Head to the market, head to the Danube Bend!

The Danube Bend offers several great opportunities to meet the producers in person. Many even come from Budapest, if for no other reason then to soak up the atmosphere of traditional markets. Everyone has a favourite place or a favourite seller, but these occasions are also great for discovering new farmers, products, or flavours. Producer markets across Europe are going through a renaissance: many customers are amazed at the experience of directly meeting the person who produces the food on their plate. A bit of walking or idling and enjoying a cup of coffee and some pastries - the atmosphere of the settlements along the Danube allows you to do more than just go shopping, but also go on a trip and have great experiences. We have gathered the best opportunities of the ‘Bend, which are worth exploring for those who would like to get something fresh, tasty and locally produced in Hungary on the table.

Many people’s favourite location and many customers even come from the capital city, which is no wonder: the commuter rail from the Nyugati Railway Terminal stops at the corner of the main square. There is everything you expect and more: smoked goods, dairy produce, honey, vegetables, fruits and even mushrooms in the right season. You can pick up jams, syrups and artisanal products, as well as superb beers of the Rétsági Fűtőház Brewery, the internationally renowned pepper-based goods of Gabko Chil, and the mozzarella made from Sánthá's buffalo milk should also find a place in your basket. Once you’re done shopping, it’s worth going over to the other side of the square, heading down to the riverside and admiring the spectacular scenery of the country. The streets with old Swabian houses are also worth discovering!

Located next to the Bükkös stream, the market has been legendary site for a long time, with a stable crowd and regular, reliable sellers. It's just a short distance from Budapest, so it's worth a trip for those who want to stock up the pantry with fresh, seasonal farmed or produced goods. Meat products, fruits, vegetables: everything you need for a conscious kitchen. The junction of main road 11 and the stream is easy to find even for those who have never been to the market in Szentendre. Although many come by car, it is also easily accessible by suburban train. Anyways, there’s no need to rush through Szentendre - the unique atmosphere of the town attracts visitors, and if you’re not in a hurry, you can discover centuries-old secrets that can easily make you grow fond of Szentendre!

The grassy area in Tahitótfalu where the market is held can be easily reached by car as it is located next to the car park: locals and hikers alike spend Saturday mornings here in good weather. The good news is that it offers the atmosphere of a classic market, which is both a shopping and a social experience. If you just want some fruit, there is plenty on offer, but if you’re looking for some jam, that’s no problem either - the wide range of goods varies seasonally, so if you’d like to have a seasonal diet, you are in the right place in the village on the Danube riverbank!

Homemade bakery products, jams and great Hungarian are available next to the Episcopal Palace, opposite the Cathedral. Parking in Vác is not always easy, but you can definitely park your car in the surrounding streets if you’re traveling by train or bicycle. There are numerous exciting sights waiting to be discovered. One of these is the well-known and beloved National Livestock and Open Fair, which is held on the third Sunday of each month at the fairgrounds. If you are in need of a good laying hen, a slug-hunting duck, or a shapely piglet, you can find them here. There is also a traditional market hall in the town, filled with local stallholders and producers – meat, fish, foodstuffs all in one place, just a few meters from the corner of the main square! There is also a regular flea market in the heart of the town (you can find information on the market dates online). Váci bolhapiac | Facebook

The market is also great fun with the family: while the children search for small treasures, the adults can buy the necessary delicacies. That is why it is worth arriving by a big car so that we can bring the little ones too! According to Ildikó Schreiber, an expert at Euroleasing Zrt., fortunately, most manufacturers now offer models that are satisfactory both in terms of comfort and capacity for a similar tour. It is not by chance that SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and Crossovers have spread in Hungary, because models with this design are excellent for everyday use, larger purchases and trips due to their size. Their structure is higher, which makes them easier to drive, but they are not too long, so parking should not mean a big problem either. In addition, their consumption is also acceptable. According to Euroleasing's expert, we can almost certainly find a car that meets our needs, starting from budget-friendly brands (such as Dacia) through premium brands to luxury categories (Land Rover).