dPeople often ask me “Is Barcelona safe?” or “Is it safe to travel to Barcelona?”. From social media horror stories to press features about safety in Barcelona, there is a lot of (mis?)information out there, and understandably, if you’re thinking of coming to Barcelona, you want to know that you will be safe here. To reassure visitors to Barcelona, I’ve written this post to explain why Barcelona is safe to visit and share some Barcelona safety tips from living in this beautiful city for five years.
Is Barcelona Safe?
The first thing I have to emphasise is that violent crime in Barcelona is very rare and compared to other major European cities like Paris or Rome, Barcelona is still a very safe city.
Gun crime is virtually non-existent here, and I feel much safer in Barcelona than I would in many cities in the United States. I’m originally from the UK and feel safer here than I do walking around cities like London and Manchester at night.
Homicide rates in Spain are very low, with the last figures I found for 2023 standing at 0.691 homicides per 100,000 people. Compared with the UK at a rate of 1.148 homicides per 100,000 people (in 2021), and the US with 5.763 homicides per 100,000 in 2023, that looks pretty safe to me!
However, pickpocketing and petty crime in Barcelona are annoyingly common.
During the Pandemic, crime rates dropped dramatically as tourists stayed away, and now that visitors have returned, the city has stepped up the fight against crime with more police on patrol and tougher sentences against repeat offenders. Overall, crime rates dropped in 2024, and thefts in 2025 remain at around the same level.
Visitors should also be aware that the police are cracking down on drunk and disorderly behaviour, so while you’re in Barcelona, please visit responsibly or you could be detained or fined!
Potential Safety Risks in Barcelona
Terrorism in Barcelona
Unfortunately, there is a risk of terrorist attacks in Barcelona, like many places in Europe and around the world. In 2017 there were two incidents in Barcelona where vehicles were driven into pedestrians – one on La Rambla, the main tourist street in Barcelona, where 13 people were killed.
In previous years, there were attacks from Eta, the Basque separatist group, although they have now disbanded and are no longer considered a threat. These days, it is Islamist extremists who are more likely to carry out an attack. Be vigilant but not paranoid, you would be extremely unlucky to be caught up in a terrorist attack in Barcelona but sadly, it is a possibility.
Political Demonstrations in Barcelona
There is a strong sense of Catalan pride in Barcelona, and many people want to see Catalonia separate from Spain. They see the economic and political control that the Government in Madrid has over the country as damaging to Catalonia and to Catalan culture.
In 2019, nine Catalan politicians were jailed for their part in a referendum for independence that the Spanish government ruled illegal. They were pardoned and released in 2021, but feelings run high in Catalonia about the freedom to choose their future.
In times of elections, debates about the political situation, and on the National Day of Catalonia on 11th September, be aware that there are likely to be demonstrations, marches or large gatherings of people. While this can be a spectacle to watch, there is a risk that any demonstration may turn violent, or that they may be violently suppressed by the police, so I’d recommend keeping your distance.
Anti-Tourism Protests
The recent protests in Barcelona have been well-publicised in the media, with images and videos of protestors spraying tourists with water pistols shared around the world. Understandably, this is a concern for some people visiting Barcelona, but I do think it has been blown out of proportion.
It is important to be aware of why people are protesting; against very real issues of a lack of housing, sky-high rents and gentrification changing the identity of neighbourhoods. Please read my article about overtourism in Barcelona and what we can do to visit Barcelona responsibly, so you can enjoy the city respectfully.
Barcelona Pickpockets
Pickpocketing in Barcelona is very common. One of the reasons for Barcelona being infamous for pickpockets is that theft of property worth less than €400 was treated as a misdemeanour, not a crime, so Barcelona pickpockets are only ever issued with a fine and are not remanded in custody. However, new, tougher sentences might help to deter repeat offenders.
Pickpocketing is a full-time job for some people in Barcelona, and they make a lot of money from unsuspecting tourists. Barcelona pickpockets are common all over the city, but especially in popular and busy tourist areas like Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia and on the metro. So-called petty theft of wallets, bags and phones is a major problem.
Although tourists are often easy targets, even locals complain about getting robbed in Barcelona! It can happen so quickly that you really have to be on your guard all the time. I lived here quite happily for a year without any trouble at all. Then my purse got stolen out of my bag twice in the space of two weeks, and just over a year later, it got stolen again.
Touch wood, I haven’t had any problems at all since I’ve moved back this year.
Bag, Jewellery & Phone Snatchers
Although violent crime is rare here, I have been hearing about more incidents where visitors have had their bag or phone snatched out of their hands, and even gold chains grabbed from people’s necks and watches from people’s wrists.
A more common occurrence is thieves taking bags from restaurants or on the beach, or other items like phones and wallets which people leave on the table or in close reach but without physical contact where someone has taken the opportunity to grab them.
As horrible as this is, it isn’t unique to Barcelona, so don’t let this put you off visiting, but do be careful what you wear and be aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times.
Thefts from Cars
If you do hire a car in Barcelona, don’t leave anything of value in your car, including luggage. Thefts from cars are not unusual so I’d recommend leaving luggage in storage or carrying everything with you.
Scams in Barcelona
Like many cities, there are some common tourist scams in Barcelona that unscrupulous thieves use to try and steal money or belongings from unwitting visitors.
Be especially aware of your belongings if anyone approaches you to ask for help, to offer help, or if there is some sort of distraction that grabs your attention. Scammers and thieves often work in pairs or teams, so while one provides the distraction, the other will grab your wallet, phone or bag from right under your nose!
How to Stay Safe in Barcelona
Chances are you will have a safe and enjoyable trip to Barcelona with no problems, but these tips will help you to be aware and protect yourself even more.
Use Common Sense as You Would at Home
No matter how safe a city is, you should still take care as you would do anywhere, and common sense goes a long way to protecting your personal safety in Barcelona. Walking around at night on busy streets is fine, but try to avoid walking alone on quiet streets. The Gothic Quarter and El Raval are popular tourist areas, and so are specifically targeted by thieves, especially with narrow streets when no-one else is around.
If you have a feeling that something isn’t right, trust your gut and get out of the situation as fast as possible. If your safety is threatened remember that nothing is more important than you and your family’s well-being and it is better to give up your belongings than risk physical injury.
Be vigilant of your Belongings at ALL TIMES
When you are out and about in Barcelona, keep a close eye on your belongings all the time, especially in busy, tourist-heavy areas like the metro, La Rambla, the beach, bars and restaurants. Never leave your valuables unattended, even for a moment.
Even seemingly worthless belongings are at risk too; a friend of mine had his clothes stolen while kite-surfing in Barcelona! Opportunistic thieves might not know the true value of something so even cheap things can get stolen.
Use a Theft-Proof Bag
Make it as difficult as possible for thieves and pickpockets, and chances are they will leave you alone and go after an easier target.
A bag with a zip is much better than an open tote-style bag that hands could reach into, and make sure that the zip is facing forward to stop people sneaking their hand in behind your back. Keep your hand on the bag as much as you can remember, and on the front of your body instead of behind. If you have a backpack, keep it on your front, or invest in a theft-proof backpack.
Keep Your Bag on Your Lap While Seated
Keep your bag on your lap or in close contact with your body whenever you are sitting down anywhere; on the beaches in Barcelona, in a restaurant or bar, everywhere.
Crafty thieves have been known to take bags off the back of chairs or sneak under tables to whisk out handbags, and I once had a close call on the beach when a thief crawled on his belly across the sand to try and grab my bag from right next to me – luckily we spotted him just in time!
For larger bags which won’t sit comfortably on your lap, attach them to the table or chair leg, and keep them as close to you as possible. I have heard of instances of thieves swiping bags with frightening speed so pay attention at all times.
Do not put your Wallet or Phone in your Back Pocket.
I would think this is bloomin’ obvious but I see it every day. You are begging to be robbed when you saunter down the street with a wallet or phone poking out the back of your jeans and waving a proverbial flag saying ‘steal me!’
Front jeans pockets are better, but loose trouser pockets are also very easy for pickpockets to slide their hand in and pull out a phone or wallet.
Gents, consider a man-bag to take away the temptation of leaving valuables in your pocket, or if you can leave it in the hotel safe, do it. If you do bring a bag, follow the tips above and keep your hand on it at all times.
Choose a Handbag Wisely
You know how it’s always a pain to find your make-up, keys, or purse in your biggest handbag? Well, a pickpocket will find it pretty hard too – the more space and the more stuff you have in your bag (with the purse shoved in the middle), the harder it is to find quickly.
A scarf or cardigan on top of your belongings also acts as a barrier to prevent sneaky pickpockets from seeing and getting hold of your valuables.
Unfortunately, those little cute bags we all love are too easy to open & grab what’s inside; I’ve even had my purse stolen from a small bag that was right in front of my body – on a busy metro I was an easy target, despite thinking I knew all the tricks!
Since then I’ve bought this small theft-proof bag and I love it!. I keep my hand on it all the time, and I’ve added an extra safety zip on it to make it even harder to unzip.
Spread Your Money and Cards Around
Don’t keep all of your valuables in one place. Hiding small amounts of cash in different places, including hidden pockets is a great way to make sure that if you do get pickpocketed, they’ll only get a small amount.
I have an infinity scarf with a hidden pocket that I wore the last time I flew into Barcelona, and it was a huge weight off my mind knowing that my passport was safely stashed in the pocket, out of sight and out of reach.
I’m not a big fan of money belts but they can be useful, although an actual belt with a hidden pocket seems like a better idea if you’re only trying to conceal some cash and not larger items like a passport or credit cards.
Unfortunately, most of the theft-proof items aren’t the most fashionable (although I love the scarves!), but it could be worth sacrificing your style for a few days to avoid being robbed in Barcelona!
Try not to be an Obvious Tourist.
It seems at least 50% of the population of Barcelona walks around with maps in their hands, looking quite lost. Yes, Barcelona is safe but don’t get complacent.
I get that it isn’t easy to find your way around, and I don’t want to put you off the good Samaritan who offers to help you – but do keep extra guard when anyone approaches you to help, or ask you a question. As well as being wary of that person, they may not be alone and their partner in crime may be behind you waiting for the distraction and a chance to strike.
If you need help with directions then ask at a café, or approach a friendly-looking face and hope for the best. I would be very wary if someone offers to take you to the place, unless you are 100% sure they can be trusted, don’t go with them, just say thank you and be on your way – and perhaps ask someone else to confirm their directions.
Don’t get so Drunk you can’t Stand Up.
Unfortunately, drunk, sleeping, or lost tourists are the easiest targets for thieves and pickpockets, so make sure you can handle your booze well enough to be aware of what’s going on. Try to keep your bearings, or stay in a group if you are very drunk so your friends can help you home or back to your hotel.
If you find yourself lost and alone & need help, then go into a hotel or a shop and ask them to call you a taxi or ask for directions. Be careful not to fall asleep on the metro on your way home, as you become another very easy target.
Drink spiking can be an issue, so never leave your drink unattended and only accept drinks from people you know. If you’re travelling with friends, try to stay together and watch out for each other.
Be Especially Vigilant on the Metro
Although the Barcelona metro system is a cheap and convenient way to get around the city, it is a favourite spot for Barcelona pickpockets as there are lots of people, small spaces and they have time to plan their moves. ALWAYS keep your hand on your bag/pockets etc while on the metro.
At busy times, people are often stood close together, in particular, when getting on and off the metro. This is the time when most pickpockets will strike. Be aware of any distractions at one end of the carriage, pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and are waiting for your attention to be focused elsewhere.
Don’t Flash the Cash or Jewellery
Another obvious one, but pulling out a wad of 50s to pay for a €2 juice at the Boqueria Market isn’t the smartest move. Keep some loose change and small notes easily to hand and keep the wads either in the safe at the hotel or well hidden around your person.
Try and spread out your cash in different pockets/wallets so if one disappears, it’s not the end of the world. You could even have a ‘decoy’ wallet with a small note in to keep in view to distract the thieves from the real thing where the rest of your money is.
Avoid wearing flashy and expensive jewellery – gold chains and watches are a particular favourite of thieves, so leave the Rolex at home.
Look Confident
Barcelona pickpockets like an easy target, so simply being aware and vigilant automatically makes you a more challenging victim than a hapless idiot. Not that everyone who gets robbed is a hapless idiot. It does happen to even the best of us, so don’t feel bad about it!
Be Prepared
I hope that these Barcelona safety tips have helped you learn how to avoid the pickpockets and stay safe in Barcelona, but you should still prepare for the worst.
Before you leave home, make a separate record of all your credit card numbers & the phone numbers to call and cancel them. Do the same for your phone in case that does get stolen – and call immediately to cancel it even before reporting it to the police!
Keep a scanned copy of your travel documents – passport, visa, ID card, on email as well as a paper copy back at the hotel, so if they get stolen you can easily report it.
Have You Got Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Barcelona?
Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your Barcelona trip to cover things like emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items and trip cancellation, as well as adventure sports and activities if you need them
I have used SafetyWing travel medical insurance for several of my trips abroad, and while (thankfully!) I’ve never had to make a claim, I love how they make it really easy for you to buy and claim when you need to.
SafetyWing’s Essential Plan is ideal for travellers who need emergency medical coverage while abroad. You can choose fixed dates for short trips, or pay on a 28-day cycle if you’re on a long trip, so you can end your coverage easily when you head home.
You can sign up before you go or while you are travelling, there is coverage across more than 180 countries (coverage in the US is extra), and SafetyWing provide 24/7 human support and a simple claims process so you can get your money back within a few days.
If you’re looking for travel insurance or health coverage for your next adventure, SafetyWing could be a great option for you!
What to do if you are Robbed in Barcelona
If you are one of the unlucky ones who does fall foul of Barcelona pickpockets or are a victim of any other crime in Barcelona, the next step is to act quickly.
To report a theft or petty crime in Barcelona you’ll need to go to a police station or Citizens’ Advice Bureau. The same goes for violent crime or sexual assault which must be reported in person at the nearest police station. Remember to keep the police report for insurance purposes if you have had anything stolen.
Police Stations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The emergency phone number in Spain is 112.
Go to a Police Station in Barcelona
You will have to go to the police station to get a crime number to be able to claim on your insurance, which unfortunately takes valuable sightseeing time out of your day in Barcelona, but is necessary.
There are several different branches of the police in Barcelona; the Mossos d’Esquadra (commonly known as los Mossos) are the ones who deal with crimes like theft.
The main tourist police station is in El Raval at Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 76-80, which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Other police stations you might find useful include:
- At the airport in Terminal 1
- Pg Joan Borbó Comte Barcelona 32 (Ciutat Vella) (closest to the beach)
- Pl Espanya 1 (Eixample)
- Av Vallcarca 169*205 (Gràcia)
- C Ulldecona 35*LB (Sants-Montjuïc)
- Carrer de Pau Claris 158 – 160 (Eixample)
- Carrer de Bolívia, 30-32 (Sant Martí)
You can find them all on a map here to see which is the closest police station near you.
While in Spain, you can also call a dedicated English-speaking police line on +34 90 210 2112 from 9am – 9pm 7 days a week.
Remember to keep the police report for insurance purposes if you have had anything stolen.
Cancel Your Cards
Cancel your credit cards and phone immediately before the thief has the chance to run up any bills. If you still have your phone, many credit and bank cards can be cancelled straight away on the banking app. Otherwise, borrow a friend’s phone, or use a payphone or the phone at your accommodation to call your card company.
If you are alone, you will be able to call from the police station.
Report the theft as soon as you can – to the metro attendants if you’re underground, or to the nearest police officer and they will tell you what to do. You will have to go to the police station to get a crime number to be able to claim on your insurance, which unfortunately takes valuable sightseeing time out of your day in Barcelona.
The most important thing to remember is not to let it ruin your holiday.
As long as you are safe, remember that possessions are just objects; phones can be replaced, money can be claimed on insurance, and the rest of Barcelona is still waiting for you to enjoy!