Is Budapest Sketchy at Night? A Pubcrawling Reality Check
Is Budapest Sketchy at Night… or Just Intense? Budapest has this infamous slogan of being wild, cheap, and without boundaries. And yes, it might be true, but the sketchy question is 100% legit.
The short answer is that it is not at all dangerous if you know some things about the city, although it is not Disneyland. As any capital in Europe with a hardcore nightlife, the key part is to know the terrain, read the signs, and read this blog. So, in general, it is not per se sketchy, but it is touristy and sometimes chaotic.
Is Budapest Sketchy at Night Compared to Other European Capitals?
Budapest is widely considered a pretty safe city with really low crime rates, but at night, you can find some statistics about scams or pickpocketing or even someone stealing your things. Very low statistics, but it is there. The city is pretty safe, but you never know.
the Party District
When in the middle of the crowd..
In the party district you have to be a little more alert. It’s the zone of partying, which concentrates the most drunken people not taking care of their cell phones and a lot of crowds: the best scenario for pickpockets. They do steal but never with a knife. It’s always a surprise. Keep your backpack on the front and your cell phone under a zipped pocket.
…And When Moving Around.
The night transportation is safe, but also play smart. Don’t push your luck too hard and meander in dangerous neighborhoods. And, yeah, don’t get in alleys, in dark alleys, just look for the light where there’s people and don’t stroll too much out of your route. One of the best ideas to join a Budapest guided pub crawl where there are experts guides in nightlife. For sure more secure and more fun.
Taxis and ATMs?
Some basic touristy Red Flags
When you get to the airport, go to the official tourist taxi kiosk. Otherwise taxi drivers will try to convince you to take a ride to the center with them, and they will charge you whatever they want.
Another precaution is related to ATMs. Choose the ones inside the bank or just avoid the sketchy ATMs in the middle of nowhere. There have been some statistics about skimming, so don’t roll that dice not even during the daytime.
Is Budapest Sketchy at Night in Bars and Restaurants?
If you go to a bar where there is no menu, there are just people telling you what the menu is, that’s a red flag. just say you need the clear prices. This scam happens more than you would expect.
In some places, if they come with an astronomical bill out of the blue, don’t make a scandal, they are ready for you to do that. Just pay the minimum reasonable for you, take a picture of it, and get out and call the police.
Meeting New People
Express Friendships and Solo Travel Awareness
Beware of “express friendships” that are too soon, too intense. They might have another plan in mind than just friendship. They might want to steal you or something, so just say no. Is always better to take your time and know where to go in Budapest for nightlife to avoid bad experiences.
If you are traveling alone, there’s a golden rule, especially if you’re a girl, just share your location. It’s not paranoid, it’s like a pro play. Tell someone where are you going and that’s it.
Is Budapest Sketchy at Night Regarding Legal and Personal Safety?
Take your ID with you, like always. In Hungary, they can ask you for your ID and they won’t always accept a photocopy. It’s better to bring the real one with you.
Pubcrawlers verdict
At the end of the day it’s not at all a scary city, not even at night. But it also isn’t any city that forgives an extremely naive person. It’s a hardcore party city, so you can have legendary nights and memories, but always maintain your radar on and don’t confuse “party” with a “total blackout disconnection”. Take care of your things, choose wisely where you enter and drink with your head. That’s all it takes so get an unforgettable time in sweet Budapest. We know a lot about Budapest and we make a blog of nightlife. Get to know all about the city.