Here are some things to avoid in Budapest, basically a mixture of tips and warnings based on Budapest tourists' forum posts, the Hungarian US Embassy's warnings, fellow travelers' blog posts, comments, interviews with expats living in Budapest, and more. If you have important info to share, please do not hesitate to contact us: email to TopBudapest [at] gmail [dot] com to help us keep our list fresh, informative and as objective as possible.

Definitely DO NOT DO: Budapest warnings

• Do not have valuables with you. Learn from general Budapest warnings.
• Do not travel unprepared. Save the Budapest crime emergency phone numbers 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 count on smoking in Budapest - even though non-smoking places are on the increase.
• 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.
• Do not go to touristy restaurants in Budapest - to eat pricey food of lower quality.

Ladies of the Night - Budapest Butterflies

Some hotel lobbies, Budapest luxury hotel gardens will be frequented by ladies (and gents) of the night. Not really family friendly, so if you are staying with your significant other and kids, it may be a better option to pick a non-business hotel.

Budapest is not Bucharest

If there is a way to tread on a swollen big toe of a Hungarian citizen, it is to confuse Bucharest with Budapest. Bucharest is a long way from Budapest in Romania. Budapest is the capital city of Hungary while Bucharest is the capital of Romania. Budapest is often associated with the god Buddha, although the name does not refer to Buddha (Buda is an old Hungarian male name).

Check out Budapest FAQ for more useful tips!

Budapest Pebbles

Our travel blog, Budapest Pebbles features current news and program guides for travellers to Budapest. Share your own Budapest experience whether it was a fantastic trip, a negative experience or a pleasant surprise. Visit Budapest Pebbles now, or just send your Budapest photos, tips to TopBudapest [at] gmail [dot] com.