Safety in Belgium
Belgium is a safe country overall, with most expats reporting feeling secure in their daily lives. However, Brussels has a more nuanced safety picture than smaller Belgian cities, with certain neighborhoods requiring more awareness.
Safety Rankings
- Global Peace Index 2025: 20th safest country (above Australia, Norway, Sweden)
- Numbeo Crime Index (Brussels): 60.84/100 (moderate-high for property crime)
- Safest Belgian cities: Bruges, Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen
- Brussels: Higher crime than other Belgian cities, but mostly property crime
Crime Overview
| Crime Type | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | Low | Rare outside specific contexts |
| Pickpocketing | Moderate-high | Tourist areas, train stations |
| Residential burglary | Moderate | Varies significantly by area |
| Bike theft | Moderate | Increasing with cycling growth |
| Drug-related | Localized | Specific Brussels and Antwerp areas |
| Terrorism risk | Low-moderate | Enhanced security measures in place |
Brussels Neighborhood Safety
Very safe:
- Uccle — Upscale, residential, family-oriented
- Woluwe-Saint-Pierre — Leafy, affluent, near international schools
- Watermael-Boitsfort — Green, quiet, low crime
- Auderghem — Residential, near Sonian Forest
Safe with normal urban awareness:
- Ixelles — Popular with expats, vibrant but safe
- Etterbeek — EU quarter area, well-policed
- European Quarter — Heavy security presence
- Saint-Gilles (south) — Trendy, generally safe
Exercise more caution:
- Gare du Midi area — Pickpocketing, petty crime
- Parts of Schaerbeek (north) — Mixed, improving
- Parts of Molenbeek — Undergoing revitalization
- Parts of Anderlecht — Higher crime statistics
Main Safety Concerns
Pickpocketing: Concentrated in:
- Gare du Midi (Eurostar station)
- Brussels Central Station
- Grand Place area
- Public transport during rush hours
- Major tourist attractions
Drug-related crime: Brussels and Antwerp (port) have seen increases in drug-related violence, though this primarily affects specific neighborhoods and criminal networks, not the general population.
Night Safety
- Generally safe in residential areas at night
- Well-lit main streets and commercial areas feel secure
- Brussels EU quarter is quiet and safe at night
- Avoid isolated areas around train stations late at night
- Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber) widely available
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) | 112 |
| Police (non-emergency) | 101 |
| European emergency number | 112 |
| Anti-poison centre | 070 245 245 |
| Child Focus | 116 000 |
Other Belgian Cities
Ghent, Bruges, Leuven, Mechelen: Significantly safer than Brussels, with very low crime rates. These cities feel secure at virtually all hours.
Antwerp: Generally safe, with some elevated crime in specific port-area neighborhoods linked to drug trafficking.
Practical Safety Tips
- Keep valuables secure in tourist areas and on public transport
- Be aware around major train stations, especially Gare du Midi
- Lock bikes securely — use a quality U-lock
- Most residential neighborhoods are very safe
- Brussels' security presence is high due to EU institutions
Pro Tips
- •Most Brussels residential neighborhoods are genuinely safe
- •Be cautious around Gare du Midi — pickpocketing is common
- •Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven are very safe cities for expats
- •Lock bikes with a quality U-lock, especially in Brussels
- •Security presence is high around EU institutions — this is normal
Have questions about safety in Belgium?