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 114 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Charlotte

Charlotte

France

Solo travel

Had a wonderful time in Barcelona! Art, food, people... everything was amazing. My artsy heart was fulfilled with all museums and such cool places. + : near Barcelona, try to go to Montserrat, it's is such an incredible place, clearly a must-see!

Posted: December 30, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe, surprisingly, I heard a lot about the pickpocketing. I stayed for 2 nights in Hostel Grau which was located near the famous street. I liked the homey feel of this hotel. February was a surprisingly good time to visit, I had blue skies and nice temperatures.

Posted: November 15, 2024Experienced: January, 2023
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Prisha

Prisha

United Kingdom

Group travel

It was such a fun experience. We mostly did touristy areas and walked around a lot. To travel, I would definitely recommend using the metro, it was super easy to navigate and pretty cheap, definitely buy the 10 round trip ticket if you're planning to stay for more than 3 or 4 days ( saves money ) Must visit places are: - Sagrada familia: literally the most famous place in Barcelona and really impressive to look at, especially if you're a bit of an architecture and history nerd like me. I wouldn't recommend visiting at night, the lighting coupled with the gothic architecture makes it look more like a haunted place. I went in both the morning and night and my morning pics turned out MUCH better - Las Ramblas: a really busy and crowded street but it's like a major shopping street. There were so many cute little stalls and shops and it was a pretty fun experience walking down it and window shopping. - Boqueria market: it's in las ramblas and was one of my favourite parts of my trip. The whole vibe and different colours and foods was really nice. I didn't buy anything because everything was ridiculously overpriced ( like the exact same things were being sold like 10 steps outside the market section for less than half the price. But if you do want to buy from inside it, go further down, don't just buy it from the entrance because most stalls sold the same things but at cheaper prices at the back than at the front. - Barcelona Cathedral: really pretty and grand. Just don't get scammed by the people who are wearing white/ clown like face paint outside. They come up to you, don't leave you alone until you take a picture and then demand for money. It may not be all of them but definitely be aware. One lady chased my friend around for like 5 minutes. - there are so many more places like Gaudi's house, casa batillo, the art museum, a palace, the gothic quarters ( I didn't go into much detail about this but a definite, just be aware that it's quite crowded so don't expect pics like the ones on Google), park guell etc. ( Don't remember all of their exact names)

Posted: November 6, 2024
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Solo travel

Barcelona is a beautiful city, but I never felt safe there. I was always on the fence of being mugged, but that is because of stories i ve heard from both friends and locals. The scariest was to walk at night.

Posted: October 1, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
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Yanisa

Yanisa

Belgium

Group travel

Barcelona was amazing! I travelled with my two other friends and we loved Barcelona. The food was the best!!! It was my first time trying Paella and I fell in love; I still cannot stop thinking about it until today. The tapas as well- everything was just up my alley. The vibes of the city, a little too crowded and touristy for my liking to be honest, but the liveliness and the food makes up for it. The attractions are interesting, especially La Pedrera-Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia (though it's always in-construction). I particularly loved Barceloneta beach. While my friends went to Camp Nou, I strolled the coast of Barceloneta and had the best time jamming to the live bands on the shore.

Posted: September 9, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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Laura

Laura

Italy

Solo travel

Barcelona was a really nice city. It is easy to meet other travelers and the food was also verry good. I don't know much about the public transport because I walked mostly but from what I have seen it is quite easy and safe to get around. But at night I would not go out by myself.

Posted: September 6, 2024
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Karla

Karla

Germany

Solo travel

Barcelona is a very Save city for solo female travelers met lots of lovely people and the attractions are beautiful. The park is a bit overhiped and the church is an absolute must even though it's a bit pricy

Posted: August 27, 2024
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Solo travel

I would definitely recommend going to Barcelona by yourself and staying in Kabul party hostel. My first night there I made friends with a bunch of Australians and they invited me to come to a rave in a castle!! The experience was incredible, the lights and music were intense but great. After that party experience, I went further afield and went to Tossa de Mar which was so beautiful!! Idyllic views and really nice beaches.

Posted: August 26, 2024
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Family travel

I've been there for five days with my family. We stayed in a small Airbnb but in a district far away from everything. The public transport is very accessible so we had no problems. The beach was amazing. I also recommend the coffee shop chain 365.

Posted: July 31, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Vati

Vati

Thailand

Solo travel

I felt very safe! I stayed in a youth hostel and did a lot of walking tour to learn more about the city. I also spent a lot of time shopping for good restaurants and going to gay bars in the city. Transportation was super easy.

Posted: July 31, 2024
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Is Barcelona safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 51 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 51 local experiences

Barcelona is a lovely city but unfortunately the last couple of years the phone, bags robberies crime getting higher. Absolutely possible to live the city safely just be careful of your phone and belongings on the beach, beach walk path, and be very careful on the metro they can easily take your phone out from your hand. At the night after midnight ( metros are not working except Friday until 1 am ) better to call a taxi if u go alone longer distances. Physically attacked not often happens, with me never but my flatmate yes, a stranger just from the back grabbed and lift her not on a funny way when she start to screaming he dropped her down and run away, is happened 2023 summer around 3 am on the main road. During the days everything is fine you can go alone wherever you want 😉

Posted: January 12, 2025
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You have to be very careful in the city center and metros, store your things very well, and try not to walk alone at night. Don’t be with your phone in your hand, avoid dark or long streets, try to walk always with people around.

Posted: January 11, 2025
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Meet locals in Barcelona

Daniela

Daniela

About Me

Starting my digital nomad journey, started in Barcelona, Spain and I am preparing to move to the swiss alps for another volunteer. Looking for tips for Costa Rica rn!

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ITA

ITA

About Me

Hey, this is Ita, I love videogames and reading! I like making new friends and traveling! Nice to meet you all!

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Stay with locals in Barcelona

Paz

Paz

Barcelona

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Got it! Here’s a more concise version: Hi, I’m Paz! 🌍✨ I’m a DJ and music lover based in Barcelona, with a passion for underground electronic music, R&B, and hip hop. Exploring new cultures and discovering hidden spots around the world inspire me every day.

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Victoria

Victoria

Barcelona

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a foodie and cultural explorer who loves immersing myself in local flavors and traditions. With a curious mind and a passion for meaningful connections, I enjoy deep conversations that inspire and broaden perspectives. Amsterdam is next on my list!!

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Upcoming visitors to Barcelona

Melenia

Melenia

About Me

Hello there! I am Melenia a 22yo psychology student from Greece🧚🏼 I am currently doing an Erasmus internship in Lisbon, Portugal (I looove it here!)

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Elena

Elena

About Me

I mainly travel in the US but looking to do some foreign travel in the next few years. Alaska is an exciting place to visit.

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Safety in Spain