So I've got a kid in Europe

A family I know from work–I work with both the husband and wife–who are in Budapest as we speak.

I’ve never heard anything negative about it, as far as tourists visiting goes.

I don’t want to stereotype too much but virtually every Russian I know is stuffed to the gills with just completely groundless prejudices.

Here;s some stuff I got off the net

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g274887-s206/Budapest:Hungary:Health.And.Safety.html

Safety
Violent crime is relatively rare in Budapest, though petty theft is rampant, especially aimed at tourists. Pickpocketing and bicycle theft are common. Travelers should use caution and common sense when on crowded trams or in tourist-heavy areas.

Wallets should not be kept in a back pants pocket or outside bag pocket
Passports and travel documents should be kept in a safe place
Backpacks should be removed and placed on the floor between your legs while riding on public transportation
Do not flash cash, particularly large bills, unnecessarily
Use ATMs in well-lit areas, preferably one inside a vestibule of a bank branch
Begging is also common. Beggars can be persistent, so firmly state “no” or “nem” and walk away quickly.

It is not a good idea to hail a taxi on the street, see the Taxis & Rental Cars article for more details

Safety for Women
Women travelling alone should feel at ease in Budapest. The city center is quite safe for a large city. Common sense should always rule, don’t take unnecessary risks just because you are on vacation.

Safety for Men
Men are subject to certain types of scams and dangers in Budapest. The common thread of all these scams is a beautiful, or often plain, woman. Avoid strip clubs and be wary of strange women who approach you out of the blue – especially at Váci utca asking for directions. These encounters will likely end in theft or a forcible trip to the ATM machine, sandwiched between two very large men after believing you are just joining your new lady friend for a drink at a local venue. Just remember, you are not that attractive. Never order without looking at prices first and you can’t go wrong.

The US Embassy Publishes an up-to-date list of venues to avoid.

TSRF wrote:

Thanks, ZN.

I did warn her about pick-pockets. We did hear from her and she texted that the youth hostel is very nice. I’m pretty sure my Russian friend was just fucking with me; he is our reining chess master, even crushing the physicists, which pisses them off to no end.

The wife, son and I are going to Geneva the first week of April. Sonya is going to be working her internship (was a split semester; half classes that she just finished, half internship), but we are getting there on a Friday morning. I told her to pick a destination, and we’ll fly there Friday afternoon when she gets out of work, then back to Geneva Sunday afternoon. I’m hoping somewhere in Northern Italy, but it will be her call.

It was about this time, in terms of the month and season, that I first visited Florence many decades ago.

Have a good trip!

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