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

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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 worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 68 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel

I’ve been many times to Budapest, both solo and with others. Like most places in Hungary, I feel incredibly safe in their capital city. Transit is easy to navigate and inexpensive. Remember, Hungary does not use the euro. This can be good because typically things are cheap compared to other European countries but you do have to remember to exchange money.

Posted: October 30, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Yes I feel really safe in Budapest. Beautiful architecture, good food, and relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in Europe. Id definitely recommend going here, there's so much stuff to see and do, maybe better 3 days to soak it all in!

Posted: September 10, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Budapest safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 46 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 46 local experiences

Ananya

Ananya

Budapest is surprisingly safe, there are people around at all times. Certain districts are safer than others, which is similar to how most cities are around the world. I’ve been out and about alone at 2-3 am many times and have only felt slightly uneasy. There are some weird, drunk people and homeless people that might do eccentric things, but they are harmless most of the time.

Posted: October 27, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

There is two sides of Budapest. Buda is a pretty safe, because it has less habitants and more expensive apartments. But Pest, which is the other side of Budapest is more dangerous at nights and recommend to avoid at night if you are alone as a woman.

Posted: October 22, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Budapest

Julieta

Julieta

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

mode_comment 0
Miyo

Miyo

About Me

Hey! My name is Miyoko (this is a japanese name) I’m 19 years old:) My favorite hobby is running, hiking, cooking! I really love spending time with my friends and family. I have a podcast Mézga. If you want to ask some questions than you can dm me;) Instagram: @miyoczy

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Budapest

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

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Budapest

Margarida

Margarida

About Me

Hi👋 I am a Portuguese girl living in Germany. I am open to weekend trips!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Keshia

Keshia

About Me

Hi there, born and raised in South Africa, now living in the States. I’m currently on a wanderlust journey looking for something off-the-beaten-path. Here for the opportunity to share sightseeing; get to know people from all over the world; forge connections and build relationships that bridge geographic divides. Open to helping those around me and learn from anyone who can host me in their city :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Hungary