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

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How safe is Brussels?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 27 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Luísa

Luísa

Belgium

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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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

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

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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Kamva

Kamva

France

Solo travel

Brussels is such a pedestrian friendly city and its almost impossible to get lost when moving around. Unlike countries like France, its important to only cross at pedestrians crossings, a faux pas I committed more than once. But generally people are nice and easy going, even in the most touristy parts where people are easily irritated. Most people switch easily between French/Dutch and English as well.

Posted: June 19, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Eliana

Eliana

Colombia

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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Solo travel

I spent 24 h in Brussels alone, and it was so good, food is so delisious (waffles , chocolate and potatoes). I met really nice people, and i really enjoyed my trip. I went to atomium, and mini europe they were really amazing,

Posted: May 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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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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Group travel

I really liked the Brussels because it’s my first trip in abroad. The atmosphere and the “weather” was perfect. We tried belgium waffles and fries, but unfortunately I didn’t like it that much. Overall there are lots of good places and souvenir shops that you can but good stuffs. So I highly recommend Brussels if you haven’t been there!

Posted: March 12, 2024
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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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Is Brussels safe for women?

Safety index

3.5 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 27 local experiences

I feel safe in general but it depends on the neighborhood… nothing ever happened to me personally, but some (male) friends got their belongings stolen violently. You could feel unsafe mainly in train stations.

Posted: December 14, 2024
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Brussels feels safe I think, but it strongly depends on where and what area’s. I would say like usually: keep your guards and don’t go everywhere/anytime. Most places that are touristical are located in the center which is a safe area.

Posted: November 21, 2024
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Meet locals in Brussels

Safa

Safa

About Me

My name is Safae, I am an economic student living in Brussels.

Speaking

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Aurélie

Aurélie

About Me

Hi dear Sisters, I am Aurélie, 30, living in Brussels. My mother tongue is french, I am learning Dutch at the moment. What makes me happy : eating, cooking, chocolate, biking, hiking, trees, water but most of all kind people 😊 I'm easy to live by as I adapt to people. As a firework, my head can fly in the clouds and I get dreamy while I stay grounded on the floor and being pragmatic :) So i'm an optimistic/idealist person as wel as a realistic one 😋

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Brussels

Aurélie

Aurélie

Brussels

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi dear Sisters, I am Aurélie, 30, living in Brussels. My mother tongue is french, I am learning Dutch at the moment. What makes me happy : eating, cooking, chocolate, biking, hiking, trees, water but most of all kind people 😊 I'm easy to live by as I adapt to people. As a firework, my head can fly in the clouds and I get dreamy while I stay grounded on the floor and being pragmatic :) So i'm an optimistic/idealist person as wel as a realistic one 😋

Speaking

mode_comment 1
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 ?

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Brussels

victoria

victoria

About Me

I am planning my first backpacking trip around Europe March 2024! It’s my golden birthday & I am planning to do most of the trip solo.

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