Outrageous Prices at Budapest Christmas Fair Shock Even Tourists

Published: December 05 2023

The Budapest Christmas fairs have gained a reputation for their high prices, shocking even tourists. This article explores the outrage caused by the exorbitant prices and the potential impact on future tourism.

An American tourist expressed his outrage on Facebook after paying HUF 14,000 (USD 40) for a traditional Hungarian lángos with various toppings at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas fair. The high prices at the fair, known for attracting thousands of tourists, caught the attention of Hungarian news outlets and sparked a discussion about the affordability of the fairs for both tourists and locals.

According to reports, Hungarian families and pensioners find the prices at the Budapest Christmas fairs unaffordable. Visitors have expressed their disappointment in not seeing many locals at the fairs, unlike in other countries where local residents actively participate. While there are some budget-friendly food options available, they are not widely advertised and are overshadowed by the high-priced offerings.

Some tourists have found certain items to be unexpectedly affordable at the Budapest Christmas fairs compared to prices in their home countries. An English mother and daughter were pleasantly surprised by the low cost of wine, paying only GBP 2 for a dl, whereas it would have cost GBP 7 in Manchester. However, other visitors have pointed out that certain traditional Hungarian dishes, such as goulash soup, can be significantly more expensive at the fairs than elsewhere, even more expensive than popular tourist destinations like Lake Balaton or Greece.

The shocking prices and the perception that the Budapest Christmas fairs are primarily for tourists may have an impact on future tourism. If potential visitors feel that they must pay exorbitantly high prices for food, drinks, and gifts, they may choose to skip the fairs altogether. This could result in a decrease in tourism and the potential loss of revenue for the city.

The outrage over the outrageous prices at the Budapest Christmas fairs has sparked a debate about the affordability of the fairs for both tourists and locals. While some visitors have enjoyed affordable options, others have been shocked by the high prices, leading to concerns about the impact on future tourism.

What is the Budapest Christmas fair? The Budapest Christmas fair is a popular fair held in Vörösmarty Square in Hungary's capital city, Budapest, during the Christmas season.

Who does the Budapest Christmas fair primarily attract? The fair primarily attracts tourists from around the world who visit Budapest during the Christmas season.

Why were the prices at the Budapest Christmas fair considered outrageous? The prices at the Budapest Christmas fair were considered outrageous because they were exorbitantly high, even for tourists. An American tourist, for example, had to pay HUF 14,000 (USD 40) for a traditional Hungarian lángos with toppings.

Are there budget food options available at the Budapest Christmas fair? Yes, there are budget food options available at the Budapest Christmas fair. Some dishes, such as potato with onion and chicken, Hungarian lecsó with sausage, or meat stuffed with spinach, tomato, and a side dish, can be purchased for HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.6).

Are there any affordable drinks at the Budapest Christmas fair? Yes, there are some affordable drinks at the Budapest Christmas fair. An English mother and daughter, for example, paid GBP 2 for a dl of wine, which they found to be quite cheap compared to prices in Manchester.

Do Hungarian families and pensioners visit the Budapest Christmas fair? According to some visitors, Hungarian families and pensioners are not commonly seen at the Budapest Christmas fair. There is a sentiment among locals that the prices are not affordable for Hungarian purses, and they would like to see more local visitors at the fair.

Is the Budapest Christmas fair more expensive than fairs in other countries? There are instances where certain foods or drinks at the Budapest Christmas fair were reported to be more expensive compared to other places. For example, a Hungarian woman was shocked to learn that goulash soup with cola cost HUF 5,500 (EUR 14.5) at the fair. Additionally, a Greek couple noted that chimney cake was more expensive in Budapest than in Greece.

Will the high prices at the Budapest Christmas fair discourage tourists from coming next year? While the high prices at the Budapest Christmas fair may have shocked some tourists, it is unclear whether it will discourage them from coming next year. The article raises the question of whether tourists will continue to be willing to pay enormously high prices for food, gifts, and drinks at the fair.