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 worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 86 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Ghent, Group travel

My experience in ghent was great !! I recommend to go to this city with friends. I think ghent is a one day trip because the city is quite small. You can visit : - the gravensteen (it's a beautiful castle) - the cathedral - walk around and enjoy food :)

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Lara

Lara

Netherlands

Aywaille, Group travel

I felt very save because we traveled there with a car so we moved from place to place with a car. In addition i was accompanied by three guys so that did make me feel a bit more safe. The environment there was also very calm so that made me feel comfortabel. There were a lot of nice activities to do such as hicking, visiting caves and kajaking. We stayed in a castel and the appartment that we got was very big, clean and neat and it was very inexpensive for what we got. The food was good and not very expensive so overall it was a very nice vacation.

Posted: March 25, 2025
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Ghent, Family travel

Ghent is a really nice and historic city to visit. I do think around 3 days in Ghent will be enough to explore the city. The atmosphere was nice and friendly, we felt very safe. You can take a really nice boat tour, during this a guide will tell you all about the city’s history. Also nice museums are around, like the ‘museum voor schone kunsten’. You will also find some nice bars and pubs.

Posted: March 7, 2025
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Brussels, Solo travel

Its safe city 4 girls due to low crime rates, well-lit streets, reliable public transport. The city promotes gender equality U will find the best cultured food at Molenbeek, which is also very central!

Posted: March 5, 2025
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Jane

Jane

France

Brussels, Solo travel

Europe by train 1/17 • Brussels Reassuring first stop for my solo trip ! Belgians are very nice, and there are so many things to do. Even in the neighborhoods I was told to avoid (like the courthouse), I had zero problem at all 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ very walkable ! I walked by foot from the center to the Centenaire park, it was very pleasant 🏺 Musées royaux d’Art et d’Histoire, Musée des Beaux-Arts, street art 🍔 fries and waffles, of course! Go to Fritland and Maison Dandoy are a must ❤️ museums are great, people are nice, historic center is beautiful. You can eat well for a decent price 💔 outside the historic city center, it is much less lively and it can feel a bit unsafe. Much of the city was also under renovation

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Brussels, Solo travel

I was I Brussels beginning of February and it was very cold. I like public transport, its fairly cheap. I highly reccommend going to turist info point to get map and recommendations on what to see, they are super friendly and nice.

Posted: February 4, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Belgium, Solo travel

I loved my experience in Belgium. I went to Brussels, Brugge, Oostende and Ghent. The places were all gorgeous and not too crowded, the weather was rainy until June but I love rain so I was quite happy, Definitely would love to go back any time!

Posted: January 7, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Gabriela

Gabriela

Brazil

Ghent, Solo travel

I spent 4 months in Ghent as an exchange student and it was the best experience of my life!! I stayed with a great hostess, made lots of friends, saw beautiful places and had an amazing time. As a woman I never feel unsafe, and was always treated with respect even though I do not speak Flemish. Would totally recommend visiting for at least 2 days so you can see everything in that beautiful city.

Posted: January 4, 2025Experienced: August, 2024
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Bruges, Group travel

Hi Bruge is a beautiful historical city. It has a magical quality. I loved the wafers and chocolate. It is also very safe and has a good transportation system. Their mos famous food is muscles. They also have a fruit flavored beer. People are very helpful.

Posted: December 29, 2024
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Ghent, Group travel

Small, cozy place, felt super safe, nice bike infrastructure and amazing nature, the city centre is gorgeous, the beer is delicious! Public transport is safe and convenient, museums are very interesting. Not so many tourists as it isn’t the most touristy place.

Posted: December 26, 2024
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Is Belgium safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 133 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 133 local experiences

Brussels

Overall it's fine I would say. Obviously there are some worse areas than others. I very rarely got bothered and I'm often going out at night. There are also lots of people around, so you not often alone in the streets.

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Ypres

Ypres is a lesser touristic spot in Belgium but with the same amount of history and importance like Gent or Bruge. It's easier to walk around and pass someone you already met. Therefore I think it's a safer city as there is also less nightlife.

Posted: March 30, 2025
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Meet locals in Belgium

Marieke

Marieke

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Hi, I’m Marieke living in Leuven but mostly travelling the world.

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Jasmijn

Jasmijn

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Hi, I’m Jasmijn and love travelling. I’m always looking for new ways of connecting with people.

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Stay with locals in Belgium

Jasmijn

Jasmijn

Antwerp

Can host for:

7 days

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Hi, I’m Jasmijn and love travelling. I’m always looking for new ways of connecting with people.

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Marieke

Marieke

Leuven

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3 days

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Hi, I’m Marieke living in Leuven but mostly travelling the world.

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Upcoming visitors to Belgium

Andrea

Andrea

About Me

Hi. I’m Andrea, I have 25 years old, I’m a data engineer and I really enjoy meeting people, making friends, a lot of activities, hiking, astronomy, tech, etc…

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zahra🌸

zahra🌸

About Me

hi! i am zahra and i love travelling🌸 i often go on short ventures✈️ i’m super chatty and i love making new friends - it’s always a bonus if i can chat in languages i’m learning too!✨ right now, i am focussing on italian🇮🇹

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Safety in Belgium