Is Bruges Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bruges is generally considered very safe for solo female travelers. It has a low crime rate, and people tend to be friendly and willing to help if needed. Like anywhere, it's advisable to use common sense and take usual precautions, such as not walking alone late at night in unlit areas and keeping your belongings close, but overall, it makes for a secure and pleasant destination for solo trips.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Safe

Bruges is generally very safe for solo female travelers even at night. The city is well-lit and there is often a crowd until late hours due to its vibrant nightlife. Public transportation and taxis are always available if you prefer not to walk alone. Just like any other location, be cautious and stick to main routes and well-populated areas. Instances of petty crime can happen, so always keep your belongings secure and within sight.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Bruges is considered to be very safe. The bus and train services are reliable and well-maintained, with schedules that are easily accessible online or at transport hubs. Conductors and drivers are often courteous and able to communicate in English, making it easier for foreign travelers. Violent incidents or thefts on these services are uncommon. However, like in any other city, you should remain aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Street harassment:Very low

Bruges is a peaceful city and highly respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are significantly low. The locals are polite and helpful. It's generally very safe to walk around, even at night. However, it's always wise to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings no matter where you travel.

Petty crimes:Low

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur in Bruges, like any other tourist destination. However, its frequency is generally lower than in larger cities. Taking regular precautions like keeping your belongings secure is generally sufficient to ensure a safe travel experience.

Tap water:Very safe

In Bruges, the tap water is very safe for drinking. Authorities in Belgium stringently regulate water quality to meet high EU standard regulations, meaning it goes through rigorous testing and purification processes. It's as clean, if not cleaner, than bottled water. You can easily fill up your bottle throughout the day without concerns.

Is Bruges safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 11 experiences

Solo travel experience

Felt very safe even walking alone at night! Stayed in a mixed dorm hostel and also felt safe. Food was very delicious but a little expensive. Definitely get the museum pass!! And try free walking tours

Posted: February 2, 2024
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Solo travel experience

Brugia is good for one day, but then it becomes a bit boring, because it is so small and there is not much to do there. Despite this, it is worth going there, it's beautiful and safe.

Posted: December 28, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Bruges was beautiful and full of lovely chocolate shops. I spent there 2 nights and I felt that it was definitely not enough, because there were more museums that I would like to visit. I felt very safe.

Posted: April 30, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Bruges is like a dream. Incredibly beautiful, fantastic chocolate and great beer. Safe and easy to get around.

Posted: December 3, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Bruges is a beautiful city. I would recommend booking a walking tour, most are "free", but it is expected that you will tip your guide. Wandering the streets and exploring the shops can easily take up an entire day. It's a very safe city, and most bars are open until 1/2 at night and walking around the city in the evening is a really pleasant atmosphere. I would definitely also recommend renting bicycles, everyone is biking in Bruges! I biked to Damme, which is a small town about 30 minutes up the canal. It is a very flat city, so it's easy to get around by bike. I would recommend eating/drinking at: ODA rooftop bar (great views!), Bar Jus, Bar 'N.

Posted: September 24, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Try Belgian fries - Go on a boat tour through the canals - Visit the Market - Go for a horse-drawn carriage ride - Eat Belgian waffles - Visit the Historium - Try local beer - Visit the chocolate museum - Visit the Lovers' Bridge - Climb up the Belfort Tower Safety: Bruges is a very safe city. Recommendations: Bruges is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.

Posted: September 16, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Boat ride along the canal - Visit the Markt square - Climb the bell tower - Walk around the Old Town - See the windmills - Visit the Lovers' Bridge - See the Minnewater lake - Visit the Church of Our Lady Safety: I felt completely safe. Recommendations: Bruges is a great place for a walk and a relaxing time.

Posted: September 9, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To-do: - Belfry of Bruges - Church of Our Lady in Bruges - Groeninge Museum - Basilica of the Holy Blood - St. John's Hospital - Burg Square - Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan Brewery - City Hall in Bruges - Frietmuseum (Chip Museum) Safety: I felt completely safe while in Bruges. Recommendations: Bruges is amazing. The food, beer, medieval history.

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

Is Bruges worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 11 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Solo travel experience

Bruges is beautiful, but after a walk there on the first evening, I felt like I had seen everything. I spent 2 days there and by the end I started to get bored.

Posted: December 30, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I adored Bruges. It's one of my most beautiful memories from my travels. I was shopping in a lace shop in a medieval village and walked out to freshly falling snow. I felt like I was in a dream. It was so beautiful. I recommend climbing the bell tower. Amazing experience.

Posted: December 3, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Bruges

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

Judith

About Me

Hi, i'm Judith. 29 yo and i love to travel! Mostly i travel alone or i do half solo/half group vacations. I prefer diverse vacations where i have time to chill and rest, but also discover nature/history and new cultures. I'm very sporty and I love to make last minute plans.

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Stay with locals in Bruges

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Judith

Judith

Bruges

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, i'm Judith. 29 yo and i love to travel! Mostly i travel alone or i do half solo/half group vacations. I prefer diverse vacations where i have time to chill and rest, but also discover nature/history and new cultures. I'm very sporty and I love to make last minute plans.

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Bieke

Bieke

Bruges

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I'm Bieke and I'm interested in animals, backpacking, business, digital nomad, diving, dancing, food & cuisine, nature and van life

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Upcoming visitors to Bruges

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Peggy

Peggy

About Me

Hello! I am actually visiting from the US and would love to connect with other travelers or locals while I am in the Netherlands!

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Cassidy

Cassidy

About Me

Hello! I’m a high school English teacher who loves to read, listen to Taylor Swift, travel, and meet people!

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Safety in Belgium