Most shops are open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday until 1pm, with most supermarkets open from 8am up until 6 or 7pm. Some shops in the city centre have started to stay open later on Saturdays.

There are also several convenience shops that are open 24 hours, which will sell alcohol, cigarettes and a limited range of food items. The price of all goods in Hungary includes a VAT of 25% (AFA), with the exception of antiques and works of art. Some of the department stores in the city are housed in spectacular buildings so may be worthwhile seeking out if only for ‘window shopping’.

Despite price rises since the return to the free-market economy, there are still some bargains, in particular actual Hungarian goods.