Is Budapest Suitable for Solo Travelling?

European Journey, Day 2: Immersed in the Romance of the Danube River. Back in my childhood, it was the song 'Blue Danube' that introduced me to the allure of the Danube River. George Ezra's 'Budapest' beckoned me to this city, and the movie 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' firmly placed it on my travel bucket list. However, upon arrival, I discovered that the Danube isn't actually blue, George Ezra never set foot in Budapest, and the Grand Hotel scenes had no connection to the city itself. My travel timing couldn't have been better, coinciding with Hungary's 150th anniversary of independence, making it one of the liveliest times to visit. Just as Tomorrowland had wrapped up in Belgium, Sziget Island was hosting its own carnival here, infusing this historically rich city with the vibrancy of summer. As I boarded the 100E 🚌 bus from the airport to the city center, I could hardly believe I was fulfilling a dream I had ten years ago. Despite the bus screen displaying the route, I managed to miss my stop due to forgetting the station names, enduring an hour-long trek under the scorching 30-degree sun, lugging my backpack and luggage. European cobblestone streets are quite challenging, and I had to navigate them in a foreign land while keeping an eye out for pickpockets. Fortunately, a kind stranger helped me with my luggage and directed me to the right location. ⚠️ I was staying in the Blaha area, known for it’s ‘safety’, all because it's close to the New York Café 😂 Here are some precautions I've been taking during my stay: It's essential to stay vigilant because every city has its share of bad actors. 1️⃣ Self-defense: Avoid walking alone at night, stay away from desolate streets, and return to your accommodation early. There are many bars near my hotel, and occasional approaches happen, but ignoring them does the trick. 2️⃣ Homeless individuals: They're generally quite friendly 3️⃣ Dressing modestly: 💰 I wear a money belt under my clothes for added security. When going out, I carry only a canvas bag filled with tissues. This student-like appearance probably discourages potential thieves😅 4️⃣ Sightseeing: 📷 You still want those photos! Since it's a public account, I noticed many strangers viewing and tracking my activities after check-ins. So, from that day onwards, I only share with close friends or post updates with a delay, avoiding disclosing my whereabouts. 5️⃣ Selfie stick: My photographer, and a self defence tools too! 6️⃣ Ticketing at subway stations: Use BudapestGo to buy tickets and avoid fines #awesomepic #awesomepic #photo #photo #photooftheday #Hungary #Budapest #amazing #匈牙利 #tripblazers