First and foremost, never let your guard down! I've been a victim myself.
For those of you planning to travel to or live in Barcelona, Spain, or for those who are already living here, do you ever feel even a little bit anxious about safety? Having lived in Barcelona for over five years, I want to share the real situation on the ground. Understanding the safety conditions can help ensure you have a fun trip and an enjoyable time living in Spain.
By the way, I’ve been pickpocketed myself—multiple times, in fact, shortly after I arrived in Spain. It’s hard to avoid becoming a victim when you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings.
However, rest assured, Barcelona is generally considered a safe tourist destination by international standards, with very few serious crimes. When you walk around Barcelona, you'll notice it's a friendly city with good weather, and both residents and tourists exude a relaxed and happy vibe.
So, what should you be mindful of? Here's what you need to know:
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Types of Incidents You Might Encounter in Barcelona
Focusing on the types of incidents that tourists are particularly likely to encounter:
Pickpocketing, Bag Snatching, and Robbery
These are by far the most common incidents, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching. Unfortunately, pickpocketing is the most frequent crime in Barcelona.
While there are very few serious crimes, making it a relatively safe city in that regard, the number of pickpocketing incidents is staggering. From Japanese tourists to residents, someone falls victim to pickpocketing or bag snatching every day, losing their passports, smartphones, cash, credit cards, etc. Yes, every single day.
There was a month when, halfway through, 29 Japanese people had already been pickpocketed and rushed to the consulate. If you get hit on the first day of your trip, it can ruin your entire vacation. Especially during the tourist season, it's prime time for pickpockets, so you need to be extra cautious. Pay special attention in tourist areas and crowded public transportation.
Car Break-Ins (When Renting a Car)
If you're thinking about renting a car to visit nearby beaches or beautiful villages, be aware of car break-ins. These incidents are overwhelmingly common, especially with rental cars. The license plates make it easy to identify rental cars, making them prime targets.
Moreover, since people often carry luggage while traveling, rental cars become even more attractive to thieves.
In the past, a celebrity who visited Barcelona had their luggage stolen from a rental car. They had left their belongings visible from the window, which made them an easy target.
By being aware of these risks and taking precautions, you can enjoy your time in Barcelona more safely.
Unsafe areas requiring special attention.
Tourist Spots and Their Surroundings
This might be obvious, but it's worth emphasizing. Areas with high tourist traffic, such as La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Família, and around Camp Nou, are hotspots for pickpocketing and robbery. These are must-visit spots for anyone coming to Barcelona, making them prime locations for thieves.
In the past, McDonald's and Burger King near Sagrada Família were known as the two major hotspots for pickpocketing. If you left your belongings on the table or hung your backpack on the back of your chair, you were likely to be a victim of theft.
That being said, everyone loves hamburgers, don't they?
I understand why. Hamburgers taste pretty much the same no matter which country you're in, and the ordering process is simple, which is why people often opt for fast food restaurants for a quick meal.
However, pickpockets are well aware of this tendency.
Recently, there has been a significant increase in incidents around FC Barcelona's home stadium, Camp Nou. So, Barça fans, please be careful!
Note: Currently, Camp Nou stadium is under renovation, so no matches are being held there. However, the Barça shop and cafes are open.
El Raval District
El Raval is a neighborhood that requires extra caution, especially at night. While it's known for its multicultural atmosphere, the crime rate increases after dark.
Avoid walking alone in this area at night.
It’s dangerous to walk around at night looking at your smartphone map trying to figure out directions.
It’s also risky to walk around taking videos or photos with your smartphone out. This clearly marks you as a tourist unfamiliar with the area.
Your phone could be stolen in an instant.
There have also been many cases of high-end watches being snatched.
When you visit Barcelona, avoid wearing clothes or carrying items that make you look like you're carrying a lot of money. It’s like saying, “I’m an easy target, please rob me.”
Public transport on buses and trains
It's quite common to be pickpocketed on buses or trains without even realizing it.
Professional pickpockets are always on the lookout.
They are professionals, after all. This is their livelihood.
Another common occurrence is having your smartphone snatched just as the doors are closing.
Airport
It might be surprising, but pickpocketing is also rampant inside the airport.
After enjoying your trip to Barcelona, you might be in the departure lounge thinking,
"That was fun! I'm looking forward to the food back home!"
During this moment of relaxation, your suitcase could be stolen while you're checking in. A tragedy.
There are even cases of pickpocketing in the waiting area after passing through security.
The perpetrators buy cheap tickets to get inside and then carry out their thefts. They make more money than the cost of the ticket. It's astonishing, isn't it? Professional indeed.
Most people would be relaxing and just waiting to board their flight at this point.
To avoid being victimised
Anti-Pickpocketing measures
When walking
- Maintain a proper distance. Be cautious of people who get too close or exhibit suspicious behavior.
- Always keep your bag in front of you and hold onto it. Place valuables in the innermost or interior pockets of your bag.
- If you carry your bag on your back, the zipper can be opened, or it might be slashed with a cutter.
- Avoid crowded areas. The risk of pickpocketing increases in crowded tourist spots.
- Be careful if someone spills juice or water on your shirt and you start wiping it off. This is another common scenario, as shown in this video.
When on public transport
- sitting, place your bag on your lap or keep it over your shoulder.
- When standing, hold your bag in front of you and keep your back as close to the door as possible. In Japan, you might often stand facing the window when riding the train, but do the opposite here. Always check if anyone suspicious is approaching!
- Be especially vigilant near the doors. Many pickpocketing incidents occur just as the doors are closing.
When you are in a restaurant or bar
- Do not leave bags, valuables, or phones on the table. Also, avoid leaving them over the back of your chair.
- When leaving your seat, take your valuables with you or have someone you trust watch them.
When at the airpor
- Do not leave luggage unprotected. This is particularly important at check-in, security checks and baggage claim areas. Place it on the front side of your feet.
- Keep passports and valuables close to your body and keep an eye on them.
Fake police
- The police have ID cards, so the real ones are presented to them and they take their time to show them.
Fakes have fake ID, but they show it quickly and hide it immediately. - Real police do not pick up the wallet to check it. The fake removes credit cards and cash from the wallet.
- Real police do not ask you to pay any kind of fine on the spot. Payment is made at a bank.
Fakes will ask you to pay a fine on the spot. That's the only way they can steal money.
Instagram about pickpockets
This account keeps track of pickpocketers in Barcelona and identifies pickpocketers, with over 300,000 followers!
I also follow this account after being told about it by a colleague at work. I look at it from time to time and brace myself not to let my guard down.
Anti-vehicle burglary measures
- When choosing a place to park, opt for well-lit and open areas. Ideally, park in locations where your car is visible to people.
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside the car. This is the number one reason cars get targeted. If you must leave items in the car, store them in the trunk or other hidden compartments.
- When leaving your car, always lock the doors and close all windows. Avoid leaving the keys inside the car and never leave the engine running.
- For long-term parking, especially overnight, it is recommended to use a paid parking lot. The ideal parking spots are those with security cameras or where security personnel are present.
- There have been instances where someone was told by another driver,
"Your tire is flat,"
and while checking the tire on the roadside, valuables inside the car were stolen.
This is a common trick. Always close and lock the doors before checking. A friend of mine recently fell victim to this method. It seems that people tend to lose their calm when they discover a flat tire. It's advisable to prepare for such situations in advance. You can't be too cautious.
What to do if you are a victim
- Contacting the Credit Card Company
If your credit card is stolen, immediately contact your credit card company to request a freeze on the card's usage. - Reporting to the Police: Emergency number 112
Get in touch with the local police immediately to report the theft. However, it's wise to assume that in most cases, stolen items won't be recovered.
The purpose of contacting the police is to obtain a police report for insurance claims. - Contacting the Embassy or Consulate:
Report the incident to the embassy or consulate as well.
Reissuing Identification Documents: If identification documents such as a passport are stolen, begin the process of reissuing them at the consulate immediately.
- Travel insurance:
Report the damage to the travel insurance you have taken out in advance.
Contact the insurance company directly for the necessary documents and procedures.
In the End
With these precautions in mind, you should be able to enjoy a safe and pleasant stay in the streets of Barcelona. Be sure to enjoy the fantastic weather, cuisine, art, and other attractions that Barcelona has to offer, and make wonderful memories!
I hope this article contributes to supporting everyone's safe stay in Barcelona.