Short answer: yes. Budapest is one of the safer capitals in Europe. Hungary ranks 15th of 163 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, and the US State Department gives it its lowest risk level. The main risks are pickpocketing and tourist-trap overcharging, not violent crime.
Safety isn’t just a statistic for students, it also shapes where they apply. In our ongoing 2026 survey of new international students, 1 in 2 named safety as one of their top reasons for choosing Hungary. That put it ahead of scholarships, easier admission and career prospects.
Below you’ll find the hard numbers, what our students actually say about living here, and practical tips for your first weeks in the city.
What the data says
Global Peace Index 2026: Hungary is 15th of 163 countries. The index scores societal safety, conflict and militarisation across 23 indicators. Hungary sits ahead of the Netherlands and Australia. (Xpatloop)
US State Department: Level 1, “Exercise normal precautions”. This is the lowest of four levels, reissued in April 2026. It describes Hungary as “generally a safe destination” and says most crime against foreigners is opportunistic, like pickpocketing. (travel.state.gov)
Numbeo: Budapest is safer than most big Western capitals. Numbeo’s crowd-sourced Safety Index (higher = safer) puts Budapest ahead of Paris, London, Berlin and Rome:
| City | Safety Index higher = safer |
|---|---|
| Prague | 75.4 |
| Vienna | 70.3 |
| Lisbon | 67.1 |
| Budapest | 66.4 |
| Berlin | 55.3 |
| Rome | 53.2 |
| London | 44.9 |
| Paris | 42.0 |
Walking alone during the day in Budapest scores 85 (“very high”), and at night 63 (“high”). (Numbeo, Budapest, Numbeo city ranking, data as of September 2026)
What our students say
In 2026, BIC’s research team began surveying newly admitted international students about how they chose Hungary. The first wave covers students from 32 countries, from India and Nigeria to Myanmar, Algeria and Morocco. They are heading to 18 colleges and universities across Hungary, from Budapest to Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs.
We asked them to pick up to five reasons for choosing Hungary. Safety came fifth of eleven, chosen by 51%. It was almost as common as low living costs (53%) and well ahead of easier admission (30%), scholarships (16%) and career prospects (15%).
Many survey respondents brought up safety on their own when we asked why they chose Hungary:
- “Hungary offers a great balance between quality education, affordable tuition fees, and a safe environment for international students.” Foundation student, Algeria
- “I chose Hungary because it has a safe environment and is peaceful.” Foundation student, Myanmar
- “Hungary offers good-quality education at affordable costs and a welcoming environment for international students.” Foundation student, Morocco
- “I like the safe transportation.” Bachelor’s student, Nigeria
The reputation holds up once students arrive. In an earlier study by our research team, 308 international students from 86 countries rated the statement “Hungary is a peaceful country” twice: as they saw it before arriving, and after living here. Before arriving, 75% agreed. After living here, 83% did, showing that actually living in Hungary makes the feeling of safety even more pronounced.
7 safety tips for your first weeks in Budapest
Budapest is safe, but it is still a big city. These habits cover almost everything that goes wrong for newcomers.
- Watch your phone and wallet on crowded metros and at major stations. Pickpocketing is the most common crime against foreigners.
- Keep your passport and residence permit safe. Carry a copy day to day and keep the originals at home. Be extra careful on international trains to Vienna or Bratislava.
- Use an app or a licensed taxi. Avoid unmarked cars hailing you on the street, especially at night.
- Check the menu prices in tourist areas before you order. Overcharging in restaurants and bars around the very centre is the classic trap.
- Stay with friends in the party district late at night. The US advisory notes occasional harassment there, including racially motivated incidents. Never leave your drink unattended.
- Night buses run all night. You rarely need to walk long distances alone after the metro closes.
- Save 112 in your phone. It’s the EU-wide emergency number, and operators can take calls in English.
At BIC, your student coordinators will walk you through all of this during orientation. They are also the first people to call if anything goes wrong.
Budapest safety FAQ
Yes, Budapest is generally safe and welcoming to international students from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The city is diverse, especially around universities, and many locals are used to seeing international students. As always, staying aware of your surroundings and being respectful of local customs helps foster positive experiences.
Absolutely. Hungary guarantees freedom of religion, and Budapest has active communities for many faiths including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Wearing religious clothing is generally not an issue, especially in the university environment. Just be mindful of local sensitivities and avoid heated public debates on religion or politics, it’s more about respect than restriction.
The official language is Hungarian, but yes, people do speak English — especially in the city center, around universities, and among younger generations. This is changing quickly; by 2025, getting around using only English is fairly easy. However, public service staff like bus drivers or shopkeepers may not speak English fluently. Learning a few basic Hungarian phrases shows respect and can go a long way in making daily life smoother.
There are a few unspoken rules:
- Don’t assume the worst of people. Hungarian people may seem blunt or unfriendly at first, but don’t take it personally. Most people are actually very kind once you speak to them — it just takes a little time. (No, they do not hate you and no, they are not racist, people just tend to show a cold facade until you become friends.)
- Always validate or buy a ticket for public transport — fare inspectors are real, and fines are serious.
- Don’t use unlicensed taxis. Stick to apps like Bolt, Főtaxi, Uber Taxi, or other official taxi companies.
- Avoid loud public behavior, especially late at night.
- Don’t assume everyone is comfortable talking politics — it’s a sensitive subject. Being polite, punctual, and modest in your behavior will always serve you well.
Budapest is one of the safest capital cities in Europe, but like anywhere, common sense applies. Avoid overly intoxicated areas late at night, and watch for pickpockets in crowded places like metros or tourist areas.
Also, please do not pick a fight: even if you seem to be attacked, try not to fight back as long as possible. In case of any misunderstandings, just walk away as quickly and smoothly as possible.
First of all, we’re truly sorry if you ever feel unwelcome , that should never happen. But before jumping to conclusions, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect: could the behavior you experienced have been connected to a specific situation, frustration, or misunderstanding that could’ve happened to anyone, including a local? Hungarians can be direct, and sometimes reactions are more about tone or context than personal issues.
That said, racism is a serious issue and should never be ignored, but it’s also important not to assume the worst in every awkward or unpleasant interaction. Accusing someone of racism when there was no such intent can feel deeply hurtful and unfair to them, and may only make them defensive. It’s always better to open a conversation, ask questions, or walk away, but don’t carry that burden alone. Talk to a friend, your student advisor, or someone you trust if something feels off.
And remember: rude behavior is never a reflection of your worth. If someone tries to be hurtful on purpose, it’s best to walk away and treat it for what it is: a rude person being rude. It’s not a sign that you’re less welcome, less likeable, or don’t belong in Budapest.
