Monday: 06.00-17.00, Tuesday-Friday: 06.00-18.00, Saturday: 06.00-15.00, Sunday: closed.
During the 1800’s the city of Budapest began replacing their outdoor markets with covered market halls fashioned after those in Paris. Construction for the Great Market Hall began in 1894, but a fire delayed the opening until 1897. Four similar markets opened in Budapest on the same day. The lighting, refrigeration and design of the Central Market was "cutting edge" for the time period.
After Communist neglect, the Central Market was restored and improved between 1991-1994.
Ground Floor:
The busiest level is the ground floor where produce, meats, paprika, and other food items are sold by hundreds of indpenent vendors. The ventdors on the far left of the building are said to be the most economical, but they may not have the nicest products. If you are looking for paprika to take home, you will find less expensive options in the Match market in the basement, or you can buy paprika in more expensive packages on the right side of the market ground floor.
Basement:
In the basement, you’ll find supermarkets, specialty food and beverage shops, and cart vendors selling everything from shoelaces to wooden ladels. The Asian Market on this level is popular for hard to find spices and foreign foods.
Upper Level:
The upper level is for tourists or eaters. Most of it is filled with vendors featuring Hungarian handicrafts: vases, dishware, embroidery, leather, painted eggs, wooden items. There are also a few Russian vendors with stacking dolls. Suprisingly, these shops are moderately priced, not the cheapest in town, but less expensive that the shops along the Vaci.
This level also features eateries, mostly fast food counter service with lots of drinking and smoking going on. You can try the famous Langos here--a large, flat fried bread. If you don't want it splashed with garlic sauce, let them know. I like it best with sour cream and cheese.
See also Central Market 2010
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