Solo Female Travel in Belgium: Is Belgium Safe for Women?

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re wondering whether solo female travel in Belgium is safe, my answer is…

Yes.

But with a small Belgian asterisk.

I’m Belgian myself, so obviously I have a bit of a bias when it comes to Belgium. I’ve lived, studied and travelled around the country, and I’ve spent plenty of time in cities like Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, Antwerp and Bruges.

I’ve also travelled solo within Belgium, including spending a night alone in a hostel in Bruges.

And honestly?

I felt completely fine.

Would I say Belgium feels as safe as Australia did when I travelled there for nine months?

No.

But Australia set the bar ridiculously high.

For European standards, I generally feel comfortable travelling around Belgium alone. You just need to use the same common sense you’d use when travelling solo anywhere else.

If you’re planning your first solo trip to Belgium, this is my honest take on solo female travel in Belgium, based on my own experiences as a Belgian woman.

Travel blogger exploring Ostend, Belgium

Planning your Belgium trip?

I created a Google Map with 540+ saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.

Explore the Belgium Map → €5

So, Is Belgium Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes, overall I consider Belgium a safe country for solo female travel.

Belgium is relatively small, cities are well connected, English is widely spoken and travelling between the main destinations is surprisingly easy.

If you’re planning your first trip, my Belgium Complete Travel Guide is a good place to start, with city guides, local tips and practical travel information.

You can have breakfast in Brussels, take the train to Ghent for lunch and end your day in Bruges without needing a car.

Not sure which cities to include? I’ve also compared the best cities in Belgium to help you decide where to go.

That makes Belgium particularly easy for a solo trip.

I’ve also found that Belgian cities are generally very walkable, meaning you don’t constantly have to figure out complicated transport or rely on taxis when travelling alone.

That said, Belgium isn’t completely free from the safety issues you can encounter elsewhere in Europe.

Pickpocketing, harassment and uncomfortable situations can happen, particularly in busy areas, around nightlife and at large events.

So my advice isn’t:

“Belgium is completely safe, don’t worry about anything.”

It’s more:

Belgium is safe, but use your brain.

And honestly, that’s probably the best advice for solo female travel anywhere.

My Experience Travelling Alone in Belgium

I think my own experience is particularly interesting because I didn’t travel to Belgium as a tourist.

I grew up here.

For most of my life, Belgium was simply home.

And that’s exactly why I never really understood why people would want to come here on holiday.

Before I started travelling myself, I genuinely thought:

“Why on earth would someone spend money to visit Belgium?”

Then I travelled.

And after seeing other countries, meeting people from all over the world and eventually having friends visit me in Belgium…

I started seeing my own country completely differently.

Suddenly I understood why people loved Bruges.

Why visitors thought Brussels was interesting.

Why Ghent’s architecture was beautiful.

Why Belgian beer, fries, chocolate and waffles were actually something worth getting excited about.

And I also started appreciating how easy Belgium is for travellers.

Kriek cherry beer in Bruges, Belgium

I Even Took a Solo Trip in My Own Country

One of my favourite examples is Bruges.

I decided to take a little trip there by myself and stayed overnight in a hostel.

And honestly?

I loved it.

I was initially slightly amused by the idea of backpacking in my own country.

But the hostel actually gave me that same social atmosphere I associate with travelling abroad.

I met people, explored the city, went out, walked around on my own and simply enjoyed having a little adventure without having to fly halfway across the world.

And from a safety perspective, I felt very comfortable.

Bruges is touristy, busy during the day and relatively easy to navigate.

For a first solo trip in Belgium, Bruges would actually be one of the places I’d recommend most.

→ If you’re planning a trip there, check out my complete Bruges Travel Guide for things to do, food, nightlife and practical tips.

Safety in Belgian Cities

Belgium is small, but the atmosphere can change quite a lot between cities.

These are my personal impressions rather than official safety ratings, but they’re based on having actually lived, studied and travelled around these places.

Bruges

Bruges is probably one of my favourite choices for solo female travel in Belgium.

It’s touristy, beautiful and relatively easy to navigate.

I personally travelled there alone and stayed in a hostel, and I felt very safe.

During the day, the historic centre is full of people, cafés, tourists and shops.

Evenings are quieter, but I never got the feeling that I was somewhere I shouldn’t be.

Obviously, the usual rules still apply.

Don’t wander around completely distracted at night, keep an eye on your belongings and use common sense.

But overall?

I’d have no problem recommending Bruges to a solo female traveller.

And honestly, staying in a hostel is a great way to make the trip more social if you’re travelling alone.

Ghent

I have a bit of a soft spot for Ghent because I studied there for two years.

And from my experience, it’s a very comfortable city to explore alone.

Ghent has a large student population, which gives the city a lively and social atmosphere.

There are cafés everywhere, plenty of nightlife and lots of people walking or cycling around the city.

During the day, I wouldn’t hesitate to explore Ghent alone.

At night, I would simply stick to the busier streets and areas, particularly if you’re by yourself.

The city centre around the Korenmarkt, Graslei and surrounding streets generally feels lively, especially when students are out.

And if you want nightlife?

Ghent is actually one of my favourite Belgian cities for it.

→ I’ve written a complete Ghent Travel Guide with my favourite places to eat, drink, go out and explore.

Brussels

Brussels is where I’d be a little more careful.

Not because I think Brussels is an unsafe city overall.

It isn’t.

But it’s a large international capital, and like many major European cities, some areas feel very different from others.

One thing I personally recommend is being more cautious around the major train stations, particularly Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Brussels-South, especially later in the evening.

During the day, these areas can be extremely busy.

At night, however, I wouldn’t personally wander around aimlessly on quiet streets near the stations if I were alone.

I would also be more cautious in areas such as Anderlecht and parts of Schaerbeek, particularly late at night.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid Brussels.

It simply means that where you stay and how you move around the city matters more here than it does in somewhere like Bruges.

If you’re arriving by train, know where you’re going before you leave the station rather than standing outside looking at Google Maps with your phone in your hand at midnight.

Small things like that make a difference.

→ Planning a visit? My Brussels Travel Guide covers my favourite areas, things to do, food and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is another city where I sometimes get slightly more of a sketchy feeling, particularly in certain areas and later at night.

That doesn’t mean I think Antwerp is dangerous.

I’ve spent plenty of time there without any problems.

It’s simply a city where I’d be a little more aware of my surroundings if I were walking around alone at night.

The city centre and main tourist areas are generally lively and easy to explore.

But just like Brussels, I’d avoid wandering through unfamiliar quiet areas late at night when there’s no real reason to.

If you’re going out, I’d also recommend travelling with friends or using a sensible route back to your accommodation rather than walking alone for a long distance at 3 a.m.

→ Antwerp is actually one of my favourite Belgian cities for shopping, food and architecture, so don’t let this put you off. Check out my Antwerp Travel Guide for the fun stuff.

Pizza at a pizzeria in Antwerp, Belgium

Leuven

Leuven is probably one of the places where I personally feel most comfortable.

It’s my hometown, so obviously I know it extremely well.

It’s also a student city, meaning there are usually plenty of people around the centre.

The city centre itself is lively and walkable, and there are lots of cafés, bars and restaurants.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend wandering down random small, quiet streets alone late at night just because you can.

That’s not really a Belgium-specific rule.

It’s just common sense.

If you stay around the busy centre and know where you’re going, I personally wouldn’t worry much.

If you’re visiting for the first time, my Leuven Travel Guide covers the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and plenty of local tips.

What About Harassment and Catcalling?

This is something I think is worth talking about when discussing solo female travel in Belgium.

Personally, I haven’t experienced a huge amount of catcalling in Belgium.

It’s not something that has made me avoid travelling alone.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it never happens.

Experiences can vary enormously depending on the person, location, time of day and situation.

I’ve definitely heard women talk about uncomfortable encounters, particularly around nightlife or larger events.

And that’s where I think you should simply trust your gut.

If someone is making you uncomfortable, you don’t owe them politeness.

You can walk away.

You can move somewhere busier.

You can go into a shop or café.

You can tell your friends.

And if something genuinely feels wrong, ask someone nearby for help.

Be A Little More Careful at Festivals and Big Events

Belgium LOVES festivals.

Seriously.

We have festivals for everything.

And while they’re incredibly fun, large crowds also mean that you should be slightly more aware of your surroundings.

At festivals, concerts and big events, I’ve heard of women being bothered or approached in ways they didn’t appreciate.

My personal advice?

Make friends.

Go with people, stay around people you trust and don’t feel like you have to walk home alone after the event.

One of the best things about Belgian festivals is that it’s generally very easy to meet people.

So if you’re travelling solo, don’t be afraid to make friends and stick with them.

You don’t have to spend the entire night by yourself just because you arrived alone.

Beleuvenissen festival in Leuven, Belgium

The “Ask for Linda” Safety Trick

Here’s something I actually think is pretty cool.

Some Belgian bars and nightlife venues participate in schemes where you can discreetly ask staff for help if you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe.

One example is the “Ask for Angela” concept, which has been adopted in various forms by venues internationally.

The exact wording or implementation can differ between venues, so don’t assume every bar uses the same code.

But the general idea is simple:

If you’re in a bar and someone is making you uncomfortable, you can discreetly approach staff and ask for help.

For example, if a venue advertises a particular code phrase or name in its bathroom, use the exact wording displayed there.

Staff can then help you get somewhere safe, contact someone for you or otherwise assist depending on the situation.

It’s worth looking at the signs in the bathrooms when you’re out, because these schemes are often advertised there.

And honestly, I love that this exists.

Because sometimes you don’t want to loudly announce:

“HELP, THIS GUY IS MAKING ME UNCOMFORTABLE.”

Sometimes you just want to quietly tell a bartender.

What I Would Do as a Solo Female Traveller in Belgium

If I were travelling around Belgium alone for the first time, I wouldn’t be scared.

But I also wouldn’t completely switch my brain off.

These are the things I personally do:

  • Keep my phone and valuables secure in busy areas.
  • Avoid quiet streets late at night when I don’t know the area.
  • Check my route before leaving the station.
  • Stay in well-reviewed hostels or accommodation.
  • Let someone know where I’m staying.
  • Keep an eye on my drink when going out.
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers if I don’t feel comfortable.
  • Stick with people I trust when leaving nightlife or festivals.
  • Trust my instincts if someone gives me a bad feeling.
  • Use public transport or a taxi when walking home doesn’t feel comfortable.

None of these things are particularly complicated.

And most of them are things I’d do anywhere in the world.

Is Belgium Safe for Solo Backpackers?

Absolutely.

And I actually think Belgium is a really underrated country for a short solo backpacking trip.

It’s small enough that you can see several cities in a relatively short amount of time.

You could easily create a route like:

Brussels → Leuven → Antwerp → Ghent → Bruges → Belgian Coast

And every stop feels different.

Brussels gives you the international capital experience.

Leuven is a lively student city.

Antwerp is all about fashion, shopping and a more urban atmosphere.

Ghent has incredible architecture and nightlife.

Bruges feels almost like stepping into a fairytale.

And then the Belgian coast gives you beaches, seafood and a completely different seaside atmosphere.

You don’t need months.

You could have a really fun Belgian backpacking trip in one week.

And yes…

You can absolutely stay in hostels and get that backpacker feeling here too.

I know because I’ve done it myself.

If you’re wondering how long you actually need, my guide on how many days to spend in Belgium breaks down what you can realistically see in 3, 5 or 7 days.

Pizza and Aperol in Leuven, Belgium

Why I Actually Recommend Solo Travel in Belgium

The funny thing about travelling around your own country is that you don’t necessarily expect it to feel like travelling.

But it can.

When I stayed in Bruges alone, I had that exact feeling.

I wasn’t worried about flights.

I didn’t have to figure out a completely foreign language.

I knew how things worked.

But I still got to explore somewhere new, meet people in my hostel and experience my own country from a completely different perspective.

And I think that’s something people sometimes forget.

You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world to have an adventure.

Belgium may be small.

But there’s actually a lot to discover.

My Favourite Belgian Cities for Solo Female Travel

If I had to rank the Belgian cities I’d recommend most for a solo female traveller based on my own experience:

1. Bruges

Best for: first-time solo travellers, architecture, romantic atmosphere and a smaller city feel.

I felt very safe during my solo overnight trip here, and it’s incredibly easy to explore on foot.

2. Ghent

Best for: nightlife, students, cafés and a social atmosphere.

This would probably be my pick if you want to meet people and go out.

3. Leuven

Best for: student life, cafés and a smaller city experience.

Especially easy if you’re nervous about navigating a completely unfamiliar city.

4. Antwerp

Best for: fashion, shopping, nightlife and city vibes.

I love Antwerp, but I’d personally be a little more aware of my surroundings at night.

5. Brussels

Best for: museums, multiculturalism, architecture and experiencing Belgium’s capital.

Definitely worth visiting, but I’d plan my accommodation and nighttime routes a little more carefully.

So… Would I Recommend Solo Female Travel in Belgium?

Yes.

Absolutely.

But I don’t want to pretend Belgium is some magical country where absolutely nothing bad can happen.

It’s not.

There are areas where I’d be more careful.

There are situations where I’d rather not walk alone.

And there are moments where you simply need to trust your gut.

But overall?

I feel comfortable travelling alone around Belgium.

And if you’re coming from abroad, I honestly think Belgium is a really easy country to explore independently.

It’s compact.

It’s well connected.

English is widely spoken.

There are plenty of hostels.

The cities are full of things to do.

And you can easily combine several completely different destinations into one trip.

And perhaps most importantly…

Belgium is much more interesting than I used to think it was.

Before I started travelling, I couldn’t understand why anyone would come here on holiday.

Now, after travelling around the world and having friends visit me from different countries, I completely get it.

Bruges really is beautiful.

Ghent really is cool.

Antwerp really does have great fashion.

Brussels really is incredibly multicultural.

And yes…

our fries, chocolate, waffles and beer are pretty damn good too.

So if you’ve been considering Belgium for your next solo trip…

I’d say go for it.

Just use your common sense, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

And if you want to make your trip even better, definitely check out my other Belgium guides.

Because as a Belgian, I know exactly where I’d send you.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ

Is Belgium safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Based on my experience as a Belgian woman who has travelled alone around the country, I generally feel safe travelling solo in Belgium. However, like anywhere in Europe, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in larger cities and late at night.

Is Brussels safe for solo female travellers?

Brussels is generally safe to visit alone, but I’d be more cautious around major train stations such as Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Brussels-South at night. I would also avoid unfamiliar quiet areas late at night and plan my route in advance.

Is Bruges safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Bruges is one of the Belgian destinations where I personally feel most comfortable travelling alone. I even stayed overnight in a hostel there during a solo trip and had a great experience.

Is Ghent safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Ghent is a lively student city and I generally consider it comfortable for solo travel. As always, I’d be more aware when walking alone late at night, particularly away from busy streets.

Is Antwerp safe for solo female travellers?

Antwerp is generally safe, although some areas can feel slightly sketchier at night. I would use common sense, stay in busy areas and avoid walking alone through unfamiliar quiet neighbourhoods late at night.

Is Belgium good for solo backpacking?

Yes. Belgium is particularly convenient for a short solo backpacking trip because the country is small and the main cities are well connected by public transport. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels and Leuven can easily be combined into one trip.

→ For a more detailed breakdown of travelling around the country, check out my guide to Getting Around Belgium by Train, Bus & Public Transport.

Is it easy to meet people when travelling alone in Belgium?

Yes, especially if you stay in hostels. Belgium has plenty of hostels in its main tourist cities, and staying in shared accommodation can give you a surprisingly social backpacker experience even though you’re travelling in a small European country.

Do women experience catcalling in Belgium?

It can happen, but based on my own experience, catcalling has not been a major issue for me in Belgium. Experiences vary, however, and larger cities, nightlife areas and crowded events can sometimes involve unwanted attention.

What should solo female travellers avoid in Belgium?

I wouldn’t say there are many places that tourists absolutely need to avoid. Instead, be more cautious around some areas of Brussels, particularly near major train stations late at night, and avoid unfamiliar quiet streets in any city when you’re alone. Trust your instincts and choose a busier route if something doesn’t feel right.

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