To know where to stay in Madrid, it is better to identify the best neighborhoods but especially the neighborhoods of Madrid to avoid. And it's true that even if Madrid is not a dangerous capital, it is prudent to find out more to avoid staying in a red-light or dangerous district of Madrid.
That's the whole point of this article. It brings together serious information on Madrid's neighborhoods from reliable sources (national media, local press, studies and statistics).
You will also find a Google Map to geographically locate the areas of Madrid to avoid but also the best areas to stay.
Madrid dangerous city in 2024?
NO: At the European level, in 2024 Madrid is a much less dangerous city than the majority of French or Italian cities like Montpellier, Toulouse ou Rome.
Indeed, according to the Numbeo ranking on the crime level of 158 European cities, Madrid is among the least criminal cities with a crime index of 29.93.
However, this classification is quite subjective because it is not established with official figures but only with the opinions and feelings of Internet users.
On the other hand, these data are averages. However, we know that insecurity in cities is concentrated only in certain places. Regarding Madrid, suddenly, apart from a few neighborhoods, the city is not more dangerous than another large metropolis like Barcelona, Paris, London, New York, or Los Angeles.
Insecurity, crimes and types of offenses in Madrid
Let's be clear, Madrid is not a crime city. The majority of crimes listed are robberies and arrests for drug possession or trafficking.
If you want to make up your own mind, here is the official website which lists all the figures for crimes and offenses in Madrid: Madrid Police Data Site
Madrid neighborhood map
Madrid is organized in 21 districts which are subdivided into 129 districts. It is therefore difficult to know them all. We will only tell you below which are the worst and best neighborhoods in Madrid.
To better identify the districts of Madrid that we will discuss below, here is a map that can be enlarged to locate them: Google Map
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Madrid
As confirmed byTéléMadrid article, there are 5 neighborhoods that are considered to be the most dangerous in Madrid:
- Centro (the center)
- Carabanchel
- Salamanca
- Vallecas Bridge
- Usera
Find out now where exactly these dangerous neighborhoods in Madrid are.
Centro
In the heart of Madrid, the Centro district is a tourist district where you can find the most emblematic monuments of the Spanish capital (Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, El Rastro flea market, cobbled streets of old Madrid). See its location
However, it is also the Centro district which has the most arrests linked in particular to the possession and consumption of drugs and theft. Non-criminal, it is however considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Madrid in terms of arrest statistics.
Carabanchel
Carabanchel is a neighborhood located in the southwestern suburbs of Madrid. See its location
You will find cheap hotel offers and very attractive private accommodation in terms of price. But beware, this district is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods of the city, in particular for drug trafficking.
Salamanca
Salamanca is the district of elegance, luxury and fashion which is located right next to the Centro. See its location
But, although Salamanca is one of the most expensive upscale neighborhoods in Madrid, it has an ever-increasing level of insecurity. It is the presence of wealth which attracts delinquency and which explains the large number of thefts.
Dangerous neighborhoods in Madrid: Puente de Vallecas
The district of Vallecas is divided into two districts: Puente de Vallecas et Villa de Vallecas. See their location
Located in the South-East of Madrid, the district Puente de Vallecas is also a neighborhood to avoid. There are many crimes related to trafficking of all kinds and gang phenomena.
Usera one of the worst neighborhoods in Madrid
Located south of central Madrid, this neighborhood is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Madrid. See its location
Note, however, that this district is in the process of reconversion and that its insecurity is decreasing.
Red light district in Madrid
If you want to avoid neighborhoods that are poorly frequented at night, in Madrid, the red light district is located in the Malasaña district especially in the Calle de la Luna and around.
Other neighborhoods in Madrid to avoid
Without being dangerous neighborhoods, here is a non-exhaustive list of other neighborhoods to avoid in Madrid, especially at night:
- villaverde,
- Latina,
- Hortaleza,
- Linear city,
- footbath (see article in Lepetitjournal.com)
Best neighborhoods to stay in Madrid
The most beautiful areas of Madrid are not immune to insecurity, especially theft.
Indeed, the neighborhoods of Salamanca and those around Puerta del Sol in the Centro are considered the most beautiful places in the capital.
But if, as we saw above, these are areas that attract thieves, tourists who know how to remain cautious can still take advantage of these magnificent areas to stay there.
Here is a list of safe neighborhoods in Madrid to stay:
- the historic center (los Austrias)
- Malasana (which adjoins the Center to the north)
- Chueca (gay district of Madrid),
- Orchards
- Chamberi
- Retiro
Hotel in the most beautiful areas of Madrid
The hotel I recommend below is located in the most beautiful areas of Madrid! Its location is ideal for tourists as it is very close to the most beautiful places in the city, a short walk from the Prado and Queen Sofia museums and 50 meters from the Gran Vía metro station.
Budget hotel in Madrid in a safe area
Located in the quiet and safe district of Chamberi, 200 meters from the San Bernardo Metro, this hotel has all amenities including air conditioning. It is a good address because its value for money is exceptional. See this cheap hotel in Madrid