Budapest Warnings or Dangers

According to the US department of state travel advisory, Budapest is rated as a city with relatively low levels of violent crime, but relatively high levels of petty crime, like pick pocketing.

For me Budapest feels generally safe, but the huge numbers of drunks, drug addicts and homeless people can make people uncomfortable. It's a city with possibly the worst problem like this that I've seen anywhere in Europe. They are never aggressive towards me, and are often either sleeping or stumbling out of my way with an embarrassed look on their face. I've seen them urinating in public and bothering people on the metro begging aggressively for money. Many areas of the city, especially around the main public transport terminals can stink strongly of urine.

In general Buda, especially the Castle District, is very safe, although Moskow Square is a bit of a dive. Pest is also generally safe, but there are rougher parts, and one district with a very bad reputation. Most of the train stations are a bit grotty, and the underground section near Nyugati doesn't feel 100% safe at night. Keleti also gets bad reports. According to the locals, the worst place to be is district VIII, especially around Blaha Lujza Ter and Rackoszi Ter.

Despite that, I often go drinking in these areas and have never experienced any problems, even in the early hours walking about on my own. But I have heard tales of people getting mugged and beaten in the dark side streets when they are drunk, so if you don't know what you are doing stick to the well lit areas and get a cab home. But in general, Budapest is one of the safest cities in Europe, so you don't need to take special precautions.

The metro has a bad reputation for pick pocketing, so keep your hands in your pockets when the crowds gather around you. I've never had any problems on the trams or metro, though, and I have never seen anyone acting suspiciously. Taxis also have a bad reputation for ripping off tourists, and I've had experience of this, so stick to reputable taxi companies like City (2111111) and Fo (2222222). These are very cheap, and the call centers generally speak English.

Whatever you do, don't get into an unmarked cab. These mafia cabs hang around, especially at night, and usually have nothing on them except the word "taxi" on the side and lit up on the roof. You'll probably get home alive, but the price you'll pay will be extortionate.

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Budapest Warnings or Dangers

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