Is Brussels Safe for Women? Crime & Safety Index

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.

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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.

Brussels is like any big cities in Europe, different areas = different vibes. I feel safe everywhere in the city during day time and until 11PM I would say. I never had problem going home from a party by walking at 2 or 3AM but I wouldn’t recommand to do that because you never know. I would say street harrassment is less worse than in our neighbor city Paris.

Overall its a great place but given its very international and a central spot within travels so not all places are safe especially Nord area or midi area or even very touristy spots. Keep in check for your belongings at all times.

Most places are safe except the main train stations that cab get a bit dodgy at night and around those neighbourhoods. The centre is quite safe and wherever students and young people hang out is completely safe

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!

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.