Budapest has become an increasingly popular site for shoppers over the years as popular chains have moved in near the water’s edge in Pest and shopping centers have abounded throughout the city.

Váci utca is a major street where shoppers can find familiar chains that are most likely found in malls back home.

Among the plethora of reknown stores is Swedish company H&M or Spain’s Mango.

This pedestrianized area is a tourist haven where prices are high and styles are glamorous. There are a number of streets that extend from the main street making wondering around a must.

The shops, along with the local artists and street vendors selling goods, make the overly-crowded streets a hot spot for shopping and tourists looking to spend.

WestEnd City Center is a massive shopping mall with over 400 shops. It is located near the Western Railway Station (Nyugati pu) making it easily accessible.

For many years the center held the title of Central and Eastern Europe’s largest mall and today -- although not the largest -- is still argued to be the most impressive.

The futuristic architecture was designed by Canada’s TrizecHahn Corporation -- completed in November 1999.

In the shopping centers Mammut and Mammut II you will find a selection of cafés and fashionable shops -- both large and small.

Another favorite is MOM Park located in Buda. It is a bit smaller and more calm than the other popular malls of the city.

The Flea Markets of Budapest are another popular attraction. Practice your haggling abilities and/or Hungarian while searching for unique souvenirs born of Hungary.

Two major markets in Budapest are: Petofi Csarnok (Saturday and Sunday, 7am - 2pm), Ecseri piac (Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm and Saturday 7am - Noon).

Falk Miksa utca is home to Antiques Row, located on the Pest end of Margit Bridge. Tourists can find a selection of souvenirs ranging from embroidered, traditional dresses to kitchy trinkets for friends back home.