Is Belgium Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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.

Safety rating

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How safe is Belgium?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Belgium worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 76 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Belgium, Solo travel

I felt safe in Belgium in general “not really in the evening”. I like that they are a week ticket for students with only 20 euros and we can go to all Beligum with train. I got lucky that someone hosted me and I felt pretty safe in the neighborhood in Brussels.

Posted: September 12, 2024
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Luísa

Luísa

Belgium

Brussels, Solo travel

I visited Belgium and stayed in Brussels with a friend. I explored the Grand Place, tasted amazing chocolates and waffles, and enjoyed the vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. It was unforgettable!

Posted: August 6, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Fatma

Fatma

France

Belgium, Solo travel

Hello, I regularly go to Belgium because I live not far from the border, and it's always a pleasure to meet and interact with the Belgians. The country is also very beautiful, and the architecture is magnificent. Fatma

Posted: August 3, 2024
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Brussels, Solo travel

I spent two days in Brussels as a young woman alone. I stayed in a hostel near the center. In general it was very nice. The city was very chaotic and especially near the Midi station and in the non-tourist neighborhoods you have to be careful and I don't recommend going out alone at night. But in general I didn't have a bad experience.

Posted: July 31, 2024
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Pauline

Pauline

France

Brussels, Group travel

Brussels is a very beautiful and multicultural city. It is easy to communicate with locals weather you're doing it in English or French. The city center is very animated and very great to go and party with your friends!

Posted: July 14, 2024Experienced: April, 2022
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Chris

Chris

United States

Brussels, Solo travel

I stayed in the city center but 4 or so blocks away from the main plaza. I liked being away from the noise of evening partiers but close to shops. I always felt safe walking back to the flat by myself after dark. It's a beautiful city, so I mostly walked around and marvelled at the architecture-art nouveau is my favorite design style. Dutch and French are the main languages spoken here. I understand very little of each, but still found it easy to get around. I spent around $550 on Airbnb for 3 nights which felt high, but the flat was beautiful and centrally located.

Posted: July 6, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Daiane

Daiane

Germany

Belgium, Solo travel

A country in which I felt extremely safe, I could walk alone at night without worrying, I could see the sights on foot and the food was also excellent. I stayed in a hostel and it was well located, close to the train stations

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Kamva

Kamva

France

Brussels, Solo travel

Brussels is such a pedestrian friendly city and its almost impossible to get lost when moving around. Unlike countries like France, its important to only cross at pedestrians crossings, a faux pas I committed more than once. But generally people are nice and easy going, even in the most touristy parts where people are easily irritated. Most people switch easily between French/Dutch and English as well.

Posted: June 19, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Eliana

Eliana

Colombia

Brussels, Solo travel

Overall, Brussels was ok. It felt relatively safe for the most part, except at night when there were a lot of drunk men on the streets. I was harassed and groped by two drunk men at the train station one night. The city is pretty, but if you’ve visited Europe it’s nothing out of the ordinary. My experience in Brussels was relatively lackluster.

Posted: June 14, 2024
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Emmie

Emmie

United States

Leuven, Solo travel

Leuven is extremely safe, even at night. Lots of drunk students during the week but actually quieter during the weekend. Belgian food isn’t fantastic (with the exception of Liege waffles; it’s a crime not to get one—go to Josephine, it’s better than Pinocchio), but there are other good restaurants around (I recommend Nirvana for incredible Indian) and lots of good vegetarian options. You can do most of Leuven in a day, so it’s a good day trip from Brussels. It’s a beautiful, beautiful city.

Posted: June 10, 2024
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Is Belgium safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Brussels

I feel safe in general but it depends on the neighborhood… nothing ever happened to me personally, but some (male) friends got their belongings stolen violently. You could feel unsafe mainly in train stations.

Posted: December 14, 2024
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Shakira

Shakira

Ypres

It is a smaller city in Belgium where it is pretty safe! I walk alone at night all the time and never felt really unsafe:) you usually won't see a lot of people on the streets at night. Around the station you can have weird drunk people but just avoid those.

Posted: November 21, 2024
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Safety in Belgium