Belgium · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Ghent scores 80/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally 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.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Belgium · Assessed 29 July 2026
80
/ 100
Safer than ~86% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
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.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Very Positive
87/100
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
Common scams
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
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
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 · Questions
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.)
Safety is not one number, and this Ghent report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Citadelpark at night; Unlit shortcuts in Patershol after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
Ghent ranks #1 of 7 Belgium destinations we've assessed, scoring 80/100. See the Belgium safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the Belgium safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: ghent.json (CC BY 4.0).
