Areas to Avoid in Antwerpen
Belgium
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Antwerpen. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Antwerpen is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Grote Markt Area, Het Zuid, Antwerp Central Station Area
Travel Insurance for Antwerpen
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Antwerpen are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas directly around the train station late at night
While generally safe, this area can attract some opportunistic petty crime and individuals soliciting services late at night, making it less comfortable for solo travelers or those unfamiliar with the city.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Grote Markt Area
Historic heart with stunning architecture and lively squares.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Antwerpen
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Antwerpen Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Antwerpen on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Antwerpen Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Antwerpen with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Antwerpen: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Antwerpen's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Antwerpen: Scenic Excursion
Escape Antwerpen for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Antwerpen Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Antwerpen's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Antwerpen
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Antwerpen on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Antwerpen safely with a local guide
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Grote Markt Area
Historic heart with stunning architecture and lively squares.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas at night.
Het Zuid
Trendy and artistic district with a bohemian flair and vibrant nightlife.
Safe during the day; some streets can be less well-lit and feel isolated at night, stick to main roads.
General Safety Tips for Antwerpen
At Night
Main tourist areas like Grote Markt and Het Zuid are generally safe and well-lit, but can attract crowds and associated petty crime. Be more cautious in quieter residential streets or industrial areas after dark.
Solo Female Travel
Antwerp is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less crowded areas or when using public transport after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated streets.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Antwerpen
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots and on public transport.
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods, especially near tourist attractions.
Travel Insurance for Antwerpen
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Grote Markt Area
Historic heart with stunning architecture and lively squares.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas at night.
Het Zuid
Trendy and artistic district with a bohemian flair and vibrant nightlife.
Safe during the day; some streets can be less well-lit and feel isolated at night, stick to main roads.
Antwerp Central Station Area
Grand and bustling transport hub surrounded by diamond shops and diverse eateries.
Generally safe with high foot traffic, but be aware of petty theft and street hustlers, especially late at night.
Het Eilandje
Revitalized historic port area with maritime museums and waterside dining.
Very safe, well-lit, and pedestrian-friendly day and night.
Safety in Antwerpen
SafeSolo Female Travel
Antwerp is generally safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in less crowded areas or when using public transport after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated streets.
At Night
Main tourist areas like Grote Markt and Het Zuid are generally safe and well-lit, but can attract crowds and associated petty crime. Be more cautious in quieter residential streets or industrial areas after dark.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots and on public transport.
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods, especially near tourist attractions.
Found your hotel in Antwerpen?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Areas to Avoid in Other Popular Cities
Safety guides for other destinations travellers are researching
Areas to Avoid in London
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Paris
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Barcelona
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Rome
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Tokyo
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam
Safety guide & neighbourhood tips
Plan Your Perfect Antwerpen Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.