Tourists in Budapest Express Public Safety Concerns.
While recently spending several months in Budapest, the opportunity arose to speak with a number of tourists and visitors to Hungary’s capital. While many express admiration for the city’s architecture and culture, a recurring theme in conversations has been concern about certain aspects of public safety; particularly in the central districts frequented by travellers. Three main topics seem to be the reasons.
Fast-moving vehicles in pedestrian areas
One of the most commonly mentioned issues is the increasing presence of fast-moving bicycles and electric scooters on pedestrian pavements. These are often operated by delivery service couriers, including those working for companies such as Wolt and Foodora. Despite the existence of dedicated bike lanes in many areas of the city, it is not uncommon to see couriers and other riders weaving along pedestrian walkways at high speeds.
Multiple tourists reported near misses, and in some cases, actual collisions involving these vehicles. The lack of enforcement around the use of pavements by scooters and bikes has led to concerns about pedestrian safety, especially in crowded zones where the risk of an accident is elevated.
Public disturbances linked to drug use
Another issue frequently raised is the visibility of individuals in apparent mental distress, including those who appear to be under the influence of synthetic drugs (a growing concern in many European cities). Shouting, aggressive behaviour, and vandalism such as smashing rubbish bins or damaging shop windows have been observed by locals and visitors alike, often in busy areas, and these disturbances can create a heightened sense of unease.
Open drug dealing in public spaces
A number of visitors have encountered individuals offering drugs for sale; often brazenly and in broad daylight. On major avenues and near popular night-life areas, drug dealers have approached passers-by with offers of cocaine and other substances, even during early evening hours. Such open displays of illicit activity have left many tourists questioning the extent of law enforcement and the effectiveness of public safety measures.
Noticeable absence of police a contributing cause?
Perhaps the most frequent observation among concerned visitors is the limited visibility of police officers in public spaces. While police were once a common sight on the streets of Budapest, especially in high-footfall areas, their presence now appears to be largely confined to locations around government buildings, at the ever-increasing anti-government protests, and locations where foreign dignitaries are visiting.
For many tourists, the lack of patrolling officers contributes to a sense that no one is actively enforcing laws, monitoring safety, or responding to incidents in public areas. This perceived absence of law enforcement adds to the broader concerns around safety, especially in situations involving aggressive individuals or reckless vehicle use.
Budapest remains a vibrant and culturally rich destination, offering countless attractions to visitors from around the world. However, for many tourists, concerns over everyday safety, particularly in pedestrian areas and public spaces, have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
As the city continues to attract millions of travellers annually, addressing these issues through improved enforcement, better regulation of public spaces, and increased police visibility may help restore a greater sense of security for both residents and visitors alike.
Both the Hungarian National Tourist Office (www.visithungary.com) and the Municipality of Budapest Mayor’s Office were invited to comment on these issues for inclusion in this article. No response was received from either.
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