madrid barcelona

Barcelona to me was more the modern cousin to the traditional Madrid. Did not feel intimidated in both cities but just be more aware in bus and train stations.

I haven't been to Barcelona - yet - but I spent time in Madrid alone last May. I never felt unsafe or had a bit of problem anywhere. I am mid-50's and traveled alone.

I can only say about Barcelona. Was there with my sister and brother-in-law I think two years ago. We travel together a lot and most places we go, I take a lot of time on my own, UK, France, Ireland, Holland and all their big cities. Barcelona was the only place I did not feel that comfortable doing that and I am from NYC, so maybe that would give you an idea. If Nancy said she did Madrid on her own, I would go with that, in my opinion.

Barcelona is infamous for pickpockets. Lately, there are tales of more aggressive/violent thieves - fortunately we didn't run into any during our stay. In Madrid we were actively pursued by a thief. He walked when we walked, stopped when we stopped, sped up when we sped up. I finally turned and stared straight at him - without making eye contact he turned sharply and quickly disappeared down an alley. Outside of the few major tourist cities, Spain may be the safest place in Europe.

I can only speak to Barcelona as I was with my mom (she is 67 almost 68) earlier this month. We split up for a time one day and she felt totally safe. In fact, we commented on how safe it felt there because we'd heard so much about muggings. On our last day we had a hideous flight out at 6:30 am on a Sunday morning, so we were on the street waiting for a cab at 4am (with people streaming out of bars) in the El Born neighborhood and didn't feel unsafe then either. Yes, the pickpockets are famous in Barcelona, but I think its only an issue in any super crowded place such as the beach and Las Ramblas and if you are dressed in such a way that says I'm a tourist and not paying any attention, so please take my stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to travel alone to Barcelona. I hope you go and have a great time!

Hi Gerri, We just came back on Sunday night from a week in each city. I found Madrid, as a city, easier to get around, very clean and a bit more cosmopolitan than Barcelona. Barcelona has the beaches (not sure when you're traveling), the amazing Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi masterpieces as well as the Picasso museum. Barcelona is much more spread out but easier to navigate, language wise, if you speak little or no Spanish. We never felt unsafe but are hyper vigilant and comfortable in cities.
It really depends on what you're looking for.