Safety and security in Barcelona: everything you need to know for a trouble-free holiday
There is no need to worry about safety in the Catalan capital. Barcelona is a city where you can stroll around night and day without fear.
However, we have put together a list of some little troubles that can arise, to save you any nasty surprises.
Barcelona, a safe city?
Barcelona is on the whole a safe city. Even, if it’s less quiet than other cities of Spain, it is one of the least dangerous cities in Europe, ahead of London, Brussels, Paris or Rome.
Of course, crimes are committed everywhere, even if they are minor. Although the narrow streets of the old town were once considered to be cut throat this is no longer the case at all. The Gothic, Born and Raval areas have become very attractive and popular due to the multitude of hotels, bars and restaurants now found there.
However, to avoid any inconvenience, we advise you to be careful.
- Do not walk alone at night
- Avoid low light and deserted streets
- Follow our 10 top tips for a pickpocket proof trip in Barcelona
Is the Raval a dangerous area?
The Raval still has trouble shaking off its old reputation of being an unsafe neighbourhood and it is often considered the most dangerous in Barcelona. The streets are well lit and there are police dotted around.
However there is a certain difference between the north of the neighbourhood (above the Carrer de l’Hospital) and the South. The latter is quieter and less lively than the north and can be a little intimidating in the dark.
The safest areas in Barcelona
Difficult to say which are the safest areas in the city!
Pedralbes and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi are the residential areas where most of the residences have a guard service, which is quite reassuring.
In August, when the residents leave on holidays, there can be the odd wave of burglaries, with burglars operating during the guards’ break times. Nevertheless, this is a rare occurrence.
Safety: pickpockets
Unfortunately, pickpockets are a plague in Barcelona. They are numerous and particularly effective, which does affect one’s sense of safety and ease in Barcelona.
Armed robbery or intimidation are extremely rare.Thefts occur very discretely. Remember to be vigilant, particularly around the Ramblas and the beach. Also read our article Anti-pickpocket tips.
Safety: Cars thefts
We advise you not to leave your car on the street, especially if your license plate is foreign to the risk of incurring two major inconveniences: the impoundment and theft.
Our advices:
- Book a secure parking for the duration of your stay in Barcelona. Your car will be safe there.
- Do not leave your belongings or identity papers in your car even if it is parked in a secure parking. Put everything in a hotel safe or in a deposit box.
- In case you can’t do otherwise, if you leave your luggage in the trunk of your car, park your car by placing the trunk against a wall. This will prevent potential thieves from easily accessing your trunk.
Safety: protests in Barcelona
In recent years, protests mainly related to the theme of Catalonia’s independence have been held in Barcelona.
These protests, which had until then remained peaceful, took a more violent turn in October 2019 as extremist groups attacked and caused major material damage (vandalized showcases, burned vehicles and garbage containers, etc.). These acts were repressed by the police, resulting in a significant number of injuries on both sides.
The media have given these occasional events an image of violence and general insecurity that does not exactly correspond to the daily reality of the city of Barcelona. We have lived there for a long time and can assure you, despite recent events, that we continue not to feel in danger in Barcelona even if we are often at the heart of events (the picture above was taken from our balcony).
Everything will go well for you if you follow these few tips:
- If you come to Barcelona by car, book a car park to park it safely.
- Plan your visits in the centre of Barcelona in the morning or in the first part of the afternoon because these are times when calm prevails in general.
- Keep yourself informed by the press or radio of the places and times of the planned demonstrations and avoid frequenting these areas at the time of the concentrations (usually at the end of the day, from 7pm.)
- Keep yourself informed of traffic before you take your car, a taxi.
Car thefts
We advise you not to leave your car on the street, especially if your license plate is foreign to the risk of incurring two major inconveniences: the impoundment and theft.
Our advice against car theft:
Book a covered car park for the duration of your stay in Barcelona. Your car will be safe there.
As a precautionary measure, do not leave your belongings or identity papers in your car even if it is parked in a covered car park. Put everything in a hotel safe or in a deposit box.
In case you can’t do otherwise, if you leave your luggage in the trunk of your car, don’t leave it in plain view and park your car by placing the trunk against a wall. This will prevent potential thieves from easily accessing your trunk.
car design to the car parkBook a secure car park at a reduced price in BarcelonaClick here
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
Safety at Camp Nou during Barça matches
Stadiums are often absolutely bursting with supporters, but thankfully this is not the case in Barcelona: the surroundings of camp Nou are totally safe, even on big match nights!!
You can feel free to bring the family to the stadium with nothing to fear. On the contrary the atmosphere is light and friendly.
