A question about safety in Spain?

Question

I've always liked Spain, even though I've only really visited the bits main frequented by tourists. As Spain is a land of great contrasts, I'd like to visit more of it. So, next year I'm considering visiting Madrid, and Saville. I'd be visiting alone and would like so advise as to safety, I'm 17 and male. I'm not interested in the drug side of it at all, I drink a small amount, but I plan to avoid bars in Spain, as being 17 and alone in a bar is a bad idea anywhere. I, of course, don't go looking for trouble, I keep myself to myself. One concern I do have is dress, in the UK, as many users will be well aware there is a class of individual known as the chav. Quite a large amount of them like to cause trouble with people they perceive as "different" to them. I guess I dress somewhat scene or indie, I wear skinny jeans, fairly tightish t shirts, have a side fringe, etc. Being shouted at or even sometimes attacked based on attire in the UK isn't the most unheard of thing ever.

Answer 1

Ok, Spain is one of the safest places you can go.

Madrid and Seville you will love!  and you can feel pretty safe.  The biggest problem in Spain is pickpockets.  Keep different kinds of spending money, and keep it in different places.  Put only as much cash in your pocket as you think you´ll need for the day, leaving the rest in the hotel safe.  Use a money belt.  Keep more than one credit card/atm card and keep them in different places.  Do not just sling your camera over a shoulder and ignore it.  You will lose it.

On the other hand. personal/physical crimes are much less common than in other countries.  Just be aware of your surroundings.  They definitely warned us about women walking alone late at night.  Take that into account, and use taxis if you feel uncomfortable walking.  

Don´t try to avoid bars in Spain.  You won´t be able to eat.  Bars are restaurants, and they offer beer/wine at almost all restaurants.  You can be pretty certain, however, that you won´t find a whole lot of falling down drunks.  It´s highly frowned upon there.  

You should definitely taste some of the local wines, sherry (fino) and beers.  No teetotaling there.

Staying away from drugs is a good idea.  Just stick with that.

They have their own way of dressing in Spain, more formal than in a lot of other countries (maybe no more than the rest of Europe, but Americans absolutely stick out like sore thumbs...I understand they just look at our feet).  

You probably won´t be accosted (even verbally) because of your clothing, as long as it´s fairly conservative.  Jeans and t-shirts go just fine, and in the larger cities, they are perfectly accustomed to seeing foreigners and different styles.  Don´t go too tight on those t-shirts, because if you wind up in the wrong parts of town, you could be mistaken for a "mariquita"  and possibly a professional one.  I know where to avoid in Seville, especially after dark, but I´m not familiar with the district in Madrid. Whenever you are travelling, try to go more conservative, and less¨"indie" (whatever that is) or "chav", and you should be okay.

¡Buen Viaje!

Answer 2

Firstly, you are a very mature 17 year old, asking a valid and responsible question, I applaud you for that.

Secondly, don't worry at all, in Spain people are not criticized for their dress sense and fortunately we don't have anything like that deplorable brain dead clan called "chavs". Bars are frequented by families too here, but pubs are not so just be yourself, have a great time and as you are sensible nothing bad should happen to you if you do the following:

Stay in well lit areas,

Don't drink too much (you already said you don't)

Don't walk the streets in the early hours alone

Don't carry your worldly possessions on your person

There are  few troublemakers in Spain (not necessarily Spanish either) that look for tourists to rob or pick pocket, so just be aware even in daylight keep your wallet inside your jacket or jeans front pocket. This of course can and does happen in all major tourist cities of the world.

Madrid and Seville are beautiful cities go and enjoy them and have a great time.

Answer 3

Sue has given you some really good advice that I agree with.

Common sense will generally keep you safe in Spain.

One other thing.  Manners still count in Spain.  Greeting others with Buenos Dias/Tardes, looking people in the eye when you speak to them, a broad smile, a handshake, appearing to appreciate assistance, saying Gracias...all these things will take you far.