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If you’re in Budapest, you’ll want to bring home the best souvenirs from Hungary as mementos or gifts to family and friends. The good news is that many of these items fit easily in a carry-on and vary from inexpensive to pricey. Choose your favorite souvenir from this authentic Hungarian souvenir list.
15 Best Souvenirs From Hungary
1. Hand Embroidered Hungarian Shirts
If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, you probably had one of these at some point. They’re charming and are making a comeback. You can also get an embroidered T-shirt instead.
Not a fan of embroidered shirts? Take home a hand-embroidered tablecloth, bag, or other item instead!
2. Handpainted Eggs
These started as Easter eggs and were originally red, the color of renewal and new life. But these days, you’ll find beautifully handpainted eggs year-round and in all colors. These eggs are traditional in all of Eastern Europe. I brought one back from Slovakia, and I couldn’t believe it survived without breaking. If you’re traveling far, I recommend looking for wooden painted eggs so you don’t have to stress!
3. Hungarian Secret Boxes
These little wooden boxes are such a fun souvenir! These cute brain teasers run the gamut from small and easy to large and complex. These boxes are perfect for storing jewelry or all kinds of trinkets. They can only be opened by following a specific series of steps. They’re certainly unique!
4. Tokaji Wine
Hailing from the northeast corner of the country, near Slovakia, is one of the most historically important wines – Tokaji wine. This sweet wine was first mentioned in writings dating back to 1635. Try Tokaji wines at some of the finest establishments around the country and bring back a bottle to celebrate a special event.
5. Pálinka Liqueur
Hungarians drink palinka, a fruit brandy, that dates back from the Middle Ages and originates from the Carpathian Mountains. Palinka is typically made from plums, apricots, and cherries, although some are made from other fruits. Hungarian palinka is best drunk as a shot. Remember that any bottles of palinka will need to go in checked luggage.
6. Unicum
The last alcoholic drink on the list of best Hungarian souvenirs is Unicum. Unicum is generally served either as digestif or aperitif. Made from a mix of herbs, Unicum tastes bitter and reminds me of cough syrup due to its piney eucalyptus flavor. Still, Unicum is a great gift for travelers who enjoy a strong drink to share.
7. Paprika
If Hungary is known for anything, it is perhaps for its use of paprika in its cuisine. While paprika is not native to Hungary, it was introduced during the Turk occupation many centuries ago. The word paprika means “pepper” in Hungarian, and you’ll find various dishes featuring this spice. Luckily, paprika is easy to bring home, as you can find it in baggies or containers everywhere you go. Authentic Hungarian paprika is one of the best Hungarian souvenirs you can give to family and friends. Find it cheaper by buying it at a local grocery store.
8. Paprika Cream
True Hungarians add paprika cream to many of their dishes to give them a punch of flavor. Paprika cream comes in a jar or a tube and can be found in multiple places. Purchasers have options to purchase hot or mild versions – personally, I’m a fan of the hot paprika cream (eros pista). However, the mild paprika cream (piros arany) might be a better option. Find it cheaper at a local supermarket. These creams will either have to go into checked luggage or will need to follow the limitations on liquids in carry-ons.
9. Goulash Cream
Another way Hungarians add flavor to their meals is by adding in Goulash Cream (Gulyáskrém). Just like paprika cream, you’ll generally find these in a squeeze tube. And just like paprika and paprika cream, your best bet is to purchase goulash cream in a supermarket instead of a souvenir shop.
10. Artists works
Walking along the Danube, you’ll find all these artists painting Danube and Budapest landscapes in all sizes. Some of these pieces are large and need to be shipped home (various companies can arrange this). But you’ll also be able to find smaller pieces that can easily be transported in your hand luggage.
11. Fun candy bars
One of my favorite souvenirs to bring back are candy and chocolate bars; most people love them! Hungary is no exception. You’ll find famous marzipan and other sweets in most of the stores. But one of the most fascinating options are the chocolate bars featuring flowers, seeds, and other unusual items! They’re sure to be a talking piece when you share them with family and friends.
13. Porcelain
Hungarians have been making beautiful porcelain for a long time. One of the world’s largest porcelain factories is The Herend Porcelain Manufacture in Budapest. Herend specializes in luxury items and was the purveyor of the Hapsburg Empire. While Herend is beautiful and expensive, you can also find other manufacturers. The good news is that Herend will ship your items, so you don’t have to try to safeguard them in your bags.
14. Leather purses and wallets
You’ll find hardened leather wallets and purses called töki at the Central Market. These are perfect as coin purses, holders of AirPods, or perfect jewelry travel cases. While traditional leather purses and other items are available for purchase, the töki are one of the most unique gifts you can bring back, and they don’t take up a lot of room in your bags.
15. Rubik’s Cube
This may seem like an odd addition to the list, but the Rubik’s Cube was invented by a Hungarian architecture professor, Ernö Rubik. Whether you purchase a full-size version or a small keychain one, you’ll have a Hungarian souvenir and something to occupy your time during your travels!
Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs From Hungary
The Great Market Hall: Visitors to Budapest should not miss the Great Market Hall, where you’ll find all kinds of items from this list and many more, as well as sellers of all kinds of food and all types of vendors. Come shopping and stay for lunch!
Souvenir Stores: Walking along the touristy areas of Hungary’s cities, you’ll find souvenir stores galore. For the best prices, wander a few blocks from the more popular places where you’ll find the same items but cheaper.
Airport Shops: If you’re flying out from Budapest’s International Airport, the gift shops offer a last-minute alternative to buy some of the best Hungarian souvenirs on this list. However, remember that you’ll pay a premium at the airport!
Amazon: Good old Amazon to the rescue! Many of the items listed above can also be purchased on Amazon, so if you live in the US, you may not even need to transport them yourself.
Final Thoughts on Best Souvenirs From Hungary
Of course, there are always the catch-all souvenirs you get from everywhere – the fridge magnet, Christmas ornament, keyring, etc., but the souvenirs listed above are more authentic. No matter which item you bring back from Hungary, you will surely have a fabulous souvenir to add to your collection.
Check out these additional related posts:
- 10 Best Sunset Spots in Budapest
- Best Hungarian Foods (+ Drinks) to Try
- Travel Guide to Bratislava
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.