Is Brussels Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Brussels is generally safe for solo female travelers. It is known for its high standard of living and wide, well-lit streets, creating a secure environment. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas and the city's public transport, so it is advised to keep a close watch on your belongings. Sexual harassment is not commonly reported but it's always better to avoid walking alone in less crowded areas late at night. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and practice some safety precautions as you would anywhere else, you should find Brussels a safe and welcoming city to travel alone.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 33 experiences from female travelers

3.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.5 /5

Based on 66 experiences from local women

Brussels is currently ranked #42 safest place in Belgium for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Brussels?

Safety at night:Moderate

Brussels, is generally safe but caution should still be exercised. It is well-lit and policed in most areas, especially in populated places and tourist spots. However, some neighborhoods can be less secure and it's not advised to walk alone late at night. Public transportation such as taxis and rideshares are readily available if you prefer not to walk. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Brussels is generally considered safe. Trams, buses, and metros are well-maintained and have a regular schedule. However, like any big city, it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during non-peak hours. Most stations and vehicles have surveillance cameras for added security. It's advised to avoid less crowded areas at night. Keep your belongings secure and maintain a watchful eye for pickpockets as they can be active in crowded places. Despite these minor concerns, thousands of people safely use the public transport in Brussels every day.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Brussels, you may encounter some level of street harassment. This usually comes in the form of catcalling or unsolicited comments. However, as is the case anywhere, the degree of harassment can quite vary depending on the area and time. Areas like the Grand Place and the European Quarter are often more crowded with tourists and thus feel safer. It is generally suggested to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone at night or in less crowded places. Respectable and law-abiding citizens far outnumber those who might seek to harass or intimidate.

Petty crimes:Low

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a relatively safe city. The concern for petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft from vehicles should not be completely disregarded but is lower compared to other major European cities. The risk increases in some touristy areas and on public transport. However, by taking simple precautions, like keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding showing off expensive items, you can avoid most petty crimes.

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 33 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Sara

Italy

Solo travel

Brussels is an amazing city, so lively full of different culture and people. Everyone speaks English but the avarege life is pretty expensive especially the food. I will suggest to visit the Art Noveau houses and the gardens (there are many and all amazing). It's actually a pretty safe city but still be careful walking alone at night.

Posted: April 29, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Alexa

Latvia

Solo travel

I visited Brussels recently and overall had a good experience. I felt mostly safe during the day, but in the evenings, I noticed a lot of groups of men walking around the city center, which made me feel a bit uncomfortable as a solo female traveler. That being said, the city itself is beautiful, full of historic architecture and great museums. I highly recommend visiting Grand Place, Atomium, and trying the local waffles and fries—they’re amazing. If you’re planning a short trip, 2–3 days are enough to cover the main sights. I’d suggest avoiding late evening walks alone, especially in less busy areas.

Posted: April 24, 2025

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Dilara

Turkey

Group travel

In the center, I felt safer but even near the center in the night I did not feel safe. I spent 70€ more than I expected there, including the shuttle from airport to center, 20€ each. Waffle was great in Maison dandoy but it was not cheap, and I don’t recommend the waffle factory although it is a cheaper place, it didn’t fulfill my expectations and taste and texture wasn’t good. We were not sure whether to go to Magritte Museum, but we end up loving it and spent 2.5 hours there. If you’re into art, %100 recommend.

Posted: April 17, 2025

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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

France

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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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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Is Brussels safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 66 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 66 local experiences

Brussels can be a cool city but the things is that u must stay alert anyway. Be careful about how hold ur phone and also after dark u may be approached by some guy depending of the way u dress. I am sorry

Posted: June 25, 2025

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Brussel is a nice city with lots of communities and diversity. You could easily make friends and have fun while being in the centrum (still gotta be safe of course). Only downside i would say is that most people, besides young people, don't talk fluent English and that the city has become kinda dangerous at night recently (especially for a woman alone).

Posted: June 2, 2025

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