Is Belfast Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Belfast is generally a safe city to visit, especially in central and tourist areas. Like any other city, it has its problem areas, but these are not the places where tourists usually go. Keep to populated areas and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen, but it's less common than in other major cities. Public transportation is reliable and safe to use, even for solo female travelers. However, avoid taking unlicensed taxis.

Safety rating

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How safe is Belfast?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Belfast, the United Kingdom, is generally a safe city to visit even for solo female travelers. Police presence is quite visible, especially in the city centre, which tends to get relatively quiet post the bustling business hours. Crime rates are lower than many major cities in the UK, and locals are friendly and helpful. However, like any other city, it does have areas that are better avoided, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit places and avoid secluded areas. Using basic safety and awareness practices should ensure a safe stay.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Belfast could be deemed as fairly reliable and safe. Services such as buses, trains, and taxis are regularly available and generally controlled by professional bodies. It is important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially during the night or in less crowded areas, but generally, passengers are able to travel free of significant concern. However, as in any metropolitan area, there can occasionally be incidents, so always prioritize personal safety and trust your instincts.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, is generally considered safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. Street harassment incidents are relatively low compared to other major cities globally. Most of the inhabitants are respectful and it is unlikely to face severe harassment while exploring the city. However, like any destination, it's advised to be cautious, particularly during night time and in less crowded areas. Always trust your instincts and it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with your surroundings during day time.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Belfast is generally a safe city to travel, particularly in areas where tourists frequented. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or phone theft do occur, mainly in crowded areas and tourist spots. However, they are less likely if one stays alert and takes precautionary measures like not displaying valuable items openly. It is always advisable to keep an eye on belongings and not leave them unattended.

Is Belfast worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3/5
Anete

Anete

United Kingdom

Solo travel

I loved Belfast! It was also my first ever solo trip (yay)! I stayed in air BnB about 30min walk from the city centre and it was really quiet. After a concert, around midnight I walked to the apartment on my own and felt 100% safe. No unwanted attention whatsoever! I rented a car and went to see the Game of Thrones studio and the Giants Causeway (recommend). The city itself is beautiful to want around, and then there’s the Titanic. I’d say 3 days would be enough to see it all. I found everything reasonably priced but I also did a lot of research before I went so I did know what to expect.

Posted: March 26, 2024
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Solo travel

I loved the Titanic Museum. It was perfect for a rainy day in Belfast when I was there. It's a pity I didn't have more time in Belfast.

Posted: April 23, 2023
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Solo travel

I stayed in Belfast for 4 nights. It was completely safe, I lived with locals and everyone said the same - that it's completely safe. I even walked past all the murals, where all the gates are - everything is fine :) I also went on a day trip to Giant's Causeway, it was really nice and so beautiful!

Posted: February 25, 2023
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Solo travel

I went for a long weekend and at any time of the day I felt incredibly safe. I highly recommend a guided walk through street art.

Posted: February 25, 2023
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Solo travel

To do: - Queen's University - City Hall - Prince of York - Titanic Safety: Travels are safe. Recommendations: Belfast is really a cool city. Plenty of bars and restaurants, especially around the cathedral.

Posted: September 16, 2022
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Solo travel

To do: - Belfast Castle - Botanic Gardens - Duke of York Pub - Belfast City Hall - Bittles Bar - Titanic Building - HMS Caroline - The Big Fish sculpture - Lagan Towpath - Queens University Safety: Belfast is not dangerous, just use common sense when you see a situation that should be avoided. Recommendations: Belfast is a great city to spend the day/night.

Posted: September 9, 2022
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Is Belfast safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Lori

Lori

It’s pretty safe though it can be quite violent as there is a huge drinking culture. Usually violence is between men getting too drunk. Belfast can be quite racist and homophobic, so would be more careful as a person of colour or LGBTQIA+ if you’re out late at night. Taxis are often quite hard to find at night and local taxis drivers are notoriously racist. Public transport is non existent after 11pm mostly. Would avoid Belfast on 11th/12th July due to sectarian parades. Certain parts of the city should be avoided at night if you’re a woman alone. But all in all, Belfast is a pretty safe city, sexual assault, pick pocketing or robbery is rare. Sexual harassment is quite common. But the most likely thing you’ll experience is witnessing a physical altercation if you’re out drinking at night. There is also quite a lot of physical segregation along religious/political lines in the suburbs. Be careful discussing politics as people have very strong feelings towards Britishness/Irishness, immigration, Israel/Palestine etc. All in all though most people are very friendly and open to chatting to strangers.

Posted: May 28, 2025
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Ruby

Ruby

generally safe but would advise against some areas unfortunately visibly queer people will need to be a little safer. the most common experience would be slurs, but rarely assault I feel safe enough by myself but tend to stay within my queer community!

Posted: April 27, 2025
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Safety in United Kingdom