Is Madrid Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Madrid, as a popular European capital, has a strong safety infrastructure with a visible police presence in major tourist areas. Local people are generally friendly and willing to assist travelers. However, like any bustling city, it is advised to stay alert, especially in crowded areas or at night due to potential pickpocketing. Always be aware of your belongings and avoid isolated areas late at night. But, overall, Madrid is relatively safe for solo female travelers.

Safety rating

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How safe is Madrid?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Madrid is considered a secure city for solo female travelers. The city's main areas and public transportation services are generally safe at night. However, like any other bustling city, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas and keep personal belongings secure. Local authorities are usually vigilant and responsive. As in most places, pickpocketing can be a concern, hence prudence is necessary.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Madrid's public transportation system is generally safe, modern, and efficient. Requests for help are usually met with friendly assistance and it's perfectly fine to use at all hours. It includes the metro, buses, and taxis. However, like any big city, it's advised to stay alert for pickpockets especially in crowded areas or during peak hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

While Madrid, like any large city, is not completely free from street harassment, many solo female travelers find it generally safe in terms of day-to-day interactions. There might be occasional catcalling or unsolicited attention, particularly in crowded and tourist-frequented areas, but most women report feeling comfortable walking around the city both during the day and at night. That said, it's important to stay vigilant, aware of your surroundings, and follow the same precautions you would in any major city.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Madrid’s vibrant capital, has a moderate level of petty crime. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from unattended vehicles or hotel rooms are the most common crimes. The city's bustling tourist spots and public transportation are especially targeted. Therefore, always remain vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid flaunting valuable items in public.

Is Madrid worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 31 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Valeria

Valeria

Colombia

Family travel

My experience in Madrid was great! It was my first time traveling out of my country and overall it was amazing. I travelled with my aunt and even though we were nervous because neither of us had been so far from Colombia, when we arrived we were surprised with how easy everything was. In terms of transportation there are the metro and the buses, the can take you literally everywhere and if you use Google Maps you won’t get lost. We stayed in Atocha, so I recommend it, I believe it was close to every major attraction of the city and it has lots of restaurants and cafes that you can visit! We also went to Segovia, it was a beautiful place and totally worth it, we took a train and it was fast getting there. Overall I totally recommend going to Madrid, the people is nice and when we were confused about something, people offered their help!

Posted: July 30, 2024
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Çağla

Çağla

Spain

Solo travel

I have been in Madrid for 3 days. I was staying in a hostel, it was amazing!! I have met with people coming from different countries, it was funny to share our cultures :) People are calm, city is nice but ı do not recommend you to go to Madrid in June if you are sensitive to high temperatures like 35 degrees.. I felt comfortable in that city but you should also be careful because it is capital and everything can happen. You can try tranditional foods and join to “free tour!” By using this opportunity, you can save your money+time and get knowledge about the history of the city!!

Posted: July 28, 2024
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Emily

Emily

Spain

Solo travel

Definitely try the Divorare sandwiches and any cute little coffee shop. I love OneFam Hostel, they were great. I feel safe the whole time and really enjoy the community aspects. I love the vintage shops in the vintage district.. amazing Calle de Velarde

Posted: July 19, 2024
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Andrea

Andrea

France

Solo travel

It was an incredible experience. Madrid has a lot of nightlife. There are many free and paid plans to do. I highly recommend when you first arrive to take the bonus transportation so you can travel around the metro without any problem.

Posted: June 22, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Y-Nhu

Y-Nhu

Italy

Solo travel

Madrid was excellent! I accidentally ended up in the city during a 28 hour layover, worked remotely for a while, had tapas, went to a blues club, and went dancing 💃🏽 here are my recommendations: Bar Sidi for cheap late night tapas Abonavida for smart working La Coquette Blues Bar for late night blues shows

Posted: June 17, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Patricia

Patricia

Spain

Couple travel

Madrid is a safe place with all kinds of leisure activities, both during the day and at night. Travelling alone or with your partner, even if you are LGTBI+, is very safe as long as you stay in central areas and in neighbourhoods that are not marginal. It's a beautiful place to visit, eat and spend the day, but beware of the heat from late June onwards! Always carry a bottle of water and walk in the shade if you're a foreigner and can't stand the heat. I highly recommend visiting the theatre, it's a good way to practice the language, but if you come to have fun or go out, the "Malasaña" neighbourhood is the place you are looking for.

Posted: June 4, 2024
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Majo

Majo

Spain

Solo travel

I really enjoyed the experience, the people were incredibly nice and I found many super welcoming Latinos, and the local people were super friendly. There are beautiful places, the architecture is impressive and the nightlife varied and very fun. And about the food, no complaints at all, delicious!

Posted: March 5, 2024
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Rachel

Rachel

United States

Solo travel

I stayed in a hostel in the city center in a room of all women, and felt safe in the hostel. I was hesitant to be out alone at night (past 11), which I think is normal for a big city. Looked on maps for food and activities- super last minute, and had a lot of fun. Spaniards seem generally open and happy to talk. I do speak a bit of Spanish and was happy to meet new people spontaneously.

Posted: February 16, 2024
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Paola

Paola

Costa Rica

Solo travel

Madrid has been my favorite, the people are so friendly, the atmosphere is like the place, the food is very delicious and the ice cream is my favorite, my best memory so far is Madrid 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷😍🫠🫠

Posted: January 6, 2024
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Micahela

Micahela

Uruguay

Solo travel

I would recommend to go to Madrid maybe just for a few days. I was expecting so much of the city but in reality, there is just a few mind-blowing places (if compared to other European places) It is definitely a must go but just to get it off your checklist

Posted: December 21, 2023
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Is Madrid safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Madrid is a very safe city. I live alone as a young woman and have never felt unsafe as a woman going out at night, walking alone etc. only thing would be a slight risk of pick pockets in crowded touristy areas, but not on the level of many other European cities

Posted: November 15, 2024
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Maria

Maria

Madrid is a súper safe city. I always walk home at any hour. But of course there are a lot of pickpoketers in the center (gran via is the worst). And also if you forget your stuff somewhere - its gone. Recently ,also in the center, you should be more carefull with groups of men. You can find sexual abuse anywhere in the world, so as long as you avoid drunk man and don't react to any of them its okey. There is a lot of police everywhere. Also, lavapies at night is a bit sketchy but still okey if you don't react.

Posted: September 21, 2024
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Meet locals in Madrid

Sasha

Sasha

About Me

Hello there! I’m Sasha, your curly friend 🧚🏽 I’m 28 years old and I have been travelling for 2 years now. I love to travel, eat vegetarian food, coffee, cats and make friends ✨

Speaking

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Brigitte

Brigitte

About Me

My name is Brigitte, I'm a woman funny and smiley. I found my self adventuress, sociable, good friend and trustworthy. I'm clean and neat.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Madrid

Madeline

Madeline

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I’m Maddie! I’m 20 and currently living and studying in Madrid. I love traveling and discovering new places and cultures, and have a never ending bucket list to tick off. I’m always down to travel and meet with new people from around the world :) I’m a pretty adventurous traveler and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking as well as traditional sightseeing, trying local food, and sometimes getting off the beaten path a bit!

Speaking

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Tasia

Tasia

Madrid

Can host for:

4 days

About me

I love to explore different cultures and to meet new people! Currently I am studying in Rome, because of the Erasmus program, but normally I live in Madrid, Spain :)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Madrid

Josh

Josh

About Me

Hello im Chinese, im an international student currently study and live in Deggendorf, Germany. I would like to travel around europe in the following years.

Speaking

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Safety in Spain