Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Female Travelers in 2024 by a Local
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Wondering, is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers this year?
You’re in the right place! Traveling to Barcelona alone as a solo female can be intimidating; you just want to experience a place, but it’s hard to feel safe and secure. I’m here to let you know that you can feel safe in Barcelona as a solo female traveler.
Barcelona is a great city for solo female travelers, but there are some tips you need to take into account. As someone who lives here and was a solo traveler before moving to Barcelona, I want to share my advice on the safest way for you and other females to travel around this beautiful city.
From where to stay and what neighborhoods are best suited for those traveling Barcelona alone, to the various transportation options available in the city – I’ll let you know everything you need to know about how to make sure your trip as safe as possible.
Also, many attractions provide unique opportunities for Barcelona solo female travelers – like activities that are perfectly tailored towards them such as guided walking tours, sunset cruises, or fun group activities and hikes.
So if you’re planning a trip or already here, follow these tips on how to safely explore Barcelona as a solo female traveler. You will be able to fully enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer!
Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Barcelona is indeed a safe place for solo female travelers. Violent crime in the city is generally low, and you may feel as safe walking by yourself throughout the day. The biggest problem in Barcelona is pickpockets; they are everywhere – the more touristy areas are the worst for pickpockets. However, there are plenty of ways to avoid being a victim of pickpockets and petty crimes as a solo female traveler.
Additionally, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods to choose from during your trip.
In general, Barcelona is a popular solo travel spot for both women and men alike. From exploring the tapas bars in Gothic Quarter and bar hopping in El Born to catching some summer rays on Barceloneta beach – there’s something for everyone here!
That being said, both solo female travelers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense no matter which city you visit.
Crime Rate in Barcelona
According to the town of Barcelona, crime is currently down almost 15% in the city compared to 2019. This decline exemplifies the collective efforts of the community and authorities to uphold safety and security for residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, the Department of State has classified Spain with a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution when traveling. This highlights the importance of being mindful and taking appropriate measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when traveling solo in Spain - whether you're exploring through Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, or the coast!
Safe Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Solo Female Travel Spain
Eixample
Eixample is one of Barcelona's most iconic neighborhoods, with its neat grid pattern, tree-lined streets, and as Barcelona is known for, unique architecture. It's a safe, residential area that offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.
You can easily get to Eixample by the metro line that takes you right to the heart of the neighborhood. There are lots of parks in and around Eixample for you to escape to nature within the city. The locals are also very friendly here - visitors will be sure to get a warm welcome!
Check out the best hotels in Eixample ↗
Gracia
Gracia is the best neighborhood to stay for first time travelers to Barcelona. Gaudi's creations, like Park Gϋell, Plaça del Sol, and Sagrada Familia are all within close proximity, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
The area is full of shops and restaurants to explore during the day, and has a lively nightlife atmosphere without being too overwhelming. It's also a very safe area, making it the perfect place for solo travelers to stay.
Check out the best hotels in Gracia ↗
Barcelona Sants
Barcelona Sants is a quiet family town located in the southwest of Barcelona, and the city's main train station is located here. The area itself is very quiet, with a small food markets and local shops. It also has a few bars but for the most part it is residential.
Sants is a bit further away from the more popular tourist attractions in the city. Overall the neighborhood is extremely safe but not overly convenient to get around on your feet.
You'll want to take the metro to the sightseeing spots here. Barcelona Sants is better suited for solo travel in Barcelona if you want to really immerse yourself into local culture and experience a more authentic side of Barcelona.
Check out the best hotels in Sants ↗
Is it Safe to Travel to Barcelona Alone? Areas to Avoid in Barcelona as a Solo Female Traveler
- Raval: As a local, I tend to avoid the streets in and around Raval and recommend solo travelers avoid this area.
- Barceloneta: As I mentioned earlier, pickpockets and bag diggers hang out here during the day, so don't leave your belongings here. Is Barcelona safe at night, sometimes. However, at night, you don't want to be walking around Barceloneta, especially at the beach, on your own. Any Barcelona solo travel reddit thread will agree here. Barceloneta gets crowded even during Christmas time.
- Gotico and Born: These are two of the busiest areas in Barcelona. Gotico has some of the best tapas in Barcelona and Born holds famous clubs and rooftop bars for nightlife. However, traveling solo as a female at night, I'd suggest steering clear of these areas after dark. Safety first!
How to Get Around Barcelona On Your Own
Additionally, walking through Barcelona is a great way to get around and explore the city. You can walk to most areas and sightseeing spots around the city in 10-30 minutes. And of course, Barcelona is an incredibly walkable city so don't worry about finding a safe walking route!
The city has an extensive metro system that allows you to get around the city. The metro system is also incredibly affordable. If you plan to use it as your primary method of transportation you can purchase a T-card.
For late night trips or trips long distances, you can use Free Now - the local ride-share app by verified taxis.
Is Barcelona safe for American Tourists?
Is Barcelona safe for tourists? Yes! Is is safe for Americans? Absolutely! Visitors from all over the world will feel safe traveling Barcelona alone.
Best Hotels in Barcelona for Solo Travelers
These hotels in Barcelona are solo traveler approved so you can plan your solo trip to Barcelona with confidence.
Solo Travel to Barcelona: Things to Do in Barcelona for Solo Travelers
There are so many things to do during a solo trip to Barcelona. From its countless outdoor activities, such as hikes or tours, to its vibrant nightlife and diverse food culture, Barcelona offers something for every kind of solo traveler.
Solo travelers can take advantage of a wide array of fun activities including day and weekend trips to nearby attractions like Montserrat, La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell.
There are also plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers at lively bars and cafes while sipping on sangria and tasting some delicious Spanish tapas.
If you're looking for something a bit more cultural there are tons of famous museums and architecture scattered throughout the city. No matter what your preferences may be, there's no doubt that Barcelona has something to offer every solo traveler!
🌎View the best of Barcelona with a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo ↗
- Montserrat, Monastery Walking Tour
- Grab an e-bike an explore the city on your own
- Get your bearings around the city with a Hop On Hop Off Tour
- Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Gothic Quarter
- Hire a local photographer to capture photos of your trip
- Learn about Barcelona tapas and history with a food local tour
- Visit Sagrada Familia (go inside - it's worth it!)
- Food and wine tours - try a cooking class if you like hands on experiences!
Barcelona Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers
You should have an overall idea of safety in Barcelona as a female solo traveler and how to make your trip as safe as possible. Here are some extra Barcelona solo female travel tips to keep in mind during your solo trip.
1. Don't Carry a Purse! Keep Your Belongings Secure in a Belt Bag
Barcelona is an amazing city to explore, but unfortunately there are pickpockets that can take advantage of unsuspecting travelers - especially if you're alone and trying to find your way around.
I always recommend not carrying a purse around Barcelona as it makes it easier for pickpockets to reach in and take your belongings without you noticing.
The best way to keep your belongings secure even in the most crowded areas like Las Ramblas or Sagrada Familia is to use a belt bag or fanny pack/bum bag. This will ensure that the only people who have access to your bags are you and your travel companions. Visit in the off-season like February and March to avoid some of those pesky crowds.
Additionally, carrying a belt bag or fanny pack keeps your hands free so you can better enjoy what the city has to offer while also having easy access to your most important stuff.
2. Never leave your belongings on the beach
Summer in Barcelona is beautiful - and also the most crowded in June and August. But, it's important not to let the warm sunny day fool you into feeling secure.
There are always pickpockets looking for an easy target when it comes to leaving your belongings unattended on the beach.
our wallet or purse is an obvious target, but phones and other electronics are also easy to grab and go. It's best to either find a friend to join you on the beach so that neither of you have to leave your things alone while taking a dip in the water, or invest in a waterproof bag or phone case that stays with you at all times on the beach.
Don't lose out on your summer fun by letting theft ruin your day – keep yourself and your valuables safe!
If you do plan to go to the beaches alone, opt for a beach farther out instead of Barceloneta. These are quieter, more local beaches and less likely to be filled with tourists and pickpockets.
3. Stay with groups after sundown
Staying with groups after sundown is a great way to ensure your safety while out after dark in Barcelona. The city has its dangers like any other, so it's best to take precautions and remain with others during the evening hours.
Finding a buddy during your travels or making friends in the hostel will also help you avoid feeling isolated or disconnected from the city as you explore.
It's an obvious safety tip for anywhere - whether you're in New York City or Barcelona, avoid empty alleyways and streets, it's just safer to be with a group.
Is Barcelona safe to travel alone? I have felt safe alone at night in Barcelona, but overall I wouldn't recommend it - even I try to avoid it when I can.
Being prepared and aware of your surroundings at all times can go a long way towards keeping you out of trouble while on vacation.
4. Don't carry a ton of cash around
Solo travel Barcelona doesnt require carrying a lot of cash. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, cafes, and taxis, so you don’t need to worry about having enough money for most activities.
For the most part, carrying anything more than a few euros for emergencies isn’t necessary. It’s best to keep only what you need on you and be smart about where you store it - ie not in a side pocket of a backpack or laying out in a purse or bag.
Credit cards can always be cancelled if it gets into the wrong hands; however, once cash is gone there is no getting it back.
5. Avoid the beaches after dark
Barcelona's beaches are some of the most beautiful places to visit during the day, but it's important to remember that beaches can be dangerous at night.
After sundown, the beaches become dark and secluded, making them an easy target for robbery, assault, and even drowning.
It's generally considered unsafe to hang out on beaches alone after dark. It's best to stay away from Barcelona's beaches after sundown and take advantage of all that Barcelona's beaches have to offer during the day instead.
6. Plan your trip before arriving
Before on a solo trip to Barcelona, it's important to plan ahead. Not only will this make the process of getting there much easier, it can also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or aimless when you arrive.
Researching transportation and accommodation options in advance is a great way to get a better idea of what to expect.
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with must-see sights and attractions will ensure that you don't miss out on any key locations that you want to visit.
Planning ahead can give you peace of mind when traveling alone in Barcelona, so be sure to take some time before your trip to map out the highlights of your stay in Barcelona!
7. Do your research!
Researching before you visit Barcelona alone is essential. Doing your homework can help make sure that your trip is more enjoyable and safe.
If you're here, then you’re already ahead of the game because you have taken the time to plan a safe solo trip to Barcelona.
You should research the hotels or hostels in the area, read reviews from past travelers, and plan to stay in safe areas of the city like Gracia and Eixample.
Make sure that you also research local transportation and get an understanding of how to move around the city safely if you plan on taking public transportation.
Lastly, take some time to understand cultural norms so that you are aware of what is expected when visiting certain places or talking to locals. Doing all this research will ensure that your solo trip to Barcelona goes as smoothly as possible while still giving you plenty of freedom to explore!
8. Don't leave your phone on the table or bags on the back of your seat
Sometimes, someone will come up to your table to distract you while they or another person snag any valuables off the table. And bags hanging off your chair are also easy targets. Keep your belongings safe at all times, especially at outdoor cafes and restaurants.
FAQ: Is Barcelona safe for a solo female?
Now that you know about safety in Barcelona as a solo female traveler, and the answer to, is Barcelona safe to travel for you, here are some frequently asked questions people tend to ask when planning a trip to this coastal city!
Final Thoughts: Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
So, is Barcelona safe for solo female travelers? Barcelona is an incredibly safe and enjoyable city for solo female travelers. This colorful city with stunning architecture and endless opportunities to explore and learn, it is no wonder why Spain is one of the most popular destinations for solo travel.
There are plenty of safe activities and tours visitors can experience as well as plenty of safe places and areas to stay without worrying about your safety. Whether you're visiting in March or September, you're sure to have an amazing trip to Barcelona alone.
As Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe, by taking some general safety precautions, you can have a safe and unforgettable trip to Barcelona as a solo female traveler.
