Question 1

What is the "Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

The Gentse Feesten ten-day summer festival fills the city centre with up to one million visitors and is one of the highest-risk periods for pickpocketing in Belgium. Thieves work in groups in the densely packed outdoor concert areas, beer tents, and the crowded streets of the Patershol and Vrijdagmarkt zones. Use a money belt or secure inner pocket for your phone and wallet. Carry only the cash you need for the evening and leave cards and passports at your accommodation. Stay alert to anyone pressing unusually close in crowd surges near stages.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced "Local" Food at Tourist-Facing Festival Stalls" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

During the Gentse Feesten and major food events, some stalls charge inflated prices for Belgian street food staples such as frites, waffles, and stoofvlees, presenting tourists with a separate pricing structure. Prices are sometimes not displayed until after the order is taken. Look for stalls that display prices clearly before you order. Compare prices across several adjacent stalls before committing. During Gentse Feesten, the official festival areas have regulated pricing guidance — check the festival website before attending.

Question 3

What is the "Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

The pedestrian shopping streets between Sint-Niklaaskerk and the Korenmarkt are among the busiest in Ghent and a known area for distraction-based theft. Teams of two or three individuals stage minor incidents — a dropped item, a spilled drink, or a question about directions — while an accomplice accesses the victim's bag or pocket. Be alert to anyone creating an unexpected distraction near you in busy shopping streets. Keep your bag zipped and in front of your body. Do not engage with staged incidents if you notice that bystanders are also closing in around you.

Question 4

What is the "Gravensteen Castle Area Rose and Bracelet Sellers" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

Near the entrance to Gravensteen Castle and along the Patershol neighborhood streets, individuals approach tourists — particularly couples — and press a single rose or beaded bracelet into their hands, then demand payment for the "gift." Refusal or attempting to return the item is met with aggressive demands or accusations of theft. The interaction often involves a second person to block escape. Do not accept any item from a stranger on the street — shake your head and keep walking without making eye contact or stopping. If someone places an item in your hands, put it down immediately without engaging. Do not feel obligated to pay for something forced on you.

Question 5

What is the "Fake Charity Collectors Near Gravensteen Castle" scam in Ghent?

Accepted Answer

Individuals operating near the Gravensteen castle entrance and the Patershol neighbourhood approach tourists with clipboards soliciting signatures and cash donations for apparent charities. Some targets have reported money being lifted from their wallet during the signing interaction. Decline all unsolicited approaches from clipboard-carrying individuals in tourist areas. Legitimate street collections in Belgium require official permits and identification. If you wish to donate to a charity, do so through its official website.

Street Scams in Ghent

Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing

Overpriced "Local" Food at Tourist-Facing Festival Stalls

Distraction Theft Near Sint-Niklaaskerk

Gravensteen Castle Area Rose and Bracelet Sellers

Fake Charity Collectors Near Gravensteen Castle

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