What is the safest place in Belgium?

Belgium is generally a very safe country with a low-to-medium risk level, primarily concerning petty crime in major cities. The safest, most serene places are typically found in smaller towns and residential, suburban areas such as Bruges, Leuven, Tervuren, Waterloo, and rural areas in the Ardennes, like Bastogne.

Where is the safest place in Belgium?

You will be safe anywhere. Turistic cities are Brussels, Antwerp, Gent, Bruges, Namur, Liège mainly. From Brussels you can go to those cities easily by train - around 1 hour.

How safe is Belgium for tourists?

Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations.

Which part of Belgium is best to live in?

Brussels and the surrounding areas ( Waterloo, La Hulpe, Overijse, Tervuren etc) have some excellent areas to live and raise a family.

Is Ghent or Brussels safer?

Petty crime is far less prevalent in the Flemish cites of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent than it is in Brussels. The historic centers of each, where tourists head to first, especially that of ever-thronged Bruges and Grote Markt in central Antwerp, are again places to watch your bags, pockets and phones.

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

Where to avoid staying in Brussels?

Avoid certain areas at night.

Avoid Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Marollen, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, and Anneessens at night.

Is it better to live in Belgium or the UK?

Average Living Costs in Belgium

The currency is the Euro, and average living costs are as below, in comparison with the UK: Property rental prices are 27.4% more affordable. Groceries in Belgium cost 12.9% more. Restaurant prices are around 1.3% higher.

What is the prettiest town in Belgium?

❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.

Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?

Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as many Belgians, particularly younger generations and those in Flanders, have high English proficiency; you'll find it easy to get by, though learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch helps with integration, especially outside major hubs. 

What do I need to know before going to Belgium?

11 things to know before a trip to Belgium

• Endives are more popular than Brussels sprouts. ...
• You'll pay for water but you don't need to tip. ...
• Carry coins: it might cost to use the bathroom. ...
• Cash payments are rounded up to the nearest €0.05. ...
• ATMs are hard to find. ...
• Eat frites not French fries. ...
• Cafes are more for beer than coffee.

What is the most common crime in Belgium?

Theft and extortion remain by far the most prevalent type of crime in Belgium. Last year, 260,638 such incidents were recorded – down 6.4% compared to 2023. The second most common type of crime was physical assault, with 88,016 recorded cases in 2024 - down 0.5% on 2023.

Where to stay in Belgium for the first time?

City Centre – The Heart of Bruges

Many of the top attractions are here, so if you plan on doing a few days of sightseeing, staying close to Market Square is a good choice. If you're wondering where to stay in Bruges for the first time, the city centre is probably your best bet.

What is the poorest city in Belgium?

Total pop. Based on 2023 figures, Saint-Josse is also the poorest municipality in Belgium by median equivalised disposable income, as well as the one with the highest percentage of population with an income below the national poverty threshold (33%).

What part of Belgium should I visit?

Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent… Add in a World War I or II battlefield and you've basically got the complete list of destinations that people typically visit in Belgium.

What is the safest town in Belgium?

What is the safest city in Brussels for expats? Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, and Uccle are some of the safest municipalities in Belgium for both expats and travelers. While Belgium is considered generally safe, it's a good idea for travelers to be careful while visiting Molenbeek and Gare du Midi.

Can you survive in Belgium with English?

“Can I survive in Belgium with English?” Absolutely. But you never know when you'll need a word or phrase to help get your message across. So, I recommend learning a few survival phrases to help you get by and settle in.

Can a British citizen live in Belgium?

UK citizens who plan on staying in Belgium for more than 90 days will need to obtain a long-term visa.

Is Belgium colder than the UK?

The climate may be described as temperate and approximating to that of southern England, but it is a little colder in winter. In the Ardennes, owing to the greater elevation, the winters are more severe. Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures in both summer and winter.

Where is the red light zone in Brussels?

The Rue d'Aerschot (French, pronounced [ʁy daʁskɔt]) or Aarschotstraat (Dutch, pronounced [ˈaːrsxɔtˌstraːt]) is a street in the Schaerbeek municipality of Brussels, Belgium. It is known as a hotspot of the city's underground nightlife and famous for its brothels. The street is also known for its inexpensive lodging.

Are there no go zones in Brussels?

All is not lost

Despite rising gang violence, Brussels does not have “no-go zones”. Some areas have even seen a reduction in overall crime, thanks to the efforts of local authorities.