Barcelona, Spain’s artistic gem and a hotspot for tourists worldwide, offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and innovation. However, amidst the allure, it’s essential to navigate wisely. While Barcelona largely provides a safe environment, some areas warrant caution.
Esta guía está diseñada para mantenerle informado sobre las zonas que debe evitar en Barcelona y consejos para prevenir experiencias desagradables, asegurando que su visita sea memorable por todas las razones correctas.
Seguridad general en Barcelona
When it comes to safety in Barcelona, it’s crucial to maintain a keen awareness of your environment and adopt necessary measures to circumvent potential misadventures. Although Barcelona is largely a secure city, some parts are best avoided, particularly after the sun sets.
As a visitor to this vibrant city, it’s important to be mindful of the risk of pickpocketing and bag theft in high-traffic tourist locales such as Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell. To enhance the security of your valuables, including passports, credit cards, and cash, it’s advised to securely store them in diverse places instead of carrying them all together.
También se recomienda vigilancia en estaciones de metro y tren, particularly during nighttime hours. Steer clear of vacant compartments and remain observant of your possessions. If you’re journeying solo, aim to position yourself near other passengers or the train’s driver.
Si necesita ayuda, Barcelona pone a su disposición toda una serie de recursos locales. Desde centros de información turística y comisarías de policía hasta servicios de emergencia, la ayuda nunca está lejos. Recuerde que su seguridad es primordial durante su agradable visita a esta hermosa ciudad.
¿Dónde alojarse en Barcelona?
No hay ninguna zona de Barcelona que debas evitar a toda costa. En el casco antiguo, algunas zonas del Raval pueden resultar inseguras por la noche si caminas solo. Así que si eres un viajero solitario tal vez evitar esa zona.
Éstos son los mejores lugares para alojarse en Barcelona si le preocupa la seguridad:
- Distrito del Eixample: Barcelona’s fancy modernism district, featuring wide boulevards, the famous Gaudi Houses and luxury shopping on Passeig de Gracia. Expect great hotel options with a higher price tag. The old town will be a 10min walk.
- Sarria / Sant Gervasi: Barrio de residentes de clase alta justo encima de la Avenida Diagonal. Para llegar al casco antiguo tendrá que tomar un taxi de 10 minutos o utilizar el transporte público. Pero estarás cerca de algunas grandes opciones de compras que son muy populares entre los lugareños.
- Gracia: Antiguo pueblo con que se incorporó a Barcelona durante la expansión de la ciudad en el siglo XIX. Calles estrechas con poco tráfico y plazas pintorescas. Estilo de vida bohemio con tiendas de moda y bares de moda. Situado justo encima del distrito del Eixample.
Para buscar una zona específica o un alojamiento cercano a una atracción, utilice el siguiente mapa:
ReservasProblemas comunes y estafas en Barcelona
Aunque Barcelona es una ciudad magnífica con mucho que ofrecer, existen problemas y estafas típicos que hay que tener en cuenta al explorarla. Saber qué buscar puede ayudarte a evitar estos pequeños delitos y mejorar tu experiencia de viaje.
1. Estafa de distracción de firma de peticiones
Una estafa habitual en Barcelona se dirige a turistas desprevenidos en atracciones populares con una petición aparentemente inocente: firmar una petición de apoyo a una causa noble.
- Cómo funciona: Mientras estás absorto firmando, una persona te distrae, lo que permite a un cómplice robarte la cartera o el teléfono rápidamente.
- Consejos de seguridad: Manténgase alerta cuando se le acerquen los peticionarios. Mantén tus objetos de valor seguros y a la vista en todo momento.
2. “Found” Ring Scam
This scam leverages a “lucky find” to lure you into a trap.
- How it works: A stranger approaches you, claiming they found a ring on the ground and offers to sell it to you at a bargain price. The ring is usually worthless; once you’ve paid for it, the scammer vanishes.
- Consejos de seguridad: Mantén un sano escepticismo ante cualquier trato que parezca demasiado bueno para ser verdad.
3. Carterista
Los pequeños hurtos, como los carteristas, son lamentables en muchas ciudades bulliciosas, incluida Barcelona.
- Cómo funciona: Los ladrones suelen actuar en zonas concurridas, como La Rambla, y se llevan los objetos de valor mientras sus víctimas están distraídas.
- Consejos de seguridad: Guarde sus objetos de valor en un lugar seguro, preferiblemente escondidos. Mantente atento a tu entorno, sobre todo en espacios concurridos.
Zonas a evitar en Barcelona
When visiting Barcelona, it’s essential to be aware of areas to avoid in Barcelona to ensure your safety. While Barcelona is generally a safe city, some specific neighborhoods and locations are known to have higher crime rates and safety risks.
He aquí algunas áreas en las que hay que tener cuidado:
1. El Raval
El Raval, una parte de Barcelona con un rico tapiz cultural, es una zona que merece ser mencionada cuando se habla de zonas a evitar en Barcelona. Su historia es tan intrincada como su vibrante arte callejero, su música y su próspera vida nocturna. Sin embargo, este barrio también tiene fama de registrar altos índices de delincuencia, sobre todo al atardecer.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: Los delitos van desde pequeños hurtos a delitos más graves como el tráfico de drogas y las agresiones.
- Consejos de seguridad: To mitigate risks, stick to well-lit, busy streets, particularly after dark. It’s essential not to flash expensive items and to keep your belongings secure.
- Delitos comunes: Predominan los carteristas, los ladrones de bolsos y los delitos relacionados con las drogas.
2. Barrio Gótico at Night
The Gothic Quarter, known locally as Barrio Gótico, is a historic part of Barcelona that has maintained its medieval charm. But the labyrinthine layout, narrow alleys, and historical ambiance that add to its allure during the day make it one of the areas to avoid in Barcelona at night.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: Las laberínticas calles pueden convertirse en escenario de pequeños delitos tras la puesta de sol.
- Consejos de seguridad: It’s advised to stay alert, keep your possessions secure, and avoid venturing into secluded alleyways after dark.
- Delitos comunes: En esta zona, los carteristas y los pequeños ladrones suelen atacar a los turistas desprevenidos.
3. El Born
El Born, a district known for its bohemian spirit, chic boutiques, and gastronomical delights, has its share of safety concerns. The area’s magnetic appeal to tourists also, unfortunately, attracts petty thieves, making it one of the areas to avoid in Barcelona without proper caution.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: La popularidad de este distrito entre los turistas lo convierte en objetivo habitual de los ladrones.
- Consejos de seguridad: Vigile cuidadosamente sus pertenencias, sobre todo en lugares concurridos como el Museo Picasso o el Passeig del Born. Asegúrate de dejar tus pertenencias a la vista.
- Delitos comunes: Los carteristas y los ladrones de bolsos son problemas frecuentes en El Born.
4. Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas, punto neurálgico de turistas y barceloneses, es un caleidoscopio de tiendas, restaurantes y artistas callejeros. Por desgracia, esta animada zona es también un foco de carteristas y ladronzuelos, lo que la convierte en una de las áreas que hay que evitar en Barcelona sin la suficiente vigilancia.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: El ajetreo constante y el intenso tráfico peatonal la convierten en una zona atractiva para los ladronzuelos.
- Consejos de seguridad: Manténgase alerta, sobre todo de sus efectos personales, y desconfíe de los vendedores ambulantes, que podrían utilizar tácticas de distracción para robar.
- Delitos comunes: Los carteristas y los timos son los principales problemas de seguridad en Las Ramblas.
5. Parque de la Ciutadella de noche
Parc de la Ciutadella, often called Barcelona’s “green lung,” is a beautiful haven within the city. However, the tranquility it offers during the day transforms it into one of the areas to avoid in Barcelona at night due to safety concerns.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: Las luces tenues y la menor afluencia de gente tras el anochecer pueden aumentar la vulnerabilidad frente a la delincuencia.
- Consejos de seguridad: Evite pasear solo por el parque tras la puesta de sol. Si no tienes más remedio, limítate a las zonas bien iluminadas y pobladas.
- Delitos comunes: Ocasionalmente se producen robos y atracos en zonas aisladas del parque por la noche.
6. Zonas de playa
Barcelona’s sun-soaked beaches are a paradise for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. However, these popular areas are also notorious for pickpocketing and theft, leading them to be categorized as areas to avoid in Barcelona without sufficient caution.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: The distraction caused by the beach’s allure can lead to unattended belongings, making them an easy target for theft.
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Consejos de seguridad: No deje sus pertenencias desatendidas mientras disfruta del agua o toma el sol. Utilice la playa
taquillas si está disponible. - Delitos comunes: The most frequent concerns at Barcelona’s beaches are bag and mobile theft.
7. Distritos de Nou Barris y Sant Andreu
Nou Barris and Sant Andreu are residential districts on the outskirts of the city center. Although not typically tourist hotspots, these areas have higher crime rates than the average in Barcelona, which calls for visitors’ caution.
- Cuestión de seguridads: The crime rates, particularly at night, are slightly higher than in Barcelona’s central parts.
- Consejos de seguridad: It’s important to stay vigilant, especially when walking alone at night, and to stick to well-lit, populated areas.
- Delitos comunes: En estos barrios se han registrado robos, atracos y, ocasionalmente, robos de coches.
8. Estaciones de metro y centros de transporte público
The convenience and efficiency of Barcelona’s public transportation system are unquestionable. Still, metro stations and public transport hubs also have their share of safety concerns, thus making them areas to avoid in Barcelona without proper precautions.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: El bullicio de estos lugares, sobre todo en horas punta, atrae a los carteristas.
- Consejos de seguridad: Mantenga sus objetos personales a buen recaudo y evite exhibir artículos caros. Esté atento a las distracciones, ya que pueden ser intentos de desviar su atención.
- Delitos comunes: El carterismo es el delito más común en estas zonas.
9. Barrio de La Mina
La Mina, located in Sant Adrià de Besòs outside of Barcelona, carries a reputation for high crime rates, including drug-related offenses, and is typically not recommended for tourists, marking it as one of the areas to avoid in Barcelona.
- Cuestiones de seguridad: Preocupan aquí los altos índices de delincuencia, los delitos relacionados con las drogas y un entorno menos propicio para los turistas.
- Consejos de seguridad: Los turistas deben evitar esta zona y elegir barrios más seguros y turísticos.
- Delitos comunes: En este distrito se producen con frecuencia delitos relacionados con las drogas, agresiones y robos.
Conclusión
Understanding the areas to avoid in Barcelona does not take away from the city’s charm but allows you to explore Barcelona’s beauty more securely. Remember to stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy your time in this magnificent city.
Parece que todos los lugares turísticos de Barcelona son inseguros. Todas las zonas dicen que hay ladronzuelos por la noche. ¿Dónde es seguro alojarse y dónde es seguro caminar por la noche para ir a bares y restaurantes?
Hola Lupita, Barcelona es en general una ciudad muy segura. El principal problema son los carteristas. Esto suele ocurrir de manera que sólo te das cuenta de que falta algo más tarde, por lo que a menudo es difícil saber si alguien te ha robado un objeto o si realmente lo has perdido.
Estos robos se producen sobre todo en las zonas turísticas del casco antiguo y fuera de las principales atracciones turísticas, como la Sagrada Familia. Por ello, en estas zonas es aconsejable prestar atención a sus pertenencias. En cuanto a dónde alojarse, no hay ninguna zona que deba evitarse por completo. En el casco antiguo, algunas zonas del Raval pueden resultar inseguras por la noche si caminas solo. Así que si viajas solo, evita esa zona.
Hey lupita, I’m from Barcelona, all turistic areas are safe, just avoid raval. I give you a tip, don’t take a hotel in the center, at night some areas are pickpockets
Hi, Lupita! What did you mean “don’t take a hotel in the center”?? Did you mean “don’t stay at a hotel in the ‘center of town?'” Could you explain a little more? Gracias!
Barcelona es bastante segura, pero hay que extremar la vigilancia, sobre todo por la noche en La Rambla, el Barrio Gótico y El Raval. Hace unas semanas le robaron el Rolex a un hombre en la calle Ample del Barrio Gótico, junto a nuestro hotel. No lleve joyas ni relojes caros y deje los pasaportes en la habitación del hotel.
We just visited Barcelona, Sept/Oct 2023,walked throughout the center at popular tourist sites, and experienced no pickpockets or other harassment from anyone. We observed cautions with our valuables and were vigilant, but both the streets, shops, restaurants, hotels and Metro as well as popular tourist sites were totally safe and comfortable for us. We are very happy that all the worry was unfounded, though I’m sure bad things have happened and can still happen. We are very happy with our visit in Barcelona.
Mi mujer y yo estuvimos en Bracelona para dos salidas de crucero de una semana el año pasado. Oí muchas historias de terror en el hotel, en el crucero y en el aeropuerto. Lecciones aprendidas:
1)Be aware of bird poop trick, where someone will distract you with pretend bird poop on your shoulder (really some form of mayo or other liquid, and other will try to distract you 2)try not to dress like you have too much money and carry epensive purse, as you will be an easy target when shopping at department store, but keep your passport at hotel 3)don’t put your laptop bag down and be easily distracted, as you can kiss that laptop goodbye 4)try not to talk on iphone near curb as thieves on mopeds can easily swipe your phone and purse. My wife and I did not dress like wealthy tourists; in fact locals crossed the street when we were walking, so in a way, look poor and needy and sinister!
Hi Steven,
Thanks for your comment and recommendations. I don’t think it’s necessary to dress moderately. It is mainly a matter of paying attention.
Thieves in Barcelona are unlikely to use force because they would face far more serious consequences. In most cases, the victim will only realize something is missing later on.
What you say about passports is great advice. There is no reason to take it with you when sightseeing in the city, and losing it is a huge hassle, although it has hardly any value to the thieves.
I’m going to Barcelona
Single female, friends are saying no , that It’s a dangerous place, someone that I know lives outside Barcelona said same.
Opinions , is it safe for solo traveler?
Is there a company that I can hire to be a guide while I’m there?
Hi Deb,
Barcelona is not a dangerous place as such! The main problem really are pickpockets. Just use some common sense like notwalking as a single female through empty, seedy streets at night and you will be fine. The city is quite compact and densely populated, so you will hardly be in situations where you dont see anyone else, even at night. And on top taxis are fairly cheap and easy to flag down on any street. So whenever you feel unsafe, just grab a taxi and you dont need to worry about your safety in Barcelona (just make sure to check where you want to go when you get in and clarify an approximate price, so they dont take you on the scenic route…) Of course, we can also help you with a guide to show you the best of Barcelona – just reach out to info@bcn.travel and we will be very happy to help.
I hope you decided to go! I have traveled to Barcelona 3 times and all times felt completely safer than here in some parts of Los Angeles! I always stay in the Gothic Quarter and always feel safe there. I proactive common sense and leave no purse visible. I usually have a light jacket that has inside pockets for my phone and ID/Money. Barcelona is Awesome!
Hi there.
My husband and I are going to be in Barcelona in August, 2024. I’m feeling quite nervous about where we are booked for 3 nights..El Raval area.
Are seniors more a target for crimes of opportunity over other demographics?
My wife and I are in our 70’s and stayed at Barcelo Raval last Oct. They have very nice staff and are very helpful. We had a great time and would do it again.We had no issues but were careful and vigilant. Raval area seems a bit “grittier” than La Rambla. We did go out at nite. No drinking when out and about.
Overall a good city. Though on last day inspite of being carefull and having my wallet in the front jeans pockets, two guys approached me and my wife and distributed the MOCO store dance discount card a d one cane too close demonstrating the salsa steps and moments later left. One was a Morrocan and another Hispanic. The Moreoxan guys come back a few minutes later and gives my wallet back,blaming the other guy. It’s only then I realized my loss. Money was gone but a my CC and resident card in place.
Morale we have to still look out and never know.
Kindly advise on pinks sev neighborhood. Much-traveled 65-year old solo woman using airBnB. I live in center of Philadelphia, so am pretty savvy — but still a bit scared by Barcelona! I’ll be there 6 weeks.
Kindly advise on poble sec neighborhood. Much-traveled 65-year old solo woman using airBnB. I live in center of Philadelphia, so am pretty savvy — but still a bit scared by Barcelona! I’ll be there 6 weeks
Don’t be afraid! The first time I was in Barcelona in 2017, I went alone! I never felt unsafe there. I always stay in the Gothic Quarter. Just practice caution as you would in any big city. I travel light, don’t use purses or backpacks and have a light jacket with inside pockets for phone and ID/money. You will LOVE Barcelona!!
Barcelona is not significantly better or worse in terms of security compared to other major European cities. I don’t see much difference between Barcelona and cities like Paris or Amsterdam, though you might find it safer than London. Just be cautious and aware of your surroundings and belongings, as you would in any large tourist city. I know Raval and Poble Sec well; if you stick to the main streets, you’ll be just fine. There are plenty of hotels in these neighborhoods, police stations, firefighters stations, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, terraces that open late, banks etc so you’ll be safe. Yes, there is a possibility of theft, but having visited Philadelphia, I can assure you that the differences are minimal—primarily due to unfamiliarity with the area, which might make you feel a bit more insecure. Overall, it’s similar to other major cities in Europe or the US. Enjoy your stay and don’t be afraid there is absolutely not reason to be you will see!
Of course they are, just like anywhere else in the world