Safety in Budapest at Night
Budapest which serves as the capital of Hungary, is well-known among travelers for its remarkable buildings, lively nightlife and rich background. As with any busy city, being unfamiliar with the area may cause you to worry about safety at night. Our blog entry will cover how to remain safe in Budapest at night and give helpful ideas for a good time.
1. The Safety of Budapest
The general view is that Budapest remains safe, even at night. Both visitors and residents are protected in the city thanks to the many security measures in place. Even so, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and take basic safety steps. Many popular places have a strong law enforcement presence and important districts use monitoring systems. Because violent crimes are low in Budapest, visitors find it safer than most other European capitals. Even though they seem small, pickpocketing crimes do happen, especially when areas are crowded at night, so it’s best to watch your belongings.
2. Places Where Tourists Go at Night
If you want to discover Budapest after dark, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do. Here are the main places and activities people like to take part in:
In District V (Belváros), you’ll find plenty of cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The place is bright, constantly watched by police and is seen as safe. Take a walk down Váci Street, admire the Parliament Building or have a drink by the river. Because the area is lively and secure all the time, it makes for great evenings out. The sparkling landmarks, including the Chain Bridge, make walks at night even more interesting.
The Jewish Quarter (District VII) is celebrated for its ruin bars located inside abandoned buildings. You’ll find these pubs filled with people who like to go out at night. Even though the place is mostly secure, because it is crowded at times, you need to keep an eye on all your things and remain cautious. Because the Quarter’s strong character is on display through street art and lively pubs like Szimpla Kert, many tourists choose it as a must-see. To be safe, though, always pay attention in busy places.
The Buda Castle District is a great place to see the city’s nighttime views. It has great history, as well as picturesque streets, museums and terrific restaurants. The region is safe, but because it is quieter than city center, it’s best to avoid walking alone and take a taxi when needed. You can enjoy beautiful views of Pest from the hill at night, so it’s perfect for a romantic walk or simply a night out. Because it is quiet at night, you need to pay more attention when you walk by yourself.
3. Tips to Keep You Safe While Exploring Budapest When It’s Late
You should always make sure to be safe in Budapest, no matter how safe it usually is.
- Try to remain in areas that are bright and full of people, especially when it’s dark. Stay away from dark alleyways and instead use the main streets, mainly when you’re not familiar with the place.
- Avoid wearing or carrying expensive or noticeable accessories. Try to place your most valuable items in a secure bag or certain pocket so thieves are less likely to notice them.
- Keep your pocket belongings secure, as it is easy for pickpockets to operate in areas packed with people or near stations.
- Ride in a licensed cab or a dependable ride-sharing vehicle when you need transportation at night. Choose taxis that display an official logo or book a ride from Bolt which offers safe transport.
- Arrange a safe way to reach your place of stay if you know you will be out after dark. Taking care of your transportation in advance can stop you from facing any trouble.
- The more people you travel with, the better off you tend to be. When you travel in a group, both your safety and your enjoyment improve.
4. Night Buses
Public transport in Budapest continues to run even after dark. All types of public transportation in the city are safe and won’t cost much. Even so, you should realize that not all stops are busy during the late hours, so stay informed and watch where you go. Night buses, signaled by an “N,” such as the N6, go on the main lines in the evening and Line 3 runs on the metro for most of the night. It is important to validate your ticket so you don’t get fined and being within a group of passengers will help you stay safe at quiet stops.
5. Information on Who to Call in an Emergency
Having the contact information of important people near you is useful in an emergency.
- Emergency Contact Number
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 104
- You can contact the Fire Department at 105.
Keeping the numbers safe in your phone or on a paper list will help you find them quickly should you need to. To reach EU emergency services, you can call 112 and in most cases you will find an operator who speaks English.
Conclusion
People traveling to Budapest are sure to enjoy its lively nightlife, from ruin pubs to walks along the Danube and its safety makes it an appealing place to explore after dark. Making sure you’re in bright places, safe with your things and use dependable ways of getting around can allow you to fully take part in Budapest at night. You can combine a night out with activities like a cruise or a visit to a thermal bath which are both safe and enjoyable.
Set out your itinerary ahead, whether you’re visiting just one district or more and make sure you have emergency information with you. Plan your clothing according to the weather, because it tends to cool down after dark and make sure to have a bit of cash on hand. Following these tips will help you enjoy the city and experience memories you won’t forget.
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