Spain as a woman alone traveling

Picking up on the rest of it, we're all over Spain pretty often and my wife has no problem wandering around on her own in either Barcelona or Madrid.

First, you really have two Spain. That which was under control of the Moors for 500+ years and northern or European Spain which reminded under Christian control. Use Madrid as a good starting point. I find the Moorish part of Spain far more interesting because of the blending of cultures. For me that part of Spain would be Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and points south. Personally I think most of Spain is safe but do not have the perspective of a single female. As a couple we have never felt unsafe. However, Segovia, Toledo, Avail and north are interesting and would be similar to Italy and other parts of northern Europe.

We were just there in May and really enjoyed everywhere we went, but particularly the Moorish-influenced cities that Frank mentions. the people, the food, the architecture and general ambiance were all fantastic. While I was with my husband, I also walked around a bit on my own and felt safe at all times. IF I were to go back on my own, however, I would probably be more comfortable in Sevilla, Cordoba, and Granada than Madrid or Barcelona. It depends in part on when you are going, as the summer months can be very hot in Andalucia.

I traveled alone in Andalucia (Granada, Malaga) last year and had zero issues. I haven't traveled enough places in Spain to answer the other part of your questions, but I did want to assure you that single women are fine there.

I was in Spain in the fall of 2009. I spent a couple of days by myself in both Madrid and Barcelona. If you only have a few days, I would probably agree with the above posters in that Madrid and area would give you the Spanish experience you are looking for. Personally, I preferred Barcelona, but I think Madrid is a must-experience. In terms of comfort alone, that will also depend on how much you have travelled that way. It was my first trip to Europe where I spent about 1/2 the time by myself and I was very comfortable. However, I live by myself and am comfortable with my own company anyway. If you are comfortable alone in other places, I would expect you will be comfortable in Spain as well.

unfortunately, my husband was pick-pocketed in puerta plaza del sol in madrid. i wasn't. this was at around 11:00ish at night and the plaza was filled with people. so, just be careful.

As 2 women traveling in Andalucia in June we had no issues anywhere. I would definitely recommend Seville for a great Spanish experience - it was clean, stylish and friendly and felt very safe walking home late in the little back alleys of the Santa Cruz district to Hotel Alcantara. It has great buildings (don't miss the Cathedral and Alcazar), attractive and helpful citizens, lovely parks, quaint and pretty cobble stoned streets and great shopping! Enjoy!

I spent time alone in Barcelona, Madrid, and many towns in southern Spain and didn't have any issues. Yes, pickpocketing is prevalent in the bigger cities, and even smaller ones like Sevilla, so just be mindful of your location and your things. You're not going to get the "best Spanish experience" in any one town in a couple of days. IMHO, that's like trying to pick the one town in the USA that represents the entire country - just not possible. If you're only there for a few days, remember that unless you fly directly into the city you're going to visit, you need to account for travel time. That said, please advise what your interests are so we can give you better advice. Art? Madrid would be my pick. Architecture? Barcelona hands down. History? Toledo.

Barcelona is a great city with much to do, lots of history, sightseeing, and the beautiful mediterranean sea, right there. You can take a bike tour, bus tour, segway tour, walking tour or taxi tour of the architecture and the sights as an individual, there would be no problem. I was there in April with a family with small children-talk about a target for crime...and we had no problem. There are many people of different ethnicities, cultures, languages, there is no one type of person in Barcelona, so whether you are in a group or alone, I would see no problem. I was advised to be careful about purse snatching, and I was-purse with zippers, and slung across my body (never on the back of a chair) the whole time. We had no problem. The metro is TOTALLY clean, safe, never had a problem. There are many free things to see and do (Gaudi parc, the castle of Montjuicspectacular view). Have fun! SuzieeQQ
San Diego