Budapest is often listed as one of the safest cities in the World and thus, Europe too. The Hungarian capital is a safe haven for tourists, expats, and locals too- and it is appreciated by many.
Just this year, WaytoStay mentioned Budapest to be among the top 20 safest cities in Europe.
The article mentions that besides somewhat pushy restauranteurs in the city centre, there is nothing internationals should be alert of in the Hungarian capital.
Back in October, TraveloffPath introduced Budapest to be one of the safest cities in Europe,
being in fact much safer than most Western European capitals. (They mention that many Western capitals are listed as Level 2 in terms of their safety by US authorities, while Budapest is categories in the first, Level 1 tier.) They also wrote that the neighboring war also has virtually no effect on the country, as Hungary is both a member of the European Union and NATO and, thus, essentially a risk-free territory.
Planet Cruise also listed Budapest on its safe-list, mentioning the Hungarian capital to be nr. 7 in the whole World
for solo traveling. They looked at factors such as safety, friendliness, public transport etc.
Also, in 2023, TimeOut magazine posted their article on the safest cities for solo female travelers. It’s lovely to see that Budapest is considered to be a very safe city by the list, so much so that the Hungarian capital snatched first place in the EU and third place on the World Ranking.
The reserach was conducted by WayAway and it studied over 200 cities to find the top 30 cities, where even women can travel alone while they don’t have to fear for their safety.
According to WayAway’s Head of PR and Communications, Janis Dzenis, making cities safe is not only a moral issue, but an economical one too. He said, “…destinations and travel providers who can give female travellers safety assurances will be able to increase their sales and loyalty from an audience that makes up…well half the world!”
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.
