Solo in Belgium: Five Days of Fear, Freedom, and Frites – A Complete Travel Guide

Meta Description: Solo female travel in Belgium: one woman's honest account of navigating Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, and Bruges alone. Tips on safety, budget, beer, and chocolate.

Introduction: Why I Ignored Every Warning and Went to Belgium Alone

Let me tell you something about travel warnings: once you've heard the same horror story from a dozen people, it stops sounding like cautionary advice and starts sounding like a dare.

"Don't go to Belgium alone." "You will get robbed." "Stay with a group—always."

I heard those words so many times that by the time I booked my flight, I half-expected to be pickpocketed before I even cleared customs. But here's the thing about being stubborn: sometimes it pays off. And sometimes, it lands you in a country where the beer flows freely, the chocolate is practically a religious experience, and the only thing you really need to fear is running out of time.

This is my story of five solo days in Belgium—complete with wrong airports, surprise weddings, rabbit dinners, and the best frites of my life.

The Reckless Booking: How I Flew to the Wrong Airport

It started, as most bad decisions do, during exam season. I'd sprained my ankle—again—and was trapped in my room, slowly morphing into a creature of pure restlessness. The kind of person who claims to love staying home, but really just hates feeling stuck.

So I did what any rational person would do: I bought a plane ticket without checking the airport code.

Ryanair. Manchester to... somewhere in Belgium. £77 round trip. Departing at 7:50 AM, returning at 10:00 PM. Five full days. Perfect.

Except I'd booked my flight to Brussels South Charleroi Airport—a solid hour-long bus ride from the city center—while under the impression I was landing at Brussels Airport, which is a breezy 30-minute train ride away. Whoops.

The hostel was chosen with similar precision: five minutes of scrolling, one click, done. I thought it was near Brussels Central Station. It was not. But hey, that's a problem for Future Me.

Future Me, by the way, was also running on approximately zero hours of sleep because apparently, adulthood means you can't just pass out on planes anymore. My back ached. My neck screamed. And the bus to Brussels Midi station cost €17 (or €14 if you book online, which I didn't).

Pro tip: use the bathroom before boarding that bus. Trust me.

Day One: Brussels – The City of Sweat and Comics

I arrived in Brussels with one goal: stay awake until 3 PM check-in without committing a crime out of sheer exhaustion and hunger.

The city itself? Fine. The Grand Place is lovely, the churches are nice, but if you've seen cathedrals in Italy or Spain, you won't be blown away. My one must-see was the Comic Book Museum (officially the Brussels Comic Book Museum, €7 for under-25s), and I was determined to make it there before closing at 6 PM.

Where to Eat in Brussels on a Solo Trip

First, though: food.

I stumbled into Lobster House—a recommendation from Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), because I have no shame. Coming from Fujian, where seafood is basically a religion, I wasn't expecting much from Belgian mussels. Instead, I ordered a Mediterranean soup that was shockingly good: fresh seafood, generous portions, and a surprising love for celery in the broth. Plus, I kicked off my personal challenge: drink Belgian beer with every meal.

(Later, I'd grab a CHIMAY Trappist gift box at the airport—blue, white, and red varieties. Highly recommended.)

Comic Book Museum: A Must-See in Brussels

The Comic Book Museum was worth the trip, even if I nearly melted inside. The building itself is a character: built like a greenhouse, it traps heat like a sauna. But the details? Chef's kiss. Stairs painted to match the actual staircase, making you feel like you're walking through a comic panel. A display featuring Boerke's chaotic collage of cartoon characters—Blue Pan, Snoopy, Mickey, Tintin, Popeye—that had me pointing like a child at a zoo.

Upstairs, there was a special exhibition on Chinese comics. I saw San Mao (the iconic Chinese comic character "Three Hairs"). I felt old. I moved on.

By the time I left, I was so drained I took an Uber back to the hostel. Lesson learned: sleep is not optional.

[Link: Brussels travel tips for solo female travelers]

Day Two: Antwerp in the Rain – A Love Letter to Beef

Manchester is gray. I'm used to gray. But the universe, in its infinite wisdom, decided that my first full day in Belgium should be a monsoon.

So much for saving Bruges for a sunny day.

Getting to Antwerp from Brussels

I took the train from Brussels Midi to Antwerp Central Station—a building so beautiful it almost made me forget I was soaked. Almost. Young travelers, ask about youth tickets at the service desk. It's worth the awkward smile.

Best Bakeries and Chocolate Shops in Antwerp

First stop: Bloch, a bakery near the station that looked like it knew exactly what it was doing. I bought a Kriek pastry—cherry jam, sugar crystals, perfect balance of sweet and tart. If you love desserts, Belgium will ruin you in the best way.

Next: DelRey chocolate shop. I'd seen it on social media—apparently the only location in the world. €20 for 250g of chocolate. I haven't opened it yet, but I'm saving it for a rainy day. (Ha.)

Rubenshuis: Art and History in Antwerp

The highlight of Antwerp, though, was Rubenshuis—the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens. €7 for under-26s. Grab the English booklet at the ticket office; without it, you're just wandering through a rich guy's house.

And Rubens was rich. The man knew how to monetize his talent. He painted, he networked, he married a 16-year-old after his first wife died at 53. The museum's commentary doesn't shy away from his business savvy. The gold leather wallpapers, the custom furniture, the ivory Adam and Eve sculpture he designed and had a friend carve—it's all very "look what I built."

I loved it. Especially the painting-within-a-painting displays. Layers upon layers.

Where to Eat in Antwerp: Earnest Bistro

Afterward, I ducked into Earnest Bistro (TripAdvisor rank: 46, which is good enough for me). No English menu. The owner walked me through the specials on a chalkboard. I ordered the onglet (hanger steak) with little gem lettuce. The meat was great. The lettuce, somehow, was better.

Drenched and happy, I wandered past the Steen Castle (too windy, too wet) and into the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a former printing dynasty's headquarters. Another gem. Reading desks with brass lamps. A room with nine generations of family portraits and their signature books. A harpsichord-virginal hybrid that only four exist of in the world.

I could've stayed forever. But my shoes were squelching.

[Link: Antwerp day trip itinerary]

Day Three: Leuven's Charm and a Surprise Wedding

I'd planned to visit Maastricht for the famous bookstore. But after two days of printing history, I'd had my fill of paper. Instead, I took the metro to Brussels Nord (€2.10 single, €7.50 day pass) and caught a 19-minute train to Leuven.

Why Leuven is Perfect for Solo Travelers

Leuven is what you'd get if a university town and a fairy tale had a baby. Clean streets. A straight, welcoming avenue from the station to the church. And, apparently, a festival I knew nothing about—music and beer in every square.

I found a statue of a boy pouring water into his head and letting it drip out through a book. Accurate representation of my reading retention.

Where to Eat in Leuven

Lunch was at Rossi, an Italian place that opened my eyes to how much I missed carbs. Handmade pasta, slightly al dente, paired with white wine because the beer mission needed a break. I nearly cried.

Wedding Season in Belgium

Then, the weddings.

First, a couple outside the town hall, with musicians playing and a server carrying trays of drinks. I snapped a photo. Then, back in Brussels, I wandered into a church during what I thought was a random service. Ten minutes later, organ music swelled. The doors opened. Another wedding.

I love that I apparently attract nuptials wherever I go.

Trying Rabbit in Belgium

Dinner was rabbit. Yes, rabbit. At a Belgian restaurant with no English menu. The waiter listed five specials in French-accented English, and rabbit won. No regrets.

[Link: Solo travel dining tips]

Day Four: Bruges, Loneliness, and Grass

I'll be honest: the loneliest moment of the trip was setting up my tripod, hitting the 10-second timer, and running into frame for a selfie by the Lake of Love in Bruges.

Is Bruges Worth Visiting Alone?

Bruges is beautiful. The canals, the cobblestones, the medieval architecture—it's like stepping into a fairy tale. But it's also the kind of place that feels most magical when shared. Without someone to elbow and say, "Look at that!" the beauty can feel almost hollow.

Still, I walked. I ate frites with mayonnaise (€3.50 from a street vendor—worth every cent). I visited the Bruges Beer Museum and learned that Belgian monks have been brewing since the 12th century. I bought chocolate for friends back home.

How to Beat Loneliness When Traveling Alone

The trick, I learned, is to keep moving. When the loneliness hit, I found a café, ordered a coffee, and people-watched. I listened to a podcast. I took photos of random doorways. Eventually, the feeling passed.

Lesson learned: loneliness is part of the solo travel experience. Acknowledge it, then move on.

[Link: How to enjoy solo travel in Europe]

Day Five: Last-Minute Souvenirs and Reflections

My final day was a blur of last-minute shopping and airport logistics. I bought a CHIMAY gift box (blue, white, and red varieties) at the airport. I ate one last portion of frites. I sat in the departure lounge and wrote in my journal.

What I learned from five days alone in Belgium:

Trust yourself. The warnings were exaggerated. I felt safe the entire trip.
Plan your transport. Charleroi Airport is not Brussels Airport. Learn from my mistake.
Eat everything. Belgian food is underrated. The frites, the chocolate, the beer, the rabbit—all of it.
Travel slow. One city per day is plenty. Rushing ruins the experience.
Embrace awkwardness. Eating alone, asking for directions, ordering in French—it's all part of the adventure.

[Link: Solo female travel safety tips]

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel in Belgium

Is Belgium safe for solo female travelers?

Yes. I felt safe throughout my trip, even at night. Use common sense: keep your valuables secure, avoid empty streets after dark, and trust your instincts.

What is the best time to visit Belgium?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is busy but festive. Winter is cold but magical with Christmas markets.

How many days do you need in Belgium?

Five days is perfect for a quick trip: one day each in Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges, with additional time for day trips to Leuven or Ghent.

What should I eat in Belgium?

Frites with mayonnaise, Belgian chocolate, Trappist beer, mussels, waffles, and rabbit stew. Don't skip the bakeries—the pastries are incredible.

How do I get around Belgium?

Trains are efficient and affordable. Buy youth tickets if you're under 26. Buses and trams cover local routes. Uber is available in cities.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Ignore the Warnings

If I had listened to every warning, I would have missed out on one of the best trips of my life. Belgium surprised me. It's not flashy. It's not Instagram-perfect every moment. But it's real, it's delicious, and it's worth the risk.

Your turn: Have you traveled solo in Belgium? Or are you planning your first trip? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your story.

And remember: book your airport correctly.

[Link: More European solo travel guides]