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

4.6 /5

based on 44 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel

I really enjoyed Madrid, I travelled solo and stayed there for two weeks in february as an au-pair by a host family. I had some free time, so I got around alone very often. I would recommend to travel a bit later maybe in spring or May, so its not to hot, but everyrthink is growing and the winter works are finished, so you can enjoy the lovely parks and green areas more than I. I also recommend to visist a Flamenco show, the el rastro marked (but take care of your personal stuff), a walk to the most importand sights like the palace, the via grande and if you have more time a day Trip to toledo or San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Posted: March 14, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Ilse

Ilse

Netherlands

Group travel

I felt really safe in Madrid. I went there in april and a lot of the locals like to make a little small talk (They also remind/warn you to keep an eye on your bag/camera when walking in busy areas). I had a lot of late night and early morning walks alone and felt pretty safe. Just keep an eye out for yourself and your stuff. There are alot of homeless people (most of them leave you alone but some of them come begging for money or food, even when you're sitting at a terrace) but as long as you don't give them to much attention they will leave.

Posted: March 1, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
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Solo travel

I really loved visiting Madrid. I think its generally safe, around 7-7,5 on a scale of 10, especially during the day. But people has to take care of their belongings, because there are a lot of pickpockets. I loved the district of “Chueca” and watching the sunset from “temple of debod”

Posted: February 28, 2025
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Solo travel

I actually went with my family but they were busy with work all day so I had to visit the city on my own. It was my first kinda “solo travel” even though I met my family on the evenings. I found it a really pleasant city, easy to visit by foot. However I didn’t stay in the center so the tube was necessary, it is very well deserved ! It was a short stay I’d love to go back !

Posted: February 27, 2025Experienced: January, 2023
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Group travel

I gelt really safe there. It was sooo interesting to go around. The people are so nice and welcoming. You should travel to Toledo which is nearly 1 hour away from madrid. The food is so good. It is also a must to visit a flamenco show.

Posted: February 17, 2025
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Iris

Iris

Belgium

Family travel

We went as three friends we visit the castle. We also visited the illusion museum and some bars late at night. There will always be people who will try to lure you into bars just make sure that it’s safe, but for the most part, we went swimming because it was too hot.

Posted: February 13, 2025
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Eleonora

Eleonora

Italy

Solo travel

A very nice and wonderful city. I visited alone and met up with people from this app! We had a very good time around the center, it feels really safe and people are kind and sweet! I recommend doing the Youth Metro Card if you're younger than 26, it's gonna be €4 and you can recharge it for only €8 per month. It's very convenient even if you're staying here for a few weeks. The center and the shopping are generally more expensive compared to the rest of Spain but I recommend Mercadona for groceries shopping and the "Mercadillo de la Plaza del Campillo" for thrift shopping. For the apartment I used the platform "SpotaHome" and I had a very nice experience with my roommates and the owner as well!

Posted: February 13, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Sara

Sara

Hungary

Solo travel

I loved madrid and spain jn general. The atmosphere is so cool and so cozy and welcoming, the people are so cheerful and vibrant , even though most of them did not speak english the service everywhere i went was amazing

Posted: February 6, 2025
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Couple travel

Madrid is one of the most beautiful and alive cities i’ve visited. The people are really nice and easygoing even if the generally can’t speak english. I felt very safe in Madrid, but since it’s a big city there are always neighbourhoods that are less safe than others. I was near Atocha station and that was not too safe but not too bad either. And it was a very strategic position, for the public transports as well. We went to Prado and to Reyna Sofia, we saw Palacio de Cristal, the Ayuntamiento, the Royal Palace and the park El Retiro. We’ve also seen the Real Academia se Bellas Artes, which is an hidden gem: there are like 200 works by Goya and we were also lucky cause that they an art historian gave us a free tour of the museum. A very nice place to get tinto de verano (it’s so good!! and it’s only 5€) is La Kama Cafe and we also liked the cocktails at Yambala (a really cute bar). To move from a place to another we took the underground but also the push scooter, which is actually kinda cheap. Also, you need to try churros with chocolate, we had them at Chocolateria San Gines. If you’re into hispanic literature, an hidden gem that you can’t miss is Calle de las Huertas, a street where on the pavement are written the most famous quotes of spanish literature.

Posted: January 22, 2025
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Yolanda

Yolanda

Spain

Couple travel

I recommend go to Chueca, it’s a part of the center that is LGBT+ supportive and it has such a good vibe. I feel pretty safe bcs we stay the night at the center of the city, but I have a friend who live like 30 mins away of the center and she told me that when she has to go home after the university she don’t feel so safe she carry a special key-knife with her just in case

Posted: January 13, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Is Madrid safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

andrea

andrea

Madrid is a cool city, full of life, culture, and party. It has a strong student vibe and there’s always something to do, events, plans, and new places to discover. I’m originally from Andalucia but I love Madrid,

Posted: April 14, 2025
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I guess that Madrid is safe, but avoid dangerous areas like some areas of Vallecas or Villaverde Bajo at night. Although, I would say Madrid is pretty safe or at least from my point of view. And also be really aware of your bag, your purse or your mobile, cause you can get them stolen at the street or in the metro. Be really alert about it!!! Even so it's really a lovely city, maybe you can encounter people in a bad mode, that's why they are unfriendly with you, but most of the people here are really kind.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Meet locals in Madrid

Jovanna

Jovanna

About Me

Hey! I’m Jova 🇪🇨✨ I’m 19, from Ecuador, and currently living in Madrid as a Biomedical Engineering student 👩‍🔬. I’m sweet, curious, and love meeting new people 🌍. I’m always up for sharing a coffee, walking around the city or nature 🙂‍↕️, or discovering cool spots together ☕️✨. Since I’m also relatively new to Madrid (I’ve been living in Madrid a few months now), I’d love to explore it with other amazing girls — and help however I can! Let’s share cultures, laughs, and maybe even a little adventure along the way 💫.

Speaking

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Paloma

Paloma

About Me

Hey! I’m Paloma, originally from Spain and living in Madrid. I’m a fitness and health enthusiast, and I’ve even started my own CrossFit-focused health and wellness business (it’s my passion!) I’m also gluten-free (Celiac life), but that doesn’t stop me from loving food, cooking, and trying new things. I’m always up for a good view and an outdoor adventure. Right now, I’m learning Japanese because I’ve always loved the culture and I have some friends in Japan & I’m planning a trip to Japan soon, i’m super excited! I created this account to connect with other amazing girls who love to travel, explore, and grow. I’m all about good vibes, open minds, and sharing beautiful experiences around the world.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Madrid

Claudia

Claudia

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I’m Claudia, I just landed here, I’m a student of International Law and I work for NGOs around Europe. I’m originally from Italy but I travel a lot and I’m currently living in Madrid.

Speaking

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Elisa

Elisa

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

il a french girl in madrid enjoying spain, who loves cats, sitting on a bench on a solo travel to draw, islamic architecture, colors and hummus 💁‍♀️

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Madrid

Priscila

Priscila

About Me

Psychologist, solo traveller, Brazilian living in the most beautiful city in Rio de Janeiro: Armação dos Búzios, also known as “Brazilian Saint-Tropez” (honestly, I prefer Búzios!). ☺️ I love to travel abroad and I’ve been in some European countries, as France, Germany, Belgium, Malta, Netherlands and Czech Republic. I also like to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. Currently planning to go to Scotland in May/24 :)

Speaking

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Safety in Spain