Vaci Street

Váci Street is recognized as the main street of the historical district in the center of Budapest. There are many restaurants and shops here, catering mainly to the tourist market. Many building facades feature cast iron decorations and mosaics, which immediately attracts the attention of passersby.

History of Vaci Street

The most important pedestrian street of the city began its history in the 16th century, but acquired its modern appearance in the 18th century. Then it was considered the most elite part of the city, stretching parallel to the embankment, and its length coincided with the length of the entire Pest. Throughout its existence, Vaci Street has experienced several periods of prosperity and decline, becoming either a habitat for aristocrats or a cluster of shops.

By the way, the proximity of the embankment also played a role in this. Today, the main tourist artery begins at Vörösmarty Square and ends at the Central Market. The northern part of the street became the first zone of the city intended exclusively for pedestrian traffic. This event occurred in 1964, and more than 20 years later paving stones were laid on this site. The south side received pedestrian status in 1996.

What to see on Vaci Street

Váci Street is intended, as our wise ancestors said, to show yourself and look at others. Here you can walk for days at a time, looking at the facades of ancient buildings, relaxing by small fountains and trying local dishes in a huge number of restaurants and cafes, providing both indoor and outdoor seating. However, European cuisine can also be found here without much difficulty.

For those who begin their acquaintance with a new city with architectural monuments, it is worth paying attention to the New Town Hall, Thonet House, Corvinus University, the Comedy Theater, and the Church of St. Michael. All of them are located in the southern part of the “prospekt”, which is distinguished by its particularly cozy intimacy. Unusual fences, paved sidewalks, authentic trash cans and even sewer manholes add additional charm to all buildings. There are also art galleries and museums here.

The northern part of Vaci Street is brighter and noisier, it is completely aimed at modern travelers who want to buy the latest things at reasonable prices. Here are located both the giants of the global fashion industry (Mango, Zara, Lacoste, Nike, Swarovski) and small local ateliers, ready to sew exclusive outfits strictly according to the customer’s standards.

There are also luxurious antique shops, a store of famous Hungarian porcelain Herend and Zsolnay, and many souvenir shops. As dusk falls on Váci Street, the illumination turns on, transforming the space in the most magical way and transporting pedestrians to an ancient charming fairy tale, albeit with modern cafes.

You can eat here inexpensively if you use chain eateries (McDonald's, Burger King). For gourmets, there are elite restaurants and unusual local pastry shops, where visitors will be offered local ice cream, coffee and marzipan along with melt-in-the-mouth pastries. Small cafes offer mainly national dishes and traditional wines. You can also stroll along the adjacent squares or turn to the embankment.