Váci utca (utca simply means 'street') is Budapest's most upmarket shopping precinct. Once upon a time it was all about the antique shops and was famous for its bookstores; nowadays it's more about high-end designer fashion and European chain stores, and you'll struggle to find a bargain here.
For the traveler - at least those that don't want to join their fellow visitors in the hunt for just one more Zara dress or an overpriced meal in one of the many tourist-trap restaurants - the main pleasure of strolling Váci utca is the street's polished good looks and architecture. Window-shop and people-watch your way down the (pedestrian) street, which opens into squares, and take in ceramic reliefs, stained glass and Art Nouveau interiors.
Váci utca is in central Pest; it starts at Vörösmarty Square.
