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

4 /5

Based on 137 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 103 experiences from local women

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How safe is Barcelona?

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: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: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: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 137 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

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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Kubra

Ireland

Solo travel

This was my first solo travel. I visited important places. I got lost in the streets of Barcelona and it was a great feeling. I recommend you to try La Pepita restaurant, they have very delicious tapas. I ate paella at Colom restaurant, it was delicious. I met my friend Kamola who is a solo traveler from this application and we went to Montjuic together. In short, I had a great time in Barcelona. Of course, I would like to visit Spain again.

Posted: May 13, 2025

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Group travel

Generally, I feel safe, but sometimes it can be scary. We went on a group trip, so I didn't have any problems with safety. We couldn't buy drinks at the market, but I'm not sure why. Overall, I liked the experience and would visit again.

Posted: April 27, 2025

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Marishka

Germany

Couple travel

My gf and I felt very safe as a lesbian couple traveling Barcelona. The local homosexual scene is very big and welcoming, we found some lesbian party completely by accident and had a wonderful time there. The food was amazing and prices were OK. Overall it was a wonderful experience. 🩷

Posted: April 21, 2025

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Is Barcelona safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 103 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 103 local experiences

sandra

It's not as bad as sometimes people tell but you need to be cautious especially with your belongings. I recommend you to stay alert if you are walking late in the streets but as you should do in every city.

Posted: June 15, 2025

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Antonia

Be careful with your phone, there are pickpockets everywhere. The beaches in the city are also targeted so ask someone to watch your valuables while you swim. Also people break into apartments if windows are left open for days. But not much harassment otherwise just be vigilant

Posted: June 8, 2025

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