The 7 Safest Areas in Barcelona
Here are some of the safest areas in Barcelona, plus advice on how to stay safe in the city.
7 Min Read
7 Min ReadBarcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is also its second-largest city. There is an incredible variety of things to see and do in the city. Of course, many potential visitors are left wondering about the safest areas in Barcelona.
In addition to cultural landmarks, beautiful beaches, and extraordinary restaurants, Barcelona is simply a magical place. Millions of people visit each year. It’s hard to go wrong when you decide to make it your home.
However long you decide to stay, no trip to Barcelona is complete without enjoying some tapas.
Here’s a look at the crime rate in the city, as well as some of the safest areas in Barcelona. We’ll also answer some of your biggest questions about where to stay while you’re in town.
How much crime is there in Barcelona in general?
Many people choose to stay in the safest areas in Barcelona because they’re concerned about being victimized by predators. Fortunately, the crime rate in the city as a whole is well below the national average. According to statistics gathered by Numbeo, Barcelona, tourists and locals alike are most concerned about property crimes. This would include both robbery – like pickpocketing – and theft, which refers to a break-in at a home or office.
On the other hand, people are less worried about being attacked due to their race or religion. There is also a lower level of concern about violent crimes like assault and armed robbery.
Tourists in particular should feel relatively safe traveling to Barcelona. Urban Abroad reports that violent crimes against tourists are infrequent. Even with relatively low crime overall, you will probably want to book a hotel or find living quarters in the safest areas in Barcelona. Here are some great neighborhoods to consider.
1. El Born
El Born is one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona. It blends Old World charm with modern cuisine. El Born is located within Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district, one of the safest areas in Barcelona. The name of this area means “Old City” in Catalan. This is fitting, since it is Barcelona’s very oldest district. El Born is also one of the most desirable places to live in Barcelona.
The neighborhood’s winding medieval streets are perfect for those who love to wander. You will also find some of the coolest boutiques in all of Barcelona in El Born. Culture lovers flock to El Born. The neighborhood is home to the Picasso Museum, the MoCo art museum and the historic Santa Maria del Mar Basilica. Barcelona’s venerable Catedral is also a short walk away. In addition to its cultural highlights, El Born is packed with stylish cafes and restaurants.
2. El Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova
Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova is an elegant neighborhood in the Gràcia district. This area is notable for its striking Art Nouveau architecture and 19th century apartment blocks. Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova is generally regarded as one of the safest areas to stay in Barcelona. The neighborhood is great for culture lovers, thanks to a variety of art galleries and cinemas.
Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova also has a diverse culinary scene. You can find everything from sushi to tapas to vegan fare. La Sagrada Familia is a short walk from El Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova. You’re also within an easy distance of Nou Sardenya stadium, where the CE Europa soccer team plays. Other Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova highlights include the nearby Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Casa Vicens.
3. La Dreta de l’Eixample
Lovely La Dreta de l’Eixample is a retail paradise! This neighborhood is known for its upscale shopping. You can find a number of international shops right in the neighborhood. There are even more shopping opportunities around the Plaça de Catalunya and along Passeig de Gracia. La Dreta de l’Eixample also has a great dining scene. You will find both upmarket restaurants and casual tapas spots on the Passeig de Gràcia. There are also a number of hotels in the neighborhood with wonderful dining options.
The neighborhood is also the setting for La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s iconic, unfinished cathedral by master architect Antoni Gaudí. La Dreta de l’Eixample is set within the city’s L’Eixample district. This coveted central district is one of the safest areas in Barcelona. As a whole, L’Eixample is known for its decadent Art Nouveau architecture. In addition to La Sagrada you will see many other buildings by Antoni Gaudí and his contemporaries.
4. El Poblenou
Petite El Poblenou is a wonderful area for new arrivals in Barcelona! All of the action is centered around Rambla de Poblenou boulevard. This thoroughfare is lined with bars and cafes. There are also a number of tech offices in El Poblenou. This makes the neighborhood a great choice for new startup employees or digital nomads who want to catch the vibe. The neighborhood is also a cultural wonderland. El Poblenou is home to the Barcelona Design Museum and the famous Els Encants flea market.
Other highlights include lovely Bogatell Beach and the massive Parc de Poblenou. El Poblenou is located in the Sant Martí district. This vibrant area is the location of the Platja del Bogatell, one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches. The beachside promenade is absolutely amazing! Other nearby highlights include the Can Framis Museum, an art space devoted to modern Catalan paintings, and the Museum of Natural Sciences.
5. Poble-Sec
Poble-Sec is another of the safest areas in Barcelona. This affluent neighborhood is set within the city’s Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc district. Perched atop Montjuïc Hill overlooking the sea, this district is one of the most coveted places to live in the city.
The entire area is home to an exciting variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. Foodies should make a beeline for Carrer de Blai, a cheerful street lined with cafes and tapas bars. Poble-Sec is the setting for Barcelona’s botanical gardens. There’s also the venerable Joan Miró Foundation and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, set in a restored palace.
6. El Putxet i el Farró
El Putxet i el Farró is a bustling neighborhood set in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. The area is beloved for its Modernist architecture. The variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants also make it a destination for locals. This is one of the safest areas in Barcelona, and it’s ideal for newcomers to the city. El Putxet i el Farró’s dining scene has something for everyone! You can find tapas, sushi, and fast-casual fare right within the neighborhood.
On the weekend, the Parc del Turó del Putxet is ideal for people-watching or a leisurely picnic. An ideal blend of city and country, the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district stretches between central Barcelona and the lovely slopes of Mt. Tibidabo. Nearby highlights include the Parque de Atracciones, accessible via a funicular railway, and the Vallvidrera Reservoir, an ideal place for a long hike.
7. Vila de Gràcia
Elegant Villa de Gràcia has incredible cultural attractions and a wonderful nightlife scene. There are also quite a few hip boutiques and artist studios in this neighborhood. This makes Vila de Gràcia ideal for shopping and gallery hopping.
In addition to the Plaça del Sol’s outdoor cafes, locals can take in live performances at the Teatrenu theater or see a movie at the Verdi Barcelona theater. Like Camp d’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, Vila de Gràcia is located in the city’s Gràcia district. This is one of the safest areas in Barcelona.
What are the safest areas to stay in Barcelona long-term?
Are you planning to move to Barcelona? Maybe you’re looking to live in this vibrant city with family or friends? Finding an apartment in Barcelona can be a challenge, as there is quite a bit of red tape involved in securing a lease. Choosing a short-term furnished apartment in Barcelona instead of a traditional lease is a worthy life hack.
Blueground has handpicked, move-in ready apartments in all of the best places to stay in Barcelona. We individually design and furnish our turnkey homes in the best neighborhoods for young professionals. Choosing a furnished rental also virtually eliminates unpleasant surprises. That’s because short-term housing providers like Blueground have apartments available in all of the best places to stay in Barcelona.
We hope this guide to the safest areas in Barcelona benefits you on your upcoming visit. Blueground is an ideal solution for short-term apartments — however long you plan to stay.
