Overall scam risk
Lower
Scams documented
14
Risk areas identified
12
Accommodation scams
1
Areas with the most documented scam activity
These locations are most frequently cited in verified scam reports for Ghent. Staying immediately adjacent to these areas puts you in higher-density scam territory — this is especially relevant for first-time visitors and solo travelers.
Vrijdagmarkt square
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident
Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
Korenmarkt
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident
Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
the streets of Patershol neighbourhood
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident
Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
and the outdoor stages around the Gravensteen during Gentse
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident
Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
Restaurants on and immediately around Korenmarkt square
High RiskCited in 1 documented incident
Korenmarkt Tourist Restaurant Overcharging
Areas with lower documented scam activity
These locations appear less frequently in documented scam reports for Ghent. Lower documented risk does not mean zero risk — stay alert regardless of where you book.
the Gravensteen Castle main entrance on Sint-Veerleplein
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
the bridge over the Leie at Grasleibrug
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
and the entrance to the Patershol dining district
Generally safe with standard precautions
1 incident
Gravensteen castle on Sint-Veerleplein
Among the safer areas for tourists
1 incident
the approach via Gewad street
Among the safer areas for tourists
1 incident
All documented risk areas in Ghent
Every area below is cited in at least one verified scam report. Ranked by combined risk score — a weighted calculation of incident frequency and severity.
Vrijdagmarkt square
1 incident · primary: Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
Korenmarkt
1 incident · primary: Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
the streets of Patershol neighbourhood
1 incident · primary: Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
and the outdoor stages around the Gravensteen during Gentse
1 incident · primary: Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
Restaurants on and immediately around Korenmarkt square
1 incident · primary: Korenmarkt Tourist Restaurant Overcharging
waterfront terraces facing Sint-Michielsbrug bridge
1 incident · primary: Korenmarkt Tourist Restaurant Overcharging
Fraudulent listings claiming to be in the Ghent city centre
1 incident · primary: Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten
Patershol
1 incident · primary: Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten
or near the Gentse Feesten venues
1 incident · primary: Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten
primarily on Facebook rental groups and lesser-known platfor
1 incident · primary: Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten
Shopping streets between Sint-Niklaaskerk and Korenmarkt
1 incident · primary: Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk
the Veldstraat pedestrian shopping street
1 incident · primary: Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk
What to consider when picking a neighbourhood in Ghent
Proximity to major tourist sites
Locations immediately adjacent to Ghent's most-visited landmarks carry higher documented scam density — pickpockets, street scams, and fake guide operations concentrate where tourist foot traffic is highest. A 10–15 minute walk from major sites typically means lower risk with easy access.
Transport connectivity
Staying near reliable public transport — metro stations, bus hubs — reduces dependence on street taxis, which are the most documented scam category in Ghent. App-based transport is safer but still requires a reliable connection on arrival.
Nighttime safety
Areas near bar and nightlife districts in Ghent see higher concentrations of late-night scams involving overcharging, drink spiking, and fake police. If nightlife is part of your trip, prioritise accommodation within walking distance to avoid relying on night-time transport.
Market and bazaar proximity
Street markets and bazaars in Ghent are common sites for pickpocketing, fake goods, and aggressive vendor tactics. Staying nearby can be convenient but requires active attention to personal belongings in crowds.
Accommodation scams documented in Ghent
These are verified scams specifically targeting tourists at the booking or check-in stage in Ghent.
Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten
mediumIn the months before the Gentse Feesten festival, fraudulent apartment listings appear on secondary rental platforms and Facebook groups targeting international tourists who struggle to find legitimate accommodation. Deposits are taken by bank transfer and hosts become unreachable before arrival.
How to avoid: Book accommodation well in advance through Booking.com, Airbnb, or directly with hotels. Never transfer a deposit outside a secure booking platform. Contact your accommodation by phone to confirm the booking in the weeks before arrival.
Accommodation safety checklist for Ghent
Book accommodation through verified platforms with established review histories. Listings with fewer than 10 reviews or recently created profiles warrant extra scrutiny in Ghent.
Verify the property address exists before payment — search it on maps to confirm the building is real and matches listing photos.
For the first night especially, book cancellable rates so you can move if the property differs significantly from what was advertised.
Contact the property directly after booking to confirm the reservation. Unresponsive hosts before arrival is a documented warning sign.
Taxi and transport scams are documented in Ghent — arrange airport or station pickups through your accommodation in advance rather than using street operators.
Keep a photo of your accommodation address in your phone's camera roll for offline access. Do not rely solely on data connection when navigating unfamiliar areas upon arrival.
What to watch for near your accommodation
These are the most documented scam categories in Ghent. Understanding them helps you assess risk near any accommodation you are considering.
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
5
incidents
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
2
incidents
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
2
incidents
Restaurant Scams
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.
1
incidents
Where to stay in Ghent — answered
What are the safest areas to stay in Ghent?
Based on our scam incident database, areas with lower documented risk in Ghent include zones less frequently cited in location-specific reports: the Gravensteen Castle main entrance on Sint-Veerleplein, the bridge over the Leie at Grasleibrug, and the entrance to the Patershol dining district. These areas have fewer documented scam incidents than the city's highest-risk tourist zones. Always verify current conditions against recent traveler reports before booking.
Which areas should I avoid in Ghent?
Areas with the highest concentration of documented scam incidents in Ghent include: Vrijdagmarkt square; Korenmarkt; the streets of Patershol neighbourhood; and the outdoor stages around the Gravensteen during Gentse . These locations are most frequently cited in pickpocketing, street scam, and transport fraud reports. Exercise heightened caution in these areas and avoid them at night if possible.
Is it safe to stay near the city centre in Ghent?
City centre areas in Ghent offer convenience but typically carry higher scam density — tourist-facing operators, street hustlers, and pickpockets concentrate where foot traffic is greatest. Staying centrally is practical with preparation: use app-based transport, secure valuables in a money belt or locked bag, and familiarise yourself with documented scam types before arrival.
What should I look for when booking accommodation in Ghent?
When booking in Ghent: prioritise properties with substantial review histories (50+ reviews across multiple platforms), verify the physical address exists via satellite maps, book with free cancellation for the first night, and contact the host directly before arrival to confirm. Accommodation scams — including fake listings and bait-and-switch properties — are documented in the database. Trust instincts: unusually low prices for prime locations are a consistent warning sign.
Is Airbnb safe in Ghent?
Airbnb operates in Ghent and provides buyer protections, but documented fake listing and bait-and-switch incidents exist. Specific precautions: only communicate and pay through the official platform, verify the host has completed identity verification, read reviews specifically for mentions of location accuracy and check-in issues, and avoid hosts requesting off-platform payment at any stage. Properties with fewer than 10 reviews warrant extra scrutiny.
Where do most tourists stay in Ghent?
Most tourists in Ghent concentrate in areas closest to major attractions and tourist infrastructure — restaurants, tours, and transport. These zones are the most convenient but also carry the highest documented scam density. If this is your first visit, weigh convenience against scam exposure: knowing the documented risks for the area before you book gives you a significant advantage.
Is Ghent safe for solo travelers staying alone?
Solo travelers in Ghent face documented higher scam targeting, particularly for transport scams, friendship bracelet and petition hustles, and bar/restaurant overcharging. For solo accommodation: choose properties with 24-hour reception or verified key-lock entry, share your location with someone at home, and use app-based transport when arriving late. The full scam database for Ghent covers 14 documented incidents — reviewing these before arrival is the most effective preparation.
What neighbourhoods are best for first-time visitors to Ghent?
First-time visitors to Ghent benefit most from staying in well-documented, centrally accessible neighbourhoods with established tourist infrastructure — where accommodation is verified, transport options are clear, and help is accessible. Avoid the immediate surrounds of Ghent's busiest tourist landmarks for sleeping (high scam density) while staying within reasonable distance for daytime visits. Research your specific neighbourhood on forums like r/travel and TripAdvisor before booking.
Editorial note: Area risk assessments for Ghent are derived from location data in 14 verified scam reports compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), news sources, and traveler reports. Risk levels reflect documented scam frequency — not crime rates or general safety. Always cross-reference with current government advisories before booking. Read our methodology →
At a glance
Full scam database
All 14 documented scams with exact locations, red flags, and how to avoid each.
See all scams →Overall safety assessment
Full verdict on how safe Ghent is, by traveler type and risk area.
Is Ghentsafe? →