What to Be Careful of in Budapest?
Budapest is one of the wildest European capitals to go out for a night. It’s the only place where you will find actual pubs in ruins that are meant to be like that, that inside are a completely different story. Prices are a magnet to Europeans, at least it used to be ike that. They still have an incredible quality-price ratio. But being carefree and cheap doesn’t mean that everything is allowed.
There’s a ton of disclaimers, as any city in the world would have. These are the unwritten rules, the little scams, and some illegal stuff that you probably didn’t know about Budapest. If you go straight naive, some bitter things might end up happening and leaving you as in ruins as the party buildings. So here is the tutorial for more parties and less drama.
Pickpockets and Crowded Party Areas
So there are pickpocketers in the top zones and also on public transportation, like the metro. They are very quick, so where there are a lot of people, uh, have your backpack in the front and your cell phone deep in your pocket (not in your back pocket).
During a hostel pub crawl Budapest, especially if there are a lot of people, do mind your belongings because losing your phone or wallet is a mood killer to say the least.
Public Transportation Rules and Inspectors
Always validate your public transportation tickets because in the BKK, a ticket has to be always validated. If not, you can have a fine. And when the inspector gives you this fine, you have to demand a receipt. Never pay directly to him/her.
There are weird inspectors. The real ones, they always give you this receipt. So if the guy/girl doesn’t give you one, he’s not an official one. This happens, but it’s not usual at all.
Money Exchange and ATM Scams
Try to avoid changing your money, your euros into Hungarian money in the center of the city. Try to do that in some bank. Some atm might charge you a lot and they will get a high commission with lots of tiny letters, so that’s a kind of a scam.
And the same goes for independent ATMs. Try to avoid the Euronet or Travelex ones when you can. They usually put extra charges and it’s not the best trade. So look for the original bank ATMs.
When you pay with card, always choose HUF, the local money, that way the bank does the conversion. That’s way better than choosing euros, for example, or dollars. That’s how you get the best rate of exchange.
Is Street Drinking a thing?
First of all, regarding transportation, taxis… They are okay, but don’t get into a cab that just appears out of the blue in the tourist zones. It’s way better if you call one or if you book through an app, or you ask the hotel for one.
And regarding public drinking, it can definitely get you a fine. It is not allowed, and especially if you’re in a noisy group or if you have a beer in hand: just stay low profile and keep in mind it is not legal.
What to Be Careful of in Budapest? Drinks, Girls, and Street Invitations
There have been some very, very, very few cases of people putting something in your drink. So as in any part of the world, you should always be vigilant about the glass and the drink you’re having. If something gets weird, just change the place and let the people you’re with know what you are hinting at something unusual.
There are very nice girls that can invite you to a bar. That’s their job. They kind of are interested in your money and when the check comes out, it’s usually astronomical. So don’t let be fished in the street. Just say no and keep on the pop crawl.
What to Be Careful of in Budapest? Drugs, IDs, and Police Issues
Regarding drugs, Hungary is no joke. The possession or consumption is an illegal matter. And the rules have actually become harder. So if you are in a pub crawl, don’t taste and don’t keep and don’t sell and don’t share drugs.
Do bring your ID. This has to always be with you, especially in the night, especially in a pub crawl. And yeah, bring the real one, not just a copy. May you find that in some streets Budapest can eb sketchy at night.
What to Be Careful of in Budapest? Party District Rules and Fines
Something regarding the party district, restrictions are noise. There is a party, it is completely loud, the pub crawls, but don’t put on a show in the street that can end up in a complaint or a visit to the cops.
Don’t get the glass out of the pub. Just drink inside and then go for a smoke or just leave the club, but leave your drinks inside.
And the last thing you have to take care about is to, if they catch you peeing outside, it’s a big fine and eternal shame, so don’t do it. Just go inside a bar and ask for the bathroom.
The Pub Crawl Advice
So yeah, if you want to keep just one idea, let it be this one. Budapest is enjoyed way better when you mix smart chaos with common sense. Respect the city, take care of your people, don’t drink that much, and just be surrounded by people you feel safe with. Don’t get out of the script, of the legal script, even if you hit an after the pub crawl. Follow these easy precautions and have a memorable night full of music and beautiful moments.