Hungary : Safety by City
Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, shares borders with Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Its name comes from the Hungarians (Magyars), a group that arrived in the region over 1,100 years ago.
The nation’s history is shaped by its time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, followed by Soviet rule after World War II.
In 1989, Hungary became a democracy and has since grown into one of the region’s top travel destinations.
In 2024, Hungary set a new tourism record, welcoming 18 million visitors.
Many come to Budapest, famous for its grand architecture, thermal baths, and the stunning Parliament building along the Danube River.
Beyond the capital, travelers explore Lake Balaton, known as the “Hungarian Sea,” and Eger, home to historic castles and wine culture.
Outdoor lovers visit Hortobágy National Park, a vast steppe with unique wildlife, while history buffs head to Pécs for Roman ruins and UNESCO-listed sites.
As part of the Schengen Agreement, there are plenty of reasons to add Hungary to your next adventure throughout the EU.
QUICK NOTE: Despite the similarities between the country’s name, Hungary, and the English word hungry, they are not related in any meaning or linguistic root.
Warnings & Dangers in Hungary
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Hungary now and in recent history. The country welcomes visitors, has a laid-back vibe, and is also budget-friendly without risking your safety.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
There's a low risk here if you know what to expect. Avoid getting taxis on the street and stick to metered routes booked ahead of time. With a solid infrastructure, renting a car is an option, too. Just be sure you understand the toll system. Avoid letting your guard down or taking a nap on the train between Budapest and Vienna. That route is known for pickpockets preying on inattentive travelers.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Busy areas and tourism cores will have the highest chance of pickpockets, but if you're vigilant, you can keep the risk low. Bump that up to medium if you're in the middle of a large crowd. The U.S. State Department reports that thieves target passports, money, and credit cards.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Hungary has a low risk of natural disasters, but occasional flooding along the Danube and Tisza Rivers can disrupt travel, especially in spring. Heatwaves in summer can be intense, and strong storms sometimes bring hail and heavy rain. Earthquakes are rare.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
This is another low risk, but don't raise that rating by walking around at night alone or drinking at a bar and then letting a random stranger walk you home.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
While the risk is low, there's always a threat of international terrorism in the EU. Well, honestly, anywhere in the world. Nothing that rises beyond the basic safety steps you should take when visiting a new country. If there's a demonstration or protest, avoid it.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
From taxi drivers that jack up rates to restaurants with exorbitant pricing to card games on the street you can't win, scammers are rampant. Treat this as a medium risk and know the ways people are trying to take advantage of tourists so you can be one step ahead.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women should feel safe visiting here with kids, as a couple, or solo. Don't accept food or drinks from people you don't know.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Hungary is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. In Budapest and most cities, it's clean and tastes fine. Some rural areas may have harder water, but it's still safe. If you drink bottled water, nobody will be offended.
Safest Places to Visit in Hungary
Hungary’s official tourism website is visithungary.com.
Start with the Travel Information and Plan Your Trip headers to get the practical information, then dive into the things to do, places to go, and a special section all about Budapest.
Central Hungary & Budapest
Budapest is the star of Hungary, home to iconic landmarks like Buda Castle, Parliament, and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths.
The Danube River splits the city into Buda and Pest, offering stunning views from the Chain Bridge.
Museums like the House of Terror and the Hungarian National Museum provide immersive exploration of the country’s past.
NOTE: While all ages are welcome at the House of Terror, parents might want to review the website to see if it’s appropriate for their kids.
Northern Hungary
Known for its historic towns and caves, this region features Eger, famous for its castle and thermal baths.
Aggtelek National Park, a UNESCO-listed site, boasts massive limestone caves.
In winter, Mátraszentistván offers some of the best skiing in the country, though Hungary isn’t a top ski destination.
Transdanubia (Western Hungary)
Home to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, this region is perfect for summer getaways.
Tihany Peninsula offers stunning scenery, while Hévíz has one of the world’s largest thermal lakes.
The city of Pécs is known for its museums and early Christian tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Great Hungarian Plain (Eastern Hungary)
This vast flatland is the heart of Hungarian equestrian culture, with the Hortobágy National Park showcasing traditional horse shows and wildlife.
Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, is home to historic churches and the MODEM Modern Art Museum.
The region is also known for thermal spas and nature reserves.
Places to Avoid in Hungary
It’s refreshing to write this section without having to go through a bunch of dangerous areas you need to avoid.
In Hungary, the places and things to avoid are more about best practices than imminent risk.
The Danube occasionally floods, particularly in May and June.
While it rarely disrupts travel, river cruises can be affected.
Many rural areas and smaller towns practically shut down outside the ski regions.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, Budapest is your best bet in winter.
If you aren’t visiting Budapest for the Sziget Festival in early August, you might want to avoid those dates.
Crowds, high pricing, and increased demand for everything might make it feel a bit hectic when you’re trying to relax.
Also, many businesses are closed on Sundays.
Plan accordingly.
If you get a traffic ticket in Hungary, it’s best to just pay for it.
Fines are issued as a postal check, which you can settle at any post office.
If you decide to contest the ticket, be prepared—the police will hold onto your passport until the issue is resolved.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Hungary
- Hungary’s main law enforcement agency is the Rendﾅ喪ség (Police). Call 112 for emergencies. Budapest has a Tourist Police Unit offering assistance in English, German, and French.
- Hungary uses the EU-Alert System for emergencies like severe weather or security threats. Alerts are sent automatically to mobile devices. Travelers can also check the VÉSZ app for real-time warnings. Keep your phone’s roaming on or use a local SIM to get important updates.
- Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, and it’s unique! English is widely spoken in Budapest and tourist areas. Many older locals speak German, and some know French or Russian. Learning a few Hungarian phrases—like “Köszönöm” (thank you)—can be a nice touch when interacting with locals.
- By law, you must carry a valid ID at all times. For tourists, this means a passport or national ID card (if you’re from the EU). Police may conduct random checks, and failing to show ID can lead to fines.
- Tourist traps exist, and some places don’t list prices clearly, especially in bars and restaurants. Always ask before ordering, particularly in nightlife areas. Some venues overcharge foreigners or add surprise “service fees.” Checking the bill before paying prevents nasty surprises. Also, if your cab driver recommends a restaurant, they’ll get a commission for it.
- Highways in Hungary require an e-vignette (electronic toll pass), which you must buy before driving on major roads. Get one online, at gas stations, or at border crossings. Cameras enforce tolls, and fines for non-compliance are steep. Rental cars may include toll coverage, so check before you drive.
- Never flag down taxis in Hungary—some scam tourists with rigged meters. Instead, use trusted companies like Bolt or Fﾅ奏axi, or book through your hotel. Airport rides should be arranged at the official taxi stand. Avoid unmarked cars, as unofficial drivers often overcharge.
- Hungary uses Type C and Type F power outlets, which are common in Europe. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz, so North American devices may need converters. Bring an adapter from home, as local stores mainly sell adapters for Hungarians traveling abroad.
- Hungary isn’t known for dangerous wildlife, but ticks in forests and rural areas can carry Lyme disease. Use insect repellent when hiking. While rare, wild boars can be aggressive if startled. In summer, mosquitoes can be annoying near water.
- English speakers should avoid joking about “Hungary” vs. “Hungry.” It’s an old joke, and locals have heard it a million times. While they won’t get angry, it’s just not funny anymore. Hungarians are proud of their history and culture, so if you want to start a conversation, ask about their cuisine, music, or architecture instead!
So... How Safe Is Hungary Really?
By most accounts, Hungary is a safe place to visit, with hardly any guidance that rises above basic petty theft and personal safety standards.
The United States State Department, Canadian authorities, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) all rate is at the lowest possible tier of risk—Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
It’s still worth checking your country’s travel advisories before planning a trip to see if any new issues are noted.
The Global Peace Index puts Hungary as the 10th safest country in Europe.
That said, there’s still a risk, as you would find in any otherwise “safe” country.
In late 2024, an American tourist was killed after reportedly meeting a man at a bar and spending the night dancing before going to his home.
That’s where police say she was killed during an “intimate encounter.”
It’s always helpful to check current crime headlines in the cities you plan to visit. Also, check the public interest information on the Budapest Police Department’s website.
Bottom line—common sense and basic personal security steps go a long way toward enjoying your time in Hungary.
How Does Hungary Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Hungary | 83 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Singapore | 90 |
| South Korea | 82 |
| Oman | 76 |
| Switzerland | 89 |
| Estonia | 82 |
| Albania | 75 |
| Canada | 88 |
Useful Information
Visas
Since Hungary is within the boundaries of the Schengen Agreement (www.schengenvisainfo.com), most visitors can explore the region visa-free for 90 days. Check that your passport is valid for three months after your last day visiting and that you can provide proof of money and a plane ticket home.
Currency
As of early 2025, Hungary has not adopted the euro as currency, even though it's in the European Union. The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the currency of the land. While some tourist areas might accept euros, you certainly can't bank on it. Currency exchange locations include banks, airports, hotels, and exchange businesses in Budapest's core. The tourism bureau says that the airport exchange rate isn't as good as places within the city.
Weather
Hungary gets the full four-season experience. Summers are hot, often hitting 30°C (86°F), while winters can be freezing with occasional snow. Spring and fall are mild and perfect for sightseeing. Rain is fairly spread out throughout the year, but summer storms can be intense.
Airports
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the country’s main hub, handling most international flights. If you're flying within Europe, Debrecen (DEB) and Hévíz–Balaton (SOB) airports serve regional routes, especially for tourists. Budapest sees the bulk of the traffic, but these smaller airports help ease the load for travelers.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance for Hungary is a smart move. Medical care is good but isn’t free for visitors, and unexpected costs—like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or accidents—can add up fast. A solid policy covers medical emergencies, theft, and delays.
Hungary Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 4 | 17 | 15 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 3 |
| Low °C | -1 | -1 | 8 | 4 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 8 | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 63 | 59 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 61 | 61 | 39 | 37 |
| Low °F | 30 | 30 | 46 | 39 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 46 | 46 | 30 | 30 |
Hungary - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Budapest | 76 |
Great experience. Want to go back ASAP
Nice. Good and important information. I like it. Thanks for lot.
What is this medium terrorism level in Hungary??? Never happened anything like to France or England!!!!
Safe country!
Miss understood it Robert.
The THREAT of terrorism is medium due to the terrorist attacks in the rest of Europe. ie London Paris and …..
However, no terrorist attacks were reported in recent history.
I agree with you Robert. I don’t understand that Austria has the “TERRORISM RISK : LOW” with the following explanation:
“There was one terrorist attack prevented in Vienna, in 2016. The threat of terrorists trying to execute an attack in Austria exists, but is relatively low.” I think, also Hungary should have the “TERRORISM RISK : LOW”.
Look out for pickpockets and always ask for the price first, otherwise you're golden
Yep, Terrorism Risk should be “LOW”: the last terrorist attack was in 1991, committed by Palestinians against a bus carrying Soviet Jews. So that’s almost 30 years ago. Nothing since.
Average temperature is much higher in summer about 25-30 in May June July August. Terrorism risk is very low and I think having party alone as a girl is not that safe as it is said. Never go partying alone as a girl in the day you dont have to worry about anything. I also have been living in Budapest for 10 years now and nobody never stole anything from me. But they found my phone twice at the supermarket my Credit card at a party place and my wallet on the street.
Hello, do you live in Hungary now?
Hungary has a repressive, frightening, dictatorial, power-drunk government.
The biggest problem in Hungary is the mentality of the majority of people, which is divisive, envious, critical, informative, petty, crying, complaining.
Hungary is not among the top 50 countries. You can check.
It can be a much better country to see your own mistakes and not blame others for your own destiny, for example: Europa unio, the West, the Jews, the Arabs, Trianon, and so on.
Terrorism is a very interesting thing. Who is really behind them? Who is wise enough to know the answer …. 🙂
Opinion on Hungary
I am really confused by what you are saying.
1. Hungary’s government is not frightnening, and repressive. It is simply the same as the formal MSZP (leftist) government was. Actually the leftists were even worse, as they openly lied to people and stated that they have been stealing from the state
2. Mentality of the people? I am not sure how many times you have been in Hungary, but most people are friendly, open and curious. There is an exeption to Muslims , due to the growing number of terrorist attacks between 2014- 2020 in West Europe (also our history consists fighting agains Ottomans)
3. Hungary is not among the top 50 countries? In which sense? We are really safe. Safer than France, Germany or Austria. Many westeners come to live here
4. Blaming others? Trianon was indeed an awful historical event, and in today’s sense, it would most probably not be accepted by anyone. We are blaming the Arabs? When ? How? For what? I think you are totally mislead by someone
5. “Terrorism is a very interesting thing , who is behind them you say? Who is wise enough to know the answer? “….. Are you reading the news ? All terrorist attacks were commited by extreme Islamitic groups and people . But not in Hungary. Attacks were done by extreme islamitics in : England, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria, Germany
Know your facts “the truth”..
I have to agree with “Mulat”…. The “the truth” is out of line in many aspects!
Agree
Well stated…
As a Hungarian, i have to agree about the people’s mentality with”the truth”. We aren’t that kind persons, we dont like tourists, neither other hungarians, its the sad true. The center of budapest is safe, the only risk is, that we technically dont have health care(no joke). If you has some illnes, or suffering an accident, that would be lethal without medical help, well you probably will die. :):
CAN'T WAIT TO VISIT HUNGARY AGAIN!Y AGAIN
To “The Truth”: What hallucinogens are you on, LOL? Either that or you are pathologically malicious and bitter. Did perchance your bad behavior cause you to be less than popular in Hungary? As an American executive I had to travel on business ten months a year for 15 years to 45 countries and 34 American states. I found the majority of Hungarians to be exceptionally educated, cultured as well as multi-lingual (including English) in Budapest. In rural areas I found them to be very intelligent and endowed with eneormous common sense, although not as many spoke English.
In the United States you’ll find that very few Americans speak a foreign language–if they do, badly accented and with poor grammar. As for rural American areas, many speak their own language ungrammatically and almost no one speaks a foreign language. I’ve seldom encountered a country where so many people had a terrific sense of humor, including hilarious political jokes, despite all the sorrow they went through under Communist domination. The Hungarian warmth, hospitality, love of family, song, and dance is legendary. Regarding pickpockets, where in the world does one not find them? Among many large cities I used to live in New York, LOL. A photographer friend of mine put her portfolio under her seat at a lunch counter and it was stolen. In Washington, D.C. I was sitting at Union Station talking to someone on my left while I had a Washingtonian magazine under my right elbow. I felt a tug and saw a kid run away with it. (They sell anything and everything for drugs.)
The cuisine in Hungary is scrumptious as are the desserts. I don’t drink any alcohol so I can only repeat the world-famous reputation of Hungarian wines and barack palinka (apricot brandy)–there should be an accent aigu over the “a” in “palinka but my computer doesn’t have it. By the way, the now world-famous California wine industry was started by the Hungarian Agoston de Haraszthy with grape cuttings fron Hungary. so that ought to tell you something.
Drivers in Hungary–as I found in Yugoslavia, Italy, Romania, and many other places–are reckless. (I’ve never in my life found safer or more courteous drivers than in Corsica. I had the pleasure of driving 3/4 of the way around Corsica.) Anyhow, I can’t wait to go back to Hungary.
Would like to go
I’ve never been but I would like to go there. My grandparents and great grandparents immigrated from there to the usa
I am very happy to get valuable detail which might be helpful during the visit to hungry. But I have one question . Why people don’t like Muslims and assosiate any terroristic attack with Muslims? In fact Muslims are good hearted and God fearing. Around the world Muslims are suffering like in India, Kashmir, Burma , Iraq etc. If Muslims are terrorists then they should attack on such nation’s where they suffer why in hungry or any other europian country ? What do you think of it?
When thinking this way is why they are dangerous.Read the quaran look at how many humans they have killed in name of the quaran.. you are extremely uninformed as too the mandates.. they approve of slavery women and children property to be sold,killed, cannibalized,and necrophilia. Beastiality. Their goal on earth is too make every human under control of Mohammed. If you cannot convert,a infidel, then enslave or kill. Ithe quaran is the only how to manual of a cult that says if you disagree with it’s mandates, you are dead.
Is working in Hungary safe
Nice city, grumpy locals
I first visited Hungary seven years ago when I was studying in Bucharest. If you’re on a tight budget add this country on your list. Everything is more than decently priced and you’ll never run out of things to do. As a downside I would mention the fact that Hungarians aren’t that friendly; they either mumble something under their breath when asked for directions or straight up ignore you.
Hungary is safe and beautyful
Hungary is a very safe country.
As a local, I can say I have never been robbed or pickpocketed. Petty crimes are concentrated mostly in bigger cities I think, but if you are not careless, there won’t be any problem. I live in the countryside, in a relatively small city and there is absolutely no crime around (at least nothing people should worry about in general).
Working in Hungary (not hungry!) is also very safe. I have got a lot of foreign colleagues and they are enjoying their time here.
It is not a perfect place to live, but no country can be perfect enough I think (depends on your needs of course). Terrorism: Yes, there were some attacks in Europe, but nothing in Hungary. I don’t understand the medium lvl for this one…
Landscapes and the overall natural beauty of the country however are fantastic.
LGBTQ thing is true however, we are not the champions of acceptance.
Beautiful country, so-so people
Hungary is definitely a beautiful country with a lot of varied places to visit, a beautiful culture, and many things to do. But several of the posts written here about the people are true. I have relatives in several cities and villages in Hungary and unfortunately, they are anti-Muslim (they equate them to Roma and don’t use a very nice word for both), anti-gay, anti-Semitic, jealous of Westerners’ “wealth” no matter how hard we’ve worked for it, etc. etc. There’s a reason Hungarians have been on the wrong side of history again and again…
One of the most beautiful areas in Hungary is the eastern region, but it is also the most dangerous. There are fewer problems in Budapest, but when you arrive in the eastern region, different types of people live there. You shouldn’t get tough or get drunk, because the largest group of criminal organizations is here.