Hungary : Safety by CityBeing the capital city of Hungary, Budapest can boast as a country’s center of culture, art, and architecture, with a unique atmosphere, a classical music scene and a nightlife that delights European youth.
Budapest landmarks, location, and architecture prove its nickname – “Paris of the East”.
Due to their significance, some of its sights are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, like the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.
Historic buildings that also amaze tourists are Parliament, where the Hungarian crown jewels are exhibited, The Fisherman’s Bastion, National Gallery and House of Terror.
Less, but not least, Budapest is a perfect place for travelers who seek a relaxing holiday, since it offers more than 118 Hungarian Spas in the capital itself.
Warnings & Dangers in Budapest
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The location score of 76 makes Budapest a safe city, especially for tourists. Minor crime acts are present, but very little standard precaution can make your stay safe. There are not violent criminal acts against tourists. Travelers just need to avoid areas that are risky for walking alone at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
It can be said that transportation in Budapest is safe. Unlike in other major cities, the risk of being kidnapped by the taxi driver does not exist. The only possibility is to be overcharged, but only by the unlicensed taxis. The best solution is to call them via phone, rather than stopping them on the street. Some taxi drivers may advise you to visit certain restaurants since they receive money for that.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty crimes, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, are the main problem in Budapest. As in any other city, tourist areas and public transport are the main places where the thieves operate. Visitors need to pay special attention and take care of their belongings, as well as avoid carrying their passports with them.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Budapest is not prone to more serious natural disasters due to its location. Only severe flooding or snowstorms can sometimes occur.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Regarding mugging and kidnapping risks, tourists can feel relaxed and safe, since Budapest is not a dangerous city. There are no reports of such violent crimes against tourists.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The recent history of terrorist attacks throughout the capital cities in Europe, make Budapest a possible target. The September 2016 Budapest explosion make the whole city feel fear and anxiety and authorities are in readiness. So, the threat of a terrorist attack exists and tourists need to follow the advice in case it happens.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Drink spiking in the strip clubs and overpricing normal goods are common scams in Budapest. Sex work is legal in Hungary and some sex workers may be involved in scams and theft. It was also reported that taxi drivers tend to give banknotes that are no longer valid to the tourists, so take care not to accept them.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
When solo women travelers are in question, Budapest can be considered a safe city, in comparison to other capitals. The assaults against foreign female tourists almost do not occur.
So... How Safe Is Budapest Really?
Budapest is an ideal place for a city break or weekend holiday.
You can explore the Buda Castle, visit the Opera House or just enjoy delicious Hungarian food in many restaurants.
To make your holiday safe, you need to be aware of all the possible risks in Budapest since numerous visitors attract scammers and pickpockets.
As long as you remain watchful of your possessions, you will eliminate the possibility of being robbed.
The 8th district is the most dangerous area, as well as Váci Street, where bag-snatching and pickpocketing frequently occur.
Budapest is seen as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world’s second-best city, so if you are willing to explore it, do not allow anything to destroy your journey.
How Does Budapest Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Budapest | 76 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
| Hong Kong (China) | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
Your valid passport is the necessary documentation during your stay in Hungary, in case it lasts less than 90 days. If you want to prolong your stay, you must register with the nearest Immigration Office. Nationals who have Schengen can stay in the country as much as they desire.
Currency
The Hungarian Forint is the official currency in Hungary. It is never advisable to exchange money in the street since better exchange rates are in banks and you will not be deceived. The local currency is accepted in most of the services, although there are some places where it is possible to pay in Euros.
Weather
Hungary has a mild climate. Summers are usually very hot, with temperatures up to 34°C, while winters can be very cold with -11°C. In case you decide to visit it during the summer season, prepare in advance your clothing and hydration.
Airports
Most travelers come to Budapest via Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport, which is well known under the nickname Ferihegy, and it is 16 km away from the city center. Other alternative airports are in Debrecen, Sármellék, Győr-Pér, and Pécs-Pogány.
Travel Insurance
As it is advised in any other country in the world, a travel insurance policy is necessary before traveling abroad. In case of emergency, it is important to have it, because those situations cannot be predicted.
Budapest Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 2 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 16 | 8 | 4 |
| Low °C | -4 | -3 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 1 | -2 |
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 50 | 61 | 70 | 75 | 81 | 79 | 73 | 61 | 46 | 39 |
| Low °F | 25 | 27 | 34 | 41 | 50 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 41 | 34 | 28 |
Hungary - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Budapest | 76 |
Molested and robbed in Budapest airport
My experience in the Budapest airport was a horrendous one. I am an American citizen. I have metal in my hips and always have to be patted down. This turned into manhandling and inappropriate touching. While this was going on I caught the eye of another agent going through my backpack/carryon. She had my jewelry pouch in her hand. When I got home and unpacked, my diamond engagement ring was missing. I have reported it to the American Embassy who directed me to Airport security. The airport has asked me to “be patient.”
While I am being patient, I’m using this time to warn travelers about this so they can be prepared.
Thank you for the tip. Very helpful. I will be visiting Budapest in Sept. 2020.
thank you.
Thank you for the heads up at the airport.
Exceptional,Beautiful & Friendly
I adore this city. I have visited the city 3 times this year twice with my husband and at present on my own. I feel safe and the local people are helpful and friendly. They may appear stern but they are direct and to the point, please don’t take that as being rude, it’s just how they are. I’m visiting for dental tourism and that gives me time on my hands to explore a wonderful and cultured city. I would advise anyone to come here before it becomes the stag and hen capital of Europe!!
Very pretty
My brother and I took a trip to Budapest over the summer to see the architecture and loved it. We didn’t interact with many locals outside from at our hotel and going out to eat but those who we did interact with were kind and helpful. We only stayed 5 nights but intend to go back as we were not able to see everything we wanted to.
Not for me
My husband and I took a trip to Budapest last year. He enjoyed it a lot, I did not.
I didn’t care for the dry weather, the food, or the staff at the hotel we stayed at.
I felt the people at the airport were a touch too personal with my luggage and my body.
My husband insisted it was all in my head. I won’t be going back here again.
Ok boomer
Best to go to Vienna airport..drive to Budapest or go by train.
i’d like to know if people now how to speak english there. like in restaurants, touristic places, etc. or should i have a guide? thank you.
Yes, kids and adults all speak English. Older adults may not.
exceptional place, must see!
Never had a single bad experience in Budapest absolutely beautiful place, spotless apartments, very cheap to eat out and lovely clean venues, perfect holiday if you are on a tight budget, even the tours are reasonably priced, great bars and superb scenery everywhere. Local trams and train travel are unbelievably cheap, Not a bad word to say about Budapest!!
Lovely city
Amazing city, always happy to come back. Love their local cuisine though if you’re on a diet or trying to eat healthier you’d have to watch your portion size, they don’t shy from filling your plate up. I don’t find pickpocketing such a threat, it’s similar to what you would experience in big cities.
I lived in Budapest more than 5 years, I think it’s not very safe. There are a lot of crazy people out there in daylight too, mostly on public transport.
hi there
i would say it was really lovely experience i was there for amonth in February i think it is so safe and beautiful country i think it was great from many ways but it closes quite early and people are quite hard to get on with them in discussions may be because the language
there is loads of other nationalities there i meet English Americans Canadian arabic turkish many people
the buildings was wow beautiful and it is clean transport was lovely
the weather was really good even iwas there in february
things i dont like about it is that it closes early shops cafes bars … etc
Nightlife not safe for tourists: bouncers assaulting young women
Nightlife in Budapest is not safe for tourists, who are targets of assault and theft. Shame because that is why most people come to Budapest but it is so apparent we are the targets.
I was assaulted by 3 bouncers – I am a 21 year old, petite female – after I reported to them my phone was stolen at Instant-Fogas nightclub. I then watched the same happen to 3 other girls (all did not know each other) when reporting their phones stolen. One was punched in the stomach and dragged by the neck, she ended up in A&E.
Young female tourists are obviously the targets.
Just look through Instant-Fogas reviews and you will see numerous reports of bouncers assaulting tourists as well as stealing from them and racially abusing them.
Police in Budapest are not interested in helping. They said to me they wouldn’t send anyone to the club.
It honestly feels like everyone here hates tourists.
Beautiful but not safe
In my opinion Budapest is not safe at all! I am a 20 year old girl. I’ve been verbally assaulted lots of times of homeless people, luckily nothing worse, but I don’t want to experience how it would be to walk alone at night. I’ve been walking only on principal streets on weekdays when there was a sunny, good weather in the winter and still got like 3-4 verbal assaults in one single day!! Including the public transport. It was during winter, I had a big jacket on me, so there wasn’t anything “provokative” in my appearance. I had a very short time there and I took all the safety measures as I mentioned, but I think the safety index is much lower that it is shown. That’s why it is stressful for a young girl to live there I guess.
Beautiful city but with an Adolf Hitler problem.
Budapest is so far one of the most beautiful cities I have visited so far. There are lots of places to visit. However when we visited the Buda Tower and Old Town, we stopped at the Baltazar Grill restaurant – by the way, exquisite Goulash and Chicken Paprika- a drunk or perhaps a guy probably high on drugs, came out of the building next to the restaurant, screaming “ADOLF HITLER!, ADOLF HILTLER!!”. Came to my table, and pointed his pistol-gestured fingers to my head. As an African, I was really uncomfortable. I tried to report this to the police officers at the next street but he could not speak English and did not offer to refer me to someone who could. So I and my mate walked till we got to the Buda Castle. On getting there, we saw about 10 police officers and decided to speak to one who could speak English, but he just seemed uninterested and referred me to call their 112, which I presumed was their emergency number. I did call the number and requested for an English-speaking person. They told me to wait out and at the end of it, without hearing my complaint, they hung up. At the end of the day, I just ended the trip for the day and went back to my accomodation speechless and dumbfounded.