Street Scams in Ghent, Belgium
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Ghent — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hamburg, Munich, and Glasgow.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
4
Street Scams Scams
8
Total in Ghent
How it works
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.
How it works
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.
How it works
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.
How it works
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.
See all scams in Ghent
8 total warnings across all categories