Is Antwerp Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Antwerp is generally regarded as a safe city for solo female travelers. Normal precautions should be taken as in any other major city, particularly at night. Public transportation is reliable and locals are often helpful. Street crime is relatively rare, but slight risk can mainly come from areas more frequented by tourists. Regardless of these minor risks, many solo female travelers have had positive experiences visiting Antwerp.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Safe

Antwerp, generally demonstrates a high standard of safety, even during the night. It's a friendly city with well-lit streets and reliable public transport. Tourist areas and main streets are bustling with activity into the late hours, providing a good degree of safety. However, as in any city, certain neighborhoods might be less safe at night. Hence, it is recommended to stay vigilant, avoid isolated areas, and preferably stick to populated ones. Police are regularly patrolling, enhancing the overall sense of security.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Antwerp is generally efficient and safe. Trams and buses are readily available and are frequently patrolled. It's advisable to be cautious at night, especially in less crowded areas, but overall, the safety level is high and incidents are rare. You can also always find people willing to help if you need it.

Street harassment:Low

Antwerp is relatively safe for solo female travelers regarding street harassment. Most of the locals are respectful, and while it's not entirely uncommon, instances of catcalls or abusive language are few. Nevertheless, just like any place in the world, it's always important to be vigilant, especially when walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Petty crimes:Low

Antwerp is generally a safe city with a relatively low rate of petty crimes. Instances like pickpocketing or purse snatching can occasionally occur in crowded places or on public transportation, but they are not overly common. Visitors are advised to exercise general caution like keeping personal belongings secure and being vigilant in crowded areas. Overall, the risk of petty crime is relatively low in comparison to larger global cities.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Antwerp is known for its high quality standards. It is thoroughly treated and tested on a regular basis to ensure absolute safety. Holland and Belgium have some of the best tap water in the world, so you have nothing to worry about looking for bottled water unless you prefer the convenience. Feel free to drink the tap water in Antwerp with confidence!

Is Antwerp safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

I always felt very safe in Antwerp during the day but also at night. There is a lot to do a lot of cute cafés, cool museums and also a lot of political events happening all the time. It rains a lot there tho and it is a very windy city as well. The people I have met were all very friendly and spoke great English. A lot of men kept winking at me or whistling at me but never anything more.

Posted: November 20, 2023
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Agi

Agi (25)

Hungary

Solo travel experience

I visited Antwerp in September, which was a good choice as the weather was excellent for sightseeing: 20°C and the city itself lends itself to walking. If you only speak English, be prepared for some inconveniences as locals (understandably) might not be able to communicate in that language. Regarding the most important bit: I felt safe in the city and in my hotel, no one bothered me. I really recommend getting the Antwerp pass, as most museums are included in that and they have a great selection in the area and the price is absolutely fair. The city has amazing food, I recommend visiting the chocolate shops and getting waffles from street vendors-much cheaper and even better tasting! The prices can be higher then some other places in Europe, especially in restaurants so I recommend checking your options before going. Otherwise you will not spend too much money on activities if you buy the pass, so you can save money there. I do have to warn you, that the hotel, flights, food, and souvenirs may add up but it's worth it:)) This was my first solo trip, I loved the experience and I gained valuable insight during this short holiday!

Posted: November 2, 2023Experienced: August, 2023
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Stadsfeestzaal - Grote Markt - Sint-Annatunnel - The View Antwerp - Central Station Safety: I was alone and felt 100% safe and comfortable. Recommendations: Antwerp is beautiful.

Posted: September 16, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Central Station - Stadsfeestzaal - Cathedral of Our Lady - Rubens House - Vlaaikensgang - Plantin-Moretus Museum Safety: The city is incredibly safe. Recommendations: Antwerp is a beautiful and diverse city, I definitely recommend it. Lots of museums, cafes, and shopping spots.

Posted: September 9, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Museum aan de Stroom - The Cathedral of Our Lady - Plantin-Moretus Museum - Rubens House - Antwerp Zoo - Grote Markt - Royal Museum of Fine Arts - Museum of Modern Art - Het Steen Safety: The city is generally safe for women. Recommendations: Antwerp is an incredible city, I highly recommend going there.

Posted: September 2, 2022
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Is Antwerp safe for women?

Safety rating

2.3 /5

Based on 3 reviews the women safety index in Antwerp is 2.3/5. On average women living in Antwerp raises relatively high concerns about women's safety.

Crime rates rating

1 /5

Based on 3 reviews the crime rate index in Antwerp is 1/5. On average women living in Antwerp raises low concerns about crime and violence against women

Rating summary

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.6/5
Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.7/5
Safe

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1/5
Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1/5
Not at all worried

Antwerp is very safe during the day. There are lots of quiet neighborhoods. I have walked alone during many nights and found no issue! However there are some situations where drunk man are present and I would still avoid walking alone at night as a woman.

Posted: April 21, 2024
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I studied in Antwerp and still often go out with my friends in antwerp. Like every "bigger" city it hase neighbourhoods that are not as safe. But if you stay in the main center it is very lively and there are people at all hours of the day and night. I have never felt unsafe when i went there. But there are some neighbourhoods i would avoid at night.

Posted: March 24, 2024
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Overall Antwerp feels like a safe city. It’s not big and in the most neighbourhoods you have a lot of social security. I like living here and do everything by walking or biking, also alone and after dark.

Posted: February 28, 2024
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Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel experience

It was amazing a bit mix of dutch french and german! Love it ! You will like it if you are fond of large cruise and diamonds. The architecture is so different! And people are nice! You can cover different spots nearby there is a castle on walking distance from station its very cool and you can have a view of al lcity!

Posted: October 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Antwerp

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

Nemo

About Me

I'm a 26 year old girl / woman living by myself in the city center of Antwerp (Belgium). Just like almost everyone here, I love to explore the world!

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Amy

Amy

About Me

I am an INFJ personality and I am interested in people's stories. Conversation tend to be about nothing or about everything. Basically nothing in between. I don't care about what you do for a living, but want to know what drives you, what keeps you up at night, your biggest dreams and fears. So let's have a coffee or some wine at the beach. Good listener, open, honest, funny, feels deeply, love being in and around nature, love hiking, like to take photos (will inevitably practice my photographic skills on you). Need some alone time now and then to recharge (nothing personal). Absolutely allergic to drama and gossip. Nature reminds me of the beauty of the world. Not the daredevil, adrenaline junky kind of person, but I will hold your beer.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Antwerp

Stay with local women in Antwerp 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.
Nemo

Nemo

Antwerp

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I'm a 26 year old girl / woman living by myself in the city center of Antwerp (Belgium). Just like almost everyone here, I love to explore the world!

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fabienne

fabienne

Antwerp

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! My name is Fabienne Schmidt, I'm 23 and currently doing my masters in Architecture in Antwerp. I joined this community because I have been using couchsurfing for so many years but only in Europe. After my exchange in Singapore I wanted to see more of Asia, so I decided to solo travel for a few months on a budget. And because Asia isn't Europa (safety wise) and I'm still a broke student (especially after living in Singapore for 4 months hahaha) I joined the Travel Ladies community. I also didn't wanted to give my mom a heart attack everytime she sees me sleeping at a different man's house (better to be safe than sorry). If there is one thing I love to do it's dancing and cooking and especially both at the same time! I can always go for a nice evening stroll or play board games at home or in a café. I love to share my experience with others or have a good laugh about all the crazy stories that I've gathered over the years whilst traveling. So lots to talk about or if you prefer we can also sit in silence. Xxx

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