Is Brussels Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Brussels is generally safe for solo female travelers. It is known for its high standard of living and wide, well-lit streets, creating a secure environment. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas and the city's public transport, so it is advised to keep a close watch on your belongings. Sexual harassment is not commonly reported but it's always better to avoid walking alone in less crowded areas late at night. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and practice some safety precautions as you would anywhere else, you should find Brussels a safe and welcoming city to travel alone.

Safety rating

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How safe is Brussels?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Brussels, is generally safe but caution should still be exercised. It is well-lit and policed in most areas, especially in populated places and tourist spots. However, some neighborhoods can be less secure and it's not advised to walk alone late at night. Public transportation such as taxis and rideshares are readily available if you prefer not to walk. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Brussels is generally considered safe. Trams, buses, and metros are well-maintained and have a regular schedule. However, like any big city, it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during non-peak hours. Most stations and vehicles have surveillance cameras for added security. It's advised to avoid less crowded areas at night. Keep your belongings secure and maintain a watchful eye for pickpockets as they can be active in crowded places. Despite these minor concerns, thousands of people safely use the public transport in Brussels every day.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

In Brussels, you may encounter some level of street harassment. This usually comes in the form of catcalling or unsolicited comments. However, as is the case anywhere, the degree of harassment can quite vary depending on the area and time. Areas like the Grand Place and the European Quarter are often more crowded with tourists and thus feel safer. It is generally suggested to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, particularly when travelling alone at night or in less crowded places. Respectable and law-abiding citizens far outnumber those who might seek to harass or intimidate.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a relatively safe city. The concern for petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft from vehicles should not be completely disregarded but is lower compared to other major European cities. The risk increases in some touristy areas and on public transport. However, by taking simple precautions, like keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding showing off expensive items, you can avoid most petty crimes.

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 27 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Luísa

Luísa

Belgium

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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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

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

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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Kamva

Kamva

France

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

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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Solo travel

I spent 24 h in Brussels alone, and it was so good, food is so delisious (waffles , chocolate and potatoes). I met really nice people, and i really enjoyed my trip. I went to atomium, and mini europe they were really amazing,

Posted: May 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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Solo travel

I did feel safe even though there a lot of influencers (mostly men) that come to you and try to flirt (asking for your number, or very lame pick up lines) so they can record your reaction and post on the internet. It was a bit annoying and I was uncomfortable with that.

Posted: April 30, 2024
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Group travel

I really liked the Brussels because it’s my first trip in abroad. The atmosphere and the “weather” was perfect. We tried belgium waffles and fries, but unfortunately I didn’t like it that much. Overall there are lots of good places and souvenir shops that you can but good stuffs. So I highly recommend Brussels if you haven’t been there!

Posted: March 12, 2024
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Group travel

Brussels felt like I’m in a movie. The Grand Palace in the night was enchanting. You could grab you drinks and accompany street singers. I felt safe. People are nice and helpful. It’s a bit expensive. Overall you should visit Brussels.

Posted: March 3, 2024
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Is Brussels safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Need to take the usual precautions to be honest, as a women travelling solo it’s always good to take Ubers in the night as we cannot trust other people to keep us safe. Very good to listen to this advice

Posted: January 13, 2025
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Not in a place in the world it’s safe for us, women. We will never be safe. Everywhere we’ll feel unsafe. It’s the lever of safety that change. In brussels. If you want to be alone, in a park there will be always a man to bother you. I recommend to not walk yourself at hime at night. Be always careful no matter where city or country you are.

Posted: January 5, 2025
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Meet locals in Brussels

Alice

Alice

About Me

Hi !! My name is Alice !! I know I look a bit pissed in my picture, I promise I'm nice haha I speak French and English and I've lived in Brussels my whole life. I love music, theater, poetry, art, and all kinds of things. I love meeting new people even though I don't like to talk in large groups. I loooove to yap once I'm comfortable with someone. I'm a big big swiftie. I love to eat. I'm into spirituality and esotericism. I started a really small jewelry business. I love dogs. And cats. And animals in general actually. (I don't know if I've introduced myself enough)

Speaking

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Zoé

Zoé

About Me

My name is Zoé, I am a travel addict. I love to discover the world but above all I love to meet people from different cultures. I am always keen to learn new things and meet new people. I am also passionate about languages. I speak fluently French, English and Spanish. I am currently learning Italian, and my next goal is to get familiar with Portugese. I also started running and biking lately, which is something that allows me to empty my mind and feel free.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Brussels

Zoé

Zoé

Brussels

Can host for:

2 days

About me

My name is Zoé, I am a travel addict. I love to discover the world but above all I love to meet people from different cultures. I am always keen to learn new things and meet new people. I am also passionate about languages. I speak fluently French, English and Spanish. I am currently learning Italian, and my next goal is to get familiar with Portugese. I also started running and biking lately, which is something that allows me to empty my mind and feel free.

Speaking

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Aurélie

Aurélie

Brussels

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi dear Sisters, I am Aurélie, 30, living in Brussels. My mother tongue is french, I am learning Dutch at the moment. What makes me happy : eating, cooking, chocolate, biking, hiking, trees, water but most of all kind people 😊 I'm easy to live by as I adapt to people. As a firework, my head can fly in the clouds and I get dreamy while I stay grounded on the floor and being pragmatic :) So i'm an optimistic/idealist person as wel as a realistic one 😋

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Brussels

Rena

Rena

About Me

Hey hey, I'm Rena living mostly in Berlin though actually from the Southwest of Germany. I enjoy travelling, history, random DIY projects and a lot of nerdy stuff. I love music and food - and will never say no to a good wine or drink. Since I do love Berlin and its history, I am happy to show around or give tips and given that I was for too long on a student budget, I am well aware of affordable options as well. I have a small place in a rougher but I'd argue charmingly authentic neighbourhood and could potentially host for a short amount of time so feel free to reach out. Rena 💕

Speaking

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Noémie

Noémie

About Me

I'm a university étudient living un Québec city. I made friends from France last year and I'm coming to visit them in may. I'll be staying with them in Montpellier but I'm planning on visiting more cities where I will ne looking for places to stay. Being disabled, I would like to find people to help me doing some activities! I have a dynamic disability so sometimes I need to be pushed in a wheelchair and other times I just need help carying my bags.

Speaking

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Safety in Belgium