Is Ghent Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ghent is generally a safe city to visit, even for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low, and most visits are trouble-free. It's a friendly place where locals are often willing to help tourists in need. It is always advisable, however, to take some basic precautions like avoiding less crowded areas late at night and keeping your personal belongings secure at all times.

Safety rating

4.7 /5

Based on 12 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 34 experiences from local women

Ghent is currently ranked #26 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.7 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Ghent?

Safety at night:Safe

Ghent is generally a safe city, even at night. It is well lit and often bustling with all the students who live there. Public transportation ceases around midnight but taxis are readily available. Like anywhere else, it's suggested to avoid dimly-lit and less populated areas and always be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. As a solo female traveler, you should feel quite safe for most of your excursions, however, always trust your intuition.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Ghent is quite reliable and generally safe. City trams and buses are efficient and conveniently mapped. Nonetheless, it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night, and always be aware of your belongings. Traveling during peak hours ensures more company which can also add an additional sense of security.

Street harassment:Very low

Ghent is known for its peacefulness and respect towards women. Street harassment is quite rare, instances of catcalling or inappropriate behavior are not common. Most importantly, the locals are friendly, and the authorities are very responsive, which makes Ghent a safe city for solo female travelers.

Petty crimes:Low

Ghent usually exhibits low levels of petty crime. Most of the incidents include pickpocketing or purse snatching, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's always important to keep an eye on your valuables, but generally, the city is considered quite safe.

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 12 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5

Julia

Netherlands

Solo travel

I went to Ghent for 3 days and stayed at the Upplink hostel. It was a great experience because the hostel has a lot of young people, it is in a perfect location and very well organized. The hostel staff were very friendly and gave me a city tour. The city is very beautiful and easy to get around because all the attractions are close by. The castle is definitely worth a visit. Try the Ghent Noses. The restaurants are expensive, and for a solo traveler with a very small salary, I think it is worth buying a sandwich at Carrefour for lunch 🤣

Posted: May 8, 2025

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Lucia

France

Group travel

Even though it was a one-day trip, we tasted delicious beers, frites and hamburgers. The architecture of the city is magical and I assure you one day is enough to visit Ghent, we were 4 girls and we never felt insecure, nor rushed. One of the best quick trips to do!

Posted: April 6, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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Family travel

Ghent is a really nice and historic city to visit. I do think around 3 days in Ghent will be enough to explore the city. The atmosphere was nice and friendly, we felt very safe. You can take a really nice boat tour, during this a guide will tell you all about the city’s history. Also nice museums are around, like the ‘museum voor schone kunsten’. You will also find some nice bars and pubs.

Posted: March 7, 2025

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Gabriela

Brazil

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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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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Is Ghent safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 34 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 34 local experiences

Laura

Besides some areas, Ghent is pretty safe. And even in the bit more sketchy neighborhoods, you are still very unlikely to be attacked or robbed. After dark you should be a little more careful, especially as a woman around some neighborhoods or in the party areas. There are cases of sexual harassment and assault but overall if you are a bit careful and speak up when something might happen, you should be safe. Most bars and clubs are very serious about keeping it a safe space so always let them know if someone is being inappropriate.

Posted: May 2, 2025

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Meet locals in Ghent

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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Nisa

About Me

I am a teacher and I love being social, traveling and drawing. I enjoy meeting new friends.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Ghent

Isis

Ghent

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Melissa

Ghent

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey I’m Melissa, 19yo, and I’m a full time math-student in Belgium, Ghent. I currently live in Dendermonde by my parents, but I have a small apartment in Ghent with my boyfriend(Arend21yo). I really want to offer a hospitality place for females who travel around the world. If you need a place, it is best to arrive and leave in the week (not in the weekend because that is when I live in Dendermonde) Hit me up!