As a woman who loves to spend time alone and explore even the places off the beaten path, I feel I am a good person to bring firsthand insights into the safety of solo female travelers in Belgrade, Serbia.
In General, Belgrade is a Safe City for Everyone, Including Women
Serbian people are known for their exceptional hospitality and tourists have nothing to worry about when visiting the Serbian capital. Of course, just as in any big city, you should have some level of cautiousness, but overall you can enjoy your sightseeing and feel relaxed.
Pickpockets
When using public transport or exploring bustling areas like the city center, it’s wise to stay mindful of your belongings. These crowded spaces can be potential targets for pickpockets. While there’s no need for paranoia, take simple precautions by ensuring your valuables are not easily accessible in your bag.
Walking Alone at Night
During my younger years, strolling freely day or night was routine without any concerns. However, with adulthood, a sense of caution has naturally settled in. While I consider Belgrade generally safe, I’ve grown less at ease navigating isolated or quiet streets late at night. As a solo female traveler, I would prioritize daytime activities or opt for bustling locales at night.
Walking in Secluded Areas during the Day
I often take extra long walks during the day and that includes going through some secluded areas where there is virtually no people. Honestly, sometimes I do feel uncomfortable. I don’t think that the level of danger is high, but I guess there is a certain degree of cautiousness you should have as a woman. Note that here I am talking about very secluded areas, where there are no people or areas where there are no pedestrians (just car traffic).
Stray Dogs
I’ve recently become very cautious about stray dogs. There are a lot of stray dogs in Serbia, and that includes Belgrade. I wasn’t too afraid of them before, but two years ago I was attacked by two dogs near Pančevo Bridge and one of them bit me on the leg. It was a very unpleasant experience. Again, you are extremely unlikely to find yourself in this situation unless you walk in highly secluded areas where there are no pedestrians or at very odd times when there are no other people around you.
Street Scams
I don’t think that Belgrade has any popular tourist scams like some other major European cities. You can feel relaxed in most areas and enjoy your time even as a solo female traveler. To stay on the safe side, avoid talking to strangers, just mind your own business, and you will be fine. If you see some odd people in the streets (which can happen in the city center or in other extremely busy areas), just keep your distance and don’t engage.
Conclusion
Belgrade is a very safe city that has a low rate of violent crime. To ensure top safety as a solo female traveler, base your sightseeing activities during the day, while at night you can enjoy events or go to a restaurant/bar/cinema/shopping mall. Pay attention to your belongings while you’re in busy areas or in public transport, don’t engage in conversations with absolute strangers that may approach you in the street, and refrain from walking alone in secluded areas.
I hope this guide has helped you choose Belgrade as your next destination. If you’ve previously visited the Serbian capital as a solo female traveler, I’d love to hear about your experiences regarding safety and your overall journey.
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