Is Brussels Safe? Discover Why It Defies Terrorism Fears

Loaded question. According to our parents, the answer is no because they're instantly afraid we'll be caught in the crossfire of some terrorist attack. Ask the TripAdvisor or Reddit community, and the answer will usually be the same. If you're street smart, it's just as safe as walking around in your U.S. hometown. So, which is it? Is Brussels safe or not?

My wife Sarah and I spent a week in Brussels as first-time visitors. I'm going to share 1) how we determined if Brussels felt safe for us and 2) our honest travel experience during our weeklong stay.

By the way, I'm a middle-aged traveler (yikes, I hate to admit this because in my mind I'm "29" forever, lol!) and have visited 6 continents and 32 countries from Cambodia to Zimbabwe to Chile. Sarah and I are both remote workers from Florida who recently got married and decided to combine our love for travel with our work. We're always on the lookout for great food and safe adventures.

My definition of risk in my 20s is much different than now. I offer this background, so you understand the person sharing this Brussels safety perspective.

Alright, let's quickly review the 3 safety factor checklist I used to determine if Brussels felt safe to visit.

Then we'll chat about why you probably landed on this post … firsthand travel experience in the 7 most popular Brussels neighborhoods.

3 Safety Factors to Consider

01- State Department Travel Advisory

If you don't know this already, the U.S. Department of State posts travel advisory ratings on all countries that range from a 1-4.

1 = Exercise normal precautions (white)2 = Exercise increased caution (yellow)3 = Reconsider travel (orange)4 = Do not travel (red)

We only travel to destinations labeled 1 or 2.

It's important to know that different ratings can exist in the same country. For example, some countries have all the ratings … 1, 2, 3, and 4!

Always look at the whole picture to make your decision. Even in my hometown city, there are places I would walk (and not walk) after dark.

Know your 1, 2, 3, and 4s!

If you look at the map for Belgium, you'll see Brussels is yellow and labeled a level 2 (exercise increased caution). This is primarily due to the threat of terrorism.

U.S. Department of State Check: PASS (but with caution)

02- Latest News

It's always important to understand what's going on in a country financially, socially, and politically to help you determine if you should go or not.

When I researched Brussels, I found some concerning news. In March 2024, two people were killed in separate shootings, highlighting ongoing challenges with drug-related violence in the city. This definitely made me pause.

But I also discovered some positive developments. A joint police operation has led to a significant decrease in drug use and related crimes around Porte de Hal. This showed me that the authorities are actively working to improve safety in the city.

I also look for any news on crime targeting tourists. While I found reports of pickpocketing and petty theft, there weren't any recent incidents of violent crime specifically targeting tourists in well-known areas.

Politically, Brussels has been relatively stable. However, there are elections coming up on June 9, 2024, so it's important to stay updated as things can change.

Current News Check: PASS (but stay informed)

03- Community Forums

Recent traveler experiences are invaluable.

Although you can get "fake news" or trolls reporting false information, TripAdvisor Forum and Reddit communities are good sources to check on a fellow traveler's personal experience.

Always check to see if the person posting has other comments and reviews to gauge legitimacy. A one-time poster is always suspicious.

When I researched Brussels, I found mostly positive experiences from travelers. Many mentioned feeling safe walking around during the day and even at night in most areas. The common advice was to take normal precautions like you would in any large city.

Some travelers did mention being wary in certain areas, particularly around the Brussels North and South train stations, especially at night. This information helped us plan our itinerary more carefully.

Community Forum Check: PASS

First Hand Experience in Brussels

Alright, now the juicy part. We felt we had researched enough to give us a sense Brussels was safe with the usual precautions.

Did our research match our experience?

Yes, mostly!

We spent 1 week in Brussels.

Here's our experience as first-time visitors to Brussels WALKING around (we walked almost everywhere!) and as an UBER passenger.

City Centre

The City Centre is the heart of Brussels, known for its stunning Grand Place and the cheeky Manneken Pis statue. It's a maze of cobblestone streets lined with chocolate shops, waffle stands, and beer cafes.

We spent a lot of time here, both day and night. During the day, it was bustling with tourists and locals alike. At night, it took on a magical quality with the buildings lit up.

Sarah and I felt completely comfortable walking around the City Centre. However, we did notice it got quite crowded, especially around major attractions. We made sure to keep a close eye on our belongings, as we'd read that pickpocketing can be an issue in touristy areas.

Some highlights of our City Centre adventures:

• Enjoying Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy (seriously, the best waffles ever!)
• Taking a guided tour of the Grand Place
• Sampling Belgian beers at Delirium Café (over 2,000 beers to choose from!)
• Visiting the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) for a unique cultural experience

One evening, we were walking back to our hotel after dinner when we realized we'd taken a wrong turn. We found ourselves in a quieter, less well-lit area. While nothing happened, we did feel a bit uneasy. We quickly reoriented ourselves using Google Maps and stuck to the main, well-lit streets after that.

Is the City Centre Safe? YES, but stay alert in crowded areas and stick to well-lit streets at night.

Ixelles

Ixelles is a trendy area with a mix of residential and commercial zones. It's known for its art nouveau architecture, hip cafes, and diverse restaurant scene.

We visited Ixelles during the day and early evening. The neighborhood had a more local feel compared to the City Centre, which we really enjoyed.

We felt safe walking around Ixelles, but we did notice that some areas became quite quiet after dark. We made sure to be back in our hotel or in more populated areas by late evening.

Highlights of our Ixelles explorations:

• Strolling through the beautiful Tenbosch Park
• Visiting the Horta Museum (a must for art nouveau fans!)
• Enjoying a fantastic meal at Bavet (amazing pasta!)
• Checking out the trendy shops on Chaussée d'Ixelles

One afternoon, we were approached by someone asking for money near Place Flagey. While they were persistent, they weren't aggressive. We politely declined and continued on our way without any issues.

Is Ixelles Safe? YES, but be more cautious at night in quieter areas.

European Quarter

The European Quarter is home to many EU institutions and has a more business-oriented vibe. It's a mix of modern office buildings and some beautiful parks.

We visited during a weekday and found the area to be very busy with people in suits rushing about. It felt extremely safe during the day, but we noticed it became much quieter after office hours.

Our European Quarter experiences:

• Visiting the Parlamentarium (the European Parliament's visitor center)
• Enjoying a picnic in Parc du Cinquantenaire
• Checking out the quirky Comic Strip Center nearby
• Taking a guided tour of the main EU buildings

One evening, we decided to have dinner in this area. While walking back to our Uber pickup point, we noticed how empty the streets were compared to during the day. Nothing concerning happened, but it did make us more aware of our surroundings.

Is the European Quarter Safe? YES, very safe during the day. Exercise more caution at night due to emptier streets.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is a diverse, bohemian neighborhood known for its art nouveau architecture and multicultural atmosphere. We were excited to explore this area, especially after hearing about its fantastic food scene.

During the day, Saint-Gilles was lively and felt very safe. We loved the mix of cultures and the artistic vibe. At night, while still feeling generally safe, we did notice some areas that seemed a bit sketchy, so we stuck to the main streets and well-lit areas.

Our Saint-Gilles adventures:

• Exploring the beautiful Victor Horta Museum
• Enjoying amazing North African cuisine at Menthe et Couscous
• Checking out the vibrant Parvis de Saint-Gilles square and its market
• Sipping cocktails at the trendy Maison Renardy

One afternoon, we accidentally wandered into a less touristy area. While nothing happened, we did feel a bit out of place. We quickly found our way back to the main streets and made a mental note to plan our routes more carefully.

Is Saint-Gilles Safe? YES, but stick to well-populated areas, especially at night.

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek is a diverse area north of the city center. We were a bit hesitant about visiting due to some mixed reviews we'd read, but we decided to give it a chance during the day.

We found Schaerbeek to be a neighborhood of contrasts. Some parts were absolutely beautiful, with stunning art nouveau architecture. Other areas felt a bit run-down.

Our Schaerbeek experiences:

• Visiting the Train World museum (a must for train enthusiasts!)
• Exploring Josaphat Park, a beautiful green space
• Checking out the art nouveau buildings on Rue Royale Sainte-Marie
• Enjoying Turkish cuisine at La Bosphore

While walking around, we did notice more poverty in this area compared to others we'd visited. We didn't experience any issues, but we did feel more alert and cautious.

Is Schaerbeek Safe? MOSTLY YES, but exercise increased caution and stick to daytime visits for the most part.

Molenbeek

Molenbeek has gained a reputation for safety concerns in recent years, but we'd read about recent initiatives to improve security. We decided to visit during the day with a local guide to get a balanced perspective.

Our guide showed us a side of Molenbeek we might not have discovered on our own. We saw community projects, vibrant markets, and met some incredibly friendly locals.

Highlights of our guided Molenbeek tour:

• Visiting the MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art)
• Exploring the lively market at Place Communale
• Enjoying delicious Moroccan pastries at a local bakery
• Learning about community initiatives at MolenGeek, a tech incubator

While we felt safe with our guide during the day, we did notice some areas that seemed less welcoming. We wouldn't have felt comfortable exploring these parts on our own, especially after dark.

Is Molenbeek Safe? CAUTIOUSLY YES during the day with a guide. Exercise increased caution if visiting independently, especially after dark.

Marolles

The Marolles is a historic working-class neighborhood that's become increasingly trendy in recent years. We were excited to visit its famous flea market and experience its unique character.

During the day, the Marolles felt lively and safe. We loved the mix of traditional Brussels culture and hip new businesses. At night, while still generally safe, we did notice some rougher edges.

Our Marolles adventures:

• Bargain hunting at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market
• Taking in the view from the Poelaert Elevator
• Enjoying traditional Belgian food at Brasserie Verschueren
• Checking out the street art scene

One morning, we witnessed a heated argument between two locals at the flea market. While it was a bit unsettling, the situation was quickly diffused by other marketgoers and didn't escalate.

Is Marolles Safe? YES, but be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Brussels by Foot/Uber

Walking

Overall, we felt comfortable walking around most parts of Brussels, especially during the day. The city is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot.

However, we did have one slightly unnerving experience. One evening, we decided to walk back to our hotel from a restaurant in Saint-Gilles. We accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in a poorly lit area with some boarded-up buildings. While nothing happened, we felt uncomfortable and quickly retraced our steps to a main road where we called an Uber.

Tips for safe walking in Brussels:

• Stick to well-lit, populated streets, especially at night
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
• Keep valuables out of sight and be cautious with your phone in crowded areas
• Use a maps app to plan your route in advance, especially in unfamiliar areas

Uber

We found Uber to be a safe and convenient option in Brussels, especially when we were tired from a long day of exploring or when heading back to our hotel late at night.

Here are the situations where we chose to use Uber instead of walking:

• Late-night returns to our hotel from restaurants or bars
• Traveling to/from the airport
• Visiting more distant neighborhoods like Schaerbeek
• When we felt uncomfortable walking in an unfamiliar area
• During heavy rain (which happens quite often in Brussels!)

Our Uber experiences were consistently positive. The drivers were professional, the cars were clean, and we never had any safety concerns.

Is Uber Safe in Brussels? YES!

Recommended Itinerary

Based on our experiences, here's a 3-day safety-conscious itinerary for Brussels:

Day 1: City Centre and European Quarter

• Morning: Start with a guided tour of the Grand Place
• Afternoon: Visit the Musical Instruments Museum and the Comic Strip Center
• Evening: Dinner in the City Centre, followed by a beer tasting at Delirium Café

Safety tip: Stay alert for pickpockets in the busy City Centre, especially around major attractions.

Day 2: Ixelles and Saint-Gilles

• Morning: Visit the Horta Museum in Saint-Gilles
• Afternoon: Explore Tenbosch Park and shop on Chaussée d'Ixelles
• Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in Ixelles, but head back to your accommodation before it gets too late

Safety tip: If you're out after dark, stick to well-lit main streets and consider using Uber for your return trip.

Day 3: Marolles and a Guided Tour of Molenbeek

• Morning: Visit the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market in Marolles
• Afternoon: Take a guided tour of Molenbeek to learn about its community initiatives and cultural diversity
• Evening: Dinner back in the City Centre or your accommodation's neighborhood

Safety tip: For the Molenbeek tour, book with a reputable guide and follow their safety advice.

Final Thoughts

So, is Brussels safe? Based on our week-long experience, we'd say yes, Brussels is generally safe for tourists who exercise common sense precautions. Like any major city, it has its rougher areas and petty crime to watch out for, but we never felt in danger during our stay.

Here are our top safety tips for visitors:

• Stay alert in crowded tourist areas to avoid pickpocketing
• Stick to well-lit, populated streets at night
• Use Uber or official taxis for late-night transportation
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Stay informed about the current terrorism threat level and follow local authority instructions
• Learn a few basic French or Dutch phrases to help in communication
• Keep a copy of your passport with you, but store the original in a safe place
• Be aware of common scams targeting tourists and maintain a healthy skepticism
• Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables
• Register with your embassy or consulate before traveling

Remember, Brussels' overall crime rate has decreased in recent years, though there have been rising levels of petty crimes and drug-related offenses. The city maintains a terrorism threat level of 3 out of 4, so it's important to stay vigilant and follow any security advisories.

One aspect of Brussels that really impressed us was the efficient and generally safe public transportation system. The metro, trams, and buses are well-maintained and widely used by locals and tourists alike. However, as with any major city's public transport, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially during rush hours.

We had a particularly positive experience one rainy afternoon when we were a bit lost trying to find our way back to our hotel. A kind local noticed our confusion and not only gave us directions but walked with us to the nearest metro station, chatting about his city the whole way. It's encounters like these that remind us why we love to travel.

That said, there were a few areas where we felt a bit uneasy, particularly around Brussels-North and Brussels-South (Midi) stations, especially after dark. If you're arriving or departing from these stations, plan your transfers during daylight hours if possible, or consider using a taxi or Uber.

It's worth noting that Brussels, like many European capitals, has seen an increase in protests and demonstrations in recent years. While these are generally peaceful, they can sometimes cause disruptions to public transportation and access to certain areas. It's a good idea to check local news or ask your hotel staff about any planned demonstrations during your stay.

One thing we really appreciated about Brussels was the presence of visible police patrols in tourist areas. While it's a reminder of the ongoing terrorism concerns, it also provided a sense of security. The police we interacted with were professional and helpful, often able to communicate in English.

For those interested in nightlife, Brussels offers a variety of options from cozy bars to larger clubs. We enjoyed several evenings out and felt safe, but as always, it's important to drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-populated areas and consider using Uber or a taxi for your return trip if it's late.

A unique safety resource we discovered was the Be.Brussels App, which provides official city information including safety updates. We found it quite useful during our stay.

When it comes to healthcare, Brussels has excellent facilities. We didn't need to use them, thankfully, but it's good to know that high-quality medical care is readily available. Remember to arrange travel insurance before your trip, as medical costs can be high for non-EU citizens.

Comparing Brussels to other major European cities we've visited, we'd say it feels safer than Paris or Rome in terms of petty crime, but the lingering threat of terrorism does add an extra layer of concern. However, this shouldn't deter you from visiting this beautiful city. The vast majority of visits to Brussels are trouble-free, and the rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make it a worthwhile destination.

One cultural aspect that contributes to safety is the general respect for personal space and privacy in Belgian culture. People tend to mind their own business, which can make you feel more secure as a tourist. However, this also means that if you need help, you might need to actively ask for it rather than expecting someone to offer assistance unprompted.

A few words on seasonal considerations: We visited in spring, which we found to be a lovely time to explore the city. However, we've heard that winter can be quite cold and damp, which might make walking around less pleasant and potentially more hazardous due to slippery pavements. Summer, on the other hand, brings more tourists, which could mean a higher risk of petty crime in crowded areas.

For LGBTQ+ travelers, Brussels is generally very welcoming and safe. The city hosts a vibrant Pride festival each May, and same-sex relationships are widely accepted. However, as in any city, discretion is advised in less touristy areas.

Families traveling with children will find Brussels to be accommodating and safe. The city has numerous parks and family-friendly attractions. Just be sure to keep a close eye on little ones in crowded areas like the Grand Place or busy shopping streets.

For solo travelers, particularly women, Brussels is generally safe. However, as in any city, it's wise to be extra cautious when out alone at night. Consider joining group tours or staying in well-reviewed hostels to meet other travelers.

One personal anecdote that stands out from our trip: On our last night in Brussels, we decided to take a twilight walk around the Grand Place. The square was less crowded than during the day, and the golden lighting on the guild houses was simply magical. We felt completely safe, surrounded by a mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the beautiful evening. It was a perfect end to our trip and really encapsulated what we loved about Brussels – its ability to feel both grand and intimate at the same time.

In conclusion, while Brussels does have its safety challenges, particularly regarding terrorism threats and petty crime in tourist areas, we found it to be a generally safe and welcoming city. By staying informed, using common sense precautions, and being aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy all that this vibrant, multicultural city has to offer with minimal risk.

Brussels may not have the romantic allure of Paris or the ancient grandeur of Rome, but it has a charm all its own. From its stunning architecture and world-class museums to its unbeatable beer and chocolate, Brussels offers a unique European experience. And let's not forget about the waffles – they alone are worth braving any perceived safety concerns!

So, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a money belt), brush up on your French (or Dutch), and get ready to explore the capital of Europe. Just remember – keep one eye on your surroundings and the other on that delicious Belgian waffle you're inevitably going to be eating. Safe travels!

About Us

Hey there! We're West and Sarah, a couple of food-loving, safety-conscious travelers from Florida. We're both in our mid-40s (though West insists he's perpetually 29) and have been to 32 countries across 6 continents. Our background in hotel administration (thanks, Cornell!) and two decades in the luxury travel industry have given us a unique perspective on exploring the world.

Now, as remote workers and writers for Town & Tourist, we're on a mission to help everyone travel better and safer. We believe that with the right information and a dash of street smarts, anyone can have amazing travel experiences. Our articles are all about finding those win-win situations – how to enjoy the best a city has to offer while staying safe and savvy.

We're particularly passionate about food (West's unofficial title is "Architect of Extraordinary Culinary Journeys"), so you'll always find plenty of foodie tips in our articles. After all, we believe that understanding a city's cuisine is key to understanding its culture and staying safe while exploring.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, we hope our experiences and insights help you navigate new destinations with confidence. Remember, the world is amazing, and it's waiting for you to explore it – safely and deliciously!

Safe travels and bon appétit!