Is Leuven Safe for Women? Crime & Safety Index
Safety index
The safety level in Leuven is considered high, with an overall safety index of 4 out of 5.
Crime index
The crime rate in Leuven is considered very low, with an overall crime index of 1.2 out of 5.
Violence index
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.
Meet new people
Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 5 experiences
Safety index: | 4/5 | Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Safety using public transport: | 3.9/5 | Safe |
Crime index: | 1.2/5 | Very Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Leuven?
Marieke
Most of the time I feel safe, but I know I have to lock my bicycle and take care of not being mugged. At night I do mostly feel safe walking around. In the city centre there is always police around. But it is a student city and people do drink too much.
Posted: October 5, 2024
Anjani
I have been living in Leuven for 5 years and haven't had any bad experiences so far. I feel pretty safe walking alone at night. It is a student city and fairly crime free. I have not felt unsafe or scared for my well being.
Posted: August 12, 2024Anjani
I have been living in Leuven for 5 years and haven't had any bad experiences so far. I feel pretty safe walking alone at night. It is a student city and fairly crime free. I have not felt unsafe or scared for my well being.
Posted: August 12, 2024Cute college town with a beautiful UNESCO Beguinage! Very safe everywhere walking even at night. I lived here for a year and have had no issues! Public transportation is decent - buses and train but biking is the way to travel :)
Posted: July 23, 2024
Maartje
Leuven is overall a very safe place! I would however watch out when you’re alone ik the streets after 2 am, you might cross some drunk students who might be trying to talk to you. If you’re fine with that, you’re completely good to go
Posted: July 6, 2024Leuven is overall a really safe city. I frequently walk home alone in the dark and have never had any issues, although as a woman I would always recommend taking basic safety precautions such as not walking through dark alleys in the middle night etc. or while intoxicated. Leuven is also very LGBTQ+ friendly, perhaps one of the safest in Belgium!
Posted: June 15, 2024Is Leuven worth visiting?
Emmie
United States
Solo travel
Leuven is extremely safe, even at night. Lots of drunk students during the week but actually quieter during the weekend. Belgian food isn’t fantastic (with the exception of Liege waffles; it’s a crime not to get one—go to Josephine, it’s better than Pinocchio), but there are other good restaurants around (I recommend Nirvana for incredible Indian) and lots of good vegetarian options. You can do most of Leuven in a day, so it’s a good day trip from Brussels. It’s a beautiful, beautiful city.
Posted: June 10, 2024Meet locals in Leuven
Emma
About Me
Hi! My name is Emma. I am a teacher from Belgium, and I will be travelling around the world from August 2022 until July 2023. Looking for genuine connections, laughs, stories, experiences.
Speaking
Marieke
About Me
Hi, I’m Marieke living in Leuven but mostly travelling the world.
Speaking
Safety in Belgium
Brussels
Ghent
Bruges
Antwerp
Leuven
Maasmechelen
Essen
Turnhout
Genk
Hasselt
Tongeren
Liège
Sint-Truiden
Beveren
Mechelen
Vilvoorde
Frequently asked questions
Is Leuven safe?
Is Leuven safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Leuven?
What is the crime rate in Leuven?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Leuven?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Leuven?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Leuven?
What is the risk of burglary in Leuven?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Leuven?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Leuven?
