The Truth About Safety & Security in Barcelona

On By NoémiIn #TravelTuesday

If you’ve been scrolling through travel forums or watching the news, you might be feeling a bit iffy about Barcelona. I get it – every city has its quirks and stories, but sometimes those stories can be exaggerated. Yes, it happens. Hey, I got robbed in Manchester by the way… In broad daylight, in front of CCTV cameras at a coffee shop on Market Street – the heart of the city – where I walked by every day at least twice for 10 years.
So… Yes, Barcelona – like many major cities – does have its share of petty crime and pickpockets… Yes, it does. I’m not gonna lie and defend my favorite city. But, there goes the huuuge BUT: the news – as usual… – amplifying fears with the absolute worst-case scenarios. What they don’t point out is that millions of visitors enjoy the city without issues – …15.5 million last year. Yeah, I know but that person who got robbed and put it on TikTok, right? Yea… I know, I get it.
Let’s face it… You’re much more likely to have the best time exploring the city, eating tapas, and soaking up the sun on the beach than encountering any trouble.

Barcelona isn’t the crime-ridden nightmare some portray it to be.

In fact, with a few simple tips -… and a bit of common sense… duh. – you can enjoy this vibrant city without a single fear in the world. The key is being aware of your surroundings and keeping your belongings secure. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference – …in any big city, just saying! On the plus side, the city has a huge police presence lately, especially in touristy areas, so you can feel a bit more at ease knowing help is nearby if you need it.

Pickpockets can be around, especially in crowded areas like La Rambla, Plaza Catalunya, or the Gothic Quarter, but with a bit of awareness, you can easily avoid those petty thieves. Keep your stuff close, use a crossbody bag, and stay a bit alert. Just like in any major city, it’s best to avoid flashing all your expensive jewelry and belongings around – … easy, try to blend in and have a little common sense, please! Most locals don’t stress about this too much – we go about with our days, aware but not paranoid. Slowly I’m reaching my 1 year anniversary of living here, and nothing bad happened to me.
In the beginning, I was nervous too but after a few weeks of exploring Barcelona and using public transport for everything, I realized it is not a hell hole as it is pictured in the media lately.

Barcelona’s public transport system is super efficient and it is safe and a great way to navigate the city – I don’t have a car, I use the metro daily. Just remember to keep your belongings close – duh. I feel like a parrot repeating myself.

Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary, but like any city, it has areas that are better to steer away after dark. While the Gothic Quarter is a must-see during the day, the vibe shifts when the sun goes down. Those charming narrow streets can become a bit eerie at night… Sure, it’s full of bars and restaurants, but some corners can feel sketchy, especially if you’re wandering alone or a bit tipsy.
It’s important to mention the district called El Raval. Well… you see, it’s actually not a big problem if you DON’T GO there, especially on your first trip to Barcelona! – I mean it is as vibrant as it is complex. Honestly, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in a different kind of place. They say there are better parts, with art galleries, hidden little cafes, hip boutiques… But on the other hand, it’s like a multi-cultural melting pot – not necessarily in a good way…. – also dirt, collapsing buildings, drugs, noise, prostitution, smell. OkaaaAaAay, yes… they are also doing all this “district rehabilitation” project but…

Long story short:
Whether you’re visiting for a week or staying long-term, don’t let exaggerated fears hold you back. With a little awareness and some common sense, believe me, you can fully experience everything that this beautiful city offers… Barcelona is way more than its reputation lately – it’s a trip you really shouldn’t miss, just because the media tells you to.

Now, pack your bags and enjoy!
… Just keep an eye on your wallet while you’re at it!

See you at the next one,

Noémi

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24 thoughts on “The Truth About Safety & Security in Barcelona”

  3. Thanks for the advice! I have visited Barcelona (over 10 years ago) and it was lovely! I was warned about the thieves and I was being extra careful attaching my wallet to my leg with a stretchy band under my shorts. I went to a karaoke bar with friends there and they took a video of me singing. First I didn’t notice when the wallet started to slide down my leg, then when I noticed I tried to repeatedly put it back up with one hand holding the mic on the other and singing Born to Be Wild… Afterwards my friends kept showing me the video and it made everyone laugh too much!! It was hilarious and embarrassing. I don’t know if I would recommend my technique with the wallet, but it’s one way to hold on to it.

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  5. Yes crime is going up after visiting the city for many years and my oldest study semester there with a local family we notice. However, common sense always prevails in any major city and we never encounter any problems. Media ha that is their job always more to get the common man over for ratings, viewer beware. Nicely put article. Cheers

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  6. Barca has been a nest of thieves for decades apparently. Certainly since I started visiting half a lifetime ago.
    As you say, don’t wear your bling, cross body bags with short straps at the front. Cameras & phones in zipped compartments in the bag.
    Saying that, on a work trip a colleague had her stuff in a bum bag (Fanny pack) across her belly. She was distracted by a bird seller on the Ramblas. Someone swept in & tried to release her bag. A quick & noisy shout saw them off & dirty looks from the bird seller.
    Use common sense & don’t make yourself easy pickings.

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  12. Well said! My city of Lima has the same reputation, which is again highly exaggerated. In any case, I always take simple precautions as I do in any city I visit when ejoying time down-town. Speaking to a policewoman in Portobello Road, London, she told me that most cellular phone robberies in this tourist street happen because they are kept in a victim’s jeans back-pocket. Easy game for a pick-pocket.

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  13. Noemi, this post brought back fond memories of a long-ago visit to Barcelona with my late husband. What amazed us was the prevalent public displays of affection.

    I can also relate to being robbed. I was robbed of my wallet two years ago at the grocery store by a team of thieves. When I got to the checkout and discovered I couldn’t pay, they were long gone to the Walmart across the street trying to pay for $500 in purchases with my credit cards. Every one of them was declined, so they got nothing! It was a frustrating experience for me though, and since then, I carry a cross-body bag!

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  17. I heard Romania pickpockets and con artists are a lot in Europe are a lot of Romania pickpockets and con artists in Spain? I heard most criminal activities are caused by them in other European countries and not the natives. Is it as so in Spain?

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  18. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    we toured around Barcelona, pretty much all the places you talk about, Barcelona is a spectacular city, but no different than other big cities in terms of security, you have to keep your valuables close and be alert. Enjoy!

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  19. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    I agree. Yes, there are risks in any city — including one’s home town. But fear exaggerates them when it comes to travel, and no one (well, except you) writes stories about not getting robbed or pick-pocketed! The exceptions get the press.

    I also agree that awareness and precautions can reduce the small risks even further. When I’m out and about I care one of two PacSafe bags worn in a cross-body manner. I keep them zipped up and secured, and if I’m in a spot that feels a little dicey I keep them under my arm.

    My view is that if there are bad guys about, they are more likely to go after someone who looks unprepared, unaware, and perhaps has wallet and phone in back pocket and so on.

    We’ve had one close call. Once, in Venice. But that “awareness” saved us, since we saw what was happening before it actually happened. We zipped into a nearby restaurant and the “problems” kept walking…

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  21. We were Barcelona in 2016. I found the constant thick crowds along La Rambla, just a little shocking for each entire day and into mid-evening. And we were in the city for 3 full days in late Sept. Our hotel was just 2 blocks away from La Rambla.

    Keep in mind in lived, worked and biked in Toronto, Canada’s biggest city for 20 yrs., and that is also a Canadian tourist city. I also lived in VAncouver, BC for 8 yrs. downtown.

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  22. As a New Yorker, I loved this post! My only trip to Barcelona was a ond day liberty while in the Navy. Lter I found out that the family was from Girona and that I had relatives in Barcelona. but your cautions reminded me of the exact same things we advised for visitors to New York City.

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