Barcelona advice

scaramanga31

Im interested in going to Barcelona with my girlfriend .
Have been put off by reports of pickpockets etc .Is it really as bad as people say? Do you feel safe when you are walking around? The last thing i want to do is take her somewhere where we are likely to get mugged , yet we both really want to go . Any advice appreciated .

debsy42

I was there a couple of weeks ago with three friends and we were fine. We stayed in Las Ramblas which has a bad reputation however so long as you are careful then you should be ok. We only took out the money we needed and kept an eye out for each other. It's a lovely place so don't let the reports put you off !!

Christal_2

HI Scaramanga31, I went to Barcelona with my hubby about 3 weeks ago, loved place! Yes there are pickpockets, but they are everywhere, you won't find a city without one. I was well aware about the pickpockets and other stuff before we went, so we were very careful, and had a great time there.

What I would say is be cautious, be aware of what's going on around you, and don't flash your mobile/phone/cash/wallet, never put your wallet in your back pocket as that's like an invitation to the pickpockets. If you carry a bag, make sure you are carrying it in the front not on the back, you want to be able to see it so you can make sure it's safe. Most people are nice and friendly, there has been reports like Las Rambla is the worst area with this kind of crime, I spent about half day on that, it wasn't that bad but do be careful, as the pickpockets will always pick the easy target, if you are careful then they won't be bothered.

I'm sure you will like the place if you go...

ManAtHome

Would agree with the other posters - didn't feel any less safe than any big UK city. Biggest problem is the weather - nice and sunny makes you less alert, but don't look rich/careless/stupid and you'll be ok.

billy_the_kid_2

I would concur with above posts, dont carry wallets in back pocket. A mate of mine got pickpocketed from his back pocket. However tealeaf must have got a surprise as all he had there were travel brochures.

When we were there the only problem we had in Las Ramblas were coming back from the nightclubs of the Marina, the prostitutes were rather agressive and wont take no without some arguing. It was about 4 in the morning though. Apart from that, Barca is a great city.

TBeckett100

i had a prostitue offer herself to me for 20 euros. However, whatever anyone says, you have to be careful anywhere, dont get involved with the money games on las ramblas (which feature the same people year in and year out) they are never arrested and the police just take their money away.

Enjoy barcelona, but just keep your wallet protected and you will be fine I have been 10 times and never run into troubles. I suspect the prossie was just after trying to pick my pockets as she was trying to feel me up. Mentioned i was a big boy.

fatboyonadiet

I heard loads of scare stories as well but had no problems, felt safer then anywhere else but of course you do need some common sense about yourself.

Christal_2

Tbeckett, when are u going next time? It's getting harder to find deals now, I have been struggling to find anything for May/June....

TBeckett100

Eurostars Gaudi, H10 Marina and Princess are looking a bit steeply charged in May/June (we are off on 03 June!):beer:

GlasgowGal

Agree with the above. Docked there for a day visit at the end of last year. The crew told us not to take jewellery or more money than needed. Just be sensible and keep your wits about you, like any big city in the UK really. Keep to the main streets etc and you will have a wonderful time.