Barcelona-City OF Pickpockets

MrSmartprice

I can't believe someone said there was nothing to do either!:rolleyes: Barcelona is a fantastic city, we have been several times and love the place. It's not that expensive either if you go to the right places. You can get a wonderful meal with wine for under 10euros in lots of places. Just avoid tourist traps!

As for safety, the main problem (again!) is the roma gypsies who infest the Ramblas & Placa Catalunya areas, begging and picking pockets. Barcelona is also on the main route for illegal immingrants from Africa, via the Canaries or Ceuta, up the coast, into France, to Calais and into the UK.

When we are in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Prague etc, we take sensible precautions. MrsS carries a bag strapped round her, and I use a lightweight bodybelt for valuables. It is just common sense. (I would do the same in London but I avoid the place like the plague!)

Party_Animal

I've never had a problem in Barca, though I know others have. I have zipped pocket on the front of my shorts and they are not easy to rob. The only time I've been robbed was on a crowded train in Prague. Wedged in, someone managed to nick my camera and leave me with an empty bag.
How can you say there's nothing to do in Barca? I love the place.

wannaberichbtch

Ive just come back from 3 days in Barcelona and must say it was one of the most interesting cities Ive ever been too. Had heard about pickpockets and you have too take the usual big city precautions,(I kept my handbag over my shoulder and money in zip pocket), my son had a camera in his pocket all the time, Went all over the city on the underground, and walking, day and night and didnt see any problems, came across a few dodgy looking people but if you give them the "I know what your up too" look they move on, if you want to go, don't let negative reviews put you off, just be careful.

DKLS

Rachel85 wrote: »

This is the main reason I'll never go back (plus it smells, the beach is scabby and there's nothing to do...)

Are we talking about the same place? There is so much to do there its hard to fit everything I want to do in a trip there.

As for the thieves, I have had no trouble what so ever in 8 visits, then again I pack a healthy dose of common sense on every trip I go on, whether its 3 weeks in Thailand, or a trip to town on a saturday afternoon.

haddock22

As i said at the start i have travelled throughout the world and not had any problems with lowlife such as those in bacelona.There are lots of places to go to but it did seem over populated with coaches of tourists in most sites,The cathedral at the moment has 4 large cranes over it which may be the usual but rather ruined the pictures

aylithuk

So glad people are saying good things about Barcelona because I am going in just under 2 weeks. The thing is all these 'horror stories' are from people that just don't take care and I cannot understand that if you've done your homework you'd know this city (unfortunately) a high crime rate when it comes to petty crime. So why would you go and make yourself stand out like a tourist and not look after your handbag and not be fully aware of what going on around you?

For every 10 stories I read about people losing this that and the other I read 1 story from people that have no trouble.

A close friend of mine had his wallet pickpocketed out of his back pocket..I did feel sorry for him honestly could he of invited it any more?

My manager been with her husband and 3 children and they felt safer in Barcelona then in Rome when they went and nothing happen to them

Just enjoy yourself but be aware that this does happen so make sure you take precautions after it it's a major city just like London.

1, Only take what you need for the night aka cash or card
2, Take a photocopy of your passport out if you need to but leave it otherwise in your hotelroom
3, Be confident and don't dress like a 'tourist'
4, Be AWARE of what happening around you
5, For the ladies. If you do take a handbag out make sure all your valuebles are in tucked away in an inner pocket with a zip and keep your bag close to you at all times.

Have fun and personally I cannot wait to see all the sites :T Barcelona has to offer

A x

dacouch

I went to Barcelona and was dissapointed to see they still havn't finished building the cathedral, how long do Spainish builders take !!!!!!, they have been working on it for decades

MrSmartprice

haddock22 wrote: »

As i said at the start i have travelled throughout the world and not had any problems with lowlife such as those in bacelona.There are lots of places to go to but it did seem over populated with coaches of tourists in most sites,The cathedral at the moment has 4 large cranes over it which may be the usual but rather ruined the pictures

This has convinced me that the thread is a wind-up!:rolleyes:

What planet are some people on. Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882. How inconsiderate of them not to finish it especially for you, or at least to have shifted the cranes so your pictures would turn out nice!:rotfl:

RoxieW

I've been to Barcelona 3 times - once with my two young children and have never once had a problem or felt under threat. I've also visited Prague, Paris and Rome and again have never had any problem. Perhaps I've been lucky? OH and I have walked the streets of these cities at night time and have never come across any trouble. Someone attempted to pickpocket OH in broad daylight in New York but I'm forever reminding him to keep his wallet in his front pocket. Who in their right mind keeps it in their back pocket?? To let some scum put you off visiting a place is a real shame.

Barcelona is a wonderful city. There is sooo much to do. Anyone who says there is nothing to do needs to look abit harder.

If you are going my top tip is Le Quinze Nits on St Marks Square (off las Ramblas - about half way down). Wonderful food and atmosphere very cheap. Just be prepared to queue for a table.

haddock22

Perhaps the postcards etc should show the cranes to get a true picture of the Sagrada Familia then