In the podcast this week, I discuss violence in Madrid and whether Spain’s capital is a safe city or not. Having lived in London, Tokyo, and Madrid, I’ve experienced firsthand how safety varies across major global cities. Each has its own unique challenges and cultural attitudes toward public behaviour, particularly when it comes to drinking and street crime.
The Tokyo Contrast
Tokyo stands out as possibly the safest capital city in the world. It’s a place where you can leave your purse in a café and return to find it untouched, with all your money intact. While public drunkenness is common – you’ll often see salarymen completely intoxicated on the metro – it rarely leads to violence. The Japanese approach to drinking, while heavy, doesn’t typically result in the aggressive behaviour seen in other cultures.
Madrid’s Evolution
Madrid has traditionally had a more mature drinking culture than many European cities, with less binge drinking and fewer alcohol-related fights. Until recently, the main security concern was pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas like Sol. Thieves often use clever diversionary tactics – a common scam involves someone approaching with a clipboard for a survey while their partner picks your pocket.
However, recent years have seen some changes. The area around Lavapiés has experienced an increase in violent muggings, largely attributed to growing economic inequality and rising housing costs since the 2008 financial crisis. Large developers buying up property have driven up rents, leading to increased homelessness and social tension.
Yet this isn’t unprecedented – Madrid faced similar challenges in the 1980s, when a flood of drugs (most particularly caballo aka heroin) came into Spain, combined with economic hardship, led to a wave of crime. The current situation, while concerning, isn’t nearly as severe as that era.
Despite these issues, I still walk around late at night alone, something I’d be hesitant to do in London where I encounter much more public drunkenness and aggressiveness than I do in Madrid!
Safety Tips for Modern Madrid
- Stay alert in crowded tourist areas, particularly around Sol
- Keep your belongings secure and be wary of clipboard-wielding surveyors
- Exercise extra caution in and around Lavapiés, especially at night
- Avoid excessive drinking, as it can make you a target
- Be particularly vigilant in Lavapiés and the backstreets around Plaza de los Cubos
Despite these concerns, Madrid remains generally safe for residents and visitors who maintain basic street awareness. The key is staying sober and alert, avoiding high-risk areas late at night, and being aware of your surroundings. While the city faces challenges, it’s a far cry from its historical reputation as a duelling ground for sword-wielding nobles or its troubled period in the 1980s.
