The Market

Vásárcsarnok first floor

Going to the market is very important in rural Hungary, but Budapest has its markets too. The one you will most likely encounter is the central Vásárcsarnok (literally Market Hall), which is both a beautiful building and a wonderful place to get the experience while not having to speak Hungarian. The first floor (oh, quick remark: we say ground floor instead of first floor, just like the Brits) is fruits, veggies, meats and other things to eat. We are usually very seasonal, which is interesting, but I think people got used to it over the years so we don't yearn for strawberries in the winter. Which also means that most of the produce will taste very good. People are picky about their fruits and veggies too. The basement has an Asian store (which is where we buy our maple syrup :D) and household items, and the second floor has folk items and eateries. I'd go for the first floor only - you don't wanna buy household stuff and the folk items on the second floor are not very authentic. However they are expensive. For folk stuff, see Szentendre post.

Paprika stand

This is not the place where you would want to bargain. Those markets are on the perimeter of the city, and are usually Asian markets.

The easiest way to get here is by tram: there's one connecting Deák tér (where you're staying) with Fővám tér (which is where the Market is).

Immediately across the market is the infamous Váci utca, which is a street where no local goes, but all the tourists do. If you ask me, you lose absolutely nothing by skipping it - it's the typical tourist stuff you get pretty much everywhere. It's tacky, overpriced and not even authentic.