Should I stay or should I go?

MenInBlack

Hey guys

So I'm planning a trip to Barcelona for 5 nights. I last travelled by plane in 2004 but I was with my family. I'll be going alone and I am on the spectrum and have anxiety.

I know no one can make the decision for me but any advice or tips? I'm a bit wary of local thieves targeting tourists. Has anyone been recently? 

Thanks

Mark_d

I'd just say to be wary of people trying to "help" you.  They might want to operate a cash machine, or a machine to buy train tickets for you.

Other than that, I'd recommend ensuring there is space around you whether you are walking somewhere or on the metro.  But avoiding pickpockets is something you need to do everywhere, even in London.

MenInBlack

Mark_d said:

I'd just say to be wary of people trying to "help" you.  They might want to operate a cash machine, or a machine to buy train tickets for you.

Other than that, I'd recommend ensuring there is space around you whether you are walking somewhere or on the metro.  But avoiding pickpockets is something you need to do everywhere, even in London.

Thanks pal for that, I'm up north and it's a bit safer here. I can walk around with my phone out and a bit carefree. Thanks for the advice 

Brie

Not trying to up your anxiety but there are thieves everywhere so I wouldn't worry particularly about the ones that are in Barcelona.

The thing to do is to ensure you make yourself less of a target.  Have a safe bag that is worn under your shirt with your essential cards, passport.  Have a card to pay the majority of your bills rather than cash.  Have a spare card in case anything happens to the primary card. If you need cash take a small amount either from the UK or take a small amount from an ATM - watching who is around you of course.  

Have a tether on your phone so that even when you're using it it's attached to you somehow and can't just be snatched from your hand.  Maybe ensure you only take an old phone, not the latest shiny iPhone so you are less likely to be noticed.  

Obvious things - don't go down dark alleys, be moderately wary of strangers, don't drink to excess or do other things that are offered to you by strangers.  

Have the phone numbers for the card companies and insurance written down somewhere safe (not just in your phone) on the very unlikely case that you might need them for anything.  

If it was me going for 5 nights, I'd have that all packed in one small rucksack so if you need the loo you can take your bag with you rather than having to leave it where anyone could nab it.  

MenInBlack

Brie said:

Not trying to up your anxiety but there are thieves everywhere so I wouldn't worry particularly about the ones that are in Barcelona.

The thing to do is to ensure you make yourself less of a target.  Have a safe bag that is worn under your shirt with your essential cards, passport.  Have a card to pay the majority of your bills rather than cash.  Have a spare card in case anything happens to the primary card. If you need cash take a small amount either from the UK or take a small amount from an ATM - watching who is around you of course.  

Have a tether on your phone so that even when you're using it it's attached to you somehow and can't just be snatched from your hand.  Maybe ensure you only take an old phone, not the latest shiny iPhone so you are less likely to be noticed.  

Obvious things - don't go down dark alleys, be moderately wary of strangers, don't drink to excess or do other things that are offered to you by strangers.  

Have the phone numbers for the card companies and insurance written down somewhere safe (not just in your phone) on the very unlikely case that you might need them for anything.  

If it was me going for 5 nights, I'd have that all packed in one small rucksack so if you need the loo you can take your bag with you rather than having to leave it where anyone could nab it.  

Thanks. I think I'll be fine it's just the nerves haha

phatbear

Barcelona is one my favourite european cities.

Of course it has crime, like all big cities but the risk there is no greater than...london but it is a tad more concentrated.

Everyone wanders down las ramblas, although there is nothing remotely authentic about the road, esp tourists therefore this is where most opportunistic thieves hang around just be careful the same as on the underground, if you use it.

And if you intend to visit the sagrada familiar pre book to save the bonkers queues.

Just find a nice bar in the gothic or the born district, my fave is crepes el born, and grab a drink and watch the world go by.

thegreenone

My husband was targeted by pickpockets on the Metro but, unfortunately for them, he sussed it (coat over the arm, sharing the same hanging pole) but I carry all the money/cards in my crossbody bag, so they might have got a manky hanky out of his pockets.   

No affiliation - but my husband favours Rohan shirts with zipped breast pockets.  You can keep cash, cards and phone on your heart and nothing in your trouser pockets.

Agree with above re Sagrada tickets.  We used a fake? site but it wasn't busy so we were let in!  Book on the official website before you go.

We loved Barcelona.  I hope you have a fantastic time.