Is Bruges Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bruges is generally considered very safe for solo female travelers. It has a low crime rate, and people tend to be friendly and willing to help if needed. Like anywhere, it's advisable to use common sense and take usual precautions, such as not walking alone late at night in unlit areas and keeping your belongings close, but overall, it makes for a secure and pleasant destination for solo trips.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 8 experiences

4.7 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Bruges is generally very safe for solo female travelers even at night. The city is well-lit and there is often a crowd until late hours due to its vibrant nightlife. Public transportation and taxis are always available if you prefer not to walk alone. Just like any other location, be cautious and stick to main routes and well-populated areas. Instances of petty crime can happen, so always keep your belongings secure and within sight.

Public transportation: Very safe

Public transportation in Bruges is considered to be very safe. The bus and train services are reliable and well-maintained, with schedules that are easily accessible online or at transport hubs. Conductors and drivers are often courteous and able to communicate in English, making it easier for foreign travelers. Violent incidents or thefts on these services are uncommon. However, like in any other city, you should remain aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Street harassment: Very low

Bruges is a peaceful city and highly respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are significantly low. The locals are polite and helpful. It's generally very safe to walk around, even at night. However, it's always wise to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings no matter where you travel.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur in Bruges, like any other tourist destination. However, its frequency is generally lower than in larger cities. Taking regular precautions like keeping your belongings secure is generally sufficient to ensure a safe travel experience.

Tap water:Very safe

In Bruges, the tap water is very safe for drinking. Authorities in Belgium stringently regulate water quality to meet high EU standard regulations, meaning it goes through rigorous testing and purification processes. It's as clean, if not cleaner, than bottled water. You can easily fill up your bottle throughout the day without concerns.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 8 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

2.6/5

Solo travel experience

Bruges was gorgeous and full of delicious chocolate shops. I did 2 nights and did not feel like it was nearly enough as there were more museums I would like to have explored. I felt very safe.

Posted: April 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Bruges is like a dream. So beautiful, fantastic chocolate and terrific beer. Safe and easy to get around.

Posted: December 3, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I loved Brugge. It was one of my sweetest travel memories. I was shopping at a lace shop in the medieval village and stepped outside to newly falling snow. I felt like I was in a dream. It was so beautiful. I recommend climbing the bell tower. Awesome experience.

Posted: December 3, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Bruges is a beautiful city. I would recommend booking a walking tour, most are 'free' but you are expected to tip your guide. Just wandering the streets and exploring the shops easily takes up a whole day. It is a really safe city and most bars are open until 1/2am and it's such a nice vibe walking round at night. I would definitely recommend hiring bikes as well, everyone rides bikes in Bruges! I cycled up to Damme which is a small town about 30 mins up the canal. It is a very flat city so it is easy to cycle. Food/drink recommendations: ODA rooftop bar (great views!), Bar Jus, Bar 'N.

Posted: September 24, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Try Belgian Fries - Take a Canal boat tour - Visit the Market Square - Take a horse & carriage ride - Eat Belgian waffles - Visit Historium - Try local beer - Visit Choco museum - Visit the Lovers Bridge - Climb the Belfry Tower Safety: Bruges is vert safe city. Recommendations: Bruges is one of the best most beautiful places I have visited.

Posted: September 16, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Take Canal boat tour - Explore Markt Square - Climb the Belfry - Wander the Old Town - See the windmills - Visit Lover’s Bridge - See Minnewater Lake - Visit the Church of our Lady Safety: Felt perfectly safe. Recommendations: Bruges is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy a relaxing time.

Posted: September 9, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Belfry of Bruges - Church of Our Lady Bruges - Groeninge Museum - Basilica of the Holy Blood - Saint John’s Hospital - Burg Square - Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan - Bruges City Hall - Frietmuseum Safety: I felt perfectly safe while in Bruges. Recommendations: Bruges is awesome. Food, beer, medieval history.

Posted: September 2, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Brugge is stunning. There are so many places to eat local food (Flemish stew and frites is one of the best) the beer museum and bar is lovely for a drink, most of the local bars serve a little snack of cheese or sausage with a beer.

Posted: August 27, 2022
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Bruges

Judith

Judith

Speaking

About Me

Hi, i'm Judith. 29 yo and i love to travel! Mostly i travel alone or i do half solo/half group vacations. I prefer diverse vacations where i have time to chill and rest, but also discover nature/history and new cultures. I'm very sporty and I love to make last minute plans.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Bieke

Bieke

Speaking

About Me

HI I just started traveling solo a few years ago but I fell in love with it immediately. I love discovering new places and being in nature.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands

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Lotte

Lotte

Speaking

About Me

Hi, my name is Lotte and I'm a 25 y/0 Flemish girl who loves to travel, experience something new and meet new people 😊 There's more to tell, but I'll keep that for a possible meeting :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland

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Stay with locals in Bruges

Judith

Judith

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi, i'm Judith. 29 yo and i love to travel! Mostly i travel alone or i do half solo/half group vacations. I prefer diverse vacations where i have time to chill and rest, but also discover nature/history and new cultures. I'm very sporty and I love to make last minute plans.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

mode_comment 0
Lotte

Lotte

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hi, my name is Lotte and I'm a 25 y/0 Flemish girl who loves to travel, experience something new and meet new people 😊 There's more to tell, but I'll keep that for a possible meeting :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland

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Bieke

Bieke

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I'm Bieke and I'm interested in animals, backpacking, business, digital nomad, diving, dancing, food & cuisine, nature and van life

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Safety in Belgium