The Central Market Hall, or Nagyvasarcsarnok, is Budapests largest and oldest indoor market, opened on February 15, 1897 to a design by architect Samu Pecz. Its steel-framed structure and colorful Zsolnay-tiled roof make it one of the citys most photographed pieces of 19th-century architecture.
The ground floor and basement stock fresh produce, meats, cured sausages, cheeses, and Hungarys famous paprika and other spices, while the upper gallery is lined with souvenir stalls and food counters serving Hungarian street food like langos, a deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese.
The market keeps shopkeeper hours: 6 am to 5 pm on Mondays, 6 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday, 6 am to 3 pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Arriving before midday on a weekday avoids the heaviest tour-group crowds.
