Budapest Baths Warnings
There are great thermal baths and open air pools in Budapest, with a few things to bear in mind you can absolutely enjoy them.
Baths in Budapest: Warnings
Do not take valuables to the Baths in Budapest
Do not take anything of great value (pda, laptop, jewelry, bigger sum of money, etc.) to the spa baths or lidos in Budapest. If you do, ask for a specialty safe box for a tiny surcharge for the peace of mind (see: Szechenyi Baths safety deposit box). You may think that a locker is safe, but it may turn out that one sticky-handed locker guard is enough to take away some of your valuables. And unfortunately, it has happened on some occasions. Some tourist stories feature thieves where the very person who should take care of your goods will check out the pockets for little treasures. Even though the chance my be slim, Budapest has several baths, and one thieving locker lady is enough to ruin the reputation of the rest of the baths. Sorry about that. Make sure to leave your jewelry, etc. in a hotel safe rather.
On the other hand, taking a good bath means that even if you do not leave your stuff in a locker, you leave them on a towel, attracting pickpockets, thieves in the baths, or in the car (car theft is prevalent in Budapest). If you are with many friends, and somebody stands guard, having valuables with you may not be a problem, but leaving expensive goods unattended in Hungary is a call to action for a crime.
So in short, never take anything valuable to the baths or swimming pools.
Definitely DO NOT DO: Further Budapest warnings
- Do not have valuables with you. Learn from general Budapest warnings.
- Do not travel unprepared. Save the Budapest crime emergency phone numbers to learn how to contact the Hungarian Police just in case.
- Do not stay near the Parliament and the Heroes’ Square on Hungarian national holidays
- Do not take marijuana, drugs in Budapest. What about alcohol?
- Do not go to dangerous night clubs in Budapest.
- Do not hail down a taxi in Budapest.
- Do not buy HUF / Forint from a street vendor in Budapest.
- Do not board Budapest public transport vehicles without a ticket.
- Do not cross the road without checking the traffic in Budapest.
- Do not expect some cultural conveniences in Budapest
- Do not take valuables with you to Baths in Budapest – or preferably in the city.
- Do not go to Budapest Airport unprepared – there are 2 Budapest terminals – approx. 5 min car travel from each other: even though T1 is getting closed, T2 is a bus stop away from T1 train station.
- Do not go to touristy restaurants in Budapest – to eat pricey food of lower quality.
Check out Budapest FAQ for more useful tips!
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