Is Budapest Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Budapest generally offers a safe environment for solo female travelers. Traditional tourist areas are well-policed and have excellent public transportation options, including reputable taxi services. However, it's always crucial to follow classic safety measures like staying in well-lit, busy places, keeping an eye on your belongings, and avoiding isolated places after dark. Additionally, it's advisable to learn a few basic Hungarian phrases to navigate your stay.

Safety rating

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How safe is Budapest?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Budapest generally holds a reputation as a safe city for solo female travelers. At night, popular and well-lit areas such as the city center, landmarks, and the Danube promenade are generally secure to navigate alone, and public transportation continuously runs smoothly. However, as with any global city, it's always essential to remain vigilant and use common sense, especially when exploring less crowded neighborhoods or parts of the city outside the main areas.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Budapest is relatively safe as the metro, trams, buses, and trolleys are well-maintained and reliable. Most locals and tourists use public transport daily without incidences. It is very busy during peak hours, making it less favourable for pickpockets. However, as with any city, it's always wise to stay vigilant and watch out for your belongings, especially in crowded places. Also, while most people speak English in Budapest, language can sometimes be a barrier, so knowing a few basic phrases or having a translation app handy might be beneficial.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has relatively low levels of street harassment compared to other global tourist destinations. Nevertheless, as a solo female traveler, it’s always important to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings. For the most part, locals are welcoming and possess a friendly disposition towards tourists. However, just like in any major city, there may be instances of verbal harassment in crowded or less reputable areas. Exercising common safety measures should ensure a pleasant stay in this scenic city.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Budapest, is generally considered a safe city, although like any major city, some petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, primarily in crowded places and on public transport. However, it's not rampant, and taking general precautions can help you avoid such situations. It's always recommended to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close, and secure valuables out of sight.

Is Budapest safe to travel?

4.6 /5

Based on 66 experiences

Viktoria

Viktoria

Slovakia

Family travel

This was my first time traveling to Budapest. The city was very beautiful but a bit dirty. People were kind but the food in the city centre was a bit expensive. We paid 95€ for 3 pizzas and a salad (plus 4 beers). So I recommend eating a little more far from the city centre. We visited the Zoo, The Parliament, Citadella, Van Gogh's expedition, and it was amazing. Just pick a colder weather as it can get too hot there. Public transport was easy to use and understand. People can speak English well in restaurants, shops, public places, etc. There are few homeless people that may try to talk to you. I didn't walk alone in the evening but I didn't notice anything dangerous.

Posted: August 27, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Gizem

Gizem

Turkey

Solo travel

I feel safe There is a magnificent opera and ballet building. I watched Swan Lake ballet there. I went to the cinema. The nightlife is quite colorful and I liked it. I wasn't very pleased with the food. It wasn't bad but there wasn't much I liked. I found it a bit oily in general. Prices were average. I didn't find it too much. Public transport was very useful

Posted: August 13, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
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Couple travel

Beautiful capital. It was my second travel to Budapest I gathered you some not-so-known places to enjoy: Food: -Getto gulyas- great national cousine -Bors- nice variety of street food: soups and sandwiches -wasabi- cheap running sushi Places to chill: -Margaret island -köztér- ruin pub 2 tips: -If you go clubbing there is a really nice gay bar: alterego which is much safer than other clubs - If you choose public transport, buy an "orszagberlet" it is very cheap and you can travel for anything including boats

Posted: August 13, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Ena

Ena

Germany

Solo travel

I felt more safe than I thought I would. Of course nights alone are scary, but except of some catcalling, there were no other situations. Would recommend using the app meet up to meet some people! Especially the language exchange us very nice

Posted: July 24, 2024
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Solo travel

Felt safe walking around and talking the metro during the day and evening. Walked 30 mins to my hotel in the city center after landing at 1am and it was a bit sketchy - a few sections of homeless people but I was not acknowledged. 24/7 airport bus shuttle is clutch. Skip the thermal baths if you’re looking for authentic experiences - I did Gellert and it was filled with tourists. Walking around and looking at the architecture is amazing! Go to an étkezde!!! Or 2! Delicious home cooked food vibe and the servers and owners were all very friendly to me and happy to explain Hungarian food. You can spend <$5 on a meal here.

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Solo travel

Budapest felt quite safe while travelling, an underrated city stop. However, there isn’t particularly much to do so would recommend only a short stop there unless there is a specific event on as a solo traveller.

Posted: July 21, 2024
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Bharani

Bharani

United Kingdom

Solo travel

I felt really safe in Budapest, I joined my husband as he was on a work trip but I was on my own exploring the city as he was there for work, the public transportation was great, commuting through trams is a must and it’s very accessible, downloading the Budapest go app is a must, as it helps you with trams and bus routes and walking to places were also amazing and a best way to discover cute cafes and restaurants. Loved the neighbourhood of Hungarian state opera and Jewish quarter had my heart, gothic style locality. Thermal baths were highly recommended there but I went on peak summer, hence I couldn’t go there. Going up to budacastle is a must, you get amazing views of the pest side of the city, fisherman’s Bastion, Citadella, Varket Bazar, Mathias Church. These are popular ones but truely worth it for the architecture and the views. These are all in the same area, so plan half a day for these and going here early in the morning is best for pictures and calm views, as these places gets crowded. Shoes on the Danube River is a must see for the history.

Posted: July 6, 2024
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Kelly

Kelly

Germany

Solo travel

I loved Budapest and felt safe exploring around. If you want to try local food, you should definitely go to Kisharang Etkezde (if you're hungry, order normal portions, haha) I found the service nice and the food was delicious 😋 I recommend to use the local transportation, they're very reliable, just make sure to carry the ticket with you.

Posted: June 24, 2024
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Katie

Katie

United States

Couple travel

This was our second trip to Budapest and I highly recommend it! We rented a lovely private studio apartment in a secure building on Airbnb for $300/week. The city is very walkable, but there is also easy cheap public transport. The food is absolutely world class - we had the best English breakfast, the best street tacos, the best burgers, and the best American style pancakes we've ever had. The coffee scene is also top notch. English is widely spoken, the people are very friendly and I felt incredibly safe.

Posted: June 4, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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Solo travel

Budapest is such a beautiful, safe, with nice people. I highly recommend you to visit Budapest. Sights to see on the Buda side: National Gallery, Fisherman's Bastion, Matyas Church, Buda Castle. Sights to see on the Pest side: Vaci Street, Hungarian Parliament, Chocolate Museum, Miniversum, the statues along the Danube. I visited in January and the weather was fine.

Posted: April 8, 2024
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Is Budapest safe for women?

Safety rating

4 /5

Based on 35 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.8 /5

Based on 35 experiences

Budapest is my home. Love to walk around in the city, watching the beautiful buildings and just feel the history surrounding me. Love how the Hungarians are open and helpful with anything and how my beautiful country lives up to the people expectations.

Posted: September 4, 2024
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As women I think we face more danger. I've never come across very aggressive harassment thankfully, but in the dark when there are fever people I try to be more cautious. F.e. at metro stations in the city there could be some homeless people who will ask for money but I've never encountered an aggressive person, maybe seen some of them have a fight amongst themselves. Also the 4-6 tram line which is very popular can be used by some people that lack manners, and (thankfully just once) I've encountered verbal sexual harassment on it. But I'm not someone who gets hit on a lot even at a bar so... All in all I've mostly seen that people are usually all talks and no action.

Posted: September 3, 2024
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Is Budapest safe right now?

Before your visit to Budapest, it's essential to check travel advisories for Hungary, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Hungary. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 21, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Hungary. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 30, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in Hungary. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: June 7, 2024

Is Budapest worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 66 experiences

Karen

Karen

Brazil

Family travel

It's a beautiful place with many spots worth visiting. The transportation is really good. The food is quite diverse, but if you're going for something typical, be prepared for a soup starter. People are generally very calm and quiet.

Posted: August 3, 2024Experienced: August, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Audrey

Audrey

Belgium

Group travel

I travelled with friends. The city and its sights are well worth seeing. And if you want to party, it's all planned with its ruined bars. As far as the budget is concerned, accommodation is not too expensive, but everything else is on a par with another European city.

Posted: July 24, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5
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Meet locals in Budapest

Meet local women in Budapest who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Farah

Farah

About Me

I am currently a Management student, passionate about travelling and self-improvement, making friends, and so on.

Speaking

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Sofia

Sofia

About Me

Iam Sofia, 20 years old, sociology student in Budapest ELTE. I live with my family in Szentendre, but we also have a flat in Budapest. I have 2 brothers, they are 14 &17 years old. I like to spend time with my boyfriend & friends for having fun🎉. I love travelling, communiateing, learning languages and listening to other people's storys and woden my perspektives. I am a member of AIESEC, so I enjoy having more professional converstation.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Budapest

Stay with local women in Budapest who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Natalia

Natalia

Budapest

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Natalia, I’m 30 years old and I’m from Valparaiso, Chile 🇨🇱. I love to meet new people and their culture, I think it’s the most important thing when I’m exploring a new place. I’m also into history and photography 📸. I’d love to connect with new girls from here and do things together 💕🌸.

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Julieta

Julieta

Budapest

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I love my city as whole not only the touristic places. I love meeting people from different places and I believe cultural exchange can help to make us more open, inclusive, and complete human beings.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Budapest

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Swetha

Swetha

About Me

Hi, I am swetha an Indian based out of Belgium . Love travelling and exploring new places. Vegan. Do not smoke or drink. Love pets and animals.

Speaking

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Rhea

Rhea

About Me

I have travelled in 20+ countries and would love to travel more while meeting up and/or living with locals

Speaking

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Safety in Hungary