Brussels, Belgium
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Brussels.
Good mix of safety, cafe culture, dining variety, and actual Belgian character. More expensive than average but balances security with authenticity better than other areas.
Ixelles has different zones with their own character. Châtelain is the upscale dining area with a Wednesday evening market. Flagey centers on the Art Deco building with cafes around it. Avenue Louise is high-end shopping. You get international families, young professionals, students - cosmopolitan but still Belgian. People sit alone in cafes all day with books or laptops, morning through late evening. The cafe scene is strong - lots of specialty coffee places, each different. English works because there are many expats, though you'll hear French too. Lighting is good and you'll see women walking alone past midnight around Flagey and Châtelain. Police are around but not in your face. The ponds give you some green space. More expensive than other parts of Brussels, though less than the European Quarter.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Felt safe everywhere I went, neighborhood has a welcoming vibe"
"So many cafes where you can sit alone with a book and no one cares"
"Walked home from bars at midnight without worrying"
"Good mix of safety and actual Brussels character"
"Costs more than other areas but the atmosphere is worth it"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Upscale area with famous chocolate shops, expensive dining, and weekend antique markets. Very safe but pricey and quiet at night. Better for visiting than staying.
Brussels' safest area with heavy security from EU institutions, international crowd, and widespread English. More expensive and less Belgian in character than other neighborhoods.
Brussels' central square and main tourist zone. Good for sightseeing but high pickpocket and scam risk. Lots of police so violent crime is rare, but watch your stuff constantly. Visit for a few hours, don't stay here.
Help other women stay safe in Ixelles
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.