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Second-Hand Paradise in Budapest
The season is about to change, and you don’t have anything to wear? We understand your predicament. What if we told you that you don’t have to spend your entire monthly salary on clothes, you just need to know where to look for new outfits? In today’s blog post, we’ve compiled a list of Budapest’s thrift stores where you can find high-quality, unique, and branded items at wallet-friendly prices. Join us!
The Alpha and Omega of Second-Hand Shops: Háda
Even if you haven’t visited, you’ve likely heard of the giant second-hand chain, Háda. According to an interview with the founder, György Háda, the company initially bought used clothes from the Netherlands and then from the UK, working with the same British partner to this day. The products are categorized into three groups: cream, discount, and “rain price.” The system works so that clothes arriving in Hungary first go into the top category and then move to lower tiers with quick inventory turnover, approximately on a monthly rotation.
In Háda stores, you’ll find sections for women, men, and children, along with separate areas for shoes and accessories. There are two types: one where clothes are sold by weight, and another where each item has a set price. You can buy shirts starting from 500 HUF, knitwear from 1500 HUF, and coats from 2000-3000 HUF. Keep an eye out for sales, as you can often snag amazing outfits at up to 50% off, leaving more of your hard-earned student job money in your pocket.
Super Cheap Thrift Store: Humana Vintage
Although Humana has multiple locations on both the Buda and Pest sides, the store labeled “Vintage” at Astoria is a customer favorite for a reason. In terms of price-value ratio, it’s almost unbeatable: on certain days, everything costs 300 HUF, and you can find unique coats for as little as 2000-3000 HUF. Perhaps more important than the price is the diversity. Humana’s major advantage is that you can find everything here, from ball gowns to ski pants, and there is no shortage of designer pieces alongside nearly brand-new fast fashion items. Be vigilant because it’s truly a treasure hunt, and the store is often crowded with people ready to snatch the coolest items right from under your nose.
Haven for Quirky Finds: LoveBug Vintage
LoveBug Vintage is a true gem located on Margit Boulevard near Mechwart Park. Violetta Kertész’s apartment shop isn’t a traditional thrift store because she wanted to create a space for unique yet affordable vintage pieces. Her company initially started as an online shop, but as demand for in-person pick-ups grew, she moved her business offline.
The ground-floor apartment consists of two large rooms and a mezzanine. Mirrors cover the walls, and shoes line up along the sides. Chains, clothes, swimsuits, bags, socks, wigs, and headpieces hang from the walls. Everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover. Compared to typical second-hand stores, the LoveBug prices are slightly higher: you can buy Levi’s jackets starting from 5000-6000 HUF and genuine Martens boots from 10,000 HUF.
+1. Online Thrift Store: LiveRobe
If you’re hesitant about shopping in person under the current circumstances, we’d like to draw your attention to the LiveRobe clothing swap app. LiveRobe is essentially an online thrift store where you can upload photos of the clothes you want to sell and provide descriptions of the items. The app’s goal is to act as a "clothing Tinder," connecting sellers with buyers and providing daily inspiration. Available on iOS and Android, the app is incredibly easy to use; simply register and start your treasure hunt!
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