Budapest/Hungary Travel Advice: Is it Safe to Visit?
Budapest, the vibrant Hungarian capital, is loved by visitors for its spellbinding river setting, incredible Gothic and Baroque Revival architecture, and mouthwatering food.
Add buzzing nightlife, friendly locals and relatively low prices, and it’s easy to see why 7000,000* Brits visit every year, along with many other nationalities.
Is it safe to travel to Budapest?
Overall, the city is very safe to visit. For example, most parts of the city are safe to walk around at night.
But of course, no city is perfect, and there are a few negatives to be aware of while exploring Budapest.
Which is safer Buda or Pest?
Buda is considered the quieter side of the city, with Pest having many more activities to do, including nightlife.
As a result, Buda tends to have a much more residential atmosphere, making it slightly safer in that sense, but on the whole, Budapest is safe for tourists.
How close is Hungary to Ukraine? Has the war in Ukraine impacted safety?
While Hungary shares a modest 85-mile border with Ukraine (along its northeast corner), the country is a long way from the fighting.
As such, the chance of any ordinance ending in Budapest (itself over 200 km from the border and 1,300 km from the nearest battlefield) is close to zero.
Pickpockets and scams
As with all major cities, pickpockets operate in Budapest - especially on the escalators of the metro system.
If someone approaches you and asks you to take part in any type of game (e.g. involving marbles under cups), or to buy cheap branded clothing or iPhones, walk away.
Never change money in the streets, as you'll very likely get short changed or receive counterfeit money.
Beggars operate in the city, but do not pose any threat.
Tips for avoiding pickpockets and scams in Budapest:
- Watch out for people getting too close to you
- Do not keep your money in the same place
- Leave your passport in your hotel
- Say no to cheap goods or street games
- Avoid girls asking you to take her to a bar (where you may end up paying a large bill)
- Do not exchange money in the street
Taxis
As many locals will tell you, take care when travelling by taxi. Many - but not all - drivers will elevate the price when approached by a tourist.
In some cases drivers will refuse to turn on the meter, instead establishing a higher price than they would otherwise get.
In other scenarios, if a passenger fails to establish the price (or that the meter is running) before the journey begins, the driver may demand an inflated sum at the end of the trip.
The best option is to book through an established taxi app such as Bolt, or ask your hotel/Airbnb for the contact of a trustworthy and established taxi firm.
All Budapest taxis must be licensed and charge a fixed rate - but there are still a few scammer taxi drivers about.
Budapest taxi tips:
- Book a taxi through an app
- Don't hail a taxi in the street
- If you don’t use an app, establish the price before the trip begins
- If a meter is used, insist on an estimate of the final cost
- Few trips around town will cost more than 20 euros
Take care in District 8
Budapest's District 8 suffers from higher poverty and crime. As a result, avoid walking here at night - particularly if you are a woman.
However, the area is considered safer now than in years past.
Public transport fines
You may get fined on public transport if you do not validate your ticket.
Ticket machines will sell you a blank ticket which must be stamped by one of the validation units.
Keep your ticket safe until the journey is complete. Budapest ticket inspectors take their job very seriously, and have no compunction about handing out fines - even for first-time offenders.
There is anecdotal evidence that inspectors specifically target tourists.
Budapest Pride
The city's 10-day gay pride celebration takes place at the end of July and attracts visitors from across Europe and beyond.
How safe is Budapest during Pride?
While this is generally a safe and pleasant event, there can be counter demonstrations.
As Gov.uk states, "You should follow the instructions of local authorities who are policing the event."
If you wish to avoid the crowds, stay away from Andrássy Avenue (boulevard), where most of the events take place.
Note that hotel prices are likely to rise during Budapest Pride.
Demonstrations in Budapest
Political demonstrations take place occasionally, and have been known to end in violence.
According to Gov.uk's Budapest travel advice, demonstrations are more likely around the "15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising)".
Terrorism threat in Budapest
There have been no recent terrorist attacks in Budapest, but as with most major cities, they are a remote possibility.
Overpriced tourist menus
Some restaurants charge two or three times the normal amount for a meal. As you might imagine, these establishments are in touristy areas.
Restaurants whose staff stand outside and beckon inside are likely to have an overpriced menu.
What should I know before going to Budapest?
- Learn a few Hungarian words before arriving
- Think about wearing a swimming cap in swimming pools
- Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in
- Look to book any tickets for popular attractions well in advance
What should I avoid in Budapest?
- Walking in the 8th district at night time
- Hailing a taxi in the street
- Cheap goods and street games
- Overpriced restaurants in the touristic areas, especially Vaci Street
- Not validating your public transport ticket
How much money do I need for 3 days in Budapest?
The spending money required for a 3-day trip to Budapest can be as low as £25 (around 11600 HUF) a day and you will still have a memorable experience of the famous city.
More information on Hungary from gov.uk
*Figures based on pre-Covid 2019 data
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