For your next visit to the capital of Catalonia, would you like to know where to stay in Barcelona, which areas to avoid, particularly the red light districts?
Indeed, to choose the best neighborhood for a tourist stay, it is important to know which ones to absolutely avoid.
Based on reliable information sourced from local media, the business press, forums and statistics, I make a comparison of the different neighborhoods of Barcelona below. To locate them, I am attaching an interactive Google Map.
This way, you will distinguish the areas to avoid in Barcelona and the best areas to stay as a tourist.
Is Barcelona a safe city in 2024?
The majority of Spanish cities (Madrid, Valencia, Malaga ou Seville) are generally safe. But, in 2024 Barcelona is one of the least safe cities inSpain.
But does that mean Barcelona is a dangerous city? To know this, we must compare with other cities at the global level or at the level of theEurope (see below).
Barcelona is not considered a dangerous city in terms of crime (homicides, assaults) but it is dangerous for its high rate of thefts, robberies, trafficking and petty crime.
Even if Barcelona is not one of the most crime-ridden cities in Europe like Marseille, Catania, Montpellier, Naples, Paris ou London, she is still at the top of the ranking Number of crime in European cities.
In fact in 2024, Barcelona would be the 28th most crime-ridden city out of 132 with a crime index that is in the high average.
However, when there is insecurity in Barcelona it is only in certain parts of the city. This is why it is essential to know where not to stay in Barcelona and which neighborhoods to avoid.
Map of Barcelona neighborhoods
The city is so big and spread out that it is difficult to identify the different neighborhoods of Barcelona. Here is a map that can be enlarged to locate the areas to avoid in Barcelona but also the best areas to stay: Google maps
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:
La Mina dangerous district of Barcelona
The first area to avoid is Sheet, located in the municipality of Sant Adrià de Besòs. La Mina is known for its high crime rate and gang activity. This area has a reputation for being dangerous and it is recommended not to venture there, especially after dark.
It is important to note that La Mina is not a tourist area and therefore most visitors have no reason to go there.
El Raval, a neighborhood where it is better not to stay
The Raval is not a very safe area at night. Located in the Ciutat Vella district, El Raval can be visited without any problem during the day. But this area should be avoided after dark. Indeed, it is known for its drug trafficking and bad attendance. Tourists should exercise caution when visiting El Raval and remain aware of what is happening around them.
El Besòs i el Maresme neighborhood where you have to be careful
The district ofEl Besòs i el Maresme, located in the Sant Martí district, is another area that some people may choose to avoid. The crime rate is higher than in other areas of Barcelona, particularly when it comes to theft and drug-related crimes. Caution is advised when traveling in this area, especially at night.
Barcelona red light districts
Here are the main neighborhoods to avoid as they are considered the hottest in Barcelona (non-exhaustive list):
- El Raval district : This popular and very lively district which is close to Barri Gothic is the least safe in Barcelona, especially at night.
- Barceloneta district – This area and its beach are very popular with young tourists who come to Barcelona to party. It is a former fishing district which has been transformed with the arrival of party tourists. Today it brings together many bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs.
- Parts of Las Ramblas – This famous avenue is the favorite meeting place for many pickpockets who walk there pretending to be tourists. Late at night, it can also be the meeting place for petty criminals, drug dealers and prostitutes.
Areas to be careful about pickpockets
Pickpockets are present in all tourist cities in Europe and around the world. And the strategic places for pickpockets are obviously the main tourist sites of the city:
- The Holy Family
- The Barri Gotic
- Barcelona Cathedral
- The Ramblas
- The Boqueria Market
- Catalonia Square
- Passeig de Gracia
- The Casa Batlló
- The Milan House
- Park Güell
To avoid problems, tourists should be careful especially throughout the historic center, in shops, restaurants and public transport.
Where to stay in Barcelona to visit?
The safest and best located areas of Barcelona to visit are in the center of the city but in residential areas:
Eixample: Best neighborhood in Barcelona
This is a chic area ideal for visiting Barcelona on foot, for shopping on Passeig de Gracia and for enjoying the many good restaurants known to be the best.
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).
But you should know that there are 2 neighborhoods in 1. In fact, there is the Eixample Esquerra neighborhood (on the left) and the Eixample Dreta neighborhood (on the right).
Eixample Dreta
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.
Eixample Esquerra: Best neighborhood in the world!
It is not me who says it but the famous English review Time-out. After a survey of more than 38 inhabitants of large cities around the world, they elected Barcelona and its district Eixample Esquerra. Gastronomy, culture, good life, tranquility, solidarity between neighbors but also nightlife were the selection criteria. See the article: https://www.timeout.com/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world
Gracia: Bohemian chic neighborhood
Gracia is a safe and pleasant neighborhood in the center of Barcelona. Without being closer to the historic center, it is ideal for visiting Casa Vicens, Casa Milà and 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.
In which district to choose your hotel in 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