Barcelona is one of Europe’s most captivating cities thanks to its unique architecture, laidback attitude, and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, but is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers?
I lived in Barcelona for over five years and only recently moved away. And before ever moving there, I visited Barcelona as a solo traveler for 14 days.
So, I’m going to give you my full breakdown on what it’s like in Barcelona and give you the best tips and insights to make sure your trip is both safe and pleasant. Let’s get into it.
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Is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers? My Experience
Let me start by saying that no place is perfectly safe, even in some of the world’s happiest and safest cities. It’s important to be cautious, use common sense, and not put yourself in potentially dangerous situations when traveling alone or with friends. This applies everywhere you go.
During my time living and traveling in Barcelona, I was pickpocketed only once and that was in my first month of living in the city. Since then, I haven’t been pickpocketed again. However, many of my friends were, which I’ll explain more below.
Beyond pickpocketing, I have felt unsafe in Barcelona a handful of times. Each time I was alone and it was late at night. I’ve never really felt unsafe during the day or with groups of friends.
If you are visiting Barcelona alone as a woman, please be very aware of your surroundings in the evenings on quiet streets, particulary in the Ciutat Vella (Born, Raval, Gothic Quarter). I was once followed home by two men and it was a very scary experience.
I don’t say these things to scare you. Instead, I say them so that you can be realistic and prepared. And remember, Barcelona was my home for more than 5 years. Of all years there, I was pickpocketed once, cat-called/bothered on streets dozens of times, and followed home twice.
Overall, I find that the city is safe, and solo female travel in Barcelona can be an amazing thing. I had an incredible time when I visited solo before I moved there! However, there is a major issue with pickpocketing and foreigners harassing women.
The city has so much to offer visitors, and it’s such a beautiful destination for women traveling solo. I just hope that the government or local authorities can fix some of the issues in order to make it a more travel-friendly destination.
Let’s look at some more details to help answer the question, “Is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers?”
Barcelona Crime Statistics
Now – is Barcelona a safe city? First off, Barcelona doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to theft. It’s Europe’s #1 pickpocketing destination, and it’s practically a rite of passage to get your phone stolen as a local.
Theft is the most common crime in Barcelona. During the first half of 2024, there were 24 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. This is nearly double that of Madrid at 12.8 cases per 1,000.
In 2023, there were 7,085 cases of breaking and entering. This includes both residential and commercial units.
For some reason I couldn’t find straightforward statistics on sexual violence in Barcelona. Howevever, I did find a report that noted that during the first six months of 2024, Mossos (the Catalan police) received 1,910 reports of sexual assault. This is for the entire province.
That equates to, for the first six months of the year, about 23 reports per 100,000 inhabitants. And keep in mind that not every case is reported, and many people experience threats, cat-calling, and other forms of sexual assault and never report it.
Pickpocketing in Barcelona – The Statistics
Pickpocketing claimed 48.1% of all crimes committed in Barcelona in 2023. So, the good news is that there is far less violent crime or break ins, but the downside is that a whopping 100,944 reports of pickpocketing did occur.
I asked my followers on Instagram if they’d been pickpocketed when they visited/lived in Barcelona and a solid 25% of them had had something stolen during their time in the city.
If you follow that statistic, there is a 25% chance that you’ll be pickpocketed while visiting Barcelona. And considering that during the first half of 2024 there were 24 thefts per 1,0000 inhabitants, my personal research is right on target.
How to Avoid Pickpockets in Barcelona
I have a larger deep dive on avoiding pickpockets in Europe. However, here I’d like to focus specifically on Barcelona and some things to keep in mind to stay safe as a solo female traveler in Barcelona.
Pickpockets love to steal phones and wallets, They have tons of nasty tricks for grabbing them. These are some of the common tactics thieves will use to get your phone/wallet.
Grabbing it out of your pocket: DON’T leave your phone in your back pocket or sticking out of your front pocket. Pickpockets will see them and they will snatch them up.
The bicycle/moped trick: Pickpockets will literally steal your phone out of your hand as they pass you on a bicycle or moped. Be aware! Use one of these anti-theft phone lanyards if you’re going to have your phone while walking.
The paper-on-table tactic: Sometimes a sad-looking man or woman might approach your table. They won’t really say anything, but they’ll hold a paper over your table with words asking for help. They will then steal your phone because… it’s under the piece of paper and you don’t even notice it happening! Tip: DON’T leave your phone sitting on your table.
The off-guard table swipe: Don’t leave your purse under your table or on the side of your chair. Babe, it’s going to get snatched while you’re distracted in conversation! It goes without saying, but don’t leave your stuff unattended either.
Shared Uber: This is a new one for me! A friend of a friend was just in Barcelona and, in her shared Uber ride, someone stole her wallet and her phone. Keep an eye on your stuff.
The high five: Someone might try to high five you on the street or cause a distraction in an attempt to grab your phone/wallet from your purse or pocket. Tip: Don’t high five strangers.
Crowded areas: Pickpockets flock around La Boqueria Market, La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia, Sagrada Familia, and other bustling parts of the city. They’ve even operated at places like the Picasso Museum. Exercise the most caution in these areas.
Crowded metros: Keep your bag in front of you and your phone secure when riding on busy metros. Thieves love to steal on public transport.
What to Do if You’re Pickpocketed in Barcelona, Spain
First and foremost, look around. I’ve had friends run and yell “ladrón” (thief) or “pickpocket!” and others on the street helped retrieve the stolen phone. Perhaps don’t try this on a quiet street, for your own safety.
If you can’t find what’s been stolen, check the nearest bins, trash cans, or streets. Oftentimes, if a pickpocket takes your entire purse or bag, they will drop if somewhere closeby with everything remaining except your valuables and cash.
Finally, report it to the police by visiting one of the stations and filing a “denuncia” (police report). Keep in mind the police officers at the station may or may not speak English fluently, so be patient.
Gather up as much information as you can. It’s good to have a copy of your cell phone’s IMEI number. You can find this in your settings. If an office retrieves lost phones from a thief, they will add the IMEI numbers to the database. If your number matches, then you’ll get your phone back! (I’ve seen it happen!)
This article gives a lot useful information on where the different police stations are and tips for getting a temporary passport, if need be.
Also, keep in mind the local police number is 112. You can also dial 062 for an English-speaking line within Spain.
Other Things Barcelona Pickpockets Steal
Thieves won’t just target your phone and wallet. If they see a nice shiny watch, they’ll come up with ways to bump into you or distract you in order to unclasp your watch and grab it.
One of my friends had a gold necklace stolen from him while he was walking home in the Gothic Quarter one evening. The man, without hesitation, ripped it off his neck.
Another one of my friends, a photographer, fell asleep at Ciutadella Park with his expensive camera in his tote back. When he woke up, it was gone.
If it’s inconvenient to steal just your phone or wallet, a pickpocketer may take your entire bag or purse. When they do this, so long as your bag isn’t worth something, they often dump your bag somewhere nearby. Usually, they leave behind your wallet – save for any cash – as well as your identification and other items with little value to a thief. Which is, um, thoughtful for a criminal?
Tips for Visiting Barcelona as a Solo Traveler
Meet people: Barcelona is a very lively city, and going out in the evenings is best done with other travel companions. You can meet people on apps like Couchsurfing or Bumble Friends, or through mutual friends, hostels, or events in the city.
Enjoy attractions solo: There are hundreds of things to do in Barcelona for solo female travelers. From touring Sagrada Familia to walking through Park Guell, there are many Barcelona bucket list experiences that are perfectly done alone. See my 3-day Barcelona itinerary for loads of recommendations.
Take a class: Solo travel in Barcelona gives you the opportunity to discover hidden gems and do immersive things like a sunrise paddle boarding tour at Barceloneta Beach or taking a paella cooking class with wine.
Get an anti-theft bag: These bags are slash proof, have easy-to-use locks on all the zippers, and are still super discreet and cute.
Get the Barcelona 25 Card: To save money on your trip. you can get this Barcelona Card. You’ll get unlimited access to public transportation and tickets to 25+ museums in Barcelona.
Use a travel eSim: It’s best to have some cellular data if you’re traveling alone in Barcelona. I recommend a company like Holafly or Sim Local for the best eSims for europe.
Have copies of your documents: Just in case you fall victim to pickpocketing in Barcelona, I recommend having physical and digital copies of your passport, ID, flights, etc before you visit.
Nights are long: Barcelona nightlife is famous for its long nights. This is good for you if you’re out late and walking home alone. Stay on busy streets if you feel uncomfortable.
Be cautious walking home at night: As with anywhere in the world, you should be aware of your surroundings when you’re walking home at night. Don’t be on your phone, walk confidently, and don’t eyeball anyone who may seem off. You don’t want to get their attention. This is especially important if you’re walking around at night in the neighborhoods of Raval and parts of the Gothic Quarter.
Choose a central hotel/hostel with a good reputation: There are good hostels in Barcelona and there are sketchy ones. Don’t stay in the cheapest place you can find. Instead, opt for a place with good reviews and better safety standards. I recommend this Santi Jordi Hostel or the H10 Madison Hotel.
Don’t stay on La Rambla: It’s noisy, full of sketch balls, way too touristy, and not worth it.
Conclusion – Is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers?
Like several other European cities, such as Rome and France, pickpocketing is an issue in Barcelona. But beyond that, it’s generally a safe city for women. However, it is a big city and there are endless types of people.
Exercise caution when walking around alone at night, particularly in neighborhoods like Raval and parts of the Gothic Quarter. And as with anywhere, don’t be too trusting of strangers you’ve just met.
Finally, have fun! Barcelona is an incredibly unique city with loads to offer travelers from all walks of life. Soak it up and have a good time!
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