We will be staying in central locations in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada in October. In general, is it safe to walk to and in the areas of the major attractions in these locations? We may hop on the metro but usually prefer to walk as long as it is safe and weather isn't miserable. What about walking in the areas around the train stations? Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
We have walked around just about every major train station in Europe with no problems. We are not walking anywhere at 3 am but often are out as late as 11, midnight without any problems. What are you concerned about?
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1436 posts
Barcelona is notorious for petty crime (pickpockets). Be very alert in touristy areas. Do not carry your cell phone in the back pockets of your pants. Some of these thugs can be aggressive and work in groups.
I have been to Madrid several times and felt safe, but I was always very careful. Not sure about Seville and Granada. As usual, exercise caution in tourist hot spots. When sitting in an outdoor cafe, do not leave your valuables on the table.
Posted by
Chicago
1943 posts
During the day, the train station areas are fine. I've never walked by them at night but I have walked with my family around Barcelona and alone in Sevilla and Madrid and Granada. There are usually tons of people out after dark as businesses and jobs shut down later than the US. Just take precautions and if a street is not well-lit or empty best to keep to main roads.
That said, I've always felt pretty safe as a solo traveler in Spain at night.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3844 posts
We were in all four cities last October and walked everywhere. We didn’t feel the need to hop in a bus or train or Taxi. We are in NYC often so i guess we go on autopilot when in any big city.
In Barcelona my husband spotted 2 guys trying to pickpocket a womans purse and stopped them. It was a crossbody bag and she was carrying it behind her. So keep your hand on your bag in front of you.
Posted by
New York, NY
4000 posts
In Barcelona my husband spotted 2 guys trying to pickpocket a womans purse and stopped them.
How GREAT your husband stopped those lowlifes from robbing a woman! Just wonderful!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6547 posts
I agree with Frank. We’ve walked around all the major cities in Spain, not just the ones you mentioned, and have always felt perfectly safe. As somebody else mentioned, pickpockets are everywhere, so keep track of your belongings.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3844 posts
They just scurried off when confronted. Didn’t say a word.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Great thanks! In some major US cities, the main train station is not the best place to walk around at night so I wanted to ask about the areas in Spain. On my last trip to Paris, we walked everywhere and rarely hopped on the metro. Same with our trips to NYC and Chicago. We are very excited for Spain and the majority of the sites we are visiting are within walking distance from our hotels.
Posted by
7668 posts
Just get a money belt if walking in Barcelona or Madrid.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1436 posts
You can purchase some sturdy safety pins (the kinds with a security cap for babies) and attach them to the zipper. Then, pickpockets will think that it's too much work for them.
However, as always, you will still need to carry your shoulder bag on your front, not back.