Is Brussels A Safe City?

As the capital of Europe, Brussels is often recognized as a historic symbol of the continent. But due to a number of tragedies that have taken place in the city in recent years – the 2016 Brussels attacks, the 2002 film “Blank Antwerp” and the 1988 murder of US corporal David Robinson – many people are concerned about the safety of the city.But this question is complex. Depending on who you ask and what circumstances you take into account, you can get an array of diverse answers. We’ll take a look at some of the relevant issues, stats and opinions to help you decide if Brussels is a safe city.

The Overall Crime Rate In Brussels

In general, Brussels is a rather safe city due to its low crime rate. According to recent statistics by Eurostat, the overall crime rate in Brussels is 33.8% against 40% of the EU average. Within Belgium, Brussels generally has lower crime rates than Wallonia (though this depends on the specific locations). The crime rate in Brussels is mostly attributed to theft and robbery. Property crimes accounted for 81% of all crimes in the city in 2018, with theft and burglary making up most of this figure. Violent crimes (including homicides) made up 6.9% of all crimes reported to police in 2018, a drop from 2017. In terms of violent crimes, statistics show that there are slightly more incidents on the police register in Brussels than in the rest of Belgium. However, these figures are still low (an average of 522 incidences per 100,000 citizens) and compare favourably with other large European cities like London (1,074 incidences per 100,000 citizens) or Paris (479 incidences per 100,000 citizens).

Feeling Safe

Statistics can only tell us so much about the state of a city’s safety. How people feel in certain areas may vary from how safe an area actually is. To gain a better understanding of this subjective experience, we can look at research by the respected security analysis agency KBC Bank and Verzekeringen on the feeling of safety among Brussels citizens. The results showed that 37% of respondents felt unsafe in their neighbourhood. This figure was much higher in deprived areas (53%) and low-income neighbourhoods (47%). Unsurprisingly, age was also a determining factor – over 65s felt much safer (46%) compared to those under 25 (27%). It is important to note that while feeling unsafe is a real problem and it should be addressed, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a higher risk level. This feeling is only made worse by the constant threat of terror attacks hanging over the city – something which is hard to address through reforms alone.

Safety Measures In Place

The Brussels-Capital Region does have several measures in place that improve general safety for its citizens. The Region invests heavily in ensuring safety on public transport, with increased security personnel patrolling stations and new advanced cameras that can pick up suspects from large crowds. The Region also works with developers of smart apps and software that allow citizens to alert authorities of suspicious activities or potentially dangerous areas. The government also promotes a safer physical environment by investing in road and traffic safety initiatives like pedestrian crossings, speed bumps and speed cameras in areas deemed dangerous by statistics. This is coupled with local neighbourhood watch initiatives that encourage citizens to report suspicious activity to local police and regular police patrols in neighbourhoods with higher risk factors.

Conclusion

The debate about safety in any city is an ongoing one and it comes down to statistical likelihoods and personal experiences. Statistics from Eurostat showed that Brussels has a lower crime rate than many other cities in Europe, proving that it can generally be considered safe from an objective perspective. However, research shows us that this does not necessarily mean that Brussels citizens feel any more secure in their everyday lives than in other cities. Feeling unsafe is an important factor that needs to be taken into account when assessing a city’s safety, and no amount of physical infrastructure can combat a feeling of constant threat due to terror attacks. Therefore, while Brussels may be considered safely on paper, it is up to each individual citizen to decide whether they think it is a safe place to live or not based on their own personal experience. Eurostat

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Brussels – An Insider’s Guide for Tourists

Brussels, the city known for its beautiful architecture, chocolates, comics, and waffles, is a vibrant and fascinating place. But beyond its most visited tourist attractions such as Atomium and the Manneken Pis statue, Brussels has a plethora of incredible hidden gems. In this insider’s guide, we will explore some of the lesser-known places that only locals know about.

Discovering the Underrated Attractions in Brussels

While the Grand Place is a must-visit, Brussels has many other fascinating places to explore. One such place is the Saint-Géry Square, a historic square located in the city center. It was once the heart of Brussels, and today it’s an area known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops, where locals often gather. The Notre-Dame du Sablon church is another magnificent sight that has a mesmerizing atmosphere. It’s a beautiful Gothic-style church located in a quiet square, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. And for those interested in modern art, the Wiels Contemporary Art Center is an excellent place to see exhibitions from Belgian and international artists.

Delving into Brussels Local Food Culture

Belgian cuisine is world-famous, known for its chocolate, fries, and beer but Brussels has much more to offer. The city is famous for its mussels, which are prepared in many ways, from classic moules marinières to moules-frites. Head to Chez Léon for an excellent moules-frites experience. And for dessert, sample some famous Brussels waffles, which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Try them at Mokafe, a local cafe that has been serving delicious waffles since 1952. Finally, a unique Belgian experience is to try jenever, a traditional Belgian alcohol similar to gin. Het Goudblommeke in Papier is the perfect place to try jenever while basking in the vibrant atmosphere of Brussels.

Discovering the City’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Brussels has a rich cultural heritage that visitors should explore. The city has played host to various cultural events such as the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival and Brussels Jazz Festival. A trip to the city during the Christmas season gives you the chance to explore the Winter Wonders Festival, where the Grand Place transforms into a winter wonderland. Finally, The Atomium also hosts various exhibitions that showcase art and science.

Uncovering the Fascinating History of the City

Brussels has a fascinating history that goes back to the Roman times, and many stories are rooted in the city’s past. Stories such as the origins of Manneken Pis and the Atomium’s construction offer insight into the city’s past. Another story to hear is that of the Moeder Lambic, a bar located in the heart of Brussels. It’s famous for its selection of Belgian beers and its connection to the Belgian revolution against the Dutch in 1830. The name Moeder Lambic translates to “Mother Lambic,” which represents the archetype of the motherly figure who nourishes and educates her children.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Ideas for an Unforgettable Time

Looking for something unique and unusual? Take a city tour that looks at the city from the perspective of its street art. You can explore various neighborhoods in Brussels, such as Marolles and the canal belt, and enjoy artworks that range from political murals to light installations. Finally, for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, visit the Sonian Forest, a nature reserve located in the southeast of Brussels. It’s a perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.

Conclusion

Brussels is full of surprises and unique experiences waiting for visitors to discover. There’s something for everyone, from off-the-beaten-path experiences to traditional Belgian cuisine. Exploring the hidden gems, cultural heritage, and fascinating history of the city makes for an unforgettable time. By going beyond the usual tourist spots, you will find that Brussels is a city full of life and excitement, presenting a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories.