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 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

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

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

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

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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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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Is Brussels safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 58 local experiences

I moved to Belgium 2 years ago and I really like the city. Brussels is a multicultural capital and fairly safe to live in. I would recommend avoiding walking next to the train stations at night, especially if you are a woman travelling by yourself.

Posted: April 14, 2025
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There are a lot of people smoking weed, and after dark its not the best place to walk around out of the city center. I haven’t encountered any troubles there, but you should be careful when walking around and look out for your bag and phone.

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Meet locals in Brussels

Claire

Claire

About Me

Hey ! My name is (Marie-)Claire and I'm fond of traveling and meeting people that will broaden my mind. I'm from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe 🏝️ but I'm currently living in (cloudy) Brussels. I love a good glass of wine, chilling on the beach, but also to hike or listen to your stories !

Speaking

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Alice

Alice

About Me

Hi !! My name is Alice !! I know I look a bit pissed in my picture, I promise I'm nice haha I speak French and English and I've lived in Brussels my whole life. I love music, theater, poetry, art, and all kinds of things. I love meeting new people even though I don't like to talk in large groups. I loooove to yap once I'm comfortable with someone. I'm a big big swiftie. I love to eat. I'm into spirituality and esotericism. I started a really small jewelry business. I love dogs. And cats. And animals in general actually. (I don't know if I've introduced myself enough)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Brussels

Ginevra

Ginevra

Brussels

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi! I am an Italian girl living in Brussels since 2022. I work full time on social policies and mostly from home. I can give some tips on the city and host, but sometimes I will be too busy to show you around. I decided to join the group to help boycotting other platforms and to offer a safe space for other women 🫂💖

Speaking

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Almina

Almina

Brussels

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Born in kosovo, lived my whole life in Italy, now doing my master’s degree in Brussels!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Brussels

nagisa

nagisa

About Me

Hi! I’m from Tokyo and grew up in the US, and currently based in Venice, studying as an exchange student :) I fluent in English and Japanese, currently studying Russian. I’m gonna solo travel around Europe in May, and I would be more than happy to meet local and travel girlies <33 hmu on my insta @1nqktty I do music so would love to meet musicians and music lovers as well :)

Speaking

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Anna

Anna

About Me

Phd Student in Gender Studies (Queer TV) Art lover in all its shapes Makeup and karaoke lover Screenwriting, movie making and acting

Speaking

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Safety in Belgium