Is Brussels Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Brussels

Safety rating

Moderate
3.5 /5

Women living in Brussels consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
1.8 /5

Women living in Brussels consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.

Violence rating

2.5%

On average 2.5% percentage of women in Belgium have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 27 experiences

Safety rating:

3.5/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.9/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.9/5Safe

Crime rate:

1.8/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.2/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.6/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.8/5A Bit Worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.6/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.9/5A Bit Worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Is Brussels safe for women?

I feel safe in general but it depends on the neighborhood… nothing ever happened to me personally, but some (male) friends got their belongings stolen violently. You could feel unsafe mainly in train stations.

Posted: December 14, 2024
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Brussels feels safe I think, but it strongly depends on where and what area’s. I would say like usually: keep your guards and don’t go everywhere/anytime. Most places that are touristical are located in the center which is a safe area.

Posted: November 21, 2024
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Macha

Macha

Brussels is a very nice and diverse city, but the truth is that it’s not that safe as a girl alone especially at night. During the day you will only have to worry about getting your phone stolen or maybe even being catcalled. I would avoid sketchy neighbourhoods at night. But the city is amazing - I love living here. The art & culture scene is amazing and the city really benefits from the diversity.

Posted: October 18, 2024
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Brussels is mostly safe, but there are a few places you should avoid at night. For example, around Nord Station, you might feel uneasy because there are often many refugees and homeless people gathered there. While serious problems are uncommon, it’s a good idea to stay in well-lit and busy areas after dark.

Posted: October 6, 2024
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Emma

Emma

It totally depends where you are! In the historical centre, you should be fine. Around the train stations, however, it can get very sketchy and sometimes dangerous. Especially around Gare du Midi (Zuidstation) and the back entrance in particular of the North station, you should be very careful. It’s then mostly a danger of getting robbed from what I’ve heard. In some areas of Schaerbeek, and St Josse you should also be vigilant.

Posted: September 12, 2024
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Yanisa

Yanisa

There are a lot of pickpockets here, so be very careful of your belongings, especially in train stations like Midi and North. North is the train station you want to avoid during the night time. There are alot of international connections from Midi, so it's relatively less scary, but still be very vigilant about your valuables. There's a LOT of petty crimes here. They also snatch your necklaces sometimes if they look valuable. I have never experienced that but a couple of my friends have. You would want to stay near the center (De Brouckere, Central Station) or even the outside near Stephanie (a bougie area), European Quarters (working area), and Etterbeek. Avoid Northern areas (Botanique, Schaerbeek)

Posted: September 9, 2024
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myrthe

myrthe

Some areas of Brussels surely feel more safe than others, but overall it’s a safe area for women to travel. Definitely if you are with someone you would feel a bit safer like in most cities. The city is really working on safety issues especially for women

Posted: September 8, 2024
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I feel safe moving around Brussels during daytime. I am a bit anxious and am not totally relaxed when walking alone after dark. I live in a very safe area of Brussels. It really depends where you hang out

Posted: August 20, 2024
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Sofia

Sofia

I think Brussels is one of the safest cities I lived in. Even if you can always cross unrespectuf men in the streets it never gets dangerous. There is a big feminist and lgbt self defense groups and spaces that gives you courage, you dont feel alone about these issues. I also worked in a restaurant and go home walking late at night and I’ve never have any problem.

Posted: August 20, 2024
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Flo

Flo

I advise you not to go through the train stations after 10 PM (except for the central station, which remains relatively safe) and especially avoid the northern and southern districts. I can also recommend the best places to visit.

Posted: July 27, 2024
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Is Brussels worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.3 /5

based on 27 experiences from female travelers

Luísa

Luísa

Belgium

Solo travel

I visited Belgium and stayed in Brussels with a friend. I explored the Grand Place, tasted amazing chocolates and waffles, and enjoyed the vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. It was unforgettable!

Posted: August 6, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Solo travel

I spent two days in Brussels as a young woman alone. I stayed in a hostel near the center. In general it was very nice. The city was very chaotic and especially near the Midi station and in the non-tourist neighborhoods you have to be careful and I don't recommend going out alone at night. But in general I didn't have a bad experience.

Posted: July 31, 2024
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Meet locals in Brussels

Safa

Safa

About Me

My name is Safae, I am an economic student living in Brussels.

Speaking

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Aurélie

Aurélie

About Me

Hi dear Sisters, I am Aurélie, 30, living in Brussels. My mother tongue is french, I am learning Dutch at the moment. What makes me happy : eating, cooking, chocolate, biking, hiking, trees, water but most of all kind people 😊 I'm easy to live by as I adapt to people. As a firework, my head can fly in the clouds and I get dreamy while I stay grounded on the floor and being pragmatic :) So i'm an optimistic/idealist person as wel as a realistic one 😋

Speaking

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Safety in Belgium

Frequently asked questions

Is Brussels safe?

Women living in Brussels consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Is Brussels safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Brussels consider walking alone at night to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 2.9 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider public transport to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2.2 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of being physically attacked to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of burglary to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Brussels?

Women living in Brussels consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5