Sol/Gran Vía

Madrid, Spain

Overall Safety
Good
3.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics
Summary

Tourist central with all the main sights packed together. Convenient but expensive, and pickpockets work the crowds hard especially around Sol metro. You'll see all the famous stuff but won't experience authentic Madrid.

Central and bustlingTourist-focusedConvenient locationLively atmosphereMajor attractions nearby
Details

This is tourist central - Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía with all the main sights crammed together. Sol metro station is a pickpocket's paradise with six lines converging and crowds constantly moving through. Keep your phone buried deep and your bag zipped. The theaters on Gran Vía look impressive, but you'll pay €15 for a sandwich that costs €4 elsewhere. Street performers and people in costumes work the crowds for photos and tips - they're persistent but harmless. Everything has English signs because it's designed for tourists, which makes navigation easy but means you're not experiencing real Madrid.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Good

Night Walking Safety

Good

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

High

Scam Risk

High

Police Visibility

Excellent

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Moderate

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Excellent
Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Chocolatería San Ginés
  • Café Central
  • Café de Oriente

Restaurants

  • Sobrino de Botín
  • Casa Labra
  • La Bola

Bars

  • Museo Chicote
  • Del Diego

Other Spots

  • Mercado de San Miguel
  • Plaza Mayor
  • Puerta del Sol
Impressions & Tips

"Had my phone stolen right outside Sol metro - keep everything zipped up"

"Convenient for sightseeing but felt like a tourist trap"

"Lots of police around but also lots of pickpockets"

"Everything is overpriced but you're paying for the location"

"Good for a day of sightseeing but wouldn't want to stay here"

Based on aggregated research results
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