Madrid Nightlife Blog: Safety Tips for Tourists in Spain

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Safety Tips for Tourists in Spain

HOW TO AVOID STREET CRIME

Spain had a "moderate" rate of crime. Street crimes against tourists occur in the principal tourist areas. Madrid and Barcelona, in particular, report incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and occasional violent attacks. Sexual assaults are statistically very low.

It's often said that if you speak to 10 visitors to Barcelona, six of them would tell of experiences of minor crime.

Reduce Risks

While Madrid and Barcelona on the whole are a very safe cities, smaller crimes such as pick pocketing and bag snatching are common place. This includes coats, jackets and hand-bags inside nightclubs. Use the cloakroom! Spending a euro or two will give you peace of mind.

AVOID "CENTRO" - especially at night!

In Madrid, incidents have been reported in all major tourist areas, including the area near the "Prado Museum", near "Atocha" train station, in "Retiro" Park, in areas of old Madrid including near the "Palacio Real", and in "Plaza Mayor". In Barcelona, the largest number of incidents reported also occurred in major tourist areas.

CHRISTMAS IN MADRID

Thousands of pickpockets operate every day in Madrid, especially in "Centro" district. They usually work in large gangs and especially love Madrid at Christmas time. In closed spaces like public transport, underground, bars, restaurants, department stores and shopping centres. According to the map of pocketing developed by the Police, these 'robbers' are active throughout the centre of Madrid, that is: Cortes, Gran Via, Callao, Malasaña, Chueca, Sol, Cibeles, Huertas, Prado, Austrias, La Latina, Rastro...

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The best places hidden from usual tourist trails!

Generally - day or night - you need to be aware of your surroundings to minimise the chances of being a victim. If you look like a tourist and you show easy access to pockets, bags, PHONES, and cameras you'll be targeted by those looking to snatch.

After dark, some areas are a haven for pick pockets and prostitutes. They're aware that between 11 pm and 7 am there will be a steady stream of tourists who are likely easy targets because one may be far from sober. So be aware of WHO is too close and stay alert, though this is easier said than done if you've been drinking solid for many hours.

If you can, always walk in well lit, populated and open areas. Try to stay away from dark, narrow alleys and side streets even if it means you will be walking a little further than intended.

You can also take advantage of our Pub Crawl and be escorted to a selection of bars and clubs. If you are able to party till closing at 6 am, you will be able to re-use the Metro system when it opens for the day.