🛟 What Every Visitor Should Know
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited and safest cities, but knowing who to call in different situations is essential for a secure and stress-free trip. (For daily precautions and tips to avoid petty crime, see our Staying Safe in Barcelona – ultimate Travel Safety Guide.)
Whether you’re walking through La Rambla, enjoying Barceloneta Beach, or exploring the Gothic Quarter, this guide provides the emergency contact information and local authority details every traveler must have.
🚨 1. Essential Emergency Numbers in Barcelona
🔴 112 – Barcelona’s Universal Emergency Number
Works across all of Catalonia, including Barcelona
Available 24/7, free of charge
Support available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and more
Use it for:
Medical emergencies
Fires
Accidents
Crimes
Any urgent situation
If you only remember one number in Barcelona, make it “112.”
🚓 2. Police Services in Barcelona
Barcelona has two main police forces, each with specific responsibilities.
👮 Mossos d’Esquadra – 112 (Catalan Regional Police)
The primary police force for:
Tourist protection
Pickpocketing and theft reports
Investigations
Violent crime
Public safety
Major incidents
Tourist stations are located in:
Plaça Catalunya
Sagrada Família area
Barceloneta (seasonal)
🚔 Guàrdia Urbana – 092 (Barcelona Municipal Police)
Handles:
Traffic violations
Street safety
Lost property
Public disturbances
Minor accidents
Beach safety coordination
They patrol all major neighborhoods including the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, Gràcia, and Ciutat Vell.
🏥 3. Medical Emergencies in Barcelona
🚑 061 – Medical Emergency Services (SEM)
Use this number for:
Serious injuries
Illness requiring urgent care
Heart problems
Difficulty breathing
Emergency transport
Barcelona’s medical system is modern, fast, and reliable.
🏥 Major Hospitals with Emergency Rooms (Urgències)
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Hospital del Mar (close to Barceloneta)
Hospital de Sant Pau
Hospital Vall d’Hebron
All accept emergency cases regardless of insurance status.
🔥 4. Fire & Rescue Services – Barcelona
🔥 Bombers de Barcelona – 080
Respond to:
Building fires
Smoke alarms
Gas leaks
Technical rescues
Elevator rescues
Road accidents
Fire stations are spread across Eixample, Sant Martí, Sants-Montjuïc, and Gràcia.
🌊 5. Beach & Coastal Emergencies in Barcelona
Barcelona has 4.5 km of urban beaches with seasonal lifeguards.
🛟 Lifeguards (May–September)
Use the 112 hotline for emergencies.
Lifeguard towers are located at:
Barceloneta
Somorrostro
Nova Icaria
Bogatell
Mar Bella
Nova Mar Bella
Llevant
🚩 Flag System
🟢 Safe to swim
🟡 Swim with caution
🔴 Swimming prohibited
⚫ Beach closed
🌍 6. Tourist Help & Support Services
🏛️ Barcelona Tourism Safety Service
Offices located in:
Plaça Catalunya
Sants Train Station
Airport T1 & T2
They help with:
Stolen items
Police reports
Travel information
Lost belongings
📲 Official Barcelona Safety App
👉 “Mossos d’Esquadra – Alert App” (multilingual)
Offers:
Real-time alerts
Direct contact with police
Location-based assistance
🛂 7. Lost Passport or Important Documents
Contact your embassy in Barcelona or head to:
Oficina de Denúncies del Turista (Tourist Police Office)
Near La Rambla (Gothic Quarter – The Timeless Soul) – supports English-speaking visitors.
🏛️ 8. Local Authorities in Barcelona (Who Does What?)
Barcelona’s public safety system is managed by :
🔵 Mossos d’Esquadra
Catalonia’s main police force – handles crime, investigations, and tourist safety.
🟢 Guàrdia Urbana
Municipal police – handles traffic, parks, beaches, and public spaces.
🔴 Bombers de Barcelona
Fire department – handles fires, rescue, and technical emergencies.
🟡 SEM (Medical Emergencies)
Ambulance and medical response.
Together, these organizations ensure a fast and coordinated response across the entire city.
💡 9. Safety Tips for a Smooth Trip in Barcelona
- Save 112 and 061 in your phone
- Keep small bags zipped and in front of you
- Avoid leaving items on café terraces
- Trust only uniformed officers
- Use official taxi ranks or apps (For detailed transport options, check Barcelona Airport Transfers & Travel Tips.)
- Keep a copy of your passport in your email
- Follow lifeguard instructions at beaches
- (For tips on securing your accommodation, refer to Best Airbnb & Apartment Rentals in Barcelona.)
🌈 Conclusion
Barcelona is vibrant, friendly, and safe—especially when you know the right emergency numbers and how local authorities operate. With fast response services, multilingual support, and dedicated tourist police, the city ensures that you can explore its beaches, monuments, and lively streets with total peace of mind. For a full guide to trip planning, accommodation, and all the top sights, see our Ultimate Barcelona Guide.
Stay aware, stay informed, and enjoy Barcelona confidently. 🇪🇸✨
❓ Visitor FAQ – Barcelona Emergency Numbers
📞 What is the main emergency number in Barcelona?
The universal emergency number is 112. It connects you to medical, police, and fire services and offers support in multiple languages including English.
🚓 Who should I call if my belongings are stolen?
Call 112 or visit the Mossos d'Esquadra Tourist Office near La Rambla. They handle theft reports, documents, and tourist assistance.
👮 What police forces operate in Barcelona?
Barcelona is served by:
• Mossos d'Esquadra – regional police (crimes, emergencies, tourist safety)
• Guàrdia Urbana – municipal police (traffic, public areas, minor incidents)
🏥 How do I contact medical emergency services?
For urgent medical help, call 061. Major hospitals with 24/7 emergency rooms include Hospital Clínic, Hospital del Mar, Sant Pau, and Vall d’Hebron.
📄 What should I do if I lose my passport?
Report it at the Tourist Police Station near La Rambla, then contact your embassy in Barcelona for an emergency travel document.
🏖️ Who handles emergencies on Barcelona’s beaches?
Beach emergencies are handled through 112, with additional support from lifeguards (May–September) at all major Barcelona beaches.
🚩 What do beach safety flags mean?
• 🟢 Safe to swim • 🟡 Swim with caution • 🔴 Swimming prohibited • ⚫ Beach closed
📲 Is there an official safety app for tourists?
Yes. The AlertCops app allows you to contact police, send alerts with your location, and receive real-time safety updates in English.
🚕 Are taxis and public transport safe in Barcelona?
Yes. Licensed taxis, metro, buses, and trams are safe and reliable. Always use official taxi ranks or book through trusted apps.
🧭 How can I avoid common tourist scams?
Keep bags zipped, avoid leaving items on terraces, be cautious near La Rambla and metro stations, and ignore street distractions intended to confuse tourists.
💬 Do emergency services speak English?
Yes. Operators on 112 and most tourist police units provide assistance in English and other major languages.
