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 47 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

Honestly I just love Spain I spent a whole week in Madrid and it felt like it was the best time of my life even though the weather wasn't perfect. I felt safe people are nice and there are a lot of activities that you can do. Especially during night time you don't feel alone because everyone is partying so I really recommend going there.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Lena

Lena

Austria

Group travel

I loved Madrid! It's got a beautiful city center and so so good food! I loved the breakfast places! Just wander around and go with the flow! There are are also great rooftop bars. :) I never felt unsafe so no worries if you wanna visit the city by yourself!

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2023
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Group travel

Loved it, definitely will be coming back.. reccomend for all categories of travelers. City is beautiful, people are kind and helpfull, night life felt fun but safe.. didnt have any bad experience :)

Posted: April 29, 2025
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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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Is Madrid safe for women?

Safety index

4.2 /5

Based on 63 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 63 local experiences

Sofía

Sofía

Madrid is, in general, a safe place to visit and be around (Except for a few neighborhoods), I prefer to avoid large masses of people and to walk alone at night, even tho nothing ever happened to me :)

Posted: April 29, 2025
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CARMEN

CARMEN

I feel that madrid is quite safe but it’s better to be careful at night. If it’s late I’d much rather take an Uber than public transport. The place where I live, Getafe, is quite chill, there’s mostly families and students living there.

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Meet locals in Madrid

Kelsey

Kelsey

About Me

Hi, I’m Kelsey, 27 years old from Melbourne, Australia! I’m currently living in Madrid and working as an English language assistant, and love travelling for long weekends whenever I can. I have been to 45 countries so far, with a mixture of travelling solo, with friends and with family. I love reading, baking, playing card games & board games, and getting active. I snowboard, play netball, volleyball and tennis (all sporadically lol) and love trying new things!

Speaking

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Mariam

Mariam

About Me

Hi!! My name is Mariam and I'm 23 year old, I live in Spain but I love to travel in my free time. I enjoy diving, photography, improvised plans and nature, I would love to share my travel time with someone else!!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Madrid

Elisa

Elisa

Madrid

Can host for:

3 days

About me

im 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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CARMEN

CARMEN

Madrid

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hiii, I am Carmen, I love traveling and learning new languages. I study multidisciplinary humanities and I want to be a filmmaker;)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Madrid

Ayushi

Ayushi

About Me

Hey! I'm Ayushi — German scientist, with Indian roots ;) Looking to connect with like-minded, cool folks who enjoy deep conversations, random science facts, and a good hearty laugh. Whether it's geeking out over movies, wandering through museums, or just having a relaxed hangout — I'm all in for good energy and fun exchanges. Next up: Spain! I’m starting in Málaga and heading to Madrid, and I’d love to meet locals or fellow travelers to share stories and experience Spanish culture more deeply.

Speaking

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Safety in Spain