Váci utca is the most famous pedestrian street in Budapest lined up with exclusive shops. You will find many world-famous fashion labels here but don't count on snatching any bargains. The prices on Váci utca are generally higher than in Western European cities. Apart from shops selling famous fashion brands there are several souvenir shops at Váci utca, a few notoriously expensive restaurants serving mediocre food and a popular Hotel Mercure Budapest City Center (former Hotel Taverna).
Váci utca is worth a stroll, just to get a feel of upmarket Budapest.
Váci utca scams
In the evenings Váci utca becomes an operating area of rather pushy men inviting single males to night clubs and strip clubs. Don't even think about visiting such establishments on Váci utca. They are all owned by mafia and will drain your wallet, sometimes in a violent way. Reporting to the police doesn't help – the men and women in blue patrolling Váci utca probably get paid better by the mafia than by the government.
Despite numerous warnings on the Internet sites and in tourist brochures surprisingly large number of men still fall victim to so called konzumlanyok. These are pretty young girls walking up and down Váci utca in pairs, trying to establish contact with men by usually asking for directions or for time. Then they suddenly invite them for a drink, usually to a bar accessible by an elevator just off Váci utca. It all seems innocent until the bill of several hundred euros arrives. The catch is that drinks really are so expensive in that bar and guests have no other choice than paying – unless they want to meet the strong guys. Interestingly enough the drink price list is right in front of the elevator but the guests accompanied by ladies they just met on the street don't bother to check it as they probably have other, not so innocent things on their minds.
Oh well it's your own fault if you don't find it suspicious being approached by young ladies on the street and invited for a drink - unless you are a damn good looking chap.
Location: Pest V. Transport: metro M1 (Vörösmarty tér), M3 (Ferenciek tere), M2 (Deák Ferenc ter).