store totally took me by surprise as I was running errands in Budapest’s 7th district. The shopfront is small but cheerful, and a peek in the window will show you a bunch of tantalizing vintage bits and bobs. But once you go inside you’ll be surprised to find that the store keeps going…and going! The hallway is lined with clothes, there are multiple rooms bursting with household items and accessories, and if you go down the steep staircase, the basement level is full of vintage shops. There’s a lot of opportunity to find treasures, but there’s also a lot of junkier things to sort through, so bring your patience. This thrift store is cash only.

Vintage Shops

Let’s get into highly-curated vintage clothing! If you’ve lived here awhile, you may notice that I’ve left some of the “big” names off this list. That’s because I feel like many popular shops in the city center lean too heavily on the “vintage” label and are actually just overpriced and geared toward tourists. So here’s my honest selection!

1. Humana Vintage

This is one of the most-beloved vintage stores in Budapest. Humana Vintage is a well-established thrift shop with multiple locations around the city. Here, you’ll find a wide range of vintage clothing and even a few accessories. With a few locations dotted around Budapest, you’re never too far away. A big draw of Humana is its season-end sales, where you can get beautiful items for crazy low prices. The prices get lower and lower each day, until finally, you’re paying basically $1/piece! Follow their socials to find out exactly when they launch their sales! 

2. Ludovika Vintage

Ludovika is a treasure chest off of Rumbach Sebestyén utca in Madach Square. You can tell from the always-classy window display that this is a place where you can find a ton of quality pieces. Explore two floors of vintage items until you find your perfect piece. Personally, with a mid-sized body, I don’t have much luck with the clothing here, but I am a huge fan of their jewelry selection. They always have such quirky and unique pieces! 

3. Antifactory

Antifactory is a cheeky spot close to Budapest’s Opera House. Browse through their collection of vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories from various eras. Maybe you’ll even score some leather must-haves!

4. En Route

En Route offers a curated selection of high quality pre-loved clothing and accessories. This boutique studio is only open on certain weekends for pop-up events The shop’s owner, Stacey, also offers private styling services as well. And after working on multiple commercial sets and photo shoots in the Budapest-Vienna area, you can bet she knows what she’s doing! Follow the shop’s IG and/or FB to stay updated on the next pop-up event!

Full disclosure, I’m a big fan of this shop, as I’m friends with Stacey, and I’ve bought quite a few items from here over the years. Love them all!

Flea Markets

I couldn’t very well leave flea markets off the list, now could I? If you’re willing to take a bit more time and trek to the outskirts of the city, who knows what treasures you might find?

1. Budai Zsibvasar

If you’re on the hunt for unique vintage items, antiques, or just enjoy exploring the eclectic world of flea markets, Budapest has a hidden gem waiting for you – Zsibvasar. Situated on the Buda side, about a 20-minute bus from the hub of Moricz Zsigmond, this bustling market is a haven for collectors and bargain hunters alike. With a history spanning over 20 years, Zsibvasar is a well-established market where you can uncover a wide range of treasures, from retro clothing and vintage accessories to quirky home decor items.

Address: 1112 Budapest, XI., Budaörsi út 172-178 Virágpiac 
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

2. Esceri Flea Market

Perhaps the better-known of the two is the Esceri Flea Market. or those with a penchant for antiques and a love for history, the Esceri Flea Market is an essential stop during your Budapest adventure. About 40-60 minutes on public transport, this market is well worth the trip for its extensive selection of vintage and antique items. Here, you can browse through stalls filled with everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to old books, vinyl records, and unique collectibles. It’s a fun outing for collectors or curious shoppers!

Address: Ecseri Piac, Budapest, Nagykőrösi út 156, 1194
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08.00 – 16.00, Saturday 05.00-15.00, Sunday, 8.00-13.00 

Y’all, I just really love thrifting in Budapest, and I hope you’ll enjoy it too! Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage fashion, retro accessories, or one-of-a-kind decor pieces, these thrift shops have you covered. Plan your thrift shopping/antique flea market adventure in Budapest and discover some hidden gems! 

Happy thrifting!

Xx Denae