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Strictly speaking, Budapest is not a shopping town. There are interesting things to buy, of course, but a weekend in Budapest doesn’t promise the same shopping thrill that, say, a weekend in Istanbul or Paris does. Major European and American retailers have outposts here and show the latest fashions, but prices are generally about the same as anywhere else in Europe and the selections can be limited.
Shops are generally open until 5 or 6 on weekdays and until 1 on Saturday. An unpopular Sunday shopping ban was lifted in April 2016 so most stores are, for now, open on Sunday.
The Buda branch of this jolly mini-chain of bookstores was set up by three couples who wanted somewhere that sold both quality children's books and well-made toys in the same place. Bartók Pagony delivers on its promise, and offers comfy armchairs and play areas, too. Kids will love the airships on the ceiling; adults will love the café.
For a look back into the world before video games and action figures, stop in at this tiny store, where fabulous reproductions of antique European toys are sold. From simple paper puzzles to lovely stone building blocks to 1940s wind-up metal monkeys on bicycles, these "nostalgia toys" are beautifully simple and exceptionally clever. Even if you're not a collector, it's worth a stop just to browse.
