Lately, Budapest, Capital of Hungary, has attracted more tourists. Because of how beautiful and well-habited this city is, people throughout the world are eager to visit it. But there is a common question among travelers: “How safe is Budapest?”. This guide will assist you in finding out how safe Budapest is and let you know the steps to stay safe during your visit.

General Safety Tips

Travelers usually find Budapest to be a safe place to be. Remember that you should be aware when you are in the city, just like you would be in any other big city. The crime rate in Budapest is much lower than that of other major European capitals. The authorities in Hungary and the city have taken major measures to keep Budapest safe for everyone, residents as well as tourists. Most visitors have no problems visiting Budapest, as most places are designed for tourists.

Violent crime is not common in Budapest and guests to the city are even less likely to be affected. Tourists can be more easily targeted by pickpockets and small scams at busy tourist destinations, train and bus stations and places where people go out at night. Common sense should be used in any big city such as traveling in London: cover up your valuables, be careful with your belongings and be aware of your environment.

Some typical traveler scams and how to stay safe

Budapest is usually safe, but it’s wise to watch out for popular tourist scams that take place in any busy tourist area. Using these tactics can shield you from being attacked by hackers. These are some examples of these types of questions:

Scam                                                                         Safety Tip

Fake Taxi Drivers Only use licensed taxis with clearly visible taxi signs and identification.

Distraction Techniques     Be cautious of strangers approaching you in crowded areas, and keep your  belongings secure.       

Spilled Food or Drink If someone spills something on you, be suspicious of their intentions and check your belongings immediately.

Only enter a taxi that has a taxi logo and identification clearly displayed. Pick taxis that have the company logo and use a meter. It is best not to get a taxi from the street in popular tourist areas. You could choose one by using a well-known taxi app or asking the hotel concierge instead.

Distraction Techniques

Be careful if a stranger comes up to you in a busy place and keep your things out of sight. Teamwork is common for pickpockets and they use distractions such as showing you a map, giving you a petition or creating a commotion to take your things.

Food or Drink left behind

If liquid drips on you, be wary about the other person and do a quick check of your belongings. It is usually a way for them to get your wallet or purse without you realizing.

Be aware of getting overpriced drinks or meals, mainly in places close to the city center. Make sure the cost is clear before you decide to buy anything and don’t trust people who invite you into clubs or lounges.

Neighborhood Safety

The city is broken up into different districts and each of them has a unique personality. Although nearly everywhere is secure, it’s good to know the different neighborhoods to choose wisely while in the city:

Pest forms the eastern part of Budapest. This neighborhood is the center for commerce and housing and it tends to be secure. Many of Portland’s attractions, stores and great places to eat are located in Pest. It is lively and the police and security staff are very active, mainly along Andrassy Avenue and at Deák Ferenc Square.

Buda is the area west of the Danube. Many historic buildings and a more moderate pace contrast with the busier downtown. Buda Castle and Gellért Hill are part of the historical district. It is a lovely place to see in the daytime and the relaxed atmosphere holds even in the evening.

City Center (District V): This area is where most tourists go and you’re usually safe here during the day. This district contains the Parliament, the St. Stephen’s Basilica and Váci Street which is a popular shopping area. There is a lot of activity, but be extra careful at night, without pets, on small or empty side streets.

Jewish Quarter (District VII): Tourists flock here for fun at night, but pickpocketing is common, so keep your belongings safe. The neighborhood includes well-known ruin bars, lots of street art and a variety of international eateries. Because the area is crowded at night, you should always stay attentive and watch out for your belongings.

Transportation Safety

It is safe to move around the city on public transportation. Buses, trams and metros in the city are fast, convenient and cost little. Follow these suggestions to guarantee your safety on transportation:

Take licensed taxis or use well-known ride-sharing apps such as Bolt. Since Uber is absent in Budapest, many people use Bolt instead. Licensed taxis have yellow colors and show the company logo and rates on the door. Request a receipt and be sure that the driver is charging your fare based on the meter.

Don’t use public transport in rush hour since there is a greater chance of pickpocketing. Keep your bag near to you and watch your stuff when getting on or off the metro, bus or train.

Scan your ticket each time you are on the metro or bus to prevent paying a fine. A ticket or pass needs to be validated in the machine at the station before boarding any transport in Budapest.

People often travel by foot in Budapest because it is a walker-friendly city. Stay in well-lit locations and always notice what is happening around you during night. Most city squares are both animated and secure, just be careful not to cozy up in a park or off-limits place late at night.

You can also ride a bicycle in Budapest, as more bike lanes and rental places appear all over the city.

Emergency Contacts

Getting help can be as easy as taking out your phone and calling your emergency contacts when traveling. If anything goes wrong, remember these important phone numbers for Budapest.

Emergency Service Contact Number

Police 112

Ambulance 104

Fire Department 105

You can find these numbers on any phone in Hungary and they don’t cost anything to use. Most emergency responders can talk in English, but giving the address of your hotel or accommodation in Hungarian could assist.

Besides, numerous tourist hotels and centers are available to help tourists around the clock with items, any questions or medical concerns.

Conclusion

Budapest is generally a safe city for visitors, but it’s always important to take precautions while traveling. By being aware of your surroundings, avoiding common scams, and following basic safety tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful European capital.

From historic sites and world-renowned spas to buzzing nightlife and delicious cuisine, Budapest has so much to offer. While keeping safety in mind, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the culture, explore the neighborhoods, and enjoy all the unique experiences this vibrant city has to offer.

Remember, safety is paramount, but don’t let it overshadow the wonderful experiences Budapest has to offer. Go ahead and plan your trip with confidence!