When you plan on visiting Barcelona, a very good idea is to learn how to stay safe within the city. According to the latest data, staying safe in Barcelona is not very difficult, with the city having a moderate to low crime rate, depending on the neighborhood. While Barcelona is safe compared to major American cities, it does stand behind the national Spanish average. That’s why it’s a good idea to make staying safe in Barcelona a priority.

Protect yourself from pickpocketing!

Unfortunately, pickpocketing is still rather common in crowded spots and near major landmarks that are full of people. But there are ways to avoid that, from wearing a cross-body bag to never leaving your wallet or phone on the table. Also, stay away from distractions like masked performers and so on. If you choose to use the public transport system, it makes sense to stay away from the doors.

Avoid tourist scams

Most large cities in the world will have all kinds of tourist scams, and Barcelona is no different. Some of the common scams include:

  • The rose seller, who will push flowers towards you and force you to take them, just to ask for money afterwards.
  • The ketchup trick is also a scam. Someone will spill sauce or mustard on you, they will pretend to clean it up, and as they do that, someone else in cahoots with them will steal your valuables.
  • You can also find the fake police officer scam. These are people pretending to be police officers; they will ask for your passport or wallet, and they will also try to check your belongings.
  • There are petition scams, where people approach you to sign a petition, and in the meantime, someone else will try to steal from you.

Staying safe during the evening/night

Since Barcelona has a vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of people roaming its streets even at night. If you want to explore the city during the latter hours, stick to areas that are very well lit. Isolated streets and dark alleys are something you want to avoid. Also, avoid walking alone at all costs, if you can. Ride-sharing apps and registered taxis can prove to be an excellent option, so keep that in mind.

Beach safety

When you visit the beach, one of the best methods for staying safe in Barcelona is always to keep valuables close to you and not show them off. Bring only the stuff you need. And on top of that, getting a waterproof pouch or anti-theft beach bag should be a priority.

Know the emergency numbers!

You never know if there’s any issue or emergency that might arise. If any emergency appears, you want to dial 112, as it’s the general emergency number for the city. 092 will get you in touch with the local police, and 061 is the number you can use for any medical emergency. Barcelona also has tourist police stations in the El Prat Airport, Sants Train Station, or Plaça Catalunya.

Money safety

A good rule of thumb is not to carry a lot of cash with you. In case you want to use ATMs, it’s crucial to use those inside the banks, instead of those on the street. Cover your PIN if there’s someone near you. And of course, you want to avoid dynamic currency conversion, select local currency as it gives you better rates.

Other considerations

  • We recommend respecting the local laws. That means you can’t drink alcohol in public spaces. Additionally, smoking in public parks, nudity outside of the beach, and public urinating are strictly prohibited.
  • If you want to connect to public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN. It will protect you from digital scams and hackers.
  • In case you got scammed or robbed, go to the police. Of course, if the passport was stolen, go to the consulate or embassy.

There are always challenges when it comes to visiting any city, since many of them have scams and thieves. That’s why it’s a good idea to check these tips for staying safe in Barcelona. You’ll know what scams to avoid and what potential challenges can arise while exploring the city. Prepare beforehand, and you’ll have a much better experience as you explore Barcelona, while avoiding any thieves! Looking for more tips on Barcelona? Check out our Barcelona travel tips post.