Spain : Safety by City
- Alicante
- Andorra la Vella
- Barcelona
- Bilbao
- Cadiz
- Canary Islands
- Granada
- Ibiza
- Las Palmas
- Madrid
- Malaga
- Murcia
- Palma de Mallorca
- Pamplona
- Salamanca
- San Sebastian
- Seville
- Valencia
- Zaragoza
Architecture, sports, and exquisite eats are only a portion of what Barcelona offers tourists.
It even has a neighborhood called the Gothic Quarter, with medieval streets, buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times, and hidden courtyards.
This area is even home to the famous Barcelona Cathedral, a historic landmark built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
It’s also known for its miles of picturesque, soft sand beaches overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
While it sounds quite appealing to many, as it sees over 15 million visitors a year, anyone planning to visit may wonder if the city is safe enough for the average tourist.
Warnings & Dangers in Barcelona
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
If you're planning to travel to Barcelona, know that it's generally considered to be a safe area for travelers. Violent crimes tend to be targeted attacks between people who know one another rather than random incidents on unsuspecting tourists. Pickpocketing and scams are the most common crimes in the area, and visitors could be susceptible to them.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Whether you're commuting via taxi, rideshare, or public transit, transportation in Barcelona is generally safe. You may have a taxi driver who demands a tip or overcharges, but you can get where you need to go safely. The only other issue you may have with commuting is pickpocketing if you take public transportation. For your information, rideshare drivers in Barcelona are licensed professional drivers as opposed to peer-to-peer drivers.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Because Barcelona is such a tourist-heavy area, thieves thrive in crowded places, including train and bus stations and tourist attractions. Besides the fact that it's one of Europe's most-visited areas, it's also one of the continent's cities with the highest rate of pickpocketing.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
When considering all the varieties of natural disasters, Barcelona has little to no risk of most. That said, the city does have flash flooding due to its proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Heatwaves can happen in the summer, particularly from July to August. These spells of high temperatures can lead to heat stress and stroke in travelers.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of mugging in Barcelona is higher than average compared to other cities in Spain. Statistics show you're more likely to be a victim of theft in this city than in other Spanish cities. Rather than violent muggings using weapons or force, most events are non-violent and are theft or purse snatching incidents. The greatest chance of mugging occurs in crowded areas or after dark.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The threat of terrorism is low in Barcelona. Because of its past incidents, like the one that happened in 2017 in La Rambla, when a van drove into a group of pedestrians, the city is always operating on a heightened anti-terrorist threat level. Authorities conduct preparedness exercises and drills regularly to prepare for different types of attacks.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Street games, like the shell game, are set up to trick tourists into playing a game when they can't win. People on the street may act like the police to see people's passports or wallets. A seemingly friendly person may try to help you while someone else steals from you. Unofficial taxi drivers may overcharge for their services.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women who travel to Barcelona, including those visiting the city alone, are generally safe. A woman should still remain alert when she's exploring the city because the threat of petty theft is prevalent. Specifically, a woman should avoid being alone with strangers or venturing into abandoned areas.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
In general, tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, but you may notice a strong chlorine taste. The only other issue is microplastics, but they tend to be in small amounts that aren't known to cause health risks. You could opt for bottled water, but it tends to have a higher level of microplastics than tap water.
Safest Places to Visit in Barcelona
Eixample is a neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and shops.
Its wide streets are well-lit at night.
The police presence in this area gives visitors a sense of security because it deters crime.
Gracia has a strong-knit community, but it also has cafes and plazas.
At night, the streets come to life there, as the residents often gather outdoors to socialize.
The people here tend to be friendly and welcoming.
Sants-Montjuic has green spaces that tourists can enjoy, as well as cultural attractions like Montjuïc Castle, a historic fortress that overlooks the city and sea.
It’s a suburban area with fewer crowds, which means less crime.
It’s also well-lit at night.
Places to Avoid in Barcelona
Even in these not-so-good areas, you’re not likely to experience a violent crime even after dark.
The greatest potential issue is petty theft.
Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) has low-lit areas that make it a spot for thieves to hide and go after distracted visitors.
After 11 pm, if you venture to Placa Reial and along Carrer Ferran, your chances of encountering pickpockets or other similar criminals are higher than in other parts of Barcelona.
El Raval becomes sketchy around midnight.
With its tight streets, some being poorly lit, this part of the city is a prime location for thieves to take advantage of unsuspecting pedestrians.
La Rambla remains well-lit at night.
It’s even a common tourist area.
However, with so much foot traffic, thieves look at it as a common spot for tourists.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Barcelona
Despite the city being generally safe, you should still take some steps to minimize your risk even further.
- Don’t let your guard down completely. Stay vigilant no matter where you are in the city or what time it is. While the violent crime isn’t a concern, you never want to let your guard down completely.
- Know emergency numbers. Just in case you encounter a problem in Barcelona or Spain in general, know that you can always call 112 to connect with an ambulance or police. Calling 092 will patch you in with the Barcelona police.
- Understand where the unsafe areas are. Before you start exploring the city, take a look at a map of the unsafe areas. You ideally want to avoid these places, particularly at night.
- Don’t keep all your money and cards together. Whenever you grab your money and credit cards, don’t put both your money and card(s) in the same space. That way, a thief will only get one or the other.
- Avoid wearing flashy items. You don’t want to wear expensive accessories. Even if a thief doesn’t get them, wearing them will catch the eye of thieves. Instead, dress for comfort and leave all your expensive gear at home.
- Use only legitimate rideshare and taxi services. To avoid being overcharged and to remain safe, use only legitimate rideshare and taxi services as opposed to accepting a ride from a taxi you hailed off the street.
- Avoid poorly lit areas. If you plan to sightsee at night or partake in nightlife activities, avoid any poorly lit areas. Thieves may be lurking where you can’t see them.
- Be cautious of overly friendly locals. While some people may be genuinely nice and want to help you and make conversation, that’s not everyone you meet. Always stay a decent distance away from strangers and don’t get too involved in chatting. That chummy individual could be chatting you up to distract you while someone else steals from you.
- Use either a crossbody bag or a fanny pack. Instead of bringing a backpack or a purse you place over only one shoulder, use a crossbody bag or fanny pack. It’s closer to your body, making it harder for a criminal to take from you.
- Make copies of important documents. Make digital and print copies of your passport, ID, and other important documents in case you should lose them or they’re stolen.
So... How Safe Is Barcelona Really?
Broadly speaking, Barcelona is a safe destination for tourists, especially compared to other cities in Europe.
It, however, isn’t one of the safest areas in Spain because of the amount of petty theft.
That said, you’re generally safe when you’re walking throughout the area or even using public transportation.
There isn’t much risk of violent crimes.
You, however, do have a chance of someone stealing from you.
Some areas are safer than others, so you always need to research before you go on your trip.
Know which areas are safe, and particularly, which ones you should avoid at night.
Keep in mind that not all streets in a certain region of the city are the same.
Some are better lit and wider than others.
Although you want to enjoy your trip, you need to remain aware of what’s going on around you at all times to reduce your likelihood of being a victim of theft.
You don’t want to let your guard down and talk to the locals too freely.
Even a person traveling solo, including a woman, is relatively safe when they’re in the city.
They just need to practice basic, common-sense precautions, especially when they’re in public spaces.
How Does Barcelona Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Barcelona |
65 |
| Salamanca |
59 |
| Zaragoza |
79 |
| Ibiza |
82 |
| Palma de Mallorca |
57 |
| Granada |
72 |
| Madrid |
70 |
 Harwich | 89 |
| Noblesville | 78 |
| Lewisboro | 88 |
| Bryce Canyon City | 82 |
 Krabi | 70 |
| Los Alamos | 71 |
Useful Information
Visas
If you're going to Barcelona for 90 or fewer days, you only need a passport. However, if you're traveling for longer, you'll need a visa. You must find the consulate that serves your state. Usually, you need to schedule an appointment and arrive for an in-person meeting. You'll need to bring a current passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and a completed application. You also must pay a fee of $104.
Currency
The currency used in Barcelona and all of Spain is the euro. It comes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The €500 isn't used much. There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, along with €1 and €2 coins. Credit and debit cards can be used at various locations throughout the city.
Weather
The climate in Barcelona is Mediterranean, so it has warm springs, hot summers, and mild falls and winters. The temperature ranges between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Summer, which is June through August, can be humid. Rainfall is usually light and happens most often in the spring and fall.
Airports
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located about 10 miles from the city’s center, is the only airport in Barcelona. It offers international flights in and out, and you can even find some carriers that supply pricing lower than the average. It has domestic, European, and international routes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn't a legal requirement. However, you may want to get it for your trip. You'll protect your property against theft or loss, and you'll prevent losing the entire cost of your flight if you miss it, or it's delayed or canceled. Since your health insurance won't cover you in Spain's hospitals or doctors' offices, you may want travel insurance to help with the expense of an injury or illness while you're away.
Barcelona Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 13 |
| Low °C |
6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| High °F |
55 | 57 | 61 | 64 | 72 | 77 | 82 | 82 | 77 | 70 | 61 | 55 |
| Low °F |
43 | 45 | 48 | 52 | 57 | 64 | 70 | 70 | 66 | 59 | 52 | 45 |
Spain - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Alicante | 77 |
| Andorra la Vella | 89 |
| Barcelona | 65 |
| Bilbao | 52 |
| Cadiz | 74 |
| Canary Islands | 81 |
| Granada | 72 |
| Ibiza | 82 |
| Las Palmas | 74 |
| Madrid | 70 |
| Malaga | 78 |
| Murcia | 83 |
| Palma de Mallorca | 57 |
| Pamplona | 81 |
| Salamanca | 59 |
| San Sebastian | 56 |
| Seville | 75 |
| Valencia | 72 |
| Zaragoza | 79 |
Not so safe
Do not visit here. Not right now. Maybe not anytime in the near future. My wife and I went recently and she was robbed twice. We were also scammed and someone stole our passports with all of our money. It was an absolute nightmare. We were stuck there an additional week with nothing but the clothes on our backs and what little wasn’t taken from us in our hotel.
bad
robbed 100 times. nobody to understand what i was saying. food is terrible like eating mashed maggots
They don’t just stand around robbing people! LOL You have to be completely unaware and in a very crowded place to be a victim of pickpocketing. On top of that, saying you got robbed 100 times is extremely hard to believe. I have been to Barcelona a good 10 times in the last 20 years and have not been robbed a single time, nor anyone I know who has gone.
I live near Barcelona and often go into the city. I’ve never been robbed or heard of any of my friends being robbed. It is generally a safe city for anyone who is sensible.
Many violent assaults
I was carrying a knife and walking fast straight to the Prado museum, ready to fight and looking behind my back, and was still jumped by 2 guys in broad daylight with a switchblade. Luckily didnt get stabbed but was choked out. Seemed like these guys do this all the time. I woke up on the sidewalk with bruising all over my neck.
While my friend and I were sitting on a bench, a guy came up to me to ask for a cigarette, he was the distractor because while he was doing it, another guy stole her backpack with her camera, wallet, money, passport, etc. What hurt her the most was losing her photos and her travel diary. We thought that maybe they had thrown the diary or the bag in a public trash garbage can and we started looking for it. We didn’t find it but we did find at least 6 wallets with IDs without money and other items like passports. We turned it all in to the police when we went to file a report (so that my friend’s insurance would cover the theft). I was shocked at how much stolen stuff we found. Beware of pickpockets! Especially in tourist places. Barcelona did not feel safe.
Had the best time weather was beautiful food was amazing especially the seafood and wine 🍷
Had the best time best food hotel beaches and wine 🍷
On 6 October my wife and myself arrived in Barcelona from the overnight ferry from Rome. Our car is a Mercedes GLC 250 and has Portuguese license plates.
We drove for a little while and were in the centre when simultaneously the dashboard indicator showed a tyre was rapidly deflating and a young man on a scooter knocked on our car window to tell us about the tyre. We pulled over to the kerb and parked. The tyre was flat and the young man said he knew a mechanic. While he was distracting us, his criminal accomplice got into our car and stole two bags. The valuable bags contained our passports, licenses, cash, cards, jewellery, high value watch, tickets and other valuable items. One bag was Louis Vuitton and the other Carolina Herrera. The total value of all is over Euros 10,000.
The theft was fast, slick and conducted to a plan. The criminals probably followed us from the port and chose the best place for them to enact the crime. The tyre was slashed by a sharp knife.
This crime has to be stopped. We understand from local people that this type of crime and the gang are regular targeting visitors and they were not surprised at all at our experience. But everyone seems to take the attitude that nothing can be done and they just look the other way. This is bad for visitors and bad for Barcelona.
We have valuable information that could help the Police catch this gang but we need their cooperation and yours. They used our cards to purchase goods from stores and the watch and bags are highly identifiable. I remember the young man on the scooter and can give a picture of him. I would even be willing to re-enact the scene with the cooperation of the Police to entrap the criminals.
My wife and myself are still suffering from the shock of the crime and hope that with your assistance in publishing our experience we can catch these criminals and prevent other visitors to Barcelona experiencing the same ordeal.
Mr Chris Ogilvie-Taylor
I’m a citizen from Barcelona and I can tell you there is nothing that can be done simply because government won’t punish the bad people the way they have to. Spain is like a country where you can go, steal some stuff and then go back to your country to spend the money you got from it.
We rely on human rights too much, and doing that means we invite them to do those crimes. And I can assure you that won’t change, at least not in the near future. Barcelona isn’t a place to spend 10000€ in two bags nor showing expensive jewelry to other people. If you ever come here again, change your philosophy a little and just travel like you were an average salaryman, without anything flashy on you and be careful, do not trust anyone without an official dress on the street and you’re good to go.
BARCELONA PICKPOCKETS
Be careful in the Metro, pickpockets stole my iphone right out of my left side pocket.
Cool
I found an I phone on the metro
Robbed at gunpoint in Las Ramblas 2 years ago it is not safe and wasn’t the first time.
Nice City
You must have a gun magnet First you got robbed at gunpoint in San Francisco Bilbao and now in las Ramblas both times 2 years ago very strange….
it was beautiful. i videoed it for all my family in India. And for my sister Ilru.
I am from Barcelona and got pickpocketed myself twice, so be careful.
Besides that, everything is perfect: weather, shopping, cultural life and gastronomy.
Great city
my wife and I went to Barcelona we had a great time no incidents food good people very friendly and helpful, going again in May
Question
Not a review, but a request for opinions for senior English-speaking, wine drinking couple in Barcelona.
requesting hotels where english speaking, availablilty to get covid test for cruise
Things have changed
When was this written? Barcelona has changed a lot in the last 4 years. Pickpockets were always a thing, but violent crime has skyrocketed and if you stay there long enough you will see it or be a victim of it.
I loved Barcelona apart from one incident where I got attacked in a park
I visited in June 2022 with my girlfriend and it was our first time in Spain. I generally felt very safe in Barcelona until I passed by Jardins de Sant Pau del Camp at around 11am or so – broad daylight!
A man in a football shirt approached me from a nearby bench where two others were sat, he came to me with a smile and asked me where I was from. I told him the UK and he was smiling and laughing and he turned and punched me in the face and grabbed my collar, he hit me again and I pushed him away and saw his two friends stand up. Fortunately I was near the gate at the edge of the park and my gf started to move towards it whilst I stood between them. He shouted at me but I was too confused and my Spanish is not too great anyway so I showed two open palms and backed off hoping it was just a case of I’d walked through the wrong park and wanted to diffuse the situation.
I probably could’ve fucked him up, not all 3… but at least the first guy. However, he put his hand into his pocket so I made a business decision in case it was a weapon and ran, as did my gf. They chased us briefly but fortunately, they didn’t chase us once we had got outside of the park and we came across a police car in the next street anyway. My face was bleeding by the police didn’t seem very concerned at all and didn’t listen to what I’d told them, suggesting I move along.
Overall, I really enjoyed my trip and would recommend that you visit, just take care to check out the places that you decide to wonder through….. And if you go through that park and some skinny dude in a footy shirt gives you any grief, pop him one for me.
Steer clear?
I never went to, Barcelona, Spain but after reading all of these crime stories I feel like I was robbed and beaten multiple times in broad daylight. The Netflix series, “Who is Erin Carter?” made the place look like heaven. Guess not. I’ll skip, “Tapas with a side of terrorism”. Jeez. If the police don’t care – there goes your tourism revenue. Idiotos.