The most dangerous city in Spain. Most incidents in tourist areas
The National Static Institute in Spain has published crime data for 2025. The country’s capital was only in second place among the cities.
The most dangerous Spanish city in the first half of 2025 turned out to be Barcelona, ahead of Madrid and Seville. In the Catalan capital, 8,563 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants were recorded from January to the end of June. According to the report, most incidents are non-violent and focus on the most touristic places, where pickpocketing is common. According to the Idealista portal, there are districts in Barcelona that are better not to visit after dark.
Level of safety in Spanish cities
Spain, which ranked 99th in the 2025 Numbeo Crime Index, is considered a relatively safe country. Unfortunately, as in all places popular with tourists, thefts may also occur here. Foreign guests should be especially careful in Barcelona, which with 8,563 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants was in first place in the ranking of cities with the highest crime rate.
It was followed by Madrid (7,980 cases per 100,000 people) and Seville, with a result almost 1,500 lower. The next places were taken by Valencia, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Alicante, Zaragoza and Granada.
You have to be careful in these districts
According to the website Idealista, among the areas that are better to avoid in Barcelona at night is the Gothic district of Barri Gòtic. The authors of the article also mention the districts of El Raval and El Born, as well as Plaza Catalunya and the most famous street, La Rambla. When visiting parts of the city where the largest crowds gather, regardless of the time of day, we should pay special attention. Similarly on Barceloneta beach and in Citadel Park. “If you travel here at night, choose illuminated outdoor alleys,” we read.
