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 32 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5
Stephanie

Stephanie

Lebanon

Solo travel

I lived my stay in Madrid! Even though it was only for 3 days. I got there by train from Barcelona, and i stayed in the heart of the city. It was very easy to get around, and i met a lot of interesting people. There are tons of pubs, bars and cafes that are really nice. I felt extremely safe even at night, but it is recommended you keep your items close to you in crowded touristy areas.

Posted: December 29, 2024Experienced: September, 2022
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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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Is Madrid safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

It depends on the zone you live obviously, but where I live is a very safe place, it has it's thing like everywhere else but I don't have to worry all day when I'm out on vacation if anybody entered my home.

Posted: January 4, 2025
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Madrid, in general, is very safe, but, as always, somewhat less so for women. The city has an unsafe public transport system at night. However, at night, Madrid is beautiful and full of nice people offering to help you during your visit.

Posted: January 2, 2025
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Meet locals in Madrid

Maia

Maia

About Me

I'm a young adult who's been living in Madrid her whole life but i've been educated in a German international school. Therefore I love cultures and languages and learning about them. I also Love traveling and meeting new people.

Speaking

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Beatriz

Beatriz

About Me

Hey I'm Bea, I love traveling and meeting new people. I study Finance and work in Italy sometimes as an event coordinator. I like to talk about history, life stories, goals and animals. I was born and raised in Madrid so I know a lot about my culture, places you should go, places you should avoid, etc.. I speak Spanish, fluent English and Italian and I'm open to learn other languages specially German and French. I like to do chill plans like going to a caffè or a museum but I'm also a party girl sometimes. Nice to meet you!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Madrid

Anamaria

Anamaria

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hii my name is Ana, I am 22, and I am an international student currently living in Madrid, Spain:) I love meeting new people and travel non stop! I m an independent person and have lived in 5 countries till now( played professional basketball since I was 7). I speak English, Romanian, Hungarian, French and I m studying Spanish at the moment. I would love to travel exchange and make new friends!

Speaking

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Natalia

Natalia

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I was supposed to be a digital nomad, but fell in love with Spain and finally settled in my favourite place in the world - Madrid. I work in IT and study psychology, hoping to start a new career in a few years. I live with my cat Sheldon and thinking of adopting a dog. Love dancing, opera, books and deep conversations💞

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Madrid

Viviana

Viviana

About Me

Hey! I am a dancer from Colombia right now traveling in Europe :)

Speaking

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Mariana

Mariana

About Me

I love to explore different cultures and to meet new people! I’m a designer interested in art, design and fashion. I’m open to host or meet up :)

Speaking

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Safety in Spain