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Belgium is generally a safe country to travel for solo female travelers. Violent crime is low, however, like every other place in the world, it's always wise to stay cautious and vigilant, especially during night hours or when visiting isolated areas. As a solo female traveler, it is recommended to keep in touch with family, avoid sharing specifics about accommodation and travel, and follow travel advisories. Also, be aware of pickpocketing in busy tourist areas or public transport.

Belgium is currently ranked #5 safest country for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

4.9 /5

Based on 19 travel experiences

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

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Safety at night:Safe

Belgium, overall, is considered quite safe for solo female travelers even at night. The well-lit urban areas, like Brussels and Antwerp, have plenty of people around which will significantly reduce the risk. However, it is always advisable to stay vigilant and avoid less populated or poorly lit areas. Use your discretion in more rural regions where it can be more isolated. Public transportation or taxis are widely available and reliable. It is always wise to let someone else know your whereabouts, especially when traveling alone.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Belgium, including buses, trains, and trams, is generally safe, efficient, and reliable. Passengers are typically respectful, and it's quite commonplace for solo female travelers to use these transportation systems. However, just like any other place in the world, you should always remain aware of your belongings and surroundings to avoid petty theft. Occasional delays may occur, but timetables are typically adhered to.

Street harassment:Low

Belgium is generally considered to be quite safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment, while not completely absent, is not highly prominent either. Respect for personal space is significant amongst Belgians. However, just like any other city, occasional cat-calling in crowded or touristy areas might occur. But overall, most encounters are likely to be polite and non-threatening.

Petty crimes:Low

Belgium generally boasts a low rate of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially when compared to other European countries. These types of crimes usually happen in crowded places like public transportation, main tourist attractions, and major events. However, by taking some basic precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated places at night, such risks can be mitigated. Travellers are advised to be vigilant especially in larger cities like Brussels and Antwerp.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Belgium is of a high quality and is perfectly safe to drink. It is subject to strict regulations and regular controls to ensure its safety. Carrying a reusable water bottle can save money and help reduce plastic waste. Restaurants, cafes and eateries in Belgium usually serve tap water without any issues.

4.9 /5

Based on 19 experiences

Paola

Costa Rica

Solo travel experience

I went to visit Belgium and everything was great, good food, new experiences, friendly people, safe and quiet place, you make many friends, multicultural, I tried foods from many countries and it was the best 🩷🩷🩷

Posted: January 6, 2024

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Solo travel experience

I traveled to Belgium for 5 days. I visited Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. It was simply magical. I highly recommend Belgium because it is safe, centrally located to many places in Europe, and because it is such a small country, it's easy to get around.

Posted: August 11, 2023

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Solo travel experience

I had an amazing time in Brussels and did not encounter any safety issues, even though I had read about the negative experiences of others. I even walked around at night taking pictures. Ghent is absolutely stunning and has won a special place in my heart. As for Bruges, it is undoubtedly beautiful, although it can be quite touristy, which usually isn't my preference, but it's still worth a visit.

Posted: April 30, 2023

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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: Ghent (1 day) Bruges (1 day) Brussels (2 days) Security: I felt very safe the whole time. Recommendations: Ghent is relatively undiscovered and is also a college town. Bruges, on the other hand, relies primarily on tourism.

Posted: September 25, 2022

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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: 2 days: Brussels 2 days: Bruges and Ghent 1 day: Antwerp Safety: Belgium is very safe and everyone speaks English Recommendations: Bruges is amazing. Food, beer, medieval history.

Posted: September 25, 2022

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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: Day 1: Brussels Day 2: Ghent Day 3: Bruges Day 4: Dinant Safety: This is probably the safest place I have ever been to. Recommendations: Bruges is a beautiful city and it is definitely worth visiting to see the amazing views.

Posted: September 25, 2022

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Solo travel experience

Travel itinerary: Day 1: Brussels Day 2: Ghent Day 3: Bruges Day 4: Antwerp Safety: Belgium is very safe Recommendations: The best thing about Belgium is that all the cities are close to each other and train tickets are ridiculously cheap.

Posted: September 25, 2022

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Safety rating

3 /5

Based on 3 reviews the women safety index in Belgium is 3/5. On average women living in Belgium raises moderate concerns about women's safety.

Crime rates rating

1 /5

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

Rating summary

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.3/5

Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

3/5

Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.1/5

Not at all worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.1/5

Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.4/5

Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1/5

Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.4/5

Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1/5

Not at all worried

Satine

I was born and raised in Belgium. It is a lovely country but you have to be careful if you are travelling alone, where you go in Belgium. It is mostly safe especially during the day. But at night there are weird people sometimes or many drunk/homeless people who make you uncomfortable. Especially Brussels is a rather unsafe place to be if you don’t know the city. Other areas in Belgium are ok, but you always need to be careful. I personally hate going to Brussels because I always feel unsafe or uncomfortable with the men looking and catcalling. Also many pickpockets and even violence if you interact with the wrong people. But it real depends where you go in Brussels. Try to avoid (gare du Nord, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Molenbeek, )

Posted: March 23, 2024

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Belgium is a very safe country, both at night and during the day. you can walk around without any worries :) I feel very safe on public transport. In cafes you can always go to the waiters if there is something you don't like. everyone is going to help you here

Posted: March 18, 2024

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I have lived here since I was born and it has never happened to me. But I have heard testimonies from people I know, my father who was attacked when he got off the train, in the parking lot when he was coming back from work. One day, someone tried to steal my phone on the subway. But otherwise I have already gone out several times alone at night in Brussels for example, to take a bus at 3 or 4 a.m. and I have never had a problem. but still be careful in the evening. I think the day is safe

Posted: February 26, 2024

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Before your visit to Belgium, it's essential to check travel advisories for Belgium, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 26, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: March 13, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the terrorism threat. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: March 1, 2024

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 19 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Couple travel experience

I did a nice coast trip with my friend in belgium. It is possible to drive from west to east coast by tram, 60km on one day. One ticket. Hop on hop off between beach, grass, villages and cities. Nice small cafés on the road and at the end activities on the beach.

Posted: January 3, 2024Experienced: July, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I had an amazing week spent alone in Belgium. I absolutely fell in love with Brussels and had no problems, even walking at night and taking pictures. Ghent was beautiful and stole a piece of my heart, an incredible place. Bruges was truly beautiful, but a bit more tourist-oriented than I usually prefer, but still worth visiting.

Posted: December 27, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Check all reviews from Belgium