Is Budapest a safe summer holiday destination given the war in Ukraine?

[LavenderLxx]

I’d like to visit Budapest with my family in the summer holidays. My husband thinks it’s unsafe as it’s too close to Ukraine. Is he being sensible or too overly cautious do you think?

A bigger issue would be the upcoming election. They have a pro Russian president who may be set to lose the election. I'd expect a lot of protests either way.

We're just back. You're a long way from the border with Ukraine - around 200 miles and 4+ hours drive.

The war is not being fought on the Hungarian border. There are no missiles landing in Hungarian territory.

Thank you - that’s useful to know

Thank you - that’s was my understanding but I think my husband is being over cautious!

Budapest is a beautiful town with lots of history, etc. I am not sure it's a "summer holiday destination" though - in the same way I'd not think of Rome, or Paris, or any big city as a summer holiday place. How long are you visiting for - and are you going anywhere else?

You H is being silly, not just overly cautious. Hungary is far away from the war, and moreover - their current president is friendly with Russia. The chances that Russia would suddenly attack Budapest is smaller than Iran sending drones (or terrorists) to UK, IMHO.

As to the protests - the elections are in April. If there are protests and marches - they won't last into summer.

We’ve got kids who hate pools/beaches so summer holiday destinations for us tend to be more city based!

"Budapest is a beautiful town with lots of history, etc. I am not sure it's a "summer holiday destination" though - in the same way I'd not think of Rome, or Paris, or any big city as a summer holiday place. How long are you visiting for - and are you going anywhere else?"

Why not?

It’s pretty safe and as others have said quite far from Ukraine. If you want something other than or as well as the city (which is lovely but I’m biased as I lived there) you could add in a few days at Lake Balaton.

your husband is being ridiculous, budapest is perfectly safe and a lovely place to visit in all seasons

Love Budapest
I have been numerous times
It will be safe and is a wonderful place to visit during the Summer

Has your husband read the FCDO travel advice?

How are they with nature - say lakes (Balaton) and mountains? Tour to the Land of Vampires - Transylvania? Etc. Also - Vienna is not too far - so you can add more cities to trip and see different cultures too.
How long are you planning to go for?

@Gwenhwyfar - summers in Europe are warm, and can be quite hot in Jul/Aug when kids holidays are. I find sightseeing in 30C+ somewhat less than pleasant. And I love long walks though cities, and sitting around in cafes etc. Not as pleasant in those times. There is a reason many southern European cities empty out during that time as people go to the country or sea side.

I get your point Sashya, but many people can only take their main holiday in the summer so can't afford to avoid anywhere hot. I went to Budapest in May and that was ideal, but I can imagine going in August if I couldn't take my holiday in May.

Budapest is very safe. Also, I know your DC aren’t crazy about pools, but if you do need to cool off, there is an amazing family-friendly pool on Margaret Island (located on the Danube and easily accessible). I would recommend visiting the island in any case.

If memory serves, when I checked last year, two of the thermal baths are having work done. One is closed completely until 2028 which is making the others more busy. You might want to look into this more closely if this was a draw card for you.

@Lilgreygoose Szechenyi is open, but most of the baths have a "no kids under 14" policy due to the heat.

The unheated pools at Palatinus (the one @KevinsSignatureShortdeads recommended) is about the only one that accepts children.

Absolutely this. The pools on Margaret Island are fab for families. Although there are some thermal pools (which if it is ONLY a thermal baths, can be quite sniffy about kids, and fair enough), MI is designed for kids to enjoy and have a picnic for the day. Easily accessible by public transport. Also go to the flipper-muzeum (pinball). Up and down the river. Budapest is a beautiful city. I very much doubt your OH needs to worry about the issues, they really are miles and miles away. I am flying into there shortly, to then fly on to Baku and then "the Stans" and although do not anticipate any problems, other people have started raising flags of concern. Buda, no, not even considered it as an issue.

Their government is terrible atm but Budapest is absolutely beautiful, and its currently safe from the war in Ukraine - probably safer than other Eastern European countries as its totally pro russian - so unlikely to be attacked by putin. There is lots to see, so if you want a city break for your summer holiday (and if you dont care about politics) its a great place to go.

It can get really hot mind you. It was 36 degrees when we were there last August. So we immediately found a pool!! (Palatinus Baths)

Ah, hopefully it will be a different government by then eh 🤞