Studying abroad in Barcelona is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and connections. As you meet new people throughout your time abroad, it's important to prioritize your safety while navigating the dating scene. This resource page is here to help you make informed decisions, stay aware of potential risks, and enjoy your time abroad with confidence. From meeting people in safe environments to understanding cultural norms and recognizing red flags, we've got you covered.
Dating in Spain, especially in a city like Barcelona, can be quite different from dating in the U.S. Here are some key cultural differences to keep in mind:
Flirting & Approach - Flirting in Spain is oftentimes much more direct than in the U.S. Things like compliments, physical touch, and strong eye contact are common, even early on.
Dating Timeline & Exclusivity - In Spain there tends to be a longer "talking stage" before labeling a relationship. People may casually date multiple people before deciding to be exclusive.
PDA - Kissing, hand-holding, and affectionate gestures in public are considered very normal. As Spaniards exchange kisses on the cheek to people they're just meeting for the first time, they're of course very comfortable showing PDA with their significant other!
Paying for Dates - "Pagar a medias" (splitting the bill) is very common, even on first dates. It's not considered normal for a particular person in the relationship to pay for everything.
Online Dating vs. Meeting Organically - While dating apps are often used, many people still prefer meeting through friends or social events. Barcelona locals are generally more comfortable approaching strangers in person than online.
Choose safe, well-lit public places for first dates. There are many cafés, plazas, parks, and restaurants in Barcelona to choose from! Avoid meeting at someone's home, and if you're using a dating app, be sure to verify your date's profile before meeting.
Whenever you meet with someone new, inform your friends and/or roommates about your plan. Share your location with them via Whatsapp, Google Maps, or Find My Friends. Set up a time that you'll check in at to confirm that you're safe.
If you choose to drink, limit your alcohol intake in order to remain aware of your surroundings. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. If you feel unwell, seek help from staff or a trusted friend.
Always opt for public transportation or taxis rather than getting in the car with someone you don't know. Apps like FreeNow will provide you with the driver's name and license plate in advance.
Be aware of any signs of controlling or unsafe behavior, such as rushing intimacy, pressuring you to drink, ignoring your boundaries, getting aggressive, etc.
It's important to be confirm your date's age (and share your own!) to ensure that you're an appropriate match.
Consent is voluntary, informed, and active agreement to engage in sexual activity. As indicated in this video, consent is:
Freely Given: It should be given without pressure, force, manipulation, or while drunk or high.
Reversible: Anyone can change their mind at any time.
Informed: For example, if someone says that they'll use a condom and then they don't, that is not consent.
Enthusiastic: If someone isn't truly into it, it's not consent.
Specific: It applies to specific actions. Saying yes to one thing doesn't mean saying yes to everything.
If you choose to use a dating app, always verify someone's profile before meeting them in person. Things like reverse Google image search and finding the person on social media can be helpful, as well as requesting a video chat before meeting in person.
Be aware of scams and things like catfishing - what you see online isn't always reality! Never share personal information, send money, or click on suspicious links. Should you choose to meet in person, always meet in safe, well-lit public places and tell your friend(s) and/or roommate(s) of your plans and where you'll be.
First and foremost, trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is! Remove yourself from uncomfortable or unsafe situations as quickly as possible. For a quick exit, pretend to take a call and excuse yourself.
Know how to politely decline unwanted advances. Be direct but kind, and if needed, blame things like your schedule ("I've got a busy semester, so I don't have time for anything serious right now"). As a back-up plan, always have an exit strategy, like saying your friend is waiting for you or that you have another commitment.
While Barcelona is one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in the world, it's still important to take precautions when dating as a Queer student. While many of the general dating safety resources are applicable to Queer dating, there are important differences and considerations to take into account.
Spain has strong legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage rights. Barcelona has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, especially in the Eixample district, which is often referred to as the Gaixample! While most of the city is inclusive, some of the areas further from the center or conservative communities may be less accepting.
Consider meeting at well-known LGBTQIA+ bars, cafés, or community centers like Axel Hotel's Skybar or La Federica. Always tell a trusted friend about your date, including the location and time, and if you choose to use popular dating apps like Grindr, Tinder, Her, or Scruff, be aware of potential risks like fake profiles and scams.
While rare, LGBTQIA-phobic incidents can happen. Trust your instincts, and leave any situation that feels uncomfortable. When it comes to PDA, Barcelona is very open-minded, but unfortunately, LGBTQIA-phobic people can be found anywhere. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas and at night. As always, be wary of drink spiking, especially in nightlife settings.
If you experience discrimination, please inform us through Barcelona SAE's Bias Description Form. Our Bias Response Team is here for you and will provide you with support in case you want to report the incident to local authorities or to organizations like the Observatori Contra l'LGBTIfòbia.
General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112
Local Police (Mossos d'Esquadra): 088
SAMU (Sexual Assault Helpline): +34 900 900 120
Observatori Contra l'LGBTIfóbia: +34 699 901 561