Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is literally three cities in one.
The communities of Buda and Pest sit across the Danube River from each other and started as separate settlements.
However, in 1873, Buda, Pest, and another community, Óbuda, were joined together, and the new city served as Hungary’s capital.
A marvel filled with old European buildings with splendid architecture, Budapest has something for every tourist.
The city has a vibrant nightlife for those who want to party, both in newer clubs and in ruin bars, where a bar opens up in an older, ruined building.
For those who prefer more historical sights, there’s Buda Castle plus churches and synagogues, the opera, parks, and many, many restaurants and cafes with delicious food.
It’s easy to become wrapped up in such wonderful adventures, but all that fun can come to an abrupt halt if you encounter a safety issue, such as theft or harassment.
This is a valid worry for every traveler, no matter their destination.
Luckily, some cities are considered to be much safer than others, and Budapest has a very good reputation for general safety.
Warnings & Dangers in Budapest
OVERALL RISK: LOW
On the higher side of low, or the lower side of medium, depending on your concerns. The city is generally considered safe for tourists, and many online report having a wonderful time in the city. However, Budapest has its share of the usual petty crimes and scams that target tourists, which means tourists need to keep their wits about them. Older buildings are prone to having lead pipes, too.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
The risks really come from pickpockets and scams. Choose yellow taxis that have a company logo on the door, a flat rate posted on the door, and a sign on the roof. Avoid "freelancer" taxis. On public transport, look out for pickpockets and thieves, and guard your phone, people can snatch those out of your hand and run out of the metro.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Budapest has pickpockets, so keep a close eye on your belongings and pockets, don't flash cash or expensive jewelry, stay aware of who's around you, be careful around ATMs, and watch out for distraction efforts and teams of thieves. Tourist areas, crowded areas, and public transportation, including escalators leading to and from the metro, are all popular with pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Flooding from the Danube is a real concern during prolonged rain; during mid-2024, rain from a lingering storm system caused the river to overflow and flood nearby structures. Budapest also has to deal with severe summer storms, heat waves, and droughts. Quake risk is generally low, but quakes over magnitude 5 have hit over the years. Notable quakes include a 5.6 in 1956 and a 4.9 in 1985. Older buildings may not have been seismically retrofitted.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Theft and pickpocketing are the main issues. The risk isn't zero, but Budapest in general isn't known for this type of crime. However, phone snatching can be an issue on public transportation.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
However, while the U.S. Department of State has ranked Hungary as a Level 1 for danger (the lowest risk), the threat of terrorism against U.S. citizens and residents is something that should be on your mind. This is a worldwide caution and not specific to Budapest.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Unfortunately, tourists are prime targets for scams in Budapest, including unofficial "freelancer" taxis, people trying to give you gifts that they then demand money for, women who appear to be in trouble and who then offer you drinks as a thank you or who simply try to get you to go with them to a bar (you'll end up with the bar tab), pickpockets, and menu switcheroos that charge you much more than you thought the meal would cost. Stay aware of your surroundings and your belongings.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
As with any major city in Europe, women travelers will want to exercise general caution, don't get distracted, use common sense, don't accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink due to the risk of it being spiked, watch out for scams, lock your car and hotel room doors and windows, and so on. Reports from travelers tend toward calling Budapest generally safe, even at night. However, always keep in mind that the unexpected can happen anywhere, and some areas of town will be less risky than others.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in newer buildings in Budapest is safe to drink and is considered to be of good quality. However, buildings built before 1945 are likely to have lead pipes, with buildings built between 1945 and 1970 often having these older pipe systems, too.
Safest Places to Visit in Budapest
Most of Budapest is considered generally safe.
The real concerns are avoiding things like theft, which are simply going to be a risk in any tourist spot to visit.
Places to Avoid in Budapest
At night, avoid streets that don’t have adequate lighting.
Areas at the outer edges of the districts east and south of the city center tend to have a less safe reputation.
Districts VII, VIII, and XI tend to have worse reputations.
In VII’s case, this is often due to a large number of tourists attracting thieves.
Note that “good” and “bad” areas change over time.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Budapest
- Use official channels: Exchange money only in official exchange offices or banks, or through ATM withdrawals. Don’t exchange money on the street, which is illegal anyway.
- Carry travel insurance: You’re going to feel so much calmer when you travel if you know you’re covered financially should anything happen.
- Enroll in STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, run by the U.S. Department of State, is an email alert program that sends you country-specific alerts. It also effectively registers you as being in a specific country. That way, if there’s a problem that requires the embassy to find or even evacuate Americans, they’ll know how to contact you.
- No flip-flops or athletic gear: Certain clothing trends mark you as a tourist. Americans, in particular, are known for wearing lots of athletic and workout gear like leggings, cargo shorts, flip-flops, sports-logo hats, and shirts with U.S. teams. Try to wear smart, well-fitting clothes that are still casual.
- Try not to stand out: Go for neutral colors, walk and talk calmly, and don’t wear anything flashy. If you stand out in a crowd, you can guess who you’re going to attract.
- Use a taxi app to arrange for taxis: Hailing a taxi in the street puts you at risk of being swept away by a “freelancer” taxi that isn’t official.
- Copy Budapest body language: Give others personal space, don’t be too smiley (that will mark you as American), and don’t hug people unless they’re your family or traveling companions.
- Check maps before you head out: Pulling out a map marks you as a tourist and also serves to distract you. Check your route before you leave your hotel room, and if you have to check directions when out, quickly check your phone, and keep a good grip on it if you’re on public transportation or in a crowded area.
- Don’t follow strange women into bars: Sometimes a woman invites a male tourist to a bar, and other times the woman acts as if she’s in trouble and needs the man’s help. And then she invites him into a bar. These are scams. While this usually involves a woman asking a male tourist, women travelers should obviously not follow strangers into bars, either.
- Don’t be afraid to be a bit rude if you feel something’s off: If someone’s pestering you about letting them buy you a drink, or trying to put a bracelet on your arm even though you’ve said no, you don’t have to wait for their permission to end the conversation. Go find a police officer immediately.
So... How Safe Is Budapest Really?
Despite the warnings about theft and scams, Budapest is among the safer cities to visit.
You just need to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions like you would in any major city.
There are never any guarantees, and no one can assure 100% safety, no matter what you do.
But all indicators show that for travelers, Budapest is not any worse than other Central European cities.
And given that the common dangers are scams, pickpockets, and thieves, and that many of those crimes are crimes of opportunity, it’s among the better cities in terms of safety.
The crime rate in Hungary has indeed risen by 31% since 2023, and the crime rate in Budapest has risen by 28%.
However, even with those increases, the crime rate in Hungary is still half what it was in 2010, and Budapest’s crime rate increase is due mainly to increases in crimes like petty theft.
The rate for serious crimes like homicide actually dropped.
The increase, even if it’s from minor street crime, can still seem scary because it’s in a foreign country where tourists likely don’t know the language.
However, many Hungarians speak at least some English and other languages, and again, most of what travelers might encounter involves crooks looking for easy marks.
How Does Budapest Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Budapest |
78 |
 Layton | 81 |
| Edmond | 77 |
| Durham | 84 |
| Bolingbrook | 92 |
| Kettle Falls | 78 |
| Fort Madison | 49 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. citizens (and those of several other countries) get 90 days total of visa-free travel in Hungary in a six-month period. Longer stays require advance approval for a Hungarian residence permit. U.S. citizens staying fewer than 90 days and who need to connect through U.K. airports don't pay a fee or require a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization if they're not actually going through the U.K.'s passport/border control. However, in late 2026, Hungary will require U.S. citizens to apply for travel authorization (not a visa!) through the European Travel Information and Authorization system (ETIAS). This application will be online, be valid for three years, and cost about 20 euros for most travelers. Approval should take only a few minutes.
Currency
Hungary uses the forint and not the euro. It's easiest to exchange money in Budapest itself, usually by making an ATM withdrawal in forints. You'll also find exchange offices at the airport and scattered throughout the city. Never exchange money with someone on the street who claims they have better rates. Those rates aren't better, and there's no guarantee you're getting real forints. As of early 2026, the exchange rate was about U.S.$1 to HUF 327.
Weather
Budapest has hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Spring/summer are the wettest, often with thunderstorms. Highs in January hover around 37 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 26F; highs in July hover around 83F (with an average of 66% humidity), with an average low of 62F. When packing, rely on layers adjusted for the season. Bring items like sweaters and gloves in winter and sunhats in summer. A light jacket is good if you plan to be out on summer evenings.
Airports
If you fly into Budapest on an international flight, you'll land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The city has smaller airports, such as Budaörs Airport, but these are for small aircraft and helicopters. Note that in November 2025, Hungary started requiring non-EU passport holders to submit information for the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), regardless of visa status. You'll need to provide your travel documents, personal information, and biometric data at border control to enter the country. Once you've been cleared to enter, you can take the 100E Airport Express bus to the center of the city, or take a yellow taxi (only those that belong to taxi companies; you'll see a company logo and flat rate listed on the car, plus a roof sign), rent a car, or take the miniBUD airport shuttle.
Travel Insurance
Countries in the Schengen zone don't require travelers to have travel insurance if they're staying fewer than 90 days. (Insurance is mandatory if you plan to stay longer than that.) However, it's always a good idea to have it, as you don't know what surprises could happen. You can buy travel insurance policies from specialized insurance companies. You can also try calling your own insurance agent and see if that company has any policies.
Budapest Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
3 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 23 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| Low °C |
-3 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| High °F |
37 | 43 | 52 | 64 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 84 | 73 | 63 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F |
27 | 28 | 37 | 46 | 52 | 61 | 64 | 64 | 55 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
Hungary - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Budapest | 78 |
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.
Women Beware
Same experience October 2025
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.
I wouldn’t walk alone at night anywhere in the USA!!
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.