For your next visit to the capital of Catalonia, would you like to identify areas to avoid, particularly red-light districts?
Indeed, Barcelona attracts millions of visitors every year, seduced by its architecture, its sunny beaches and its lively nightlife.
However, like any large metropolis, the Catalan capital also has its dark side. Behind the picturesque façade hide less attractive neighborhoods and areas where caution is advised.
In this article, I lift the veil on the reality of Barcelona, listing the neighborhoods to avoid and the sensitive areas that tourist guides often prefer to pass over in silence.
My goal is not to dissuade you from visiting this magnificent city, but to give you the information you need to fully and safely enjoy your stay in the city of Gaudí.
Is Barcelona a safe city?
The majority of Spanish cities (Madrid, Valencia, Malaga ou Seville) are generally safe. But, in 2025 Barcelona is among the most criminal cities inSpain with 48 crimes per 1000 inhabitants.
The Catalan capital is the second European city with the highest rate of thefts per inhabitant, with 398 thefts per 100000 inhabitants (see article: published on freedomdigital.com. Furthermore, with a crime index of 51.71, crime has increased sharply in 2024 (see on lavanguardia.com).
And if we compare at the level of theEurope, out of 150 cities ranked on Numbeo.com, Barcelona is among the 30 most criminal cities. But it is still safer than Marseille, Catania, Montpellier, Naples, Paris ou London.
In fact, the majority of crimes in Barcelona are related to petty crime (phone thefts, bag thefts, scams). Violent crimes such as homicides or assaults are much rarer.
In addition, insecurity in Barcelona is concentrated in certain areas of the city only. That is why it is essential to know which neighborhoods to avoid.
The 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Barcelona
Before telling you the best areas to stay in, let's see which are the dangerous areas to avoid in Barcelona for a tourist stay:
- Sheet in the municipality of Sant Adrià de Besòs: This neighborhood is considered one of the most dangerous in the city.
- Sant Roc (Badalona): Close to La Mina, this neighborhood also has high levels of crime.
- El Besòs i el Maresme, located in the district of Sant Martí: This area has a higher than average crime rate, especially regarding theft and drug-related crimes.
- Saint Cosme (El Prat): Known as the “drug supermarket,” this neighborhood is a hotspot for marijuana sales.
- Trinity Vella : Area on the outskirts with socio-economic problems that generate problems and crimes.
- Good Shepherd : Another area on the outskirts where insecurity is starting to become a problem.
- Free Zone : This industrial district in the south of the city is unsafe and unwelcoming at night.
- The Raval in the city center is an area to avoid at night. Located in the Ciutat Vella district, El Raval is known for its lively nightlife, but also for its problems with petty crime.
- Gothic Quarter : Although very touristy and picturesque, the Gothic Quarter can be the scene of pickpockets, especially in the narrow and crowded streets. Vigilance is advised, especially in busy areas.
- Barceloneta : This seaside area is generally safe during the day but can be risky at night.
Barcelona red light districts
Here are the main red light districts in Barcelona that are best avoided late at night as they are very badly frequented:
- El Raval district
- Barceloneta district
- Parts of Las Ramblas
Areas to be careful about pickpockets
Pickpockets are present in all tourist cities in Europe and around the world. And the places in Barcelona where the risk of pickpockets is highest are of course the tourist sites of the city. Among the most frequented are the Sagrada Familia, the Barri Gotic, the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Ramblas, the Boqueria Market, the Plaza de Catalunya.
Which neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona?
For a tourist stay in Barcelona combining safety, proximity to tourist sites and amenities (shops, bars, restaurants), the Eixample or Gracia districts are an excellent choice.
Eixample: Best neighborhood in Barcelona
Eixample is a chic and ideal neighborhood for visiting Barcelona on foot, for shopping on Passeig de Gracia and for enjoying the many good restaurants renowned as the best.
This central district is renowned for its modern elegance, iconic architecture and safety.
It is in this district that we find the most beautiful squares and streets of the city: Rambla de Catalunya, Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, Carrer Aragon, Plaza de la Sagrada Familia, etc. Architecturally speaking, it’s an open-air museum. Indeed, art nouveau (modernism) is present on every street corner, on all facades and balconies (wood, glass, ceramics, wrought iron).
The right side of Eixample includes Passeig de Gràcia where Gaudi's La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are located. And for shopaholics, this is where you'll find the largest selection of fashion boutiques and big names. See my advice to find out where to shop in Barcelona.
Gracia: Bohemian chic neighborhood
Grace is a safe and pleasant neighborhood in the center of Barcelona. Although not very close to the historic center, it is ideal for visiting Casa Vicens, Casa Milà and the Sagrada Familia.
Less known to tourists, in this district, the accommodation offers are a little cheaper than elsewhere in Barcelona. However, this district is interesting because it has kept all its authenticity, with its pretty little squares, nice shops and bars where the locals go.
Which hotel to visit Barcelona?
The most beautiful hotels can be found in the most beautiful areas of Barcelona of course! But there are also small, inexpensive hotels there.
It is therefore in the Eixample district that I recommend a nice accommodation that is well placed to visit Barcelona. Indeed, the Boutique Hotel H10 Catalonia Plaza is located on the famous Plaza de Catalunya and 200 meters from Las Ramblas! Plus, it's right next to the metro.
And, for other destinations to visit in Europe : Why not visit Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Paris ou Lisbon