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 80 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

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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Belgium, Solo travel

I felt safe in Belgium in general “not really in the evening”. I like that they are a week ticket for students with only 20 euros and we can go to all Beligum with train. I got lucky that someone hosted me and I felt pretty safe in the neighborhood in Brussels.

Posted: September 12, 2024
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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
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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
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Brussels, 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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Pauline

Pauline

France

Brussels, Group travel

Brussels is a very beautiful and multicultural city. It is easy to communicate with locals weather you're doing it in English or French. The city center is very animated and very great to go and party with your friends!

Posted: July 14, 2024Experienced: April, 2022
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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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Is Belgium safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 88 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 88 local experiences

Tournai

I live in Tournai for 5 years now, Nothing bad happened to me, though I go out alone at night, However, I'm often on the bike and wouldn't feel safe being all alone, walking at certain hours in certain places, I still got stared at, on the street and catcalled, but nothing too serious,

Posted: January 20, 2025
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Marie

Marie

Louvain-la-Neuve

It is a student city so a lot of student life is going on there, so it is in a way very fun because the whole city can be a party and when I walk I often see people I know but sometimes, there is some places where there is no light at night and that is quite scary

Posted: January 20, 2025
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Meet locals in Belgium

Isis

Isis

About Me

Hi! I'm a busy student at the University of Ghent. Animals are my passion, more specifically horses. I enjoy loads of little projects and social activities. As a board member of a student organisation, I love to spend my evenings with friends in the city, doing activities or organising them. My hobbies and interests are very broad, from caring for my horse, to poledancing or ballroom dancing, to crocheting or reading a book (these last two are less prominent these days due to my busy schedule unfortunately). Travelling has always had a special place in my heart, I work hard throughout the year to finance my little trips with friends. More than 5 months spent without travelling makes me go crazy!🤪 Italy has a very special place in my heart and tends to be my go-to destination when I need an escape from daily life in Ghent!

Speaking

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Marieke

Marieke

About Me

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

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Belgium

Marieke

Marieke

Leuven

Can host for:

4 days

About me

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

Speaking

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Isis

Isis

Ghent

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm a busy student at the University of Ghent. Animals are my passion, more specifically horses. I enjoy loads of little projects and social activities. As a board member of a student organisation, I love to spend my evenings with friends in the city, doing activities or organising them. My hobbies and interests are very broad, from caring for my horse, to poledancing or ballroom dancing, to crocheting or reading a book (these last two are less prominent these days due to my busy schedule unfortunately). Travelling has always had a special place in my heart, I work hard throughout the year to finance my little trips with friends. More than 5 months spent without travelling makes me go crazy!🤪 Italy has a very special place in my heart and tends to be my go-to destination when I need an escape from daily life in Ghent!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Belgium

Arial

Arial

About Me

hi hi Arial here! I grew up in Canada and moved to HK! I’m in the legal field. I love anything japan related - conversational Japanese okay!

Speaking

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Mira

Mira

About Me

Hi, I’m Mira, a 21-year-old passionate about traveling and exploring new places. I love meeting new people and creating meaningful connections wherever I go. Life, for me, is all about embracing new experiences and learning from the world around me❤️

Speaking

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Safety in Belgium