Váci Street in Budapest

It’s Hungary’s most famous shopping street and one of the most popular promenades in Europe: Váci utca. Stretching for about 1.3 kilometers between Vörösmarty Square in the north and the Great Market Hall at Fővám Square in the south, this pedestrian street is lined with elegant façades, global fashion brands, souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Two Sides, One Experience

Váci utca has two distinct faces – quite literally. The northern section, between Vörösmarty tér and Elisabeth Bridge, is lively, bustling, and especially popular with tourists. Here you’ll find international brands like Zara, Mango, Swarovski, Douglas, and L’Occitane, alongside souvenir shops, cafés, and quick bites. It’s the perfect stretch for a shopping spree and a sweet break at the legendary Gerbeaud Café.

The southern end, between Elisabeth Bridge and the Great Market Hall, is quieter, more authentic, and often less expensive. This part of the street is frequented by locals and features small boutiques, hidden gems, and cozy eateries. For those who enjoy cultural detours, don’t miss Szerb utca, home to Budapest’s most important Serbian Orthodox church.

Tip: Before your shopping tour, enjoy coffee and cake at the historic Gerbeaud House on Vörösmarty Square – a true taste of Budapest tradition.

Váci utca is not only Budapest’s best-known shopping street – it’s also a historic path through the city’s past. In the Middle Ages, it formed part of the city’s fortified boundary. The northern end near today’s Vörösmarty tér was once home to the Váci Gate, one of the main city entrances.

The street took on its present-day form in the 18th century, when it became a center of social life for Hungary’s elite. Most of the grand façades date from the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the splendor of bygone times. A special architectural highlight is house number 13, a neoclassical residence built in 1805 – the oldest surviving building on the street.

Váci utca is located in central Pest (5th district) and is easily reached on foot or by public transport. If you’re already exploring the city – near the Parliament, Chain Bridge, or the Jewish Quarter – it’s just a short walk away. The northern entrance is at Vörösmarty Square, served by metro line M1 (yellow line). The southern end connects to Fővám tér near the Great Market Hall, accessible via metro line M4 and several tram lines (47, 49).

Multiple bus routes stop nearby as well. If you’re driving, keep in mind that Váci utca is a pedestrian zone. However, there are paid parking garages in the vicinity – for example near Deák Ferenc tér or Király utca.