Areas to Avoid in Barcelona to Stay Safe During Your Trip

If you’re concerned about safety in Barcelona then please be assured that Barcelona is generally safe and violent crime rates are very low.  However, pickpockets and petty crime can be a major issue.  While I don’t believe that any places you’re likely to visit in Barcelona should be avoided altogether, you should definitely be aware of potential problems and be on your guard.  Here are the areas to avoid in Barcelona without proper preparation!

Is Barcelona Safe to Visit?

Barcelona is a very safe city, but as I mentioned, pickpocketing and petty crime are quite common, especially in busy tourist areas where visitors make easy targets.

As with any major city, you should take reasonable precautions to keep you and your belongings safe, and after dark you should be more careful, especially if you’re drinking alcohol when you become less aware of what’s going on around you.

I have only ever had issues with pickpockets in Barcelona and never had any other problems walking around at night, even when I used to wander home drunk at 3am to my flat in the Gothic Quarter.  However, I am now more cautious than I used to be and prefer to be safe than sorry!

I wrote a separate article about safety in Barcelona, and one about some common scams in Barcelona that you should also read before visiting Barcelona, and solo travellers can check out my tips for travelling to Barcelona alone.

Areas to Avoid in Barcelona

In my opinion, as long as you are aware of the risks then you can prepare for them.  These are some of the places to avoid in Barcelona, or at least be a bit more cautious when you visit them.

La Rambla

This iconic street is one of Barcelona’s most popular places to visit, so I’m not saying you should avoid it altogether, but be aware that it is also known for a higher likelihood of pickpocketing due to the large crowds and distractions.

You should be particularly cautious in this area and keep a close eye on your belongings, especially when it is busy, and at night.  Prostitution and drug dealing are not uncommon on La Rambla so don’t be surprised if you see that going on.

That said, there is often a police presence in hotspot areas like the corner of Carrer Ferran, Plaça Reial and Plaça de Catalunya which should provide some reassurance.

I’d recommend visiting La Rambla early in the morning so you can stroll down the leafy street and enjoy the peace without the crowds – which is much more enjoyable than battling your way through hundreds of other people anyway!

• Tip: Be especially vigilant in crowded areas, as pickpockets often take advantage of the jostling crowds
• Advice: Keep your belongings secure, use anti-theft measures such as money belts, and avoid displaying valuable items openly.

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

This historic neighbourhood is beautiful and rich in culture, and wandering the pretty streets is one of my favourite things to to in Barcelona at night when the tourist crowds have gone.  However, its narrow, winding streets can make it easier for pickpockets and thieves to operate.

During the day, crowds make things easier for pickpockets, and impressive architecture and street performers provide lots of distractions for visitors.  Stay vigilant, especially in busy areas.  At night, the streets get quieter which can be more dangerous so try to stick to places where there are plenty of people and don’t wander alone down deserted streets.

El Born is a similar area, with more narrow streets to navigate, although I haven’t heard of many issues here.  Pickpockets could be more likely to target tourists around the Picasso Museum and on the Rambla del Born, which both tend to be busy areas.

• Tip: Navigate the narrow streets with caution, particularly during peak tourist times and after dark.
• Advice: Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit or deserted alleyways at night, and keep your belongings close.

Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella is a lovely green space during the day, but after dark some areas are poorly lit and you might find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be.  The wider streetlit walkways should be fine if there are still people around but it’s best to avoid quieter, more secluded areas of the park.

• Tip: Visit during the day or dusk and head out after dark
• Advice: Stick to well-lit areas, and avoid at night if you are on your own

El Raval

El Raval is one of the hippest and most multicultural Barcelona neighbourhoods with lots of cool bars and delicious restaurants but is also one of the most unsafe areas in Barcelona.  While this district has undergone significant revitalization over the years, some parts still have a higher crime rate compared to other areas in Barcelona.

El Raval is known for prostitution and drug dealing, if you are offered any of these kinds of things I’d advise you to decline and move on quickly.

Accommodation tends to be cheaper in this neighbourhood for these reasons, so some budget travellers might be tempted by the lower prices but I don’t recommend it for solo travellers or for a first-time stay in Barcelona.

• Tip: Exercise caution in El Raval, particularly in the evening, and stay aware of your belongings.
• Advice: Stick to well-travelled streets, and avoid deserted areas late at night, especially if you are on your own

Barcelona Beaches

While Barcelona’s beaches are generally safe during the day, bag snatching and theft of belongings is sadly quite common.  Do not leave any valuables unattended and keep your bag and phone attached to you at all times.

I use a waterproof phone pouch to keep my phone dry and clean and keep it with me if I go for a dip in the water.  and I have a bit bigger waterproof pouch that will keep other items like wallets or hotel keys safe too.

In addition to that, isolated or poorly lit areas of the beach may be riskier after dark.  Avoid quiet areas of the beach at night, especially if you are travelling alone.  Solo travellers can check out this post about going to the beach alone for more tips on keeping you and your belongings safe.

Beach clubs and bars are popular and great fun to visit but be careful with your drink to avoid spiking and don’t get so drunk you don’t know what you are doing.  Stay with your friends and be careful about wandering off to the beach alone or with someone you’ve just met.

• Tip: Some beach areas may have higher risks, especially at night.
• Advice: Avoid poorly lit or secluded parts of the beach after dark, and be cautious with personal items even during daylight hours.

Sants Train Station

While Sants is generally safe during the day, there have been reports of street crime, especially in and around the train station.  Tourists have had their bags snatched in the train station, which can happen very quickly, even with just a glance at a departure board you can find your backpack gone.

At night, be more careful outside the station, as it can be a bit dodgy after dark.  If you plan on walking to your accommodation from the station at night, if it is only a couple of blocks you should be fine, but if you are concerned then order an Uber or take an official yellow and black taxi from the taxi rank outside the station.

• Tip: While generally safe, be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
• Advice: Stay alert during peak hours, secure your belongings, and be cautious in crowded spaces like public transportation.

Metro and Public Transportation

I love the metro system in Barcelona and public transport is an efficient and cheap way of getting around the city.  However, on crowded public transportation, especially during peak hours, pickpocketing is annoyingly common.  ALWAYS keep your hand on your bag/pockets etc while on the metro.

Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and even when it is relatively quiet they can use distraction techniques to steal your belongings when your attention has been diverted elsewhere.

The metro is a favourite target for pickpockets, but they also operate on other public transport like buses, local trains and even at the airport.  Weary travellers who have just arrived at the airport can be an easy target for scammers so be on your guard.

• Advice: Keep an eye and a hand on your belongings at all times, use an anti-theft backpack or handbag and be cautious in crowded transport.

Other Places to Avoid in Barcelona

Aside from these popular places that you might well visit, there are some other areas in Barcelona to avoid, however, as a tourist, you’re not likely to be going near them anyway.

Poorer residential areas often have a higher level of crime and anti-social behaviour, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to call them dangerous neighbourhoods in Barcelona, districts like Besòs, La Mina and Nou Barris don’t have the best reputation so give them a miss if you can.

Safest Areas in Barcelona

While nowhere on Earth can be 100% safe, these neighbourhoods are considered the safest areas in Barcelona:

Eixample

This district is known for its wide leafy streets and is one of the safest places to stay in Barcelona. It includes the famous Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find luxury shops and iconic architecture such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and La Sagrada Familia.  It is well-connected by public transport and close to many popular attractions, although you should still be aware of pickpockets around these famous sites.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi & Pedralbes

These residential areas are known for their upscale feel, parks, and quiet streets. It’s a more tranquil part of the city, making it a good choice for those looking for a peaceful stay, although it is further away from the most popular attractions in Barcelona so you would need transport or an Uber to get around.

Gràcia

Gràcia is a lively and bohemian neighbourhood that used to be a village in it’s own right before being swallowed up by an ever-expanding City.  Gràcia is known for its independent shops, local markets, and cool bars and restaurants. It’s generally considered safe, and its narrow streets have a more relaxed vibe than in the Old Town.

Poblenou

Located near the beach, and outside of Barcelona’s city centre, Poblenou used to be an industrial area but has experienced a significant revitalization in the past few years and is now a trendy neighbourhood with tech offices, art studios, and a creative vibe. It’s generally safe and there are some new excellent bars and restaurants alongside older local favourites.

Barcelona Safety Tips

As with any major city, you should still be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and don’t flash large amounts of cash or valuable items.

However, my biggest tips are about preventing pickpocketing, as this common crime in Barcelona is the one you’re most likely to come up against.

Use a Theft-Proof Bag

Don’t leave valuables in easy-to-access pockets, including back jeans pockets and coat pockets.  A theft-proof bag is an essential addition to your Barcelona packing list.

A bag with a zip is much better than an open tote-style bag, and make sure that the zip is facing forward to stop people sneaking their hand in behind.  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 like one of these:

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.

I’d also recommend getting a long strap for your phone so it can stay attached to you at all times.  While there is a chance the strap could be cut, it should stop most pickpockets from snatching it without you noticing.

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!

Be Prepared (Just in Case)

I hope that these Barcelona safety tips have helped you learn how to stay safe in Barcelona, but you should still be prepared in case anything should happen.

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.