Budapest is generally a safe city during day and night compared to other big cities. The crime rate in Budapest is 33.99 out of 100, according to Numbeo. This is considered a low crime level, however, petty crimes like pickpocketing, theft, and scams may occur.
The safest parts of Budapest include district I., II., III., XIII., and all suburbs of Budapest. The most dangerous parts of Budapest include district V. (due to the high-value thefts, but in reality it’s peaceful), VI., VII., some parts of the 8th district, and the 10th district.
The younger residents of Budapest are more tolerant, but the older ones may be offensive or rarely hostile towards people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community. But these are rare instances.
Travelling is also safe in Hungary. Students studying in Budapest can travel without stress on public transport, taxis, rented cars, bikes, and even on foot.
Nightlife in Budapest is also safe, but as most of the criminals target the party district (Jewish Quarter, VII. district) it’s wise to be more cautious than usual.
Is Budapest safe?
Yes, Budapest is generally safe for students, residents, and visitors alike. The crime rate in Budapest is 33.99 out of 100, which is considered a low crime level, according to Numbeo. Budapest typically ranks well in global safety indexes, often performing better than many other European cities. Violent crimes are rare, and most visitors experience a trouble-free stay.
But like many big cities, Budapest has its crime side, too. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and scams may occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
The safest neighbourhoods in Budapest are the following.
- District I. (Buda Castle)
- District II. (Krisztinaváros, Hűvösvölgy etc.)
- District III.
- District XII. (Németvölgy, Svábhegy, etc.)
- District XIII. (Újlipótváros, Angyalföld etc..)
- District XV.
- District XVI.
- District XVIII.
- District XXII.
The Buda side is a very safe part of Budapest, as the upper-class residents of Budapest live there. The Pest side is a bit more risky. Some districts, like the 13th district, are completely safe, and neighbourhoods like the 10th district are best to avoid.
The Jewish Quarter, also known as the party district is unfortunately the less safe part of Budapest. The reason is simple: this neighbourhood is filled with tourists (with money), who are the main targets for petty thieves.
Suburbs of Budapest belong to the top safest neighbourhoods of Budapest.
The most dangerous neighbourhoods in Budapest are the following.
- District V.
- District VI.
- District VII.
- Hős utca (in the 8th District)
- Magdolna-Negyed (in the 8th District)
- District X.
District V has the highest value thefts because many tourists and rich residents live here. But it’s overall a very safe part of Budapest.
District VIII. is also considered a dangerous part of Budapest and one should not enter it at all. But it’s not entirely true. There are still problems here, however, due to the extensive gentrification this district is getting safer and safer.
Budapest is generally safe for people of different cultural and racial backgrounds, like black people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Younger generations are usually more open and tolerant. However, older residents of Budapest are often more racist and less tolerant of public displays of affection between the members of LGBTQ+. Discretion is advised in less cosmopolitan areas.
Budapest retains its charm after dark and is generally safe also at night. However, like in any major city, we recommend you stick to well-lighted, busier streets and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s wise to keep an eye on strangers who seemingly follow you. In these cases, you should either try to find the police or outpace the stranger by taking corners regularly and then walking faster.
Why is Budapest safe?
There is no definitive reason why Budapest is safe. However, there are some possible reasons why Budapest is considered a safe city. These are the following.
- Police are usually on patrol at the most popular places in Budapest on the most crowded party nights.
- Many surveillance cameras in the city deter people from committing crimes.
- Melee and fire weapon laws are very strict in Hungary.
- Drug laws are also very strict in Hungary.
- Loitering is practically nonexistent in Hungary.
- People are not poor enough to rob others and they are not rich enough to be robbed by poor people.
How common is crime in Budapest?
Crime in Budapest is not a common thing, the crime rate is lower compared to many other European cities. Violent crimes, like mugging, aggravated assault, or even murder are extremely rare in Budapest. The most serious crime that occurs in Budapest in rare instances is stabbing.
Brawls can occur in bars and clubs, obviously due to alcohol or drug consumption.
Verbal abuse, petty thefts, and scams targeting tourists and foreigners can occur, especially in the vicinity of popular parts of Budapest. The other common petty crime is scams.
What are the typical scams in Budapest?
The typical scams in Budapest are the following.
- Bars, especially low-rated bars, tend to overcharge guests.
- Restaurants in the centre tend to overcharge guests.
- Freelance taxi drivers (who are not members of established taxi companies) often try to rip off tourists and foreigners by overcharging them or taking unreasonably longer routes to the passenger’s destination.
- Criminals tend to sell sham drugs like parsley or sugar in the proximity of clubs.
- It’s quite rare, but in some places, drinks might get spiked.
- Other common scams include “friendship bracelets”, where someone ties a bracelet on your wrist and then demands payment.
How safe is public transport in Budapest?
Public transportation in Budapest is safe, efficient, and widely used by locals and tourists. However, it’s advisable to keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rush hours and on crowded public transport vehicles.
Thieves usually look for passengers who are unaware, or even sleep. A common robbing tactic is standing close to a passenger, who is using his/her smartphone, and before the door is closed, the thieves grab the phone, get off, and run away.
Always try to keep your valuables (especially your smartphone) close! If a suspicious figure stands unreasonably close to you – especially if the public transport vehicle is not crowded -, it’s a red flag. In these situations, try to get further from the guy. If the thief sees that you are aware, then he/she won’t even try.
Night buses and trams in Budapest are also very safe to travel with. There are often ticket controllers on these lines who also act like semi-security guys. However, keep up your guard on Friday and Saturday nights on the most popular lines as minor brawls between guys often emerge. Also, these lines tend to be quite crowded even at night, so watch out for pickpockets.
Keep an eye on your belongings, and try not to fall asleep on a night bus or tram. Because if you do, you’ll likely be robbed.
Are taxis safe in Budapest?
Taxis in Budapest are generally safe, but it’s best to use reputable companies or apps to book rides. The most reputable taxi companies are the following.
- Bolt
- Főtaxi
- 6×6 Taxi
- Taxi4
- City Taxi
- Uber
Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare in advance to avoid being overcharged. A taxi service that has an app and thus transparent pricing is your safest option.
Is it safe to drive in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drive in Budapest. However, it’s not recommended. Driving in Budapest can be challenging due to heavy traffic and the complex layout of the city. If you’re not familiar with the area, consider using public transportation, taxis, or bikes instead.
Is it safe to bike in Budapest?
Yes, it’s safe to bike in Budapest. Budapest is becoming more bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing schemes. But be aware when the traffic is heavy, especially along the line of Tram Line 4 and Tram Line 6. In addition, car drivers tend not to be tolerant towards people who bike on the road.
Is it safe to party in Budapest?
The nightlife in Budapest is vibrant and generally safe. But as drunken tourists or foreigners with money are easy targets, the vicinity of popular nightlife spots attracts thieves, criminals, and troublemakers.
Always try to stick with friends, watch your drinks (even better if you constantly hold it in your hands), and be cautious of overly friendly strangers to avoid any trouble.
It’s important to always keep an eye on your belongings, NEVER leave them unattended!
