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Ghent

Ghent is generally a safe city to visit, even for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low, and most visits are trouble-free. It's a friendly place where locals are often willing to help tourists in need. It is always advisable, however, to take some basic precautions like avoiding less crowded areas late at night and keeping your personal belongings secure at all times.

Ghent is currently ranked #29 safest place for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

4.7 /5

Based on 6 travel experiences

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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Safety at night:Safe

Ghent is generally a safe city, even at night. It is well lit and often bustling with all the students who live there. Public transportation ceases around midnight but taxis are readily available. Like anywhere else, it's suggested to avoid dimly-lit and less populated areas and always be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. As a solo female traveler, you should feel quite safe for most of your excursions, however, always trust your intuition.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Ghent is quite reliable and generally safe. City trams and buses are efficient and conveniently mapped. Nonetheless, it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night, and always be aware of your belongings. Traveling during peak hours ensures more company which can also add an additional sense of security.

Street harassment:Very low

Ghent is known for its peacefulness and respect towards women. Street harassment is quite rare, instances of catcalling or inappropriate behavior are not common. Most importantly, the locals are friendly, and the authorities are very responsive, which makes Ghent a safe city for solo female travelers.

Petty crimes:Low

Ghent usually exhibits low levels of petty crime. Most of the incidents include pickpocketing or purse snatching, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's always important to keep an eye on your valuables, but generally, the city is considered quite safe.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Ghent, is of excellent quality and completely safe to drink. It is highly regulated and tested frequently, ensuring it meets high standards. So, whether you are refilling your water bottle or using water from the tap for cooking, it's safe and reliable.

4.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

Ghent is an amazing city to go to as a woman. It's very safe, many cool things to do and very open-minded. You can easily walk alone at night and ask for help in any bar or club if you are feeling unsafe. The prices are a bit high, but you can find some nice budget places such as Panos or other chains.

Posted: August 15, 2023Experienced: June, 2023

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Solo travel experience

To Do: - Cross the St. Michael's Bridge - Take a walk around Graslei and Korenlei - Go on a canal tour - Visit Gravensteen Castle - Climb the Belfort Tower Safety: Ghent is a very safe city. There's nothing to worry about. Recommendations: Ghent is a cool city and definitely worth visiting! I highly recommend a day trip there.

Posted: September 16, 2022

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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Go on a boat trip - Visit Castle Hrabia - Visit the Bell Tower - Visit Graffiti Street Safety: This is as safe as anywhere else in Europe. Recommendations: Ghent is cool, I spent the whole day walking.

Posted: September 9, 2022

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Solo travel experience

To do: - Gravensteen - Cathedral of Saint Bavo - SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art - Museum of Fine Arts - Church of Saint Nicholas - Design Museum Gent - Graslei - STAM - City Museum of Ghent - Saint Michael's Bridge Safety: Ghent is a wonderful place to visit and is as safe as it can be in Europe. Recommendations: Ghent is also a charming city and can be visited during a day trip.

Posted: September 2, 2022

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Ghent is a city that you can roam around freely without constantly having to think if you’re safe. There are some neighbourhoods that you should avoid late at night but there on the edges of the city.

Posted: April 15, 2024

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Ugi

It's relatively safe during the day. It's a student city so there's a lot of diversity in people and cultures. The local people are used to tourists and will try to help. However, some areas can still feel a bit sketchy even during the day (some areas in Dampoort for example). I'd avoid going out at night when you're a solo female. Nothing will happen to you if you stay in the center area but avoid the Citadel Park and other dimly lit/sparsely populated areas.

Posted: March 5, 2024

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Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel experience

To be done: - Enter the historical center - Stroll around (St. Michael's Bridge, Patershol, Gravensteen Castle, Graslei, Korenlei) - Lunch on the waterfront at Delerium Bruges - Walk around the historical center (The Markt and Belfry, Burg Square and Town Hall, Rozenhoedkaai) - Climb up the Belfry to admire the beautiful view - Boat trip on the canal (stunning!) - Shopping

Posted: November 5, 2022

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

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Im a 17 year old girl.

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Annalise

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Stay with local women in Ghent 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.

Annalise

Ghent

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3 days

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Hi, my pronouns are they/she. I'm into all sorts of things really. Let's meet up!

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Maartje

Ghent

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3 days

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Hi, i am Maartje! Fulltime coffeeaddict, bookaddict and catlover!(although i don't mind dogs neither). Soon i'll travel to Australia, so i hope to meet up some people over there!