Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Barcelona is generally safe for solo female travelers. The crime rates are relatively low, however pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded places and on public transportation. Basic precautions like avoiding deserted areas, not flaunting wealth or valuable possessions, and being vigilant on the street and in the metro, especially after dark, should ensure a safe stay.

Safety rating

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How safe is Barcelona?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Barcelona, generally holds a decent level of safety. However, during the night time, especially if you're alone, it is advisable to stick to well-lit, populated areas. Unwanted attentions or pickpocketing incidences can happen, particularly in tourist-centric locations. Public transportation is reliable and often preferred. Overall, maintain awareness of your surroundings and take general precautions as you would in any other city.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Barcelona is safe, reliable, and well-maintained. It includes a comprehensive network of metro lines, buses, trams, and trains. Furthermore, they run frequently and even late at night. However, caution needs to be exercised, as in any crowded place, against pickpockets and minor thefts. Special attention should be placed on your belongings. Despite this, it still remains a secure and efficient way to move around the city.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Barcelona is generally considered safe for solo female travelers, with locals respectful of personal boundaries. Street harassment is not a rampant issue, with most of the concerns revolving around pickpocketing. That said, it's always important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas. However, women should feel relatively comfortable moving around the city, at day or night, without facing significant harassment or discomfort.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Barcelona, despite being a fantastic city with vibrant culture and breathtaking architecture, unfortunately has a comparatively high rate of petty crimes. Tourists often face thefts, pickpocketing, and scams, particularly in crowded areas such as popular tourist sites, beaches, and public transport. Often these crimes are non-violent; however, the frequency can be disconcerting. It's crucial to be cautious, stay vigilant about your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings when exploring the city.

Is Barcelona worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 140 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Hana

Hana

France

Solo travel

I absolutely love this city, I think it's one of my favorites. I was lucky enough to go there while the weather was nice. The city is so chill and cool. People are laid back and enjoying each other's company. The city is safe overall I think, I had no problem walking around the streets by night. But I only stayed 3 days. I think I would be fine settling in this city, I see myself having a great life there.

Posted: July 19, 2025
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Daniela

Daniela

Mexico

Solo travel

It’s the capital of the parties and fun, lovely people, a looot of foreigners and a beautiful beach, if you like clubbing is perfect ! And the food it’s not that amazing but if you find good places you can eat very good, but I think it’s more expensive than Madrid.

Posted: June 27, 2025
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Solo travel

I felt safe, even at night walking home alone from the beach. You should go see the la sagrada familia. I loved the tacos For my whole trip I have spent 600€ (with Hostel, flight and food as well as clothing)

Posted: June 24, 2025
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Solo travel

I went to Barcelona for two days by myself, I was very nervous and scared since I had never been there and I was alone, but once I got there i found It very easy to get around and the públic transport very straightforward, and the people were very nice and helpful. I never got Lost, the hostel was in a good place, and the beaches were easy to find

Posted: June 11, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Group travel

We went there with my friends from Italy, and i joined to guruwalk. Architecture and vintage shops were amazing. Also food was delicious. In Italy, cuisine is very traditional but in Barcelona they combined modern things with tradition. People were more open minded.

Posted: June 4, 2025
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Group travel

I went in Barcelona with my friends , in total we were 3. We had a great time and we enjoyed the city a lot! Very beautiful, had a similar feeling to Athens for us ( we are from Athens) but at the same time nothing alike Apart from the weather! We didn’t really feel safe , especially during the night time because we experienced extreme catcalling and even had bunch of guys following us around! The clubbing for me was horrible tho but that’s because I don’t like clubs and it was super crowded since it was August! Our hotel room wasn’t that clean at the end and had mold on the walls but we realised that every boutique apartment was like that as well! As for attractions , I enjoyed Sagrada Familia and casa batllo

Posted: May 25, 2025
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Is Barcelona safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 105 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 105 local experiences

Miruna

Miruna

It is usually safe, there are a lot of pickpockets in the touristic zones, you just have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Absolutely avoid El Raval and La Mina especially at night. Otherwise it’s okay, more than pickpockets there is very little danger. If there’s anyone that approaches you, bark at them, that’s what i do.

Posted: July 6, 2025
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It is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets everywhere at all times. They work in public transport and even in the streets (steal phone from bikes). Avoid walking alone at night in shady areas of town.

Posted: July 2, 2025
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Safety in Spain