Europe·Belgium

Is Ghent Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Ghent is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 14 scams, with only 0 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

14

Scams documented

0

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

14

High severity

0

Medium severity

8

Top risk type

Street Scams

By traveler type

Is Ghent safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Ghent.

Solo travelers

Standard risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Ghent before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Standard risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Ghent

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Ghent. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing

Vrijdagmarkt square, Korenmarkt, the streets of Patershol neighbourhood, and the outdoor stages around the Gravensteen during Gentse Feesten (mid-July)

medium

Korenmarkt Tourist Restaurant Overcharging

Restaurants on and immediately around Korenmarkt square, waterfront terraces facing Sint-Michielsbrug bridge

medium

Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten

Fraudulent listings claiming to be in the Ghent city centre, Patershol, or near the Gentse Feesten venues; primarily on Facebook rental groups and lesser-known platforms

medium

Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk

Shopping streets between Sint-Niklaaskerk and Korenmarkt, the Veldstraat pedestrian shopping street, and the area around the Gent-Sint-Pieters rail approach

medium

Fake Gentse Feesten Ticket Websites

Fake listings appear primarily on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and fraudulent clone sites targeting international visitors searching for Gentse Feesten in English

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Ghent?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

5

36% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

14% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

2

14% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

7% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

7% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

7% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

1

7% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

7% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Ghent

8 Medium — 57%
6 Low — 43%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Ghent

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Ghent, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Ghent — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Ghent's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Ghent safe — answered

Is Ghent safe for tourists in 2026?
Ghent is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 14 documented scams. 0 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, taxi & transport, money & atm scams. Millions of tourists visit Ghent safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Ghent safe for solo travelers?
Ghent is generally navigable for solo travelers with standard precautions. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Ghent before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Ghent for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Ghent include: Vrijdagmarkt square, Korenmarkt, the streets of Patershol neighbourhood, and the outdoor stages around the Gravensteen during Gentse Feesten (mid-July). Restaurants on and immediately around Korenmarkt square, waterfront terraces facing Sint-Michielsbrug bridge. Fraudulent listings claiming to be in the Ghent city centre, Patershol, or near the Gentse Feesten venues; primarily on Facebook rental groups and lesser-known platforms. These areas are associated with street scams, restaurant scams, accommodation scams incidents.
Is Ghent safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Ghent is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Ghent safe for female travelers?
Ghent is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Ghent?
The top documented scams in Ghent are: Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing, Korenmarkt Tourist Restaurant Overcharging, Online Accommodation Scams for Gentse Feesten, Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk, Fake Gentse Feesten Ticket Websites. The full database covers 14 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Ghent?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Ghent. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Belgium safe to visit in 2026?
Belgium as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Ghent specifically has 14 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Belgium country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Ghent is based on 14 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →