I lived in the city of Madrid for several years and there were NEVER gunshots or murders that I heard, except 1-2 that were on the TV.

Very safe place to live. I felt much safer there than any big U.S. city. I often walked the streets at 3 a.m.

My female friends would routinely use the bus system or walk the streets at 3, 4 a.m. in the morning, with no problem. Unlike the U.S.

Please, let's not create ghosts where there are no ghosts. Madrid, IMHO is one of the safest cities on the planet.

Deep breath Dobry.... I don't think anyone here said Madrid was crime ridden... I think the concensus was that it was a safe place.. So are many other places on Earth.. The main point we're trying to make is that whenever travelling abroad, always understand the customs and restrictions. As it goes, Madrid is very safe.. Singapore in my mind is even safer... It's so safe, men can't even flirt with women they don't know, which can be a punishment of strokes from the rattan...