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

4.6 /5

Based on 6 experiences

4.2 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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: 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: 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: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.

Tap water:Very safe

In Belfast, the quality of tap water is excellent. It undergoes stringent purification and testing procedures, making it safe for drinking. Plus, the Northern Ireland Water company regularly conducts water quality checks as well. So, you can confidently drink tap water directly without any concerns.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

2.6/5

Solo travel experience

I loved the Titanic Museum. It was perfect for a rainy day in Belfast while I was there. Wish I had more time in Belfast.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed for 4 nights in Belfast. It was completely safe, I stayed with locals and they all said the same thing that it was completely safe. Even walked all the murals where all the gates are it’s fine :) I also did a day trip to the giant's causeway it was really nice and so beautiful!

Posted: February 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went for a long weekend and felt incredibly safe any time of the day. I highly recommend the street art walking tour.

Posted: February 25, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Queens University - City Hall - The Duke of York - The Titanic Safety: It's safe to travel. Recommendations: Belfast is a pretty cool city. Loads of bars and restaurants, especially around the cathedral quarter.

Posted: September 16, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things 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 isn't dangerous, just need to use common sense when you see a situation to avoid. Recommendations: Belfast is a great city to spend a day/night in.

Posted: September 9, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Titanic Belfast - Ulster Museum - Belfast Castle - Belfast City Hall - St George's Market - Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre - Botanic Gardens - Belfast Zoo - Carrickfergus Castle Safety: Belfast is very safe. Recommendations: Belfast is a cool city with loads of history and fun things to do. I recommend visiting Titanic museum and City Hall.

Posted: September 2, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Belfast

Ecem

Ecem

Speaking

About Me

I love traveling and discover new cities, meet new people and learn new culture. I want to meet with someone who also loves coffee and tea :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇲 Isle of Man, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Magda

Magda

Speaking

About Me

Hi! I'm a Polish girl living in Belfast, who's wanting to spend her 20's travelling, experiencing new cultures and learning from new people!

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Kat

Kat

Speaking

About Me

Nice to meet you, I'm Kat, married with two beautiful daughters, Polish female living in Belfast. Northern Ireland. I love conversations, books, games, travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇮🇹 Italy

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Stay with locals in Belfast

Kat

Kat

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Nice to meet you, I'm Kat, married with two beautiful daughters, Polish female living in Belfast. Northern Ireland. I love conversations, books, games, travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇮🇹 Italy

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Local discussions

TravelWhat are some must-do activities in Belfast for a two-night stay?

I've just booked to go to Belfast in March for two nights. Can anyone who has been give me some suggestions of things I just have to do while I'm there? I've not even started researching yet, I just knew I wanted to go

Posted: November 18, 2022
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Safety in United Kingdom