Belgium : Safety by CityAntwerp is a city located in Belgium and is considered to be the capital of the Antwerp province in Flanders and the second-biggest metropolitan area after Brussels in Belgium.
The reason people visit Antwerp nowadays is believed to be its vibrant and fascinating entertainment scene mixed with impressive architecture as well as cultural contrasts.
From the perspective of a touristic destination, it has a lot of must-sees that you should check on their city website that provides you with detailed information about each of the places you should be visiting.
Warnings & Dangers in Antwerp
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Overall it can be claimed that it is a safe destination for tourists only if you will take all measures to ensure your safety.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transport infrastructure is very developed in the city and as a result, traveling facilities are available everywhere and are claimed to be very safe. You can easily access all multitude of available applications that will ensure your safety.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are not so often met here but still, it is advisable to keep a close look at your belongings especially on your documents. These groups are believed to operate mostly in the touristic and crowded places so be aware and self guard your belongings.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no considerable natural disaster risks that can somehow affect you negatively.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
There is an increasing number of violent crimes in the city and as a result, it is advisable to get informed about what districts of the city are not advisable to be visited and try to avoid them as much as possible.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorist attacks happening in the city can not be ruled out and the only solution to this would be to follow the advice of public authorities. However, there is no historical registered data.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There are scammers in the city but these could be easily avoided through using your common sense and trying not to be easily manipulated. If you feel some pressure on your choice from an unknown party it is advisable to report this behavior immediately.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
This is definitely a safe place for solo traveling women as their people are very open-minded and open to the non-discrimination world.
So... How Safe Is Antwerp Really?
It can be claimed that it is a safe destination for you as a tourist from almost all perspectives, but it is advisable to take all measures in order to preserve your safety and security.
Due to the development of the tourism industry in recent years in the city the cases of robberies, thefts, and crime, in general, have increased, which means that you as a tourist should choose wisely your accommodation which will ensure your safety.
Be aware of a big gang of pickpockets that operate in the Antwerp’s Central Station and Berchem station and keep a close look at your belongings, especially your documents.
Also, it is recommended to always have a mobile phone from which in case of emergency you will be able to call as well as have a list of numbers.
Even if it is claimed to be relatively safe there are some neighborhoods that are advisable especially by night to not be visited mainly De Coninckplein, Borgerhout, Seefhoek, and the Schipperskwartier, however, during the day these could be and are recommended to be visited.
Also, if you decided to use a bike as a mean of transportation always securely lock your bike in a safe and designed parking lot for your bike.
Taking everything into account and following all the above-mentioned pieces of advice you will be able to safely enjoy your trip.
How Does Antwerp Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Antwerp | 65 |
| Brussels | 60 |
| Ghent | 70 |
| Waterloo | 85 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
It depends on your citizenship whether you need a visa or not, but all the required information is clearly provided by the web-site of the public authorities.
Currency
The local currency is the Euro, which is widely used all over the European Union.
Weather
The climate of the city is considered to be sub-oceanic, humid and rainy.
Airports
Antwerp International Airport is the small international airport of the city that is used for some scheduled and charter flights as well as business and general aviation.
Travel Insurance
As it is always recommended to have travel insurance while traveling, no matter the destination, therefore, Antwerp is not an exception.
Antwerp Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 6 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| Low °C | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F | 43 | 45 | 52 | 57 | 64 | 70 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 50 | 45 |
| Low °F | 34 | 32 | 37 | 41 | 48 | 54 | 57 | 55 | 52 | 45 | 39 | 36 |
Belgium - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Antwerp | 65 |
| Brussels | 60 |
| Ghent | 70 |
| Waterloo | 85 |
Be Prepared
Antwerp is a very busy city and as you will find in most countries around the world, bigger busier cities come with a risk. I have been to Antwerp three times. I got pick-pocketed once. They managed to get my wallet. Not a big deal as I was easily able to cancel the two cards I had and left my bank card and passport in my hotel. I also kept cash in a separate area. It was not ideal but it happened. Just go there prepared so it doesn’t ruin your trip.
Save more with BnBs
There are a lot of cozy bed and breakfasts to find here, you could save a bit more if you don’t want to spend on a snazzy hotel. I saw a lot of people using bikes but I’m just not that kinda guy but its pretty cool that they have that available. There are some neighborhoods that aren’t too safe, so I think you need to adjust accordingly with the bed and breakfast of your choice too.
Antwerp City Card
Get an Antwerp City card, it gaves us a lot of free entrances to the popular attractions in the city, free use of public transpo and a ton of discounts on shops. Also their Central Station looks so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m using the word “beautiful” to describe a train station but seriously it really is.
Is safe
I Travel through Belgium all the time, Antwerpen is very safe. Just some paranoid or pampered people that think otherwise. In cities with thousands of people obviously you can run in to some crazies. But that can also happen in the middle of nowhere. Just enjoy your time!
It's generally safe
I didn’t exactly feel unsafe in Antwerp while visiting ot alone, it’s a beautiful city but there are however unsafe spots they are listed here, I did end up in one of those ” high crime” spots accidently but nothing happened it was during the day also. Wierd thing that did happen was at the end of the trip in the Antwerpen Central station, I was just looking around in the small Delhaize and and old guy spoke to me in English and insulted me some stuff about “YOU PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS” I just told him to get lost he was probably drunk or on drugs.