Hunyadi tér Market, near Oktogon, is one of Budapest's five historic market halls, dating back to the late 1800s. Alongside the Great Market Hall, Rákóczi tér Market, Klauzál tér Market, and Hold utca Market, it's still in use today (though Hold utca no longer serves its original purpose, the others still sell fresh groceries). But what sets Hunyadi tér apart is its charming, less touristy vibe – plus the occasional farmers' market, flea market, or family events that add to its lively atmosphere.
Since it's not far from central Oktogon, it definitely should go on your radar if you're on the hunt for local favourite places and fresh goodies from small-scale producers. But don't be too long! The Market Hall's interior renovation kicks off on 17 February, starting with a temporary market to keep things running smoothly. This will allow the indoor market to operate, alongside farmers' and flea markets popping up without disruption until summer. The full revamp – designed by Archikon Architecture Studio – is set to last two years. As the Mayor of Terézváros, Tamás Soproni, shared on Facebook, the vision is to create a space that’s not just for shopping but also for bringing the community together.
The renovation was long due. Since its opening in 1897, the market has seen a few updates, but it never had a complete overhaul. In 1989, the district council even launched a design competition for a full renovation, but the project never got off the ground. By 2019, the building's entire facade had been renovated, but the interior remained untouched. Now, following a recent public procurement process, the market's interior will undergo a complete renovation between 2025 and 2027, with an investment of HUF 2,92 billion. The project will be fully funded by the local government.
(Cover photo: László Balkányi - We Love Budapest)
