Madrid Safety & Crime

As far as safety goes, there's little cause for concern. Central Madrid is so populated - and so busy at just about every hour of the day and night - that it never seems to carry any "big city" threat. Which is not to say that crime is not a problem, nor that there aren't sleazy pockets to be avoided. Madrid has a big drug problem, all too evident around the Plaza de España and some of the streets just north of Gran Vía. Drugs, it is reckoned, account for ninety percent of crimes in Madrid, and if you are unlucky enough to be threatened for money, it's unwise to resist.

If you have very limited time, you might well do no more sightseeing than this. However, monuments are not really what Madrid is about, and to get a feel for the city you need to branch out a little, and experience the contrasting character and life of the various barrios . The most central and rewarding of these are the areas around Plaza de Santa Ana and c/Huertas , east of Puerta del Sol; La Latina and Lavapiés , south of Plaza Mayor, where the Sunday market, El Rastro , takes place; and Malasaña and Chueca , north of Gran Vía. By happy circumstance, these barrios have some of Madrid's finest concentrations of tapas bars and restaurants.

Tourists in Madrid, as everywhere, are prime targets for pickpockets, and petty thieves. The main shopping areas, parks, the metro and anywhere with crowds, are their favourite haunts; burger bars and the Rastro market seem especially popular. Be aware that they often work in groups, and associates will try to distract your attention while your pocket is being picked. Tourists are also obvious targets for muggers and in all areas it is advisable to keep jewellery, watches and cameras hidden, and to stay away from dark, empty streets at night.

Unless they have rented expensive garage space, drivers may well find their cars broken into and the radio stolen. The police are generally fairly sympathetic and will give you a report form for insurance claims. In an emergency, dial 112; English is usually spoken on this number.

# posted by ruoling : 5:51 AM