We’re just going to cut right to the chase on this one. If vintage fashion makes your heart beat a little faster, if you’re a treasure hunter, if you’re crazy for antiques, Budapest is THE shopping destination for you.
Beautiful embroidery work at Acs Balint
What is a rarity in other parts of Europe, what takes painstaking research and relentless digging, is an overflowing fountain of vintage goodness in Budapest. Clothes, jewelry, housewares, you name it. It’s all in this Hungarian capital, and here are our favorites:
Ács Bálint
Hidden in a courtyard off of one of the busiest streets in Budapest is the holy grail of vintage folk clothes. Ács Bálint stocks racks and racks of hand embroidered peasant blouses, complete folkloric costumes and cross body satchels. Cases are overflowing with headpieces, belts, and jewelry from as far back as the late 17th century. We walked away with silk and handmade lace Victorian style jackets with puckered shoulders and ruffled backs ($60-$90). Truly a must, this store is essentially a treasure chest of vintage clothes.
Váci utca 23
+36 1 3376 301
Colorful blouses at Acs Balint
Tangó Classic
If you’re looking for ruffled blouses and brocade jackets, this is the place. Tangó Classic had the best collection of vintage peasant blouses that look killer with a pair of boots and battered jeans. One of a kind pieces like a turquoise embroidered jacket we snagged ($90) are the kind of bohemian pieces that top even an Isabel Marant look. In addition to clothes, the store has an impressive collection of linens for the home that transformed our table into countryside chic.
Apáczai Csere János utca 3
Folkart Craftsman’s House
Situated off of one of the busier shopping streets in Budapest, this emporium of bohemian crafts is not to be missed. While the inventory is sprinkled with new pieces, the real gems are antique vests and skirts, all handmade. Folkart Craftsman’s House boasts handy crafts from several different regions across Hungary, and while the prices are slightly steeper, the selection is impressive. We even found boho beaded headbands and boots.
Régiposta utca 12
+36 1 3185 143
Romani Design
Racks of boho chic at Romani Design
If handmade, boho, gypsy chic is your look, Romani Design will blow your mind. Housed in the designers own home in an ancient apartment building in the center of the city, this store doubles as a showroom for Erika Varga’s exquisite gypsy fashion line. Using vintage fabrics, Varga turns up the volume on typical Roma fashion. The result is glamorous, sophisticated bohemian pieces that are one-of-a-kind. Our favorite finds were embroidered fringe skirts and floral printed caftans ($65). A hidden gem, and absolute must-stop in Budapest.
Akácfa utsca 20-22
+36 1 788 1034
Written by and photos by Guest Contributors Chloe Popescu & Iris Friedman for EuropeUpClose.com
After having huge success with both a jewelry line and clothing line, mother-daughter writing team Iris Friedman and Chloe Popescu have united their passions for travel and fashion to write about shopping, style and culture across Europe.