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 safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 110 experiences

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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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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Drea

Drea

Austria

Couple travel

- I felt less safe, because Barcelona was crowded and there were warnings of pick pocketing, so I felt unsafe walking around with more than my essentials - Travelling around was a bit difficult, because we had our hotel outside of the centre and there are several zones which cost extra. Tickets were generally really expensive and you had to get several if you travelled through more than one zone. Very annoying. - I can recommend getting tappas and checking out some of the vegan restaurants like Cat Burger

Posted: July 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
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Solo travel

I had a wonderful time in Barcelona and would highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit. I felt safe throughout my stay, even when walking around at night. The city has a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, and the locals are generally friendly and helpful. One highlight of my trip was exploring the Gothic Quarter, which is full of history and character. The narrow, winding streets are perfect for wandering and discovering hidden gems, including quaint shops and beautiful old buildings. For food lovers, Barcelona is a paradise. I recommend trying a variety of tapas at a local bar. My favorite experience was at a small, family-run place that served incredible patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and jamón ibérico. Don't miss Barceloneta Beach, especially at sunset. It's a perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. The beach is clean, and the Mediterranean Sea is refreshing. There are also many beachside bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with a view of the ocean. My itinerary included visits to iconic sites like Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Each of these places showcases Gaudí’s unique architectural style and is worth the visit. Overall, Barcelona offers a perfect mix of rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers.

Posted: July 23, 2024
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Nadia

Nadia

Poland

Solo travel

Barcelona is generally safe. However, like all urban areas, it has its challenges. Pickpockets are the biggest problem here especially in tourist-heavy areas, as Las Ramblas or Placa de Canalunya. Keep your belongings secure. Overall, I felt safe walking around Barcelona, even at night in well-lit areas. Things to Do: -Sagrada Familia: The most iconic basilica in Barcelona ( its beter to buy your tickets earlier on the website) - Park Güell: Its Gaudis cteation as well. - Flamenco shows: its traditional Spanish culture. Venues like Tablao Cordobés offer excellent shows. - Food Markets: Visit La Boqueria for fresh produce and local food. It’s a great spot for lunch. Dont eat in the most popular place like la rambla because the price is very high and the quality of the food is low. I leave in my friends house so I can tell a lot about the accomodation here. But for sure there is a lot of hostels, student houses and flats to rent. It depends on your budget

Posted: July 20, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Sema

Sema

France

Solo travel

The housing is expensive but it is balanced with accessible food and in city transport. I have read tons of warnings about pickpockets but it doesn’t feel as dangerous in real life. Also the city is surprisingly clean!

Posted: July 6, 2024
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Group travel

I stayed at hotel in central, it was really nice and cheap place. In Barcelona was really good attraction and food but I wasn’t feel safe for 100%. I had to keep on eye on my thing all time because in this city it is a lot of robbery. Besides this, I felt safe.

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Solo travel

I spent a weekend in Barcelona in April alone! a city where it is very easy to make friends and go out to clubs! This part was incredible! My only tip is not to stay in the center because at night it is very dangerous, considering that I was a alone woman. I had never experienced this in Europe. Other than that, amazing place

Posted: June 25, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe every moment and the experience was so good. I spent a lot of time alone, I walked during the day and at night and in general I did not feel afraid. Barcelona is one of the most turistic cities in Spain.

Posted: June 23, 2024
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Solo travel

I generally felt safe, and I walked most of the time along tourist spots. I just need to make sure that I was always alert with my phone and my rucksack was in my chest. As pickpocketing is rampant according to some market vendors in La Boqueria. I wanted to visit some other churches, but most of the peak times- you have to pay an entrance fee. Overall, I did enjoy my visit. If I have the opportunity to go back- I will probably stay somewhere quieter.

Posted: June 18, 2024
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Is Barcelona safe for women?

Safety rating

3.3 /5

Based on 28 experiences

Crime rates rating

2.4 /5

Based on 28 experiences

Every year it’s becoming worse , it’s not what it used to be , every year there are more thieves and also homeless people . Be careful when in public transportation with your bags and mobile phones, and also if you’re in a restaurant be careful with your bags.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Someone stole my phone and laptop. I have still traumatized it. And also my roommate got robbed 4 times. In general, I didn’t see any harassment but some parts are so dangerous like el raval, gotic etc.

Posted: August 27, 2024
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Is Barcelona safe right now?

Before your visit to Barcelona, it's essential to check travel advisories for Spain, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 30, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Spain. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 12, 2024

Is Barcelona worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 110 experiences

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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Barcelona

Meet local women in Barcelona who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Luana

Luana

About Me

Digital nomad just moved to Barcelona, I love to go for sea adventures, chill brunch, workout, self development workshops, squash and look for healthy and delicious restaurants

Speaking

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Ariadna

Ariadna

About Me

Hi! I'm Ari from Barcelona and I love to travel

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Barcelona

Stay with local women in Barcelona who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Jessica

Jessica

Barcelona

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! Hola :) I am Jessica, from Barcelona. I love to travel, unfortunately I can’t do it so much. You are welcome to come to my place in Barcelona, we live in the district called Poblenou. (I lived with my sister and my cat Diana). We have a free room. I am a fashion designer and at the same time I am a languages tutors because I am fluent in 5 languages. I have been living in Italy, France and Turkey. Hope to meet you soon ! 🦋🌸☀️

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Kim

Kim

Barcelona

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m started travelling solo lately and loved it! My goal is to travel and explore more cities and countries. I love exploring new places and meeting people from different cultures. I've lived in various countries and enjoy sharing my experiences. Whether I'm hosting or being hosted, I’m all about meaningful connections, local adventures, and creating unforgettable memories. Looking forward to meeting like-minded women and sharing our travel stories!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Barcelona

Connect with upcoming visitors to Barcelona who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Necool

Necool

About Me

I’m at that moment in my life that I want to see and feel all the versions of myself. I’ve traveled, I owned my own business. I’ve been a general manager for a very long time running hotels or or businesses. I’m social and love to meet people and chat it up. I’m a hopeless, romantic that falls deep in love and can’t unlove who matters but also I am so strong and independent and loves my alone time. Reset my energy and balance out my give and take. I love people who understands that my love language changes as the world changes as I change and how life is a journey filled with self growth, and you’ll never stop learning about yourself or figuring stuff out so just told myself to “Let it Be” & keep going cause life is always beginning another chapter. It’s never too late to try new things and go on adventures and it’s never a bad thing to take time for stability when you need it. Don’t worry so much. Asi la es vida

Speaking

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victoria

victoria

About Me

I am planning my first backpacking trip around Europe March 2024! It’s my golden birthday & I am planning to do most of the trip solo.

Speaking

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Safety in Spain