¿Barcelona es segura? (Consejos para evitar la delincuencia en 2024)

After all, Spain is one of the European countries safest in Europe and Barcelona continues to be one of the most desirable cities on this continent. Every day, Barcelona receives an uncountable number of tourists and sometimes there is no stopping them.

There is so many tourists that the locals have even coined a name for it theme park the town act becoming a theme theme park). The inhabitants of Barcelona are concerned that the city will lose its identity in the midst of from the crowds of tourists.

So..

Is it safe to visit Barcelona? (The facts.)

Tourism has grown RAPIDLY in Barcelona. We are talking about 25% in 4 years.

In 2012, there was 27 million visitors to Barcelona. in 2016 34 million. It's easy to see how the city has been affected by tourism.

The tourists have put so much pressure on local life that the government has tried curb and dilute the crowds in lesser known neighborhoods. It is a REAL problem that has caused exhausted residents.

Normally you can think that many tourists mean more security, but it is not so. The increase in crowds has brought an increase in crime

Last year (2018) it was stated that more than 25% of Barcelonans had been the victim of a crime, which represents an increase of 19% compared to the 2017 statistics. And, you guessed it, thefts make up the majority in public transport, in shops, in restaurants.

Is it safe to visit Barcelona right now?

Barcelona may be going through some growth issues at the moment, between the Catalan independence movement and the oversaturation of tourists, but that doesn't mean it's unsafe to visit. Barcelona is still a very modern and welcoming place that, after all, I would probably prefer a open door policy.

When it comes to interacting with the locals, honestly the worst you can expect is a rude Barcelonan who is just fed up with tourists. The cases of attacks on tourists in Barcelona are extremely rare and often it is the tourist who does the provocation in the first place.

Only remember be respectful of the locals and treat Barcelona as you would treat your own city. Do not think that you are exempt from responsibilities because you are on vacation and do not think that your actions have no repercussions.

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Even if you're only staying for a few days, that's more than enough time for the angry angels to hit you. Have fun in Barcelona, but trust us, medical care abroad and flight cancellations can be very expensive: insurance can therefore be a lifesaver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen, and it's worth thinking about insurance before you leave home.

Despite the crowds, tourists, pickpockets, demonstrations – whatever – Barcelona is safe Really! There are so many tourists that visit this city every year and yet they are part of the problem, that shouldn't stop you from going

All you have to do is treat Barcelona like any other city. To help you stay in the know, here are some of our top tips for staying safe in Barcelona:

• Stay away from any political demonstrations/protests – these are known to get ugly.
• Beware of distraction techniques – people falling in front of you, someone dropping something, overly friendly strangers, even people asking you to sign a petition; are often precursors of a heist.
• Keep your belongings close to you – hang bags on the back of chairs in a restaurant = NO. Don't even leave them under your chair. Put them on your lap.
• The same goes for your phone – leaving it on a table is an easy loot for a robbery.

1. Stop putting things in back pockets: front pockets are much more difficult for thieves to open. For maximum protection, get a discreet money belt
2. Leave your things unattended on the beach – this is one of the best ways to lose your stuff.
3. While you're at it, be careful when you swim – there may be strong undercurrents. Check for a red flag, which means "DO NOT ENTER THE WATER"
4. When you go out drinking, know your limits – it is possible to get carried away by the raucous nightlife of Barcelona. Have fun, but keep your judgment and conscience.
5. Buy your own drinks and don't leave them unattended – the snacking of the drink happens here.
6. Don't walk around looking rich and flashy – just an advertisement for would-be thieves.
7. Weed is decriminalized, but getting caught with drugs is no fun– the cops will take your stash and give you a ticket.
8. Barcelona is a night city – you will be safe especially in the main areas, but you should avoid the deserted streets.
9. If the police ask you for your identity card… – make sure they are legitimate and comply with 100%.
10. Do not talk about the independence of Catalonia – in fact, probably avoid politics completely You're a guest in town and you probably shouldn't throw your opinions out there unless getting lynched is on your Barcelona itinerary.

While generally Barcelona is safe there are definitely some things you should avoid doing, namely not taking care of your belongings. If you dont do it? There are high chances that they will be stolen.

The best you can do here is pay attention to your surroundings Travel smart and don't fall for distraction techniques. It is about using common sense, we are not going to lie.

Some general safety tips from the Broken OG Backpacker

Keep your money safe in Barcelona

Having your money stolen anywhere is something extremely annoying. TRUE? More than annoying, it is something that can totally spoil your trip.

And in Barcelona, because of all the petty theft, there is certainly a chance that you may be the victim of a simple robbery.

The best form of protection, in any situation, is prevention When it comes to protecting your money, that means investing in a money belt.

We are all for solo travel as it is an AMAZING way to see the world. There are few better ways to challenge yourself than seeing the world on your own terms.

But if you're traveling solo, you MAY be seen as just another target by petty criminals In a city like Barcelona, you are definitely you will have to watch out for pickpockets since it really is a problem.

→ Go City Barcelona Is it worth it? Go City Reviews

→ What to do today in Barcelona for free: The complete guide

→ The 15 best rooftop in Barcelona: Copeo with incredible views

As per experts at Location moto bordeaux, in general, Barcelona is safe to travel alone. Apart from the occasional thiefBarcelona is very fun, friendly and easy to visit, whether you go alone or in a group.

To help you improve your solo experience, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Remains in a well-valued accommodation in Barcelona with a good social atmosphere This is a good way to make some fellow travelers to get over the the sadness of solo travel Be sure to check if the atmosphere of the hostel is really to your liking. It is not good to stay in a place where everything revolves around the party if are about to waste time.

• There is lots of free visits that are offered by Barcelona. Tours by bike, on foot, to drink, to eat; whatever you're interested in, there's probably a tour to fit it. Not only are they a great way to visit Barcelona on a low budget, but the tours are a good way to meet other travelers Chat, make friends, make plans to caps that night.
• Check your map before you go out We are not saying that you have to memorize your route to 100%, but generally know where you are going and it will seem less like a tourist Plus, you won't have to keep pulling out your phone, which puts it at risk to get snapped up.

• Keep your money in different places so that if you get robbed, you don't lose it all at once. or better yet He wears a money belt. As we said.
• Meet with the local people. Test couchsurfing or research other groups online if you're interested in a more local vibe, more authentic of life in Barcelona.
• And if you are interested in knowing what local life is it really like that, go to a beach bar, which is a beach bar and where the locals meet. Not everyone is in the center of the city eating caps every night.
• If you walk alone at dawn around Las Ramblas, they may offer you drugs and/or a few hours with a lady of the night. Only keep in mind that these kinds of things are probably What happens when you're alone
• Learning some Spanish is a good way to get to know the area and the local people. And a little Catalan it wouldn't hurt either.

So as long as there is this problem of petty theft in Barcelona, there is also the problem that more or less ALL solo travelers face: feeling alone. or get bored or both And the best way to combat this is meet new people

Is Barcelona safe for women traveling alone?

Barcelona is very safe for solo female travelers and many single women head to this city. You are going to meet a lot of very beautiful women doing the same thing as you and listening to their stories is half the fun.

Obviously, there is more risk in traveling as a single woman; It is a sad but true circumstance. They will see you as one easier Target of robberies and overly aggressive males.

BUT the hassle actually it is not too bad in Barcelona. All you have to do here is be attentive and use common sense.

With that in mind, here are some of our top tips for female solo travelers in Barcelona, so you can have an amazing time with less stress.

• We have already mentioned that Barcelona has some incredible hostels and that staying in a good one is a good way to ensure your well-being. Many hostels even offer a dormitory for women only if that's what you want. Staying in one of these rooms limits your chances of hanging out with weirdos, and you'll also be able to meet other female solo travelers.
• The advantage of staying in a good hostel is that they often have things like walking tours (great for seeing the city AND mingling with other backpackers) and even Of bars This means being able to have fun without having to go out every night. The more social a hostel is, the more likely you are to have people to explore the city with.
• It is GENERALLY safe to walk around the city late at night But it is always better to avoid areas that lack crowds of people for example, deserted streets, quiet alleys. Do what you would do at home and avoid them if you go there alone
• We recommend that take a taxi instead of walking home at night. it's just more than likely be the safest option.
• Don't be afraid to go eat at a caps bar on your own. You will not need to queue if you are only a person Go sit at the bar. Easy ton delicious!
• Guard emergency contacts high on your phone. In this way, you will not have to scroll through all of them in case of an EMERGENCY. Or assign numbers to speed dial. Saving time is almost always the best bet for the sake of your security.
• When you are in the subway or on the beach, don't let people invade your personal space Anyone trying to get too close to you is probably trying to PICKPOCKET you. Even if you have a money belt, being a target like that it's not nice Walk away immediately if someone appears doubtful.
• the subway is generally safe but late at night, remote metro stations and empty wagons they are not what we would call safe places. Try to avoid these types of areas and stick to the city center instead.
• Insults can happen and it's up to you how do you deal with it You can react or ignore them. But honestly... We would say that simply pass by and get on with your day. It's not worth the trouble.

Like many Western European cities, Barcelona is safe for solo female travelers That being said, bad things can happen anywhere in the world and women, unfortunately, tend to be more objective than men. So do the same as at home: be careful, stay alert, stay away from people who seem WEIRD.

There is nothing that, as a woman, prevents you from seeing Barcelona alone. Lots of people travel to this great city and have an amazing time. So you should too It's about using common sense. Do it and you will surely have a good experience.

Is it safe to travel to Barcelona for families?

Barcelona is quite to Wonderland for families.

There are ALL KINDS of things to explore if you visit Barcelona with children. From museums to theme parks to fun and educational activities, there's a LOT of things to do in the Catalan capital.

To start there is:

• The Born, a quiet neighborhood that is home to Ciutadella Park (picnic areas and the Barcelona Zoo).
• There are also a lot of history of rome, Gothic buildings (in the Gothic Quarter), old candy shops, magic shops, markets and tasty Spanish food that your kids will love.
• And did you know that in Barcelona you can find one of the oldest theme parks in Europe? Is called tibidabo and dates back to 1899.
• That's not to mention all the beaches. There are nine, NINE, to choose from, plus LOADS of coastal and nature day trips to embark on.

Basically, Barcelona is a great place to take your children. Older children will love the late at night culture because they get to act like an adult. The younger children will be welcomed by the locals and to play with other children in the NUMEROUS parks of the city.

One thing you will have to do is make sure that that they are covered, since the sun can be BRUTAL in Barcelona. Be sure to bring sunscreen, and lots of it, along with hats and sunglasses basically essential.

The metro is good for taking children, even with strollers and prams. The cobbled streets and sometimes crazy traffic of Old Town it can be a bit difficult to navigate.

But other than that, you'll be fine!

you just have to find awesome accommodation for you and your family (trust us: there's a lot of that). You're going to have a blast like never before!

Is it safe to drive in Barcelona?

It is safe driving in barcelona BUT IT IS A PROBLEM and driving in Barcelona is expensive. parking It is also super expensive and there are also other inconveniences, such as..

1. There is multi-lane roundabouts dotted around the city and can be quite stressful if you are not used to them.
2. scams also exist. People will take you to a empty parking space and then they demand "protection money" If you feel you are being targeted for extortion, just go and find another place to park.
3. Things that You have to take in the car: TWO red warning triangles, a reflective vest, a spare wheel and the necessary tools to change a wheel. They might give you a a heavy fine if you dont do it.
4. If you go with children, they are not allowed to sit in the front seat unless they are above 12 years Everyone has to wear a seatbelt, of course.
5. You can't use the phone either while you drive if you do it has to be completely hands free.

Basically, driving is not worth it When you consider how good public transportation is, driving seems even more annoying.

UNLESS you are thinking of doing a day trip out of the city, driving within the city is not a good option. Not a good way to get around.

Stick to bikes and public transport Case closed.

Cycling in Barcelona

Barcelona may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of bikes, but it certainly belongs on the list of bike-friendly cities. Since 2015, the city council has decided to be more "green" and support this means of transport to reduce CO2 emissions. A huge network of cycle lanes has been built throughout the city for the past couple of years, and is constantly being expanded.

→ 25 Incredible things to do in Barcelona

→ Is Barcelona expensive? (Guide to visit it in 2023)

→ Where to stay in Barcelona – ESSENTIAL Guide

But is it safe to ride a bike? Since you can control the speed and direction you are going much more easily on a bicycle than on a motorbike or car, this mode of transportation is definitely the safest. But only if you follow the rules and wear a helmet. These are the most important:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• indicate if you want to take a curve and have lights attached to your bike
• don't drive on the sidewalk – they're for people on foot
• keep a safe distance from passing cars: they may not see you coming!

Now where can you get a bike? Unless you are staying for a long time, you can rent bikes almost everywhere in the city. Many rentals offer everything from regular city bikes to mountain bikes, and even electric bikes (you may need a license for these).

If you want to plan your vacation in advance, you can check this BCN map. They will show you all the bike lanes in and around the city, so you can easily get from A to B.

Is Uber safe in Barcelona?

uber returned to barcelona last year (2018) after being expelled for 3 ½ years.

The only thing to worry about about Uber is that it has a bit of intermittent relationship with the Barcelona authorities. So check that it's working when you go you might get kicked out again.

But if. Uber is safe in Barcelona.

Everything that makes Uber so good everything else applies here. Paying with an app, not having to speak the local language, knowing which car you're going to get into, being able to follow your journey; all the benefits you would expect.

Are taxis in Barcelona safe?

cabs are insurance in Barcelona and quite affordable (more than Uber)!

They are easy to spot; you just have to look for the black with yellow stripes You can find them at taxi stands or you can call them on the street. You just have to look for the green light on top.

Just make sure you use a official taxi because getting into one without a license is not only insecureit is also EXPENSIVE. You can be fined up to 600 euros for using a taxi service without a license. that's right, you The passenger The Barcelona government does NOT want people to use unlicensed taxis (clearly).

But, yes, taxis are safe. you can even pay with card.

Remember these points when using Barcelona taxis:

• Double check that the meter is on and the driver isn't driving aimlessly trying to rack up that meter. Use a mapping app to check that they are taking the fastest route. If you think they have cheated you, get the trip receipt and report to the police.
• It may also happen that you have to pay surcharges For things like luggage, or for taking you to the airport. That is normal.
• Taxi apps exist. There is MyTaxi and HailoCab, both work pretty much like Uber.
• You may need some Spanish, or Catalan, to get from A to B.

But our advice? Take the hassle out and have your accommodation book taxis for you when you need them It is easy.

Is public transport in Barcelona safe?

Barcelona is great when it comes to public transport. There are buses, trams, subways, and even several cable cars He cycle paths Are actually pretty good also. Best of all, it is usually very safe.

1. First things first, get yourself a day pass It is good for a maximum of 5 days and allows you to travel more easily on buses, trams and metro.
2. The subway only works until midnight, but you can get on the night bus after that.
3. Although technically not a public transport, ride a bike it's a good option. It is safe to cycle in Barcelona and it is CHEAP.
4. One of the most attractive things is a a 72 kilometer cycle path around the perimeter of the city. As of today (February 2019), that trail is not even completely finished it's SO long.
5. He buses They regularly run the routes of the city. Most of the destinations in the city are connected by them.
6. Different cable cars go to another high points around Barcelona. One, for example, climbs to the top of Montjuïc for amazing views.
7. trams they also travel around the city. There aren't MANY, but some are very pretty and offer a scenic way to travel around the city.
8. He meter it is reliable and easy to use. It is spread over 11 color-coded lines. On Saturdays the metro works 24 hours until Sunday morning.
9. To be fair, the city is REALLY pretty passable in many places..

What you will have to take into account are the PICKPOCKETS andespecially on the subway and bus And even more in busy times, like rush hour.

It's hard to tell if someone breaking in to get past you is someone stealing from you or just a normal person. they could steal your things without realizing it You do not NEED to travel in rush hour, so we would say that avoid that particular headache anyway.

And traveling alone in empty carriages at night is not recommendednor be in abandoned metro stations outside the city center.

BUT at the end of the day, public transport in Barcelona is safe and there are no BIG problems.

 

Is food safe in Barcelona?

There is some great food to try in Barcelona. Pick up snacks from street vendors, lose yourself in the huge and historic Boqueria Market, pick some up snacks from a local bakery, or hang out at caps places to have a beer and a couple of tasty dishes.

To be honest, there is not much to worry about since the food in Barcelona is very SAFE. After all, this is a developed city in a developed country. But if you REALLY don't want to get sick during your trip to Barcelona (who would?), here are some tips to help you out.

• as a good rule of thumb go to the popular establishments They are probably so popular because they are so GOOD. But also consider that no one is really they will want to go back to a place that made them sick. They will do it?
• Avoid tourist traps This is Barcelona, which has loads of amazing restaurants to try, but for every few good ones, there will be one. not so good Avoid the barkers, who will no doubt try to get you somewhere that he just wants to make money.
• Seafood plays a BIG role in the Barcelona food scene. If it smells a bit funny or tastes a bit, either don't eat it or stop eating it Being sick from eating bad shellfish is not only really horrible, but it can be dangerous also.
• If you go out to get food from a local vendor, be sure to avoid things that appear to have been sitting out in the open all day This is a good way to keep food covered in germs and flies to make their rounds everywhere. If it doesn't look fresh, don't buy it.
• Also, use your head. A restaurant does it look clean? If hygiene doesn't seem like a high priority, and you're worried about getting sick, it might be best to avoid it.
• Do some research. There is a lot of amazing places to eat in Barcelona and if you have little time in the city you will want make the most of So look on the internet and find some places that really make you hungry. Make the most of your time.
• Restaurants may not open until 8 or 9 at night So make sure that eat accordingly There's no use wasting your appetite on sandwiches from a supermarket at 6pm just because you couldn't make it all the way. Fill yourself up with a long lunch, that is what we recommend.
• WASH. YOURS. HANDS. This is elementary and it can prevent you from getting sick. If you cannot guarantee the hygiene of the beach restaurant where you are going to eat, you can at least make sure that you are clean
• Are you traveling with an allergy? Research in advance how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff may not be familiar with all foods that contain allergens, so it helps to know the names of some of them as well. Naps without gluten, grab a handy gluten free translation card with descriptions of celiac disease, the risk of cross contamination and local Barcelona ingredients in Spanish.

Basically, Barcelona is a kind of foodie paradise. There are plenty of decent things to try here, from cakes and other sweet treats to huge plates of Paella full of seafood, all washed down with a refreshing beer, some digging or any other local drink on offer.

→ The 5 best hostels in Barcelona in 2023 – EPIC places to stay

Food hygiene is a relative non-issue in Barcelona and honestly about the ONLY places that might not be that into hygiene are TOURIST TRAPS. The number of tourists in the city means that there are a lot of them. Avoid them and you won't have a problem filling up elsewhere.

Can you drink the water in Barcelona?

Tap water is drinkable in Barcelona and you can drink it directly from the tap. Take a bottle of water, fill it up when you need it and that's it.

That said, water isn't GREAT when it comes to taste. Many locals have an additional water filter installed in their kitchen, although many of these same people comment that this is a bit of an exaggeration.

Is it safe to live in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a popular place for expats, but THERE ARE a few things you will have to deal with if you decide to live in the Catalan capital:

• The cosmopolitan culture mixes with mass tourism and the crowds can be just TOO MUCH. We are serious.
• Although many of the tourists are concentrated around the sacred Family wave Park Guell, will still feel like they are everywhere.
• There are problems to live in Spain in general. Jobs are not exactly plentiful and wages are low so make sure you get a job BEFORE you go. Better yet: work for yourself.
• Things like petty crime it can be very annoying. We have already said that practically a quarter of Barcelonans had been victims of petty theft in the last year.
• BUT… There are some really pretty places you can live in Barcelona, where you can soak up the relaxed lifestyle and friendly local feeling. For example, there are Funny a charming neighborhood that is like a city in a city, and also the cool district of the born with his indie vibe and a whimsical mix of old and new.

For the most part, it is safe to live in Barcelona. Investigate, find out about recent history and the The independence of Catalonia, you know that you will be living side by side with tourists almost every day, and that you will have to put up with the things that come with it, like pickpockets..

But ultimately, Barcelona is a great city and an amazing place to live!

How is healthcare in Barcelona?

Spanish healthcare, in general, is top-notch and is one of the best healthcare systems in the world. (What do you expect from a country that spends around 10% of its GDP in its public health)

The Spanish are known for their long life The life expectancy of Spanish women is especially high; live longer than all other nations except Japan.

And Barcelona, being a big city, has many healthcare options and excellent services:

• If you have a slight thing, just head to one of the many pharmacy Often you will be able to get over-the-counter medications that you might need a prescription for at home.
• hospitals They have a HIGH level of service, attention, cleanliness – all Public hospitals and clinics are FREE.
• Be sure to bring a copy of your insurance or your European sanitary card with you when you receive treatment.

But other than that, it's honestly AMAZING. You won't have to worry about anything.

Useful phrases for traveling in Spanish

Before listing some essential Spanish (Castilian) phrases that you should learn, I'll preface this list by saying that most of northern Spain doesn't really speak Spanish as a first language.

5 languages are spoken in Spain: Castilian, Catalan, Basque, Galician and Occitan. Although most schools teach both their regional language and Spanish, many older people - especially in small towns and remote areas - may not speak Spanish in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia or the Pyrenees.

That being said, you can get by pretty much anywhere if you know Spanish, and you won't have any trouble getting around Barcelona, Madrid or other tourist areas only knowing English. Furthermore, the majority of young Spanish people know how to speak Spanish and English.

 

Frequently asked questions about security in Barcelona

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Barcelona.

Final thoughts on the safety of Barcelona

Barcelona is a super cool city. All the gaudi architecture, all the beauty of the Gothic Quarter, the hostels for hipsters, the endless stores of Las Ramblas we fully understand why any would like to visit

But that's part of the problem: everyone DOES want to visit, and apparently all at the same time. Barcelona is practically invaded by tourists. The anti-tourist sentiment is it is actually growing.

More tourists also means more pockets to pick: Barcelona has a horrible reputation for petty crime and that happens here all the time. Our advice would be to simply travel smart avoid crowds, deserted streets at night, and anywhere else that might make you an easy target.

Honestly, you are going to be fine when you visit Barcelona and you will rarely, if ever, be in any danger. Just keep your valuables close to you and don't walk around Barcelona like it's a theme park (say no to theme park). Be respectful of the locals and try to see the lesser known parts of the city. There are many, many faces of Barcelona that deserve to be seen.

Thank you for your support 🙂