Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
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Budapest, Hungary
4.95(922)
20 Guests Max
2.5 hrs
Flexible TravelOne of the most frequently asked questions from travellers planning a trip to the Hungarian capital is whether Budapest is safe. The answer, in short, is yes. Or, at least as safe as you might expect from a major European city of over 1.8 million residents.
Let's examine what the statistics reveal about Budapest's safety profile for visitors.
According to the 2025 Numbeo Crime Index, Budapest scores a 33.9 crime index rating, placing it among the safer major European cities. This low rating means that Budapest experiences relatively minimal crime compared to many other global destinations.
The city consistently ranks in Europe's top ten safest cities, with a total safety score of 76.94. To put this in perspective, the U.S. State Department classifies Hungary at Level 1. This is the lowest US travel advisory level, meaning tourists should "exercise normal precautions".
Recent data from Hungary's Central Statistical Office reveals trends in Budapest's crime figures. While there was an uptick in registered crimes from 2022 to 2024, it's important to understand this data in context.
Registered Crimes in Budapest (2022-2024)
Budapest experiences significantly lower violent crime rates than many comparable European capitals. The majority of incidents involve petty crimes rather than serious offences, with mugging and kidnapping risks rated as low.
The most prevalent concern for visitors is pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. These incidents typically occur in:
Common scams include:
Budapest's public transport system is generally safe and reliable. The main risk involves unlicensed taxis overcharging tourists. Using official taxi companies, Uber, or Bolt eliminates most transport-related issues.
While Budapest's centre is very safe, certain districts require additional awareness:
However, these areas are largely residential and off the typical tourist path. The main tourist districts (I, III, V, VII, and XIV) are well-patrolled and safe.
Check out our guide to where to stay in Budapest!
Budapest boasts one of Europe's most vibrant nightlife scenes, and it's generally safe to explore after dark. The city's ruin bars and thermal baths attract visitors from around the world, creating a lively but secure environment.
For the safest nightlife experience, consider joining organised tours like the Budapest Tipsy Tour, which provides expert local guides who know the city's best spots while ensuring you stay safe and avoid tourist traps.
Women travelling solo can feel particularly secure in Budapest, as assaults against female tourists are extremely rare. The city maintains well-lit streets and active nightlife areas that remain busy until late hours.
Budapest's culinary landscape is both delicious and safe for tourists. The city maintains high food safety standards, and incidents of food poisoning from reputable establishments are uncommon.
To experience the best of Budapest's food culture safely, consider joining a Food Tour that takes you to vetted local restaurants and markets. These guided experiences not only ensure food safety but also help you discover authentic Hungarian cuisine while avoiding tourist trap restaurants that may overcharge.
Enjoying authentic lángos on a Budapest Food Tour
Budapest faces minimal risk from natural disasters. The most significant environmental concerns are occasional:
In case of emergency:
For insurance claims, you'll need to file a police report (bejelentés) at the nearest police station.
Budapest consistently ranks as one of Europe's safest capital cities. While petty crime exists, as it does in any major urban centre, violent crime against tourists is rare, and basic precautions will ensure a safe and memorable visit.
The city's low crime index rating of 33.9 reflects a destination where visitors can focus on enjoying the stunning architecture, rich history, incredible food scene, and legendary nightlife without significant safety concerns.
In case of emergency, contact the police on 112. To file an insurance claim, visit the nearest police station (rendőrség) for an official report.
With proper awareness and basic precautions, Budapest offers one of the safest and most rewarding travel experiences in Central Europe. The combination of low violent crime rates, excellent emergency services, and tourist-friendly infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for travellers of all experience levels.
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Budapest, HungaryReady to meet other travellers looking for a vibe? Our Budapest Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to meet like-minded travellers, sip tasty local drinks, and explore Budapest’s wild nightlife. Forget the bog-standard bar crawls in Budapest and live your best life on a drinking tour like no other.
We kick off with a tipsy toast of traditional fröccs before breaking the ice over Budapest’s most twisted but fascinating tales. Discover the scandalous lives of Hungary’s most famous names, and enjoy some naughty stories that you’ll never forget.
The adventure continues as we discover some of Budapest’s most vibrant bars and neighborhoods and try traditional shots including unicom, loved by Hungarians far and wide. Enjoy two long drinks (local Hungarian beer/fröccs) and four shots and discover the stories behind them and how they came to be. Throughout this Budapest Bar Crawl, your guide will show you the hidden gems of Budapest and reveal its secrets.
Your tour might be over, but the night is still young. Together we’ll laugh, drink and dance our way through the night at Budapest’s biggest hotspots.
Book your spot now on this unique Budapest Bar Crawl and ready your liver for your next adventure full of fun, memories, and new friends.
4.97(290)Budapest, HungaryBudapest? More like Foodapest Hungary’s capital is a haven of seductively succulent street food. But with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start. On our Budapest Food Tour you’ll join a local guide and a group of fellow food-lovers to eat your way through the city and try authentic Hungarian street food and traditional dishes.
Since much of Hungarian cuisine is influenced by Jewish culture, we’ll meet at an old synagogue. Here you’ll learn a bit about the history of the food you’re going to try before heading into District 7, a former Jewish neighbourhood turned nightlife hub. Our route will show you two sides of Budapest: gritty and glamorous.
Eat like a local by sampling street food such as traditional soup and Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread. After soaking up the bohemian ambience we’ll get fancy at atmospheric eateries for a sit-down meal. Here you’ll try classics like nokedli dumplings and Flódni, a Jewish-Hungarian pastry.
Of course, food is always better when you’re a bit tipsy, so you’ll indulge in local drinks that have been perfectly paired with our dishes. Savour the fruity flavours of Pálinka and sweet wine from Tokaji, Hungary’s famed wine region.
Hung[a]ry for adventure? Our Budapest Food Tour has all of the necessary ingredients for a good time: food, culture, company, and a few drinks. What more could you ask for? Experience Budapest’s history and culture through its cuisine and make new friends along the way. Book now!
4.95(922)