Hello friends, I'm Matt Wilson, co-founder of Under30Experiences. I just got back from a great trip to Brussels, and I’m back with another travel safety briefing. My wife asked me if I wanted to visit her friend in Brussels, and of course, I said yes. The morning of the trip, I casually Googled “Is Brussels safe?” and the results were quite surprising!
Scrolling through Reddit, I was a bit shocked to learn it doesn’t have the best reputation for safety among European cities. Brussels isn’t unsafe per se, but it’s all relative. As one Reddit user said, “I’m from Sao Paulo, so Brussels is incredibly safe, but if you were from Reykjavik, you’d find it a bit sketchy!”
I’ve profiled safety in places like Bogota, Costa Rica, and Chile, so in comparison, Brussels is significantly safer than cities in Latin America for example, but you should still follow basic safety precautions like I suggest in my guides to Dublin and Madrid.
My day job is keeping travelers safe worldwide as CEO of a tour operator for solo travelers operating in more than thirty countries. I went on this trip to Brussels with my wife and pre-schooler, so rest assured—safety is a high priority for me!
Belgium was ranked sixteenth on the 2024 Global Peace Index, just above Japan. But everyone knows major cities can be dodgy, especially in public areas.
Personally, I didn’t feel unsafe for a moment. In fact, I felt safer than I did in the more crowded cities of Madrid and Dublin that I’d just visited beforehand. I stayed in an Airbnb in an area outside the city center called Schaerbeek, home to a large Turkish and Moroccan population. We walked an hour all the way downtown and back without reservation and rode public transportation every chance we could, again, all perfectly safe. But of course, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.
Let’s take a deep dive into travel safety…
In this article on safety in Brussels, Belgium, you’ll learn:
- What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Brussels?
- What scams should I look out for?
- What is the safest way to get around Brussels?
- What activities are safe? What should I do in Brussels?
- Are there natural disasters?
- Is there ever political unrest in Brussels?
- Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
- What are the Emergency numbers in Brussels?
- What hospitals and clinics should I go to?
- What health risks exist?
- Is the water safe to drink? (including toothbrushing)
- Should I buy travel insurance?
- Should you travel to Brussels?
- Are group trips to Europe safe?
What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Brussels?
Walking around downtown Brussels felt perfectly safe to me. I was happy to learn that Brussels wasn’t as crowded as some other major tourist sites in Europe, which I appreciated. If you are clamoring to get a photo in front of Big Ben in London, walking Las Ramblas in Barcelona, or out at the pubs in the center of Dublin, you ought to look for pickpockets looking to take advantage of tourists. In Brussels, I felt the vibe was much less touristy and that much of the city accommodated people working in the capital of the European Union.
The Schaerbeek neighborhood was located close to the airport, and public transportation was easy everywhere. The “how to get around” section has more on Brussels's amazing public transportation!
I appreciated staying in Schaerbeek near where our friends live because it was a chance to experience “real life” in Brussels. Each morning, I went to Belgium’s largest gym chain called “Basic Fit.” On the way back, I would stop at the boulangerie, pick up a croissant for my daughter, drink an espresso, and buy some eggs at the market to make at the Airbnb.
We also had the good luck of having a local event at Josaphat Park in the neighborhood. They put on a light show and served lots of Belgian treats, such as waffles, chocolate, and, of course, Belgian beer!
If you are staying in Brussels and need a place to stay, considering staying in the following neighborhoods:
Ixelles: Ixelles is a trendy, vibrant area popular with young people, artists, and students. It has a more eclectic feel, with diverse cultural influences and lots of cafés, restaurants, and bars. The area also has beautiful parks, such as Flagey Park, and is well-connected to the rest of the city.
Saint-Gilles: Saint-Gilles offers a cool, bohemian atmosphere with a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy bars. It’s not as crowded as more tourist-heavy areas but still close to central Brussels. Its proximity to the city center makes it a favorite for travelers who want to experience local life.
European District (Leopold Quarter): This area is home to the European Union institutions, which means it’s a very safe and well-maintained area. It’s ideal for those who prefer a more professional, cosmopolitan environment. You’ll find leafy parks like Parc Leopold and plenty of restaurants and cafes catering to diplomats and professionals.
Uccle: Uccle is a quieter, residential area that offers a calm retreat while still being accessible to the city center. Known for its spacious parks, such as the beautiful Bois de la Cambre, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s great for travelers who want a peaceful stay.
What scams should I look out for?
- Pickpocketing: This is a widespread issue in major European cities, and Brussels is no exception. Tourist areas like Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Brussels Central Station are known to be hotspots for pickpockets, especially on public transport. Several travel advisories warn about the presence of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas. Local authorities have increased surveillance, but it's always wise to stay alert.
- Fake Charity Collectors: Scammers posing as charity collectors have been reported in tourist-heavy locations in Brussels. These scammers typically ask for donations or signatures under the guise of charitable work. A report from the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to be cautious of fake charities.
- The "Friendship Bracelet" Scam: This scam is very common in major European tourist spots. Individuals approach tourists offering to make “free” friendship bracelets, and once completed, they demand a payment. This has been widely reported in Brussels, with many tourists advising others to decline such offers.
- Fake Taxi Scams: A frequent scam in many major cities, including Brussels, is fake or unlicensed taxis. These drivers often approach tourists at the airport or stations, offering rides at inflated prices. Official taxi services are well-regulated in Brussels, and it’s recommended to use only registered taxis or services like Uber.
- ATM Skimming: This is an ongoing problem in many tourist locations. Brussels is not immune to ATM fraud. Travelers are advised to use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls to minimize the risk of skimming devices. This scam is commonly reported in tourist areas, including Brussels Central Station and near major landmarks.
- "Free" Tourist Tours: Free tours that end up costing you through high-pressure tactics are a common scam in Brussels. These tours often demand a tip or payment at the end and aren’t transparent about it. You should tip your guide, but don’t feel pressured to give them all your money.
- Hotel and Accommodation Scams: As with any city, there are occasional reports of fake hotel listings or non-existent accommodations. This is particularly common with online booking sites, where fraudsters create fake listings or lure tourists with photos that don’t match reality. Trusted platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb have measures in place to prevent this, but it's always recommended to read reviews and check for legitimacy.
- Overcharging in Restaurants and Shops: While Brussels is known for its gastronomy, tourists are sometimes overcharged in restaurants and cafes, particularly in highly touristy areas. It's advisable to check menus in advance and always ask about any extra service fees.
Wondering if Dublin is safe? Check out my guide to safety in Dublin!
What is the safest way to get around Brussels?
I highly suggest utilizing the public transportation system in Brussels! We took trains, buses, and trams all around the city and found that they worked seamlessly. The great part was that Google Maps was highly accurate as to when the next tram or bus was arriving, and you could pay easily by tapping your credit card or Apple Pay when you boarded the tram or bus.
The only time we took Uber was from the airport, which I found quite expensive—over 50 euros for a 20-minute ride. On the way back to the airport, we took the same driver for just 40 euros, paid directly via credit card.
As I mentioned before, we walked all over the city, often after dark (but not too late) without reservation. The only time I felt remotely unsafe was when I wished there were more people around while waiting alone at a desolate train station on the outskirts of town. There was nobody in shouting distance, but if we’d been in my hometown outside of New York City, where this happens often, I would have felt perfectly comfortable. I guess it was just the feeling of being vulnerable in a foreign place.
What activities are safe? What should I do in Brussels?
Our main objective of the trip was to spend time with friends in Brussels, but of course, we did some exploring! We hit several sights, including Le Botanique, the Botanical Garden of Brussels (Jardin Botanique de Bruxelles), the Congress Column, Parc de Bruxelles, Coudenberg Palace (Palais du Coudenberg), the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Grand Palace.
We also went to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, which was great because the tram let us off at the European Parliament and Palamentarium. After we walked through Leopold Park to Jordanplein, a great little square for lunch.
We also visited the Illusion Museum of Brussels (Illusion Museum Brussel) and then strolled past St. Michael's and St. Gudula Cathedral.
The only thing we would have liked to do if there was more time would be to see the Atomium and walk through Parc Laeken. Oh, and the statue of the little boy peeing. We missed him too. He’s called Manneken Pis if you’re into that kind of thing.
Are there natural disasters?
Overall it’s pretty well protected from natural disasters but storms, floods, and heatwaves can happen on occasion in Belgium. ChatGPT told me that Brussels is working to improve their disaster management plans and that the last big event was in July of 2021 when Brussels was hit with major flooding from rain storms. Winters are generally pretty mild in Brussels, but it can snow on occasion. It is crucial to follow the advice of local authorities during these events.
Is there ever political unrest in Brussels?
Here’s where Brussels gets interesting. As the capital of the European Union, of course Brussels has its share of protests. As an American, it’s like asking if it’s safe to visit Washington DC as a tourist. Of course it is, but it’d be a good idea to stay attune to the news.
When I was there, our friends told us that the day after we were leaving, there were going to be protests about the new government coming into power in Brussels. They were planning to cut benefits to teachers and that made the locals pretty upset. It didn’t sound like anything was going to get violent in the center of Brussels, but my advice is always to monitor local media and turn around if you see protests.
Is the nightlife safe for travelers?
Personally, I didn’t take part in any nightlife on this leg of my trip, but from speaking with my local friends here are a few recommendations for safe places to go out.
- City Centre around Grand Place & Bourse: you'll find a tourist party here at all hours.
- Ixelles (especially around Flagey & Cimetière d’Ixelles): a more laid back student area.
- Saint-Gilles: a trendy local favorite.
- Saint-Géry & Dansaert: a short walk from Grand Place, go here to found a hip, upbeat crowd.
My take on nightlife no matter where in the world you are is the same. Don’t get drunk, always use the buddy system especially if you are a solo female traveler, keep your flashy items locked up safe. Don’t walk alone at night; it’s always safer to call an Uber. Never accept drinks from people you don’t know, and watch your drink at all times–drink spiking can happen anywhere!
Read more: My Guide to Travel Safety in Madrid.
What are the Emergency numbers in Brussels?
Remember 911 does not work in Belgium!
In Brussels, Belgium, the emergency numbers are:
- 112 – General emergency number (EU-wide) for police, fire, and ambulance.
- 100 – Direct emergency medical assistance and fire brigade.
- 101 – Police emergency.
For non-emergency police assistance, you can also contact +32 2 279 79 79 for local Brussels police services. To stay informed about local updates, consider following the US Embassy in Brussels on social media.
The US Embassy in Brussels, Belgium can be found at:
Address: U.S. Embassy Brussels
Avenue des Arts 27
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Phone: +32 2 811 4000
Email: uscitizenbrussels@state.gov
What hospitals and clinics should I go to?
We stayed right next door to CHU Brugmann, so had anything come up, that's where we would have gone. Our local friend who is familiar with the healthcare system, told us that it wasn’t the best hospital in Brussels, but I’m pretty sure it would have been fine for most things.
The closest hospital to downtown Brussels is Clinique Saint-Jean / Sint-Janskliniek.
It’s good to know that so many people from around the world live and work in Brussels, and many of them speak English.
Keep in mind the main languages in Brussels are French and Dutch, but in the tourist areas, you'll find enough English.
What health risks exist?
The US CDC recommends routine vaccinations before visiting Belgium.
The only thing that bothered me in Belgium was the secondhand smoke when walking down the street. I still can’t believe smoking is so popular in Europe!
Is the water safe to drink? (including toothbrushing)
Yes, the water in Belgium is safe to drink. I brought my sustainable water bottle everywhere and refilled it from the tap. After all the research that has come out recently about microplastics in bottled water, I prefer to drink from the tap, or better yet a filter when I have access to it. Hotel gyms are a great place to find filtered water!
Read more: Science-backed Jetlag Tips from an Expert Traveler.
Should I buy travel insurance?
It's always a smart move to have travel insurance! Unexpected issues can arise anywhere, so I recommend getting coverage to safeguard against trip disruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical costs, including medical care and medical evacuation.
This is just a quick note from my lawyers: "This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance." I will receive compensation if you decide to purchase through my links. I usually recommend Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads for reliable options.
Should you travel to Brussels?
Yes, of course! I found Brussels perfectly safe and a nice city to explore. I enjoyed living like a local, taking the lovely public transportation system, eating delicious food, and practicing my French. As I mentioned earlier, Brussels wasn’t as crowded as other European cities I’ve visited, so I felt more at ease and was not always on high alert, as I do in extremely busy cities.
I’ll be honest: the weather wasn’t the best during my time in Brussels, but that should be expected in February. At least it cut down on the crowds! Many Belgians mentioned that the weather can be chilly and rainy for most of the winter, so consider coming another time of year.
I’ll also mention that the level of English in Brussels was much better than in France. Again, Brussels is the capital of the European Union and a city where people from all over the world live. There are plenty of people in the city who just speak English. Of course, I was sure to use my basic French each time I approached someone which is always appreciated. A simple, “Bonjour! Parlevouix Anglais?” always goes a long way.
Check out my book for just 99 cents: The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.
Are group trips to Europe safe?
Group trips are one of the safest ways to travel. Solo travelers love group trips because they can travel solo but never actually be alone! This means you’ll have a local guide who speaks the language and can help keep you safe, and you’ll always have a travel buddy to do activities with! For travel advice, If you want to stay out late in Brussels, it’s really great if you have someone to walk home with!
Of course, I’m biased, but you should check out the Under30Experiences Europe trips for people ages 21-35, even if you just want to scope our itinerary. We also have trips for people in their 30s and 40s!
