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 Ghent safe? 🇧🇪
Belgium · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Ghent scores 86/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Ghent is a very safe city for travelers, with low rates of serious crime. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Ghent 🇧🇪
Belgium · Assessed 29 July 2026
86
/ 100
Yes — very safe
Safer than ~93% of countries
What drives this score
Crime84/100GoodHomicide 1.1 / 100k
Sentiment87/100GoodVery Positive
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
LowViolent crime, including mugging and armed robbery, is uncommon against tourists in Ghent.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is the most common concern, particularly in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and around stations.
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Very Positive
87/100
Reported feel85Very Positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travelers generally report feeling very safe in Ghent, highlighting its low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere compared to larger cities.
Yes — Ghent is a very safe city for travelers, with low rates of serious crime.
Ghent offers a secure environment for visitors, characterized by low crime rates and a strong sense of safety. While petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, violent crime is uncommon. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026U.S. Government warns tourists of crime in popular European destinations.— TheTravel
- Jul 2026Canada advises a high degree of caution in Belgium, noting violent crime trends in major cities.— be.usembassy.gov
- Jun 2026Released after 47 years, notorious Belgian serial killer poses 'very high risk of reoffending'.— The Brussels Times
- May 2026Pro-Palestine protesters occupy Ghent University demanding a full Israeli academic boycott.— The Brussels Times
Common scams
- Overcharging at Graslei Terrace
- Rental apartment scams
- Pickpocket distraction at Sint-Baafskathedraal
Full briefing
Ghent is a very safe city for travelers, offering a secure and pleasant experience with low rates of serious crime. Its composite safety index is high, and it is considered safer than most European cities, with particularly low scores for crime and everyday hazards. While official advisories for Belgium as a whole, such as the U.S. State Department's Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and Canada's high degree of caution, cite general crime and terrorism risks, Ghent itself is noted for its low crime rates and strong safety indices.
On the ground, Ghent is generally considered a low-risk destination. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and most visits proceed without incident. The primary concerns for visitors are petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, which are most likely to occur in crowded tourist areas, on public transport (especially trams and around stations), and in busy public squares like Korenmarkt. Some specific scams have been reported, including overcharging at Graslei Terrace, rental apartment scams, and pickpocket distractions near Sint-Baafskathedraal.
Recent reports indicate ongoing general concerns for Belgium, including a U.S. government warning about crime in popular European destinations in July 2026 and Canada's advice for a high degree of caution due to violent crime trends in major cities. However, specific incidents directly impacting tourist safety in Ghent are not prominently featured in recent news. Protests related to geopolitical events have occurred at Ghent University, but these have not been reported as posing a direct threat to tourists.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers should exercise standard vigilance. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and guard your belongings. Avoid unlit shortcuts, particularly in areas like the Patershol neighborhood after dark. Using licensed taxis and securing valuables on public transport are also recommended. The emergency number in Belgium is 112. By taking these basic precautions, visitors can confidently enjoy Ghent's rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful canals.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 7 Ghent districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Ghent safety map.
PatersholcautionCharming but can be poorly lit; avoid unlit shortcuts after dark and stick to main streets.
VrijdagmarktcautionCan be crowded, especially during events; be aware of your belongings.
Around Ghent-Saint-Pierre StationcautionBusy transport hub; stay alert for pickpockets and be aware of surroundings, especially after dark.
CitadelparkcautionReported as an area to avoid at night by locals.
Historic City Center (Belfry, Gravensteen Castle)saferWell-patrolled, well-lit, and busy with tourists; exercise standard pickpocket vigilance.
Ghent University Area (Voldersstraat)saferGood security infrastructure and active student presence make this area safe, including at night.
Waterfront Area (Graslei, Korenlei)saferPicturesque and safe with good lighting; be aware of potential overcharging at some terraces.
07 · After Dark
Is Ghent safe at night?
64% of people in Belgium say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Violent crime, including mugging and armed robbery, is uncommon against tourists in Ghent.
After dark, be most careful around Patershol, Vrijdagmarkt, Around Ghent-Saint-Pierre Station, Citadelpark. 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 Ghent's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight85
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight86
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight86
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight85
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight86
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight85
09 · Questions
Ghent safety FAQ
Is Ghent safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Ghent is a very safe city for travelers, with low rates of serious crime. Ghent offers a secure environment for visitors, characterized by low crime rates and a strong sense of safety. While petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, violent crime is uncommon. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Ghent should tourists avoid?
Citadelpark at night; Unlit shortcuts in Patershol after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Ghent?
- Overcharging at Graslei Terrace
- Rental apartment scams
- Pickpocket distraction at Sint-Baafskathedraal
How does Ghent compare with other places in Belgium?
Ghent ranks #1 of 6 Belgium destinations we've assessed, scoring 86/100. See the Belgium safety overview for the full list.
How is this Ghent safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ 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.
More Belgium reports
5 reportsNearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Belgium safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: ghent.json (CC BY 4.0).