In Barcelona women are as emancipated as in any other large European city. If a degree of machismo still exists it is minimal, and women are increasingly reaching high positions in all walks of life (though not as many as they would like). As for women exploring the city on their own, the degree of hassle experienced is scarcely different from that of Paris or London.
For general advice to female travelers check out the award-winning website Journeywoman (www.journeywoman.com), a "real life" women's travel-information network where you can sign up for a free e-mail newsletter and get advice on everything from etiquette and dress to safety; or the travel guide Safety and Security for Women Who Travel by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer (Travelers' Tales, Inc.), offering common-sense tips on safe travel.
