Is Budapest safe? What tourists need to know

This is one of the most common questions travellers ask when planning a trip to Hungary’s capital. And the short answer is: yes, Budapest is a very safe city for visitors!

Budapest is a major European capital with a strong tourism scene, busy streets, efficient public transport and a very active daily life. Like any big city, it requires basic awareness, but for most travellers, safety is not a major concern.

I can say this not only as a traveller, but also from personal experience. Before moving to Budapest, I visited the city as a solo female traveller, and it was the place where I felt the safest travelling alone. That sense of security played a big role in my decision to eventually move here.

In this article, I’ll share what safety in Budapest really looks like in practice: how safe the city feels day to day, what solo female travellers should know, common tourist scams to avoid, nightlife safety, emergency information and practical tips to help you feel confident during your trip.

How safe is Budapest?

When people ask how safe is Budapest, they usually want to know how it compares to other popular European destinations.

Overall, Budapest ranks well in international safety and crime indexes. According to Numbeo, the city has a relatively low crime index compared to many Western European capitals. Hungary also consistently sits at Level 1 on travel advisory lists, which means travellers are advised to exercise normal precautions, the same level applied to countries like Austria.

What does this mean in real life for tourists?

It means that violent crime against visitors is rare. Most incidents involve petty crime, such as pickpocketing, rather than anything serious. You’re far more likely to deal with an overpriced taxi or a tourist scam than with situations involving physical danger.

For most travellers, Budapest feels calmer and less tense than cities like Paris, Rome, London or Barcelona, especially when it comes to walking around during the day or using public transport.

Is Budapest safe for female solo travellers?

Yes, Budapest is considered a very safe destination for solo female travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, public spaces are generally calm, and the city’s daily life continues well into the evening, which helps avoid that empty, uncomfortable feeling some cities have at night.

For women travelling alone, Budapest tends to feel easy to navigate. During the day, public transport is busy with locals, streets are active, and it’s common to see people walking alone, including women. At night, central areas remain well lit and lively, and using trams, buses or ride-hailing apps feels normal and safe, even when travelling solo.

From personal experience, this was the city where I felt the safest travelling alone. Before moving here, I visited Budapest as a solo female traveller, and I never experienced catcalling, unwanted attention or situations that made me feel uncomfortable walking around, even in the evening. That sense of safety was one of the reasons I eventually chose Budapest as the city to live in.

Common safety concerns for tourists in Budapest

While Budapest is a safe city overall, there are a few common situations tourists should be aware of. Most of them are minor inconveniences rather than real safety risks, and they’re easy to avoid with a bit of awareness.

Pickpocketing and petty theft

Pickpocketing does happen occasionally, especially in very busy areas. The places where tourists should be a little more attentive include:

Crowded public transport, such as trams, metro lines and buses
Popular tourist attractions
Busy markets
Bars and clubs in nightlife áreas

Simple habits already reduce most of the risk. Keep your bag closed, avoid leaving your phone on café tables and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded spaces. A crossbody bag or a bag with zippers usually does the job just fine.

Tourists scams

Some tourists may also run into small scams, especially in very tourist-heavy areas. The most common ones include:

Unlicensed taxis charging inflated fares
Restaurants adding extra items to the bill without clear explanation
Overly friendly strangers offering help or invitations that lead to unexpected costs

These situations are usually easy to avoid by using licensed taxis or apps, checking menus and prices before ordering and trusting your instincts if something feels off.

You may also come across drunk people or homeless individuals, especially late at night or around busy nightlife areas. While they can seem intimidating at first glance, they are generally harmless. In most cases, they won’t approach you or even pay attention to you, and there’s no need to feel afraid.

People walking along the Danube river in Budapest during sunset, with restaurants and bars creating a safe and relaxed atmosphere

Is Budapest safe at night?

Yes, Budapest is safe at night, especially in busy, well-known areas. Neighbourhoods with bars, restaurants, ruin pubs and riverside walks stay active until late, which makes walking around feel comfortable rather than tense.

Some residential areas can feel very quiet at night, especially outside the city centre. Streets may be empty and silent, which can feel a bit unsettling at first, but that doesn’t mean they’re dangerous. It’s more about the city winding down than anything else. You can still walk without fear, just following the usual common sense you would use anywhere.

Public transport also works very well at night and is considered safe. Night buses and trams run regularly, stations are well marked, and it’s common to see locals using public transport late in the evening.

More on this topic: check out our complete guide to public transport in Budapest

Emergency numbers and practical info

It’s always good to know what to do in case of an emergency:

General emergency number: 112
Police: 107
Ambulance: 104
Fire department: 105

If you experience theft, you’ll need to file a police report at a local police station. This is often required for travel insurance claims.

English is widely spoken by emergency services and police officers in central areas, so communication is rarely a problem for visitors.

Safety tips for visiting Budapest

Here’s a simple checklist to keep your trip smooth and stress-free:

Carry only the cash you need for the day;
Keep passports and important documents in a safe place;
Use licensed taxis, Bolt or Uber;
Validate public transport tickets properly;
Stay alert in crowded áreas;
Don’t leave drinks unattended at bars;
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Bolt and your bank app.

With these basic precautions, most travellers find Budapest extremely easy and comfortable to navigate!

So, is Budapest safe?

Overall, Budapest is a city where most travellers feel safe quickly. Violent crime against tourists is rare, public spaces are calm, and both day-to-day life and nightlife feel well organised.

With basic awareness, it’s easy to explore the city confidently, whether you’re walking around during the day, going out at night or using public transport.

For solo travellers, including women, Budapest often stands out as a place that feels respectful and easy to navigate. Small inconveniences like pickpocketing or tourist scams exist, but they’re manageable and don’t define the experience of the city.

If you’re still planning your trip and want to feel even more prepared, a good next step is learning where to stay in Budapest, since choosing the right neighbourhood can make your stay even more comfortable and stress-free!