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 144 experiences from female travelers

4.3 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 115 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 144 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Group travel

In this town, i felt pretty safe around, I haven’t met unsafe people and the town was really gorgeous. I went to many locations in Barcelona and it was always beautiful, the people back there was pretty respectful.

Posted: August 1, 2025

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Family travel

We only stayed one night, but it was absolutely beautiful! We arrived in the afternoon and had a lovely dinner at a local place before checking in to our hotel. We then went back out to wander- it was dark out but we felt very safe, as the streets were nicely crowded and the people were very kind (locals and tourists alike.) Lots of good shopping and cafes/dessert places.

Posted: July 29, 2025

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Solo travel

Tinto de verano was the best drink i have ever had. I highly recommend to drink it instead of beer. Pastries are super delicious in general. Raval area can be sketchy at night. Public transportations are easy to use and fairly safe

Posted: July 25, 2025

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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

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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Is Barcelona safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Vivienne

All in all Barcelona is quite safe I would say. But I would avoid small streets in the center of Barcelona (Ciutat Vella: Gótico, Born, Raval) at night. And be aware of robbers, watch your belongings and don’t walk with your phone in your hands in the center. As Barcelona is very crowded there is a moderate-high chance to be sexually assaulted, like everywhere.

Posted: September 10, 2025

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