Safety Tips in Budapest – Travel Safety Tips

Budapest Warnings and Dangers

Budapest is beautiful and alive with history, but there are placed to avoid if you’re traveling here. For safety tips in Budapest, check out these warnings and dangers before your trip.

General Places to Avoid in Budapest

For the most part, people say that you simply need to practice common sense when you’re here to avoid being a victim. Petty crime like pick pocketing is common, especially on the metro or anywhere there are throngs of tourists. While more violent crime is rare, you should stay away from places like Keleti and District VIII. Take cabs when possible and don’t take the train at night. Avoid the underground section near Nyugati.  Blaha Lujza Ter and Rakoczi Ter are both in District VIII and are noted to be particularly dangerous (muggings, etc.) The Castle District comes highly recommended if you’re looking for safe areas, though Moscow Square is run-down. There are a number of homeless people around the city, some of whom are addicted to drugs, that are all around the city, and acts of public urination may occur when you’re downtown.

Scams in Budapest

Criminals running scams seem to be another major caution people give to those who are traveling here, and many of these scams are central to transportation. Never get into an unmarked cab as there are a variety of black market ones that will charge you a lot for a short distance. Don’t trust a metro ‘officer’ when you’re either in the station or on the train who demands more money from you or that your ticket needs validation when you’ve just purchased one.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about areas to avoid in Budapest.