Solo Female Travel in Turnhout

Situated in the northern region of Flanders, Belgium, Turnhout is a charming city known for its rich cultural history and captivating architectural beauty. Recognized as the ‘Capital of the Playing Card,’ Turnhout boasts an intriguing Playing Card Museum, showcasing the city's vibrant printing industry dating back to the 18th century. The city is also conducive to outdoor leisure with the lush, sprawling Castle Park and green cycling routes that lead to its nature reserves. Turnhout’s gothic-style architecture, particularly the grandiose St. Peter's Church and the medieval Beguinage, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, add to the city’s unique allure, leaving travelers to marvel at its historical grandeur.

Turnhout is currently ranked #8 best place in Belgium for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Travel rating

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Is Turnhout good for solo travel?

Safety:Very safe

Turnhout is generally a safe place for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low and the local population is friendly and helpful. As is the case in any city, it's always a good idea to remain vigilant, particularly at night or in poorly lit areas. However, general safety conditions are good as well as public transportation and pedestrian safety.

Transport:Easy

Turnhout is a pretty compact city, which makes navigating through its streets quite manageable. It isn't very large, so you won't have too much trouble finding your way around. There are different transportation modes to choose from, to get you from one point to another, including a local bus service, taxis, and bike rentals. However, many places of interest are within walking distance, so you may not even need any transport most of the time. As always, safety is key, so always be aware of your surroundings especially when travelling at night.

Things to do:Moderate

Turnhout is a lovely city with a significant number of attractions to explore. It has a beautiful castle, the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant, which is a perfect spot for history enthusiasts. The National Playing Card Museum and the Taxandria Museum provide insightful experiences into the region's past and culture. Natural parks such as the Beguinage, ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer serene, beautiful walks. However, it may not provide as much varied activities for those seeking a more vibrant or diverse urban experience compared to Belgium's larger cities.

Food:Above average

Turnhout offers an appealing variety of dishes that satisfy different palates. Known for its rich and comforting Belgian cuisine, the city's gastronomic offerings range from famous frites, waffles, and pralines to a selection of hearty stews and locally brewed beers. There's no shortage of bakeries, cafés, and world-class restaurants where you can find international food offerings such as Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Though a small city, it certainly has an undisputedly diverse food scene worth exploring.

Budget:Affordable

Turnhout is relatively budget-friendly for solo female travelers. Accommodation, eating out, and local transportation are moderately priced. There are also numerous free or low-cost attractions to visit like the Castle of the Dukes of Brabant and National Museum of Playing Cards. Extra expenses may occur within specialty shops and fine dining restaurants.