How to Stay Safe and Have Fun in Brussels?

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the gateway to the heart of Europe, is a city full of surprises. From superb art collections and centuries-old castles to dynamic nightlife, it’s a place when culture, entertainment and a touch of nostalgia all blend together. But, as with any city, you should make sure to stay safe while exploring. With a few steps to take you can rest assured you’ll have a great time while staying safe in Brussels.

Be aware of pickpocketing and scams

Brussels is known for its high pickpocketing activity and scams – especially in crowded or touristy areas. Pickpockets may come in pairs or as part of larger groups to create a distraction as one or more persons take your belonging. When choosing what to bring with you, only take what is necessary. Don’t carry all your money and valuables in one wallet or purse; spread them around in several different locations. When out, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in tourist hotspots. When choosing where to stay, be sure to check safety ratings – also make sure the room is locked properly when you’re inside as well as when you leave. Keep an eye out for common scams, especially ones involving requests for money or seemingly kind strangers who try to take advantage of you. Commonly, scammers may offer to show you around the city or suggest they guide you to attractions – they will then try to take whatever money they can from you.

Keep your valuables safe

If traveling abroad, it helps to have cash and a credit card available, but don’t carry around any more money and cards than you need. To ensure that money and cards are safe, consider using safety storage such as a temporary bank or safe deposit box at the hotel desk. These are secure locations that are monitored and can be used in case of emergencies or if your wallet or purse is stolen. Additionally, look into carrying only euros – it can prove difficult for international travelers when their credit cards are not accepted by businesses. Security-wise, make sure to store your passport and ID somewhere safe that cannot be easily lost or taken. Opt for wearables that cannot be removed from your body or from pockets near your body; this way they can’t fall off while in transit or while walking around the city. Also consider using a combination of both physical pockets and concealed items like zippered fanny packs – these are both fashionable and secure.

Dress appropriately when visiting a religious site

In Brussels, you can find over 300 churches, including some spectacular cathedrals. Many of these religious sites require visitors to dress respectfully when visiting; this includes covering parts of your body and avoiding garments such as tank tops, shorts and sandals. Though you may not realize it at first, breaching these rules can result in anything from a fine to being asked to leave the premises on the spot. When traveling through Brussels, consider packing items such as scarves and knee-length skirts to stay covered up at holy sites; for men, alternatives such as light trousers and long t-shirts should do the trick. Some sites may provide alternative clothing options for visitors who didn’t think ahead – these could include sarongs available at the entrance or head coverings available upon entry.

Connect to public wifi with caution

Free public wifi is available in many locations throughout Brussels, such as coffee shops and restaurants; however, it can often be unsecured and weakly protected from attackers. It’s advised not to connect to networks you don’t trust – instead opt for higher-quality authentication with password-protected networks for maximum safety. You should also avoid transmitting any valuable information or money via public wifi; if possible, save data-heavy tasks such as making purchases for when you’re back on a secure network. Additionally, be sure to install strong anti-virus software onto your devices prior to visiting Belgium; this helps make sure that no malicious files from public networks corrupt your system while connected.

Be aware while drinking alcohol

Evening entertainment and nightlife are staples of Brussels’ cultural appeal – which often comes hand-in-hand with an array of drinks and cocktails. While alcohol-related activities are a great way to meet new people and explore the region’s culture further, always keep in mind that drinking alcohol while overseas always comes with extra risks. To limit potential problems, stay aware when drinking and conversation – especially when meeting new people – stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the night and avoid getting too intoxicated by walking away and having a break from drinking every now and then. Additionally, make sure to always keep in mind how much money you’re spending on drinks and check prices before ordering; some drinks can be much more expensive than expected, so it’s best to keep an eye on spending at all times in order to avoid any surprises later on. All in all, Brussels is an amazing city with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, cultural exploration and fun nights out – so long as visitors take proper precautions before venturing out into the city, most should have a wonderfully safe experience all throughout their stay with no problems or issues relating to safety. With these tips in mind, visitors should know what steps to take when looking for the perfect balance between staying safe and having a great time in Brussels!