Budapest is not more dangerous, than any big city in Europe. With this being said, it’s also not any less dangerous. Be mindful of your possessions, and take care of your valuables at all times. Practice basic precaution, such as only exchanging money at exchange offices, using trusted taxi companies, not leaving your drink unattended, not flashing your expensive possessions in public, especially by night. Basically, just use common sense.
Should you need it, the general emergency number is 112.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Whether you fancy a late brunch, an affordable lunch offer, a nice dinner or a traditional cake and a cup of specialty coffee, the city caters for any taste. We recommend checking out the “Gastro” section of the We Love Budapest website, where you can filter options based on your preferences, and find detailed reviews and descriptions in English of restaurants, bars, pubs, cake shops and cafés: https://welovebudapest.com/en/gastro
Tipping is customary only if you are satisfied with the service, and the usual amount is about 10% of the total cost. Some restaurants automatically include a service fee in the bill, so it’s best to ask as you are paying, just to make sure.
MONEY EXCHANGE
If you can help it at all, avoid exchanging money at the airport, the rates are much less advantageous than in the exchange offices in the centre. Also, watch out for the blue ATMs that have EUR and HUF written on them in yellow letters, these charge a hefty amount as “commission”. For a fair exchange rate, simply go to any exchange office where the rates are clearly displayed, always ask for a receipt of the transaction, and check if you received the correct amount.
TAP WATER
According to EU standards, tap water in Budapest is of the highest quality, so it’s perfectly safe for you to drink it. As you are walking around, you will inevitably stumble on some public drinking fountains, that are perfect for quenching your thirst in the heat. Hungary boasts many natural springs of both thermal water and mineral water, so whether you want to take a dip in a thermal bath, or do a mineral water cure, you will find many options to choose from.