Váci utca is considered one of the most attractive pedestrian shopping streets in the world. I only happened across it by accident having intended to walk in the complete opposite direction but completely losing my bearings from the outset.

Tourists flock to this long, straight street that starts at Vörösmarty Square in the Pest region of Budapest, and continues all the way, traffic free, to Great Market Hall.

Along the way are numerous fashion stores and boutiques as well as souvenir shops together with bars, cafes and restaurants.

For a city where everything is very cheap, Váci utca is considered one of the more expensive parts of Budapest, but if you play your cards right it is still possible to take advantage of the city’s cheap food and drink.

I was well aware of the drinks scam that is apparently rife in Budapest and particularly common in Váci utca, so I happily avoided spending any time with attractive female strangers who just want me to buy them a couple of drinks, only to find out when the bill arrives a total of several hundred dollars.

Because it is a tourist trap, there are many warning on the internet to avoid eating on Váci utca. Prices are considered too high and service to poor. The restaurants have mostly young girls standing out front asking for your patronage, and whilst it is constant it generally isn’t too pushy. It’s best to try and be quietly polite and move on if the place doesn’t jump out at you as somewhere you should be.

There are many opportunities on Váci utca to experience traditional Hungarian food and wine with most Váci utca restaurants offering up such delights.

I ate somewhere highly NOT recommended on one particular website, Monarchia Old, which has plenty of bad reviews on Trip Advisor, but had no issues at all.

It was at a quieter part of Monarchia Old, was probably a little on the expensive side but service was fine and the food and wine perfectly fine.

Whilst in summer it can be busy, the old architecture of the buildings lining the street, the lack of traffic and vibrant feel of the street almost make it feel almost like a village. The place comes alive at night.

Definitely worth your time checking out Váci utca.