Is Belgium Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Belgium is generally a safe country to travel for solo female travelers. Violent crime is low, however, like every other place in the world, it's always wise to stay cautious and vigilant, especially during night hours or when visiting isolated areas. As a solo female traveler, it is recommended to keep in touch with family, avoid sharing specifics about accommodation and travel, and follow travel advisories. Also, be aware of pickpocketing in busy tourist areas or public transport.

Safety rating

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How safe is Belgium?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Belgium, overall, is considered quite safe for solo female travelers even at night. The well-lit urban areas, like Brussels and Antwerp, have plenty of people around which will significantly reduce the risk. However, it is always advisable to stay vigilant and avoid less populated or poorly lit areas. Use your discretion in more rural regions where it can be more isolated. Public transportation or taxis are widely available and reliable. It is always wise to let someone else know your whereabouts, especially when traveling alone.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Belgium, including buses, trains, and trams, is generally safe, efficient, and reliable. Passengers are typically respectful, and it's quite commonplace for solo female travelers to use these transportation systems. However, just like any other place in the world, you should always remain aware of your belongings and surroundings to avoid petty theft. Occasional delays may occur, but timetables are typically adhered to.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Belgium is generally considered to be quite safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment, while not completely absent, is not highly prominent either. Respect for personal space is significant amongst Belgians. However, just like any other city, occasional cat-calling in crowded or touristy areas might occur. But overall, most encounters are likely to be polite and non-threatening.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Belgium generally boasts a low rate of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially when compared to other European countries. These types of crimes usually happen in crowded places like public transportation, main tourist attractions, and major events. However, by taking some basic precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated places at night, such risks can be mitigated. Travellers are advised to be vigilant especially in larger cities like Brussels and Antwerp.

Is Belgium safe to travel?

4.9 /5

Based on 22 experiences

Chris

Chris

United States

Brussels, Solo travel

I stayed in the city center but 4 or so blocks away from the main plaza. I liked being away from the noise of evening partiers but close to shops. I always felt safe walking back to the flat by myself after dark. It's a beautiful city, so I mostly walked around and marvelled at the architecture-art nouveau is my favorite design style. Dutch and French are the main languages spoken here. I understand very little of each, but still found it easy to get around. I spent around $550 on Airbnb for 3 nights which felt high, but the flat was beautiful and centrally located.

Posted: July 6, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Daiane

Daiane

Germany

Belgium, Solo travel

A country in which I felt extremely safe, I could walk alone at night without worrying, I could see the sights on foot and the food was also excellent. I stayed in a hostel and it was well located, close to the train stations

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Eliana

Eliana

Colombia

Brussels, Solo travel

Overall, Brussels was ok. It felt relatively safe for the most part, except at night when there were a lot of drunk men on the streets. I was harassed and groped by two drunk men at the train station one night. The city is pretty, but if you’ve visited Europe it’s nothing out of the ordinary. My experience in Brussels was relatively lackluster.

Posted: June 14, 2024
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Emmie

Emmie

United States

Leuven, 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, 2024
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Brussels, Solo travel

I did feel safe even though there a lot of influencers (mostly men) that come to you and try to flirt (asking for your number, or very lame pick up lines) so they can record your reaction and post on the internet. It was a bit annoying and I was uncomfortable with that.

Posted: April 30, 2024
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Brussels, Group travel

Brussels felt like I’m in a movie. The Grand Palace in the night was enchanting. You could grab you drinks and accompany street singers. I felt safe. People are nice and helpful. It’s a bit expensive. Overall you should visit Brussels.

Posted: March 3, 2024
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Bruges, Solo travel

Felt very safe even walking alone at night! Stayed in a mixed dorm hostel and also felt safe. Food was very delicious but a little expensive. Definitely get the museum pass!! And try free walking tours

Posted: February 2, 2024
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Marta

Marta

Belgium

Brussels, Family travel

1) centre is enough safe, But it wasn't very comfortable outside of it. 2) It was a very cheap trip, I spent the night at a friend's house, so I spent about 60 euros on museums and cafes, as well as some transport 3) The city is very beautiful, but there are always a lot of people on the main square and it is difficult to see it, I highly recommend coming before 10 or 11 in the morning

Posted: January 12, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
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Paola

Paola

Costa Rica

Belgium, Solo travel

I went to visit Belgium and everything was great, good food, new experiences, friendly people, safe and quiet place, you make many friends, multicultural, I tried foods from many countries and it was the best 🩷🩷🩷

Posted: January 6, 2024
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Bruges, Solo travel

Brugia is good for one day, but then it becomes a bit boring, because it is so small and there is not much to do there. Despite this, it is worth going there, it's beautiful and safe.

Posted: December 28, 2023
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Is Belgium safe for women?

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 11 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.8 /5

Based on 11 experiences

Yanisa

Yanisa

Brussels

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

Brussels

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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Is Belgium safe right now?

Before your visit to Belgium, it's essential to check travel advisories for Belgium, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 30, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 18, 2024

Is Belgium worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 22 experiences

Luísa

Luísa

Belgium

Brussels, 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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Fatma

Fatma

France

Belgium, Solo travel

Hello, I regularly go to Belgium because I live not far from the border, and it's always a pleasure to meet and interact with the Belgians. The country is also very beautiful, and the architecture is magnificent. Fatma

Posted: August 3, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Belgium

Meet local women in Belgium who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Noémie

Noémie

About Me

Hi, my name is Noémie I like talking and meeting new people, but most of all I like dancing, saying anything, giving pleasure to the people I love, drawing ugly pictures in the corner of the page... And you ?

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Swetha

Swetha

About Me

Hi, I am swetha an Indian based out of Belgium . Love travelling and exploring new places. Vegan. Do not smoke or drink. Love pets and animals.

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Stay with locals in Belgium

Stay with local women in Belgium who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Noémie

Noémie

Brussels

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi, my name is Noémie I like talking and meeting new people, but most of all I like dancing, saying anything, giving pleasure to the people I love, drawing ugly pictures in the corner of the page... And you ?

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Swetha

Swetha

Belgium

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I am swetha an Indian based out of Belgium . Love travelling and exploring new places. Vegan. Do not smoke or drink. Love pets and animals.

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Upcoming visitors to Belgium

Connect with upcoming visitors to Belgium who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Frédérique

Frédérique

About Me

28 years old. Social worker / HR Manager. Passionate about mental health and helping people. Kinda shy, I tend to let go when I feel safe around people but not the most outgoing at first sight. Solo traveler, mostly in Europe.

Speaking

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ceysu

ceysu

About Me

merhaba. im ceysu, 20 years old. im a turkish college student and i try to travel by saving money. my favourite time during my travels is eating local food/dessert. i still don't know how to backpacking. i would love meet people in different countries although i'm an introvert and have social anxiety.

Speaking

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Safety in Belgium