Is Barcelona Safe? Here's What the Stats Say

There's so much to love about this coastal city; food, culture, and all things Gaudi make Barcelona a unique and desirable destination for tourists to explore, but of course one place can't have it all. As the Catalan capital climbs the ranks as one of Europe’s most sought after hotspots, it's no surprise that it's also been making headlines for the wrong reasons. Barcelona has earned a reputation as a European “pickpocketing capital” which causes visitors to beg the question: is Barcelona safe? The answer is mostly “yes”, but let’s see what the statistics have to say.

Safety in Spain Explained

The 2024 Global Peace Index Report ranks Spain as the 23rd safest country in the world, ahead of both the UK (34th) and the USA (132nd). When looking at the Global Organised Crime Index (GOI), Spain places 54th out of 193 countries, but 5th in Europe, meaning that globally it’s pretty safe but in comparison to the rest of the continent—-not so much. Let’s just say, there’s room for improvement.

Don’t let that number scare you. Most of the crime in Spain is nonviolent, typically involving drugs or theft. When it comes to violent crime though, Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, with homicide rates below the European average.

How does Barcelona's safety compare to the rest of the country?

When looking on a global scale, Barcelona is relatively safe, outranking every major American city. It’s true that when compared to the rest of Spain, crime rates in Catalonia have always been higher than the national average, with 63.9 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023. According to data provided by the Spanish National Police and Civil Guard, Catalonia ranks number one in the country for robbery, most of the thefts stemming from Barcelona and the neighbouring city of El Prat de Llobregat. 

Now let’s look at the rest of Europe, shall we? Data provided by Numbeo shows that Barcelona is the city with the 26th highest crime rate in Europe, after many cities in the UK, France, and Italy.

The most common crimes in Barcelona

Just like in the rest of the country, the majority of the crimes committed are petty theft like pickpocketing, especially in major tourist areas. Pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of crime in Barcelona in 2023, and scams, most of which took place online, accounted for 15.1%. The most common type of scams are for housing or accommodation, usually requiring people to pay a “deposit” for an apartment they have never seen and which may not even exist. The best way to avoid these scams is to only pay a deposit after viewing an apartment and signing a rental agreement or to go through a housing agency.

Road safety in Barcelona

According to the Barcelona government or Ajuntament, the number of road deaths were down by 3.1% in 2023 but there was a 30.8% increase in serious injuries, the majority of which were passengers or drivers of 2-wheeled vehicles and pedestrians. Most of the accidents occurred in the Eixample district of the city, where the roads are wider with multiple lanes, and there are more intersections.

Is Barcelona safe at night?

Barcelona is relatively safe at night but it's always best to be vigilant, especially when walking in the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Because of their proximity to nightclubs, these neighbourhoods and other touristy areas are havens for pickpockets hoping to find drunk tourists to steal from and it's not as easy to chase down a thief through the winding mediaeval streets. One of the great things about Barcelona is that there is always public transport like night buses that you can take if you don’t like walking after dark.

Is Barcelona safe for women?

Barcelona is a great destination for women and female solo travellers, and it is no more dangerous than any other major European city. Of course, pickpocketing and bag snatching are always a threat, but as long as you remain cautious you've got little to worry about. If you're worried about bag snatching, ditch the shoulder bag or tote and opt for a cross body bag instead.

Emergency contacts and resources in Barcelona

National Emergency Number (police, ambulance, firefighters, etc.): 112

Guardia Civil (Civil Guard/General Police): 062

Social Services (psychological help, gender violence, mental health: 900 703 030

Tips to maximise your safety in Barcelona

• Always be vigilant with your belongings. Never leave a bag, phone, wallet or anything of value unattended even if it is on the floor at your feet in a restaurant.
• Be careful with your phone in hand around cyclists and people on motorbikes or e-scooters. Many thefts occur from people riding by on these modes of transport because it gives them a faster escape route. The same is true for the metro, as sometimes they snatch your phone before the metro doors close.
• Wear cross body bags, preferably under your jacket. The more difficult you make it for them to rob you the less likely they are to try.
• Be extra cautious in crowded tourist areas such as El Raval, Gothic, and El Born especially at night. Not sure where to stay in Barcelona? Check out our accommodation guide.
• Winter time is when pickpockets become more desperate and would me more inclined to get violent since there are fewer tourists and thus, fewer opportunities for them to steal. Despite this, it's still a lovely time to visit to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere but just keep this in mind.
• Never go into the water and leave your valuables sitting on the beach.
• Learn basic Spanish or better yet, Catalan. Pickpockets are more likely to target people they think won't be able to understand them.
• Avoid people who approach you holding maps, or other strange items and/or groups of people who get too close. Sometimes they work in teams to distract you. If you're not sure whether or not someone is lost and needs help, send them to the nearest corner store but avoid speaking to them.
• Don't carry large sums of money on you and keep your passport locked away in your hotel room, only carrying a photo on your phone for identification purposes.
• For general tips about navigating Barcelona, check out our general city guide!

Plan your trip to Barcelona with Carpe Diem

If you're feeling nervous about travelling and navigating the city, tours are a great way to explore Barcelona with a local who will show you hidden gems, give you personalised recommendations, and keep you feeling safe and sound.

Barcelona Tapas Tour

Try authentic Spanish tapas at four local restaurants and learn about the history of Catalan cuisine on our Barcelona Tapas Tour.

Barcelona Walking Tour

Explore the must-see sights in the Gothic Quarter and discover a 2,000 year-old history in just two hours on this Old Town Walking Tour.

Barcelona Tipsy Tour

Explore Barcelona after dark and experience the best of the city's nightlife with a group of fellow travellers on our Tipsy Tour.

Satisfy your thirst for adventure and experience Barcelona after dark on our Tipsy Tour of Barcelona. Learn scandalous tidbits of history you won't hear on your average tour, all the while sipping authentic Spanish drinks.