Is Madrid safe and what look out for?
Madrid! The home of the Royal Palace, what feels like a hundred reputable universities, and two of the best football teams in the world.
This city is home to over 3.3 million residents, making it approximately double the population of Barcelona. However, Madrid is the epicentre of all things Castilian and receives millions of visitors a year for its elegant culture, history, and food.
But is Madrid safe? Read this guide to learn about the city’s crime rate and how safe it is to be in the Spanish capital as a new tourist as well as places to avoid.
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Is Madrid safe?
For most people, knowing whether Madrid is safe to visit or not is imperative, especially for those planning a visit to the city, now, or at any time in the future.
Full of history, both recent and mediaeval, it has an eclectic array of museums and galleries. Then for those who like the outdoors, a long list of free parks to explore.
It’s also one of the best places in the whole country for fans of architecture. The big question, however, is whether Madrid is as safe as visitors make it out to be.
How safe is Madrid?
Madrid is an interesting place when it comes to the question of safety.
On the one hand, it’s like any other major European city with petty crime problems and organised crime, and visitors are most likely to be pickpocketed.
However, for some reason, like Barcelona, Madrid is still seen by some visitors as a more dangerous place than the likes of Berlin or even cities like London.
This is because the main tourist areas more central to the city, such as the ‘Puerta del Sol’ are targeted by the gangs for pickpocketing.
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Madrid Crime Rate
- The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Spain at Level 2, increased caution due to terrorism.
- Criminals tend to target elderly people and women, according to El Periodico, and steal jewellery, mobile phones, and wallets.
- Numbeo.com ranks Madrid as a safer destination for tourism than Barcelona. Do more research on safety in Barcelona to make up your own mind.
- Madrid is the 8th most liveable city in the world, according to Monocle magazine, in its 2019 index.
- Tourists are commonly victims of purse snatching or pickpocketing in high-traffic and tourist areas, but violent crimes against tourists are infrequent.
- From March 14th to June 20th, 2020, there was a 56% drop in petty theft and a 38 percent drop in robberies using force.
For the more tactical traveller, it’s worth noting that as a smart city (in many ways), Madrid has some of the most cutting-edge digital technology when it comes to connectivity around the city so you can walk around alone and remain safe.
Is Madrid safe for tourists?
Yes, Madrid is safe for tourists, but there are safety considerations to keep in mind. Madrid is a big city, after all, the largest in Spain and the second largest in the EU.
As a popular tourist destination, it draws scammers and crooks. Madrid is a safe city, but tourists can be easy prey for pickpockets, as visitors are often distracted by their surroundings and may be carrying expensive phones and cameras.
Aim to keep a close eye on your belongings and be sure to use a money belt, purse or bag that fully zips up and always carry your wallet in your front pocket.
Is Madrid safe at night?
Yes, Madrid is safe at night as long as you avoid dark and isolated streets. The central areas of the city are generally safe, but as with any other big city, Madrid is no stranger to bag snatchers and pickpockets both during the day and at night.
The southern side of Madrid is considered more dangerous, more specifically the neighbourhoods of Orcasur, San Diego and Entrevias.
If you want a quiet stay in Madrid, avoid booking accommodation in the neighbourhoods of Malasana, Lavapied and Chueca, famous for the movida madrileña and where you can easily stumble upon drunk people after dark.
I always recommend carrying a sturdy anti-theft bag like this one to move around a big city like this one to protect your personal belongings at all times.
Also, never carry large amounts of cash and leave your documents in your hotel in a safe deposit box. To be extra cautious, make a copy of your IDs too.
Is Madrid safe to travel alone?
Yes, Madrid is safe to travel alone. The places where you can be a target of petty thieves and pickpockets are public transport, top attractions, museums and monuments as well as public places like squares and parks.
Always be alert when you’re moving around the most touristy locations. Make sure to close the bag tightly and do not leave your phone, wallet, jacket, or camera unattended. Especially when sat having breakfast or a coffee in a bar.
Be extra cautious when you’ll be visiting the Rastro market, as well as the neighbourhoods of Chueca, Lavapied or Malasana late at night. Avoid dark and deserted streets and stick to places where you can see other people.
Is Madrid safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Madrid is safe for solo female travellers. Women travelling alone shouldn’t have any safety issues whilst exploring Madrid. Always use your common sense and be careful at night, avoiding isolated and dimly lit roads.
Avoid being with people you are unfamiliar with in abandoned areas. If you want to walk around the city late at night, do it with another person or in a group.
It’s better to avoid the neighbourhoods of Chueca and Malasaña at night. Pickpockets and bag snatchers are targeting tourists in the most crowded places, so be alert and make sure to keep safe your valuables.
Where to stay in Madrid
With a plethora of neighbourhoods and sought-after places to stay in Madrid, where should you consider if you’re planning to stay for more than 24 hours?
Sol-Gran Vía
Puerta del Sol and its surrounding areas are definitely the places Madrid newbies need to visit, so why not stay here?
As well as being the true centre of the city (and the starting point for all the motorways in the whole country), this is a great meeting place for locals and tourists alike thanks to its location smack-dab in the middle of Madrid.
Hotels such as Room Mate Alba are perfect for a romantic weekend and also the perfect spot for backpackers or Grand Tour-style holidays.
Malasaña
This is a neighbourhood with huge local gravitas. From the heart of the Madrid ‘La Movida’ countercultural movement to the trendy neighbourhood, it is today.
Malasaña has seen some massive changes in the last century that have shaped its look today.
There are some incredible eateries and chic shops alongside traditional bars and markets. Its central location makes it one of the top areas in town for nightlife.
I recommend getting on one of these special private tours that will usually give you a more in-depth insight into the complexity of this cool neighbourhood.
Chamberí
From hunting grounds to a district of aristocracy, Chamberí has always been an area in constant flux. Just like Malasaña, the local history is as interesting as the look of the place.
A traditional, serene neighbourhood free from the touristy hustle and bustle of the city centre. Many travellers stay at the Gran Versalles hotel as it is in a prime location and offers excellent value.
Picture wide streets and flats going for eye-watering prices, which just so happens to also be a hotspot for fine dining and classy restaurants.
Areas to avoid in Madrid?
Like the majority of the most popular cities in Europe. There are some places to avoid, and the worst areas in Madrid are located on the southern side of the city.
They’re not that dangerous when compared to other European cities, but I suggest avoiding booking rooms and hanging around these areas late at night.
- Puente de Vallecas
- Orcasur
- Orcasitas
- Entrevías
- San Diego
- Palomeras Bajas
- Some areas of Villaverde and Carabanchel
As I have already said, tourists are advised to be vigilant when visiting even the central districts of Madrid, where there are the main popular attractions. That is because it is in those crowds that pickpockets and bag snatchers target visitors.
Travel safety tips for Madrid
Although Madrid isn’t the most unsafe location in the world, it wouldn’t hurt to take some precautions before and during your stay to ensure that you stay safe:
- ‘Guiri’ is the colloquial name the Spanish use for foreigners. But don’t be upset if someone calls you this, as it’s typically meant to be endearing.
- Be sure to check out Toc Hostel for a stay in some of Madrid’s finest budget rooms with fabulous interior design
- Walking around flashing expensive items and gadgets will attract attention from unwanted petty criminals.
- Keep your bag close to you at cafés/restaurants, never place your bag in a retrievable position open for passers-by to grab.
- If you decide to drink like a local, a few beers at lunch or vermouth in the morning, pace yourself and don’t overdrink.
- Refuse strangers attempting to give you ‘gifts’. This scam is popular throughout Europe. Here, scammers will try to offer you a gift—like a rose or a bracelet. If you accept the gift, the scammer will make a scene and demand payment, often threatening to call the police.
- Don’t show wads of cash when paying for stuff – control how much cash you carry and use a hotel safe. Wearing a money belt may attract attention.
- Know the typical distraction techniques – pickpockets often work in groups and sometimes pretend to be collecting money for a charity.
- If you have enough time in the city and decide to take a ride on the city tour bus be sure to secure your bags on the seats.
- Be especially cautious with your belongings when ambling through the Puerto del sol and other crowded areas.
Is Madrid safe? Final words
Turns out, Madrid is quite a safe place if you take the necessary measures.
Planning ahead will make your trip stress-free, so make sure you know where you’re staying and where to take extra vigilance.
Madrid has one of the world’s best tourist scenes, so if you’re visiting purely for the galleries and old buildings, you now know about the sketchy areas of the city.
