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Leuven

Is Leuven Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Leuven is generally safe for solo female travelers. There's a low crime rate, and local people are friendly and tolerant, often speaking English. The city is well-lit and public transport is reliable. However, like any city, it is advised to take usual precautions, avoid deserted areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings.

Leuven is currently ranked #90 safest place for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

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How safe is Leuven?

Safety at night:Safe

Leuven is largely a student city, so it's often bustling with activities till late at night. Luckily, it is quite safe due to the well-lit streets, regular police patrols and low crime rate. However, as in any city, it is always advised to stay vigilant and avoid deserted lanes and parks after dark.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Leuven is quite efficient and secure. It offers various modes from buses, trains and trams which run on a regular basis. The community is known to be very friendly and English is widely spoken making communication easier. Even during late hours, the streets are well lit - this usually helps increase the feeling of personal safety when moving from a point of disembarkation to a destination. It is however still important to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places

Street harassment:Low

Leuven tends to be a very safe city overall, even for solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are generally low, with most locals being polite and respectful. Although, like any city, it is not entirely free from such issues, hence practicing usual personal safety measures can make your travel hassle-free.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes like pickpocketing or purse snatching are relatively low in Leuven compared to other European cities. However, it's always advised to be vigilant, particularly in crowded areas or in the evening. The city is generally regarded as safe, especially because of the large student population, and the police are usually prompt and efficient in their duties.

Tap water:Very safe

Drinking tap water in Leuven is safe and of high quality. The country has robust standards for water treatment, and tap water undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets health regulations. So, you can definitely fill up your bottle straight from the tap.

Is Leuven safe to travel?

Emmie

United States

Solo travel experience

Leuven is extremely safe, even at night. Lots of drunk students during the week but actually quieter during the weekend. Belgian food isn’t fantastic (with the exception of Liege waffles; it’s a crime not to get one—go to Josephine, it’s better than Pinocchio), but there are other good restaurants around (I recommend Nirvana for incredible Indian) and lots of good vegetarian options. You can do most of Leuven in a day, so it’s a good day trip from Brussels. It’s a beautiful, beautiful city.

Posted: June 10, 2024

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Is Leuven safe for women?

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 3 experiences

Crime rates rating

1 /5

Based on 3 experiences

Cute college town with a beautiful UNESCO Beguinage! Very safe everywhere walking even at night. I lived here for a year and have had no issues! Public transportation is decent - buses and train but biking is the way to travel :)

Posted: July 23, 2024

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Maartje

Leuven is overall a very safe place! I would however watch out when you’re alone ik the streets after 2 am, you might cross some drunk students who might be trying to talk to you. If you’re fine with that, you’re completely good to go

Posted: July 6, 2024

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Meet locals in Leuven

Meet local women in Leuven who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Kasia

About Me

Hello, I am Kasia. I live in Belgium. I love to travel, hike, run, dive, meet local people. I love my dog :)

Speaking

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Emma

About Me

Hi! My name is Emma. I am a teacher from Belgium, and I will be travelling around the world from August 2022 until July 2023. Looking for genuine connections, laughs, stories, experiences.

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Stay with locals in Leuven

Stay with local women in Leuven who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Kasia

Leuven

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I am Kasia. I live in Belgium. I love to travel, hike, run, dive, meet local people. I love my dog :)

Speaking

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Bianca

Leuven

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Last month I finished a PhD on apple tree flowering timing under a changing climate and now travel between fruit growing regions in Europe by bike :) I’m flexible and get along easy with people. I’ve a long couchsurfing history but am new to this platform :)