Is Barcelona safe? What you should know

Barcelona is Spain’s sparkling jewel on the Mediterranean. It's a vibrant city that's known for its stunning architecture, golden beaches, and mixed culture. You’ve probably heard of Antoni Gaudí. His whimsical designs like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell give the city its unique flair.
Fun fact: the Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882. So, if you think your home renovation is taking forever, think again!

Besides the iconic sights, Barcelona boasts a lively food scene! Tapas, anyone? They're delicious appetizers! You can also catch a thrilling soccer match at Camp Nou, or explore the streets that hum with energy day and night. It’s a city that knows how to live and how to entertain anyone, including a family of 4! (Whew, tough crowd!)

Now, let’s talk safety, and not just in the lock-your-doors sense. Barcelona has a lot to offer, but like any big city, it’s good to stay savvy. Think about safety in a few ways: engaging with locals and cultural customs, staying healthy, navigating nature responsibly, and tips for safe transportation. Ready for a guide that mixes useful tips with a sprinkle of fun? Barcelona’s waiting, and we’re here to make sure your adventure is smooth sailing!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Barcelona

Have you googled "safety in Barcelona" and read some bad things? Don't worry, they happen in every city around the world. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't explore them as much as you can! Apart from petty crime, it's a very safe city. But keep reading to find out more!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Are you flying to Barcelona? It's really easy to get to the city center from the airport! Just hop on the R2N train, hop out near the Gothic Quarter, and you'll start exploring this wonderful city in just 30 minutes! You can use all of Barcelona's public transport without any ridiculous prices, and the stops are generally safe at night!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Barcelona

You already know to look out for petty theft and pickpockets. But, they take it to a whole other level in Barcelona! They're really good at recognizing tourists, and they use "distraction methods" to help them nick something.

They might ask you to take pictures of stuff, start talking to you about random things, or have female dancers come up close and start busting some moves. It's all to distract you while they take something out of your pocket or bag. So, if a random stranger comes up to you and doesn't keep their distance, just assume it’s a trick, keep your guard up and you'll be fine!

Is tap water in Barcelona safe to drink?

That's the big question, isn't it? You'll be glad to hear that the tap water is absolutely safe to drink! It meets EU standards across the board, but it might taste a bit different if you're not used to it. That’s just because of different minerals, chlorine, and PH levels, so feel free to chug!

Safe accommodation options in Barcelona

Don't know where to stay, but want a safe area? We've got you covered!

1. Gràcia is a charming and family-friendly neighborhood. It's got a village-like feel and some cozy cafes! Sonder La Casa del Sol has some homey rooms with balconies and a sun patio for relaxation. Rooms go for about €100.
2. Do you want something close to incredible architecture like Gaudi's masterpieces? Eixample is a central district with very safe and comforting vibes. Hotel Claris is like a museum-hotel with a modern design and some historical artifacts for you to check out! It's pricier at about €200 a night.
3. Want something close to the beach? Sant Marti is close to Bogatell Beach and has a relaxing vibe. Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal Hotel includes breakfast and is about €120 per person.

Pro tip: If you're visiting Barcelona and you don't want to worry about petty thieves in crowded areas, leave your backpack and tech with Bounce! Find one of our many storage locations around the city through the app and book online! If you're a solo traveler or on an important business trip, leave your bags and relax. You're covered by $10,000 protection!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Want to know how to blend in while you visit Barcelona? Here are some great tips for you:

• Spaniards are usually warm and welcoming! A lot of them know English if you flash a few Spanish/Catalan phrases they'll definitely appreciate it! Some handy phrases: Hola (hello); Gracias (thank you); Perdona (Excuse me); Quant costa això?/¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (How much is this?)
• Spain is very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community! A lot of nightlife spots celebrate pride, so you can feel right at home!
• You can wear whatever you want around town, but put on something modest for religious spots.
• You can eat finger food like chicken wings with your hands. But for everything else, use cutlery.
• You can smoke around town, just not indoors.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Worried about personal safety while you get around town? Here are some tips to make your worries melt away:

• Barcelona has fantastic public transport. Train and metro lines are very frequent, and the buses are modern and clean. The T-casual and Hola BCN cards give you unlimited public transport uses. The train and metro stations are also pretty safe at night, and the cabs also won't rip you off either.
• Walking is the best way to see all of Barcelona's glory! Las Ramblas Street along with the Gothic Quarter and Eixample districts are must-see spots, just watch out for those slippery cobblestones and pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
• Want another eco-friendly way to get around? Barcelona loves its bikes! You can rent and cruise through pedestrian-friendly superilles (superblocks), but avoid hilly areas like Montjuïc.
• If you want to drive, just know that there are a lot of congestion hotspots in narrow streets and the city center. Parking is also pretty hard to find.
• Some sports are adapted to be wheelchair-friendly. Public transportation has ramps, but the older parts of the city can be a challenge.

Nature and Barcelona: Safety tips to keep in mind

Want some fresh air? Here's where you can go and how to stay safe:

• If you want to go for a dip, Barcelona's beaches and waters are pretty clean! Barcelona Beach is the most popular one, but you can also head down to Ocata or Caldetes for a calmer experience. Just keep an eye on those waves, which can get dicey on windy days.
• The summer heat waves can get your head spinning! Avoid peak heat hours, stay out of direct sunlight around noon, stay hydrated, and wear plenty of SPF! Do that even indoors since those UV rays can still get to you through windows!
• If you want a nice hike, Collserola Natural Park is just outside of the city. The trails are well-maintained and marked, and the nature is beautiful. If you want a more challenging task, head to Montserrat! Its steeper trails will get your blood pumping. Just remember to pack some quality hiking boots with good grip! Also, this place is a rock-climbing hotspot.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

It's better to be prepared for an emergency. Here are some tips for emergency services and healthcare:

• Nuts and gluten are pretty common in Spanish dishes, so check with the servers before ordering. Food safety is pretty high, so you can munch on that delicious street food worry-free!
• If you need healthcare, you'll probably have to pay for it if you don't have travel insurance or EHIC for EU citizens. You don't need special vaccines, just the usual ones.
• For general emergencies, call 112, and if you need medical help, call 061.

So, is Barcelona safe?

Yes! It's no less safe than any other major tourist city! Just keep in mind those distraction tactics mentioned before, watch out for the heat waves, and avoid dark alleyways like you would anywhere else! And don’t forget about Bounce when traveling, your satisfaction is our number 1 priority! That's why you can reach our support team 24/7 and we'll be happy to help with anything you need!