Hungarians like to feel sorry for themselves and they often complain about the prices in grocery stores, restaurants, and most of all, at the Christmas markets in Budapest. But, are the prices at the Christmas markets really that awful, or is the complaining just about being true to your genetics and the culture of the people? We have taken a look at the prices at the biggest Christmas markets in the center of Budapest, and this is what we discovered.
If you want to learn more about the Christmas markets in Budapest, where they are located, what you should buy, and all sorts of other practical information, take a look at our article about the Christmas markets in Budapest.
How much does a glass of hot wine cost at a Budapest Christmas market?
The most important thing you want to drink at the Christmas markets in Budapest is the hot wine. This has a special smell and taste, and on a cold December day, nothing tastes as good as a cup with this special drink. In 2024, you will normally be able to buy 3dl of this special drink at a price of 1450 HUF, which equals €3,5. That isn’t really a bad price, and if you would go to any restaurant elsewhere in the city center, you would for sure have to pay just as much. But, luckily a price cap has been set on this product, meaning that those selling hot wine at the Christmas markets are not allowed to sell it at a higher price than this. Of course, if you ask for things added to the drink, or a bigger amount, then the price will differ. But, the basic price of hot wine should be 1450 HUF in 2024.
Are you really cold? Would you like to buy something with a higher alcohol percentage than the hot wine? You can buy a can of beer at about €3,5, while 4cl of the traditional Hungarian palinka (fruit spirit) will cost you approximately €7. Of course, the prices will vary between the different stands, but these are just examples so you know approximately what to expect.
I feel hungry… what do I have to pay for food at the Christmas markets?
One of the most popular things to eat at festivals and markets in Hungary is the “lángos”. This is a dough fried in oil, and then they add all sorts of ingredients on top afterward. The price for a standard lángos in 2024 is 2300 HUF at the big Christmas market at the Vörösmarty square.. BUT, and yes, there is a big BUT right here. That is the price of the basic version which comes empty or with garlic butter on top (which is my favorite). If you want to buy one that looks more extreme, maybe with cheese and sour cream (the favorite of most people), or one with meat, or with smoked cheese, then the price can easily increase with between 50%-100%. So, you better watch out and be careful to avoid surprises as you pay for the product you are about to order.
Of course, these prices are quite extreme compared to what it would cost to prepare one at home, or maybe the price if you would buy it from a stand during the summer elsewhere. But, if you compare the prices with downtown Budapest, and also take into consideration how expensive it is to actually rent a place where you can sell products at the Christmas markets, it isn’t really that bad.
Would you like something smelling even better? You can buy some BBQ pork ribs for around €13, while you can buy the traditional Hungarian beef stew in bread at around €15. Would you like a full plate with a duck leg, potatoes, and some cabbage in addition? The price for this is around €23 at some of the stands, but that is also a full meal with delicious taste and a magic smell.
Watch out for this!
Would you like to eat out, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money? You should look at the food stands for the daily menus. Many places have daily menus in which you can get a plate with food for approximately €5. You will not always be able to find them, but if you see them, then just check the price and if both the price and the meal sounds good, then that is something you should give a try.
What is the conclusion? Are the Christmas markets in Budapest expensive?
The answer greatly depends on what you compare it with. Most locals never go to a restaurant downtown Budapest, meaning that they don’t know how much a goose leg with cabbage and potatoes would cost at a restaurant downtown Budapest. To such a person, the Christmas market prices will feel like a robbery, but that is because they don’t compare it with the right places.
Another Hungarian might buy a lángos at a shopping mall or at a local market somewhere, and the price will then be less than half of what you pay at the Christmas market. But, then again, those places are around all year around, and they probably pay less in rental fee for an entire year compared to the fees paid by those selling the similar products at the Christmas markets.
All in all, it is a costly adventure to go shopping at the Christmas markets, but if you compare it with dining in restaurants in the vicinity of the Christmas markets downtown Budapest, you will not see a big difference. If you also include the atmosphere and the joy of eating a delightful meal surrounded by lots of people, beautiful Christmas lights, and the smells you experience at the Christmas markets, our conclusion is that the prices aren’t really that bad!
But, if you come to Budapest thinking that it will be extremely cheap to shop at the Christmas markets, then you are wrong. If you compare the prices to the more wealthy city of Vienna, you will quickly realize that the prices at the Christmas markets in Vienna are very similar to those in Budapest.
What is your experience? Have you visited the Christmas markets in Budapest? What did you buy at the Christmas markets? Were you satisfied with the quality and the price? We would love to hear about your experience and thoughts on this interesting topic!
