Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level. The "crime” and “unrest” risk indicators were added.”
Updated Thu, 23 Jul 2026
Full advisory →Is Brussels safe? 🇧🇪
Belgium · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Brussels scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common and occasional strikes can disrupt travel. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Brussels 🇧🇪
Belgium · Assessed 28 July 2026
82
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~89% of countries
What drives this score
Crime81/100GoodCrime index 49.5 / 100
Sentiment63/100FairMixed
Advisories72Good
Stability79Good
Health91Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“National strike action Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause disruption. General strikes took place on 31 March, 29 April,14 October, 26 November, 15 December 2025 and 12 March and 12 May 2026.”
Updated 2026-06-05T14:23:26Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Belgium: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-13T14:53:10.4800879-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
1.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Belgium1.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
93
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed or violent robbery against tourists is rare, but opportunistic muggings can occur late at night in poorly lit neighborhoods
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is frequent in metro stations, Grand‑Place, and tourist attractions; keep bags closed and belongings secured
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Reported feel68Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate many feel safe during daylight but express concern over pickpockets and occasional strikes that cause delays
Yes — Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common and occasional strikes can disrupt travel.
Crime scores are moderate, with low homicide and terrorism risk but elevated petty theft in crowded areas; recent data show no major violent incidents targeting tourists but frequent protests and labor actions.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Bolt launches women‑only rides in Brussels to boost safety after a rise in reported pickpocketing incidents— Travel Tomorrow
- Jun 2026Brussels Airport unveils new security screening scanners following heightened terrorism alerts— Brussels Airport press release
- Jun 2026Thousands protest new education policies in Brussels, causing temporary road closures— Anadolu Ajansı
- Jun 2026Foreign Office issues Belgium travel warning due to strike action affecting transport— Liverpool Echo
Common scams
- Overcharging at bars and restaurants in tourist zones
- Fake charity collections and street donation scams
- ATM skimming and card‑skimming at busy stations
Full briefing
Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but the data show a moderate to high risk of pickpocketing in crowded places such as the metro, Grand‑Place and major museums. Recent incidents from the dossier include a June 2026 protest over education reforms that led to road closures and a series of women‑only ride launches by Bolt after a spike in pickpocket reports. The city’s homicide and terrorism scores are low, yet the U.S. State Department and Canadian advisories both urge “increased caution” because of ongoing labor strikes and occasional civil unrest that can disrupt transport.
The primary safety concerns for travelers are petty theft and scams targeting tourists. Common scams include overcharging at bars in the Saint‑Gilles and Ixelles districts, fake charity collections near tourist hotspots, and ATM skimming at busy stations like Brussels‑Midi. Keep valuables in front pockets or a money‑belt, use licensed taxis or reputable ride‑share apps, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be wary of street vendors who pressure you for donations and double‑check receipts in restaurants.
To stay safe, stay alert in dense crowds, especially after dark, and follow local news for any strike announcements that may affect public transport. Carry a copy of your passport and emergency contacts, and register with your embassy if you plan an extended stay. By taking these precautions you can enjoy Brussels’ historic sites and vibrant culture while minimizing the risk of theft or disruption.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Brussels districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Brussels safety map.
Molenbeek-Saint-Jeanavoidelevated gang activity and occasional unrest after dark
Sainte-Catherinecautionbusy nightlife hub; pickpocketing spikes after dark
Saint-Gillescautiongentrifying zone with occasional thefts near cafés
Anderlechtcautioncommercial centre; heightened scam risk near train stations
Ixellessaferresidential area with low petty crime and good street lighting
Ucclesaferquiet suburban district, minimal incidents reported
Laekensafermostly residential with low crime rates
Bourbourg-Sint-Joannessaferindustrial zone with minimal tourist traffic and low risk
07 · After Dark
Is Brussels safe at night?
64% of people in Belgium say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Armed or violent robbery against tourists is rare, but opportunistic muggings can occur late at night in poorly lit neighborhoods
After dark, be most careful around Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Gilles, Anderlecht. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Brussels's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight82
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight82
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight83
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight82
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight83
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight82
09 · Questions
Brussels safety FAQ
Is Brussels safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common and occasional strikes can disrupt travel. Crime scores are moderate, with low homicide and terrorism risk but elevated petty theft in crowded areas; recent data show no major violent incidents targeting tourists but frequent protests and labor actions. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of Brussels should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Molenbeek-Saint-Jean as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Brussels?
- Overcharging at bars and restaurants in tourist zones
- Fake charity collections and street donation scams
- ATM skimming and card‑skimming at busy stations
How does Brussels compare with other places in Belgium?
Brussels scores 82/100 — see the Belgium safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Brussels safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Belgium safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: brussels.json (CC BY 4.0).