Las Ramblas not safe?
Aug 17th, 2007, 12:45 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not necessarily certain I would call it "seedy" depending on your definition of that term.
Las Ramblas, the portion below the Placa Catalunya, is a very busy place into the later hours and during the day has lots of flower stalls, bird sellers, some shell games, plenty of "living statues" and the like.
It also has high end hotels such as LeMeridien, the fabulous (interior) Barcelona Opera House, and so forth.
Some people feel it is noisy and others simply enjoy the atmosphere.
If you are looking for a super quiet and sedate area of Barcelona this isn't it.
Las Ramblas, the portion below the Placa Catalunya, is a very busy place into the later hours and during the day has lots of flower stalls, bird sellers, some shell games, plenty of "living statues" and the like.
It also has high end hotels such as LeMeridien, the fabulous (interior) Barcelona Opera House, and so forth.
Some people feel it is noisy and others simply enjoy the atmosphere.
If you are looking for a super quiet and sedate area of Barcelona this isn't it.
Aug 17th, 2007, 03:08 AM
#5
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed at a hotel along the Ramblas last spring. It is a popular area for tourists to stroll and, as Dukey said, take in the atmosphere. There are many reports on this forum about pick pockets in this area. We took the usual travel precautions of wearing money belts to carry our major cash, credit cards, i.d.; carrying limited amounts of cash in my purse and in my husband's wallet; and being alert as to our surroundings.
Our hotel was not noisy. We did not feel unsafe. We enjoyed strolling the Ramblas.
Our hotel was not noisy. We did not feel unsafe. We enjoyed strolling the Ramblas.
Aug 17th, 2007, 04:07 AM
#6
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 23,391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember part of the street closer to the water (not the Placa Catalunya end) as being a touch seedy. I personally woud not stay on Las Ramblas; it is very crowded, noisy, and lined with more than a few chain restaurants and the crowds they attract. Just my own personal taste. I have not been in 5 years and things may be different today.
Aug 17th, 2007, 04:11 AM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, it hasn't changed from your visit five years ago...it was more or less like that one year ago when I was last there.
I'm not necessarily in agreement as to the quality of the "crowds" attracted by chain restaurants...a different issue for me.
I'm not necessarily in agreement as to the quality of the "crowds" attracted by chain restaurants...a different issue for me.
Aug 17th, 2007, 04:25 AM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tourists generally stop before they get down to the part of Las Ramblas nearest to the sea which is a bit seedy. Most people are very unadventurous - if there's nothing the guidebook says is a "must see" then they don't explore.
As for the rest of it. The name might give the impression of a small narrow rambling sort of thoroughfare - it's actually a wide boulevard. Yes, lots of tatty shops and street entertainers etc.
I didn't much like it - can't imagine why anyone would want to stay in a hotel ON IT. Tons of much much nicer places to stay in areas that are still central.
But it's perfectly safe. Why shouldn't it be?
As for the rest of it. The name might give the impression of a small narrow rambling sort of thoroughfare - it's actually a wide boulevard. Yes, lots of tatty shops and street entertainers etc.
I didn't much like it - can't imagine why anyone would want to stay in a hotel ON IT. Tons of much much nicer places to stay in areas that are still central.
But it's perfectly safe. Why shouldn't it be?
Aug 17th, 2007, 05:13 AM
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Ramblas starts at the Placa Catalunya and runs to the water.
Down by the water, it can get iffy at night. It is an excellent point of reference for mnay sites in Barcelona. If you like to be in the middle of the nosie and action the Ramblas is the place to stay.
Once, and I am not sure why, we stayed at a hotel on the Ramblas and it was quite noisy.
Down by the water, it can get iffy at night. It is an excellent point of reference for mnay sites in Barcelona. If you like to be in the middle of the nosie and action the Ramblas is the place to stay.
Once, and I am not sure why, we stayed at a hotel on the Ramblas and it was quite noisy.
Aug 17th, 2007, 05:34 AM
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As people before have said very busy just watch your pockets but it is somewhere you have to go to see. You can not go to Barcelona without walking down there during the day.
Now I did find very late at night we are talking about 1am that one end had shall we say ladies of the night looking for punters. Now the next bit did surprise me and I do not want to alarm you but just make you aware of this. It is the only place I have visted where there was a couple of people on the street offering drugs very openly. They were a few iffy looking characters hanging around off Las Rambles. They were hnaging at the back of resturants and bars that seem to attract the vistors that were shall we say over form the UK for Stag weeeknds. No I do not mean strip joints but the Irish theme bar type of places. There was not loads but it did concern me. i was with a group and we just walked quicker to by pass them. It would not put me off going again, but I least I would be prepared.
My own prefence and this is just my thoughts. I would not really want to stay on Las Ramblas as it is far too busy. I like to be in a busy part during the day and maybe evening, but when I go away I don't like to stay in the heart of things. I like to stay within walking distance or a short cab away from things.I would not miss the day time stroll the girls will love it. I am sure that plenty of people on this site have taken Children to bareclona and would better advise you on that.
Now I did find very late at night we are talking about 1am that one end had shall we say ladies of the night looking for punters. Now the next bit did surprise me and I do not want to alarm you but just make you aware of this. It is the only place I have visted where there was a couple of people on the street offering drugs very openly. They were a few iffy looking characters hanging around off Las Rambles. They were hnaging at the back of resturants and bars that seem to attract the vistors that were shall we say over form the UK for Stag weeeknds. No I do not mean strip joints but the Irish theme bar type of places. There was not loads but it did concern me. i was with a group and we just walked quicker to by pass them. It would not put me off going again, but I least I would be prepared.
My own prefence and this is just my thoughts. I would not really want to stay on Las Ramblas as it is far too busy. I like to be in a busy part during the day and maybe evening, but when I go away I don't like to stay in the heart of things. I like to stay within walking distance or a short cab away from things.I would not miss the day time stroll the girls will love it. I am sure that plenty of people on this site have taken Children to bareclona and would better advise you on that.
Aug 17th, 2007, 05:46 AM
#12
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think if you don't go to Las Ramblas at least once then you've missed a significant part of Barcelona...it does exist and is at least worth seeing.
OTOH...there are some much nicer restaurants on the <b>other side</b> of the Placa Catalunya and that part of Las Ramblas.
As to why anyone would stay ON it???? I can think of a lot of people who might ask, "Why would you even consider staying OFF of it?" so that's one question to be answered depending on your tastes and interests.
BOTTOM LINE, Islandmom...the chances of being assaulted or murdered are probably low; pickpocketing happens as much on the Metro in Barcelona as anywhere else.
OTOH...there are some much nicer restaurants on the <b>other side</b> of the Placa Catalunya and that part of Las Ramblas.
As to why anyone would stay ON it???? I can think of a lot of people who might ask, "Why would you even consider staying OFF of it?" so that's one question to be answered depending on your tastes and interests.
BOTTOM LINE, Islandmom...the chances of being assaulted or murdered are probably low; pickpocketing happens as much on the Metro in Barcelona as anywhere else.
Aug 17th, 2007, 07:47 AM
#14
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first two times I went (once alone) I stayed at the Majestic on Passeig de Gracia, which is the continuation of the Las Ramblas above the Placa de Catalunya. To me that was an ideal location - it felt very safe but was very close to the action.
Aug 17th, 2007, 08:01 AM
#15
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry to throw this in, but so many people here seem to know the City.
We're considering staying at the AC Miramar in the Montjuic neighborhood.
Is this too far out of the main stream for a 5 night visit?
Thanks!
We're considering staying at the AC Miramar in the Montjuic neighborhood.
Is this too far out of the main stream for a 5 night visit?
Thanks!
Aug 17th, 2007, 08:06 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
. What is going to surprise me about Barcelona (positive or negative)?
148 responses; most recent on 08/04/20
check out the many unfortunately experiences and sage advice on this thread so you are not victimized - know the real problem and it may not affect you. Be naive and you could be robbed on the Ramblas or other places.
Along with Madrid Barcelona seems to be the most crime-ridden city vis-a-vis tourists in Europe and many think local authorities are not reacting enough.
148 responses; most recent on 08/04/20
check out the many unfortunately experiences and sage advice on this thread so you are not victimized - know the real problem and it may not affect you. Be naive and you could be robbed on the Ramblas or other places.
Along with Madrid Barcelona seems to be the most crime-ridden city vis-a-vis tourists in Europe and many think local authorities are not reacting enough.
Aug 17th, 2007, 08:09 AM
#17
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BOTTOM LINE, Islandmom...the chances of being assaulted or murdered are probably low; pickpocketing happens as much on the Metro in Barcelona as anywhere else.
This is just misleading. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Yes there are pickpockets but that is far cry from murder.
The Ramblas itself it is a high energy area where you will see many Catalans. It is near the Cathedral, Barrio Gotico, the Mercat, and other sites that are part and part of the Barcelona experience.
This is just misleading. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Yes there are pickpockets but that is far cry from murder.
The Ramblas itself it is a high energy area where you will see many Catalans. It is near the Cathedral, Barrio Gotico, the Mercat, and other sites that are part and part of the Barcelona experience.
Aug 17th, 2007, 08:45 AM
#18
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You must visit Las Ramblas during the day - it is lively and full of characters. The flowers, birds and fruit market are something to see. It is perfectly safe as it is packed with tourists. Just be sensible and be aware of your valuables. Leave purses behind. Your young girls will love the sights. Best recommendation is not to stay on Las Ramblas - we stayed on Passeig de Gracia at the Hotel Condes de Barcelona which was brilliant and just a 10/15 minute walk to Las Ramblas. Its on a beautiful boulevard with smart shops and great tapas restaurants. Very safe area. Enjoy your trip - Barcelona is wonderful. Dont be put off by all this talk of the seediness of las Ramblas. You just dont need to go there at night as all the stalls etc are closed then. During the day it's just like any other tourist city - sightseers and tourist attractions! Enjoy.
Aug 17th, 2007, 08:53 AM
#19
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We (husband, 2 sons in their 20s, plus their partners) stayed in an apartment on Las Ramblas, right across from the opera house, for a week in spring '06. We really enjoyed sitting on the small balcony of our apartment in the morning and evening, watching the street scene below.
Benefits of that location: lots of activity--mornings started out quiet, then the action picked up and lasted into the late evening. A constantly changing array of street performers to watch (and, just as fun, the reactions of passersby). Pretty flower stalls. Walking distance to good shopping, and very close to the fabulous La Boqueria food market--don't miss it. Also right near the metro station so it was easy to get to other parts of the city.
Drawbacks: lots of noise if the windows were open (not too bad if they were closed). Many other tourists walking up and down. Not as much of the "neighborhood" feeling as we usually like--it was much more commercial.
I didn't feel unsafe. I definitely kept my eye on my bag when I had it with me--often I just left it in the apartment and carried essential money or a credit card in a front pocket. Late at night the lower part of the street, as other posters have said, did feel a bit sketchy, but we didn't hang out there. Our area seemed fine.
When we return to Barcelona we will stay elsewhere, but being on the Ramblas for a week was definitely an interesting experience!
Benefits of that location: lots of activity--mornings started out quiet, then the action picked up and lasted into the late evening. A constantly changing array of street performers to watch (and, just as fun, the reactions of passersby). Pretty flower stalls. Walking distance to good shopping, and very close to the fabulous La Boqueria food market--don't miss it. Also right near the metro station so it was easy to get to other parts of the city.
Drawbacks: lots of noise if the windows were open (not too bad if they were closed). Many other tourists walking up and down. Not as much of the "neighborhood" feeling as we usually like--it was much more commercial.
I didn't feel unsafe. I definitely kept my eye on my bag when I had it with me--often I just left it in the apartment and carried essential money or a credit card in a front pocket. Late at night the lower part of the street, as other posters have said, did feel a bit sketchy, but we didn't hang out there. Our area seemed fine.
When we return to Barcelona we will stay elsewhere, but being on the Ramblas for a week was definitely an interesting experience!
