Staying Safe

In general, there is a very low level of crime in Valencia. Violent crime is almost unheard of and the city centre is generally safe to walk through at all times of day or night. However, there are some criminal elements to be aware of – largely revolving around pickpocketing and petty theft. Below you can find some tips for avoiding being a victim of theft and other crime in Valencia.

Keep an eye on your phone and personal belongings when out and about in Valencia. Mobile phones, handbags, wallets and cameras are favourite targets for pickpockets. Some foreigners have even reported having phones taken from their front pockets – pickpockets here can be highly skilled. If you’re going on a night out, consider taking a cheap phone and a small amount of cash rather than your latest iPhone and wallet. If you’re a tourist, it might be best to leave your passport in the hotel safe and take a photocopy out with you instead.

Be extra careful in certain areas, such as the park, beach and El Carmen as well as during festivals such as Fallas and San Juan. Having a nap in the sunny Turia Gardens may seem like a nice way to spend an afternoon, but you’ll be a prime target for thieves and may wake up missing your phone or bag. Malvarrosa Beach is another hotspot – if you want to go for a swim, it’s best to go with a group of friends and take turns watching each other’s possessions. Alternatively, waterproof pouches are a viable option. Leaving non-essential items at home is the best solution!

If you have your own bike, be aware that bike theft is a big problem in Valencia. It’s not uncommon to see the remnants of a bike chained forlornly to a bike rack in any given part of the city. If you’re planning on bringing an expensive bicycle to Valencia, be extra careful – make sure it’s insured! Some bars and businesses may allow you to park your bike inside their venue, which is always preferable to leaving it in the street.

Some areas are less safe than others. The neighbourhoods near Malvarrosa Beach (including Cabanyal) can be a little less safe than the city centre. Although violent crime is very rare, there have been reports of incidents on the beach and in the Turia park after dark. Exercise caution when walking alone in poorly-lit areas, but bear in mind that Valencia is much safer than cities such as Barcelona, Berlin or Paris.