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.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.2 /5

Based on 11 experiences from local women

Leuven is currently ranked #100 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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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.

Is Leuven worth visiting?

Emmie

United States

Solo travel

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 index

4.2 /5

Based on 11 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 11 local experiences

aster

Leuven is a university city, so there are a lot of students and night life is pretty big. Leuven is pretty small. I generally feel very safe in my city, and if anything happens, I know most strangers would be happy to help. I do feel a little unsafe when I am alone outside at night, but I think that’s also because I am very scared of being sexually harassed in general, not because Leuven is unsafe. I get catcalled once in a while, but i never experienced anything worse than that in my city.

Posted: May 4, 2025

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Meet locals in Leuven

aster

About Me

Hello, I’m Aster, 18 years old, from Belgium. I’m currently travelling through Norway with a friend. We’ve been here for a few months now, volunteering on local farms, and we want to go further north soon and do a hiking tour there. I love travelling and want to visit so many more places in the future! I’m feminist, anti-capitalist and anti-patriarchy 🩷

Speaking

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Marieke

About Me

Hi, I’m Marieke living in Leuven but mostly travelling the world.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Leuven

Marieke

Leuven

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m Marieke living in Leuven but mostly travelling the world.

Speaking

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Charlotte

Leuven

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi!! I’m Charlotte, an 19 year old from Belgium. Last year I took a gap-year and traveled the world (okay mainly Europe but still)! I stayed with some amazing people through Worldpackers and now want to return the favour to other young travelers :) I’m totally down to show you around if I don’t have to much class (I’m studying atm) and can give you some tips on where to go, how to get there etc! I’d love to hear about other people’s travel stories and talk about mine aswel (because let’s be honest no one gets the way it is to travel if they haven’t done it). Anyways, hit me up!