ita

I am becoming discouraged about my trip to Barcelona as i read all the reports of pickpockets, muggings and theft. Is it true that I shouldn't wear costume jewellery? I am a seasoned traveller and am careful, but the reports I read seem that Barcelona is worse than most other places. I would appreciate comments and advice

elcon

Hi ita! I was in Barcelona in December. I am a woman and I travel alone. I had one scary moment there and will admit that the reports of all of the crime had me on very high alert. I did feel a bit more on edge there but was not robbed or mugged. Exercise precautions(money belt, don't carry excess cash, careful at ATM's etc)and be aware of your surroundings. I found Barcelona to be a lovely, vibrant city and would love to return. I can't comment on the costume jewellery as I don't wear any when I travel. i would just say that if it would bother you to lose it, don't wear it.

hayestrip

I'd say that yes, when it comes to petty crime it is worse than most cities popular with tourists but we never felt unsafe, we just tried to be extra aware of our surroundings. Like elcon, I absolutely loved Barcelona and would go back in a heartbeat. During the day, just keep an eye out for pickpockets and at night use common sense and don't wander down dark streets or off by yourself. It would be an absolute shame if you missed Barcelona because of this though.

I also agree with elcon that if it would bother you to lose something, don't have it on you.

Lifeman

The stories of problems in Barcelona do persist, but if you take proper precautions you are unlikely to have one.

I have been there 5 or 6 times over the last several years, have used ATM's, walked back to the hotel after dinner, walked down the Ramblas and been in lots of bars without any problems whatsoever. I'm not complacent when I go there, or indeed anywhere I travel, but if you are sensible you'll be fine.

Don't let the scare stories put you off one of the best places to go in Europe.

Lifeman

The stories of problems in Barcelona do persist, but if you take proper precautions you are unlikely to have one.

I have been there 5 or 6 times over the last several years, have used ATM's, walked back to the hotel after dinner, walked down the Ramblas and been in lots of bars without any problems whatsoever. I'm not complacent when I go there, or indeed anywhere I travel, but if you are sensible you'll be fine.

Don't let the scare stories put you off one of the best places to go in Europe.

Lifeman

If a things worth saying, say it twice..or just inadvertently click on submit twice!

PalenQ

Yes Barcelona seems to be amongst the very worst cities in Europe for street crime and even muggings, unheard of practically in other countries - but I believe that if you know the scope of the problem and take precaustions like hayestrip suggests then the problem is greatly lessened. A stringent NO to wearing any expensive jewelry - inviting problems IMO. Be very cautious of anyone coming up to you for any reason, unfortunately they are probably up to no good. Stay out of dark lanes, etc. But Barcelona is such a great place otherwise that it would be a pity to not visit it out of fear - not nearly every tourist gets victimized - probably a low percentage - esp if you are cautious.

PalenQ

Yes Barcelona seems to be amongst the very worst cities in Europe for street crime and even muggings, unheard of practically in other countries - but I believe that if you know the scope of the problem and take precaustions like hayestrip suggests then the problem is greatly lessened. A stringent NO to wearing any expensive jewelry - inviting problems IMO. Be very cautious of anyone coming up to you for any reason, unfortunately they are probably up to no good. Stay out of dark lanes, etc. But Barcelona is such a great place otherwise that it would be a pity to not visit it out of fear - not nearly every tourist gets victimized - probably a low percentage - esp if you are cautious.

danon

The same topic has been discussed many times.


I have visited the city four times ( going again in 2 weeks) and have always worn the same rings , expensive watch and carry the same purse as I do in my home town.
Never had a problem.
It does not mean one shouldn't be aware of pickpockets - yes, they are often around train and metro stations .
Walking alone in a "bad" part of town at 2 A. M. is not recommended in any big city.

stephh

I have had the good fortune to visit Barcelona twice for a week each time in the past year. I was careful to keep my handbag close under my arm and had no problems whatsoever. I never wear jewelery while on vacation, just to be sure. Nor did I witness anyone else have issues at any of the many sights I visited. I agree, use your usual caution, and have a blast!

LSky

I don't know why you shouldn't wear costume jewelry. I always wear jewelry on vacation, nothing that I'd miss forever if I forgot it in a hotel room. If you wear jewelry, wear it.

Barcelona is a great city and the only place I felt uncomfortable was along La Rambles, even a shopkeeper tried to scam my husband by saying I stole something from the shop. I offered to call the police for the shopkeeper, I'll never forget the look on that rat's face.

Walk with purpose, keep a wary eye and your hand on your bag. Learn to speak some Spanish, "go away" is useful

MFNYC

Maybe I missed something, or perhaps because I live in a big city and have good instincts/habits, but we didn't have any problems in Barcelona (Nov '09), and we were wondering around almost everywhere. Naturally I'd avoid dark, deserted places at night, etc. as I would anywhere. I don't use money belts. I carry a purse, hung over my shoulder, and I hold on to it. I wear minimal jewelry, nothing flashy or high end.

TDudette

DH and I took metro everywhere because our hotel was not in the old center and we never had any problems.

We never ever dressed well when overseas. We also had color copies of all of our documents-one set in hotel and one in office in US-just in case.

LOL, we could never stay up late enough to worry about isolated streets!

Have a great time-it's a cool city.

colduphere

Just wear your jewelery under your clothes (like a money belt) and you'll be fine.

virginiafish

I appreciate this post, as we are going in May and I was having the same concerns. All cities have some issues (we had a few "attempts" in Amsterdam and Paris) and require vigilance. So, these responses are reassuring. Thanks!

nytraveler

I wouldn;t worry about costume jewelry - thieves aren't interested it (and they will know) - they want cash and credit cards.

I've been twice in recent years - one with my beau and once with 2 colleagues - and none of us had any problems. But we are all city smart and I must admit didn't spend a lot of time in the Ramblas (who would want to?).

and if you're careless thieves will find you almost anywhere.

msfujik

Hi elcon! I had a similar worry myself as a woman traveling alone to BCN. Was starting to feel alarmed because I think 1 in 5 posts on these forums described some pickpocketing and/or mugging incident. However, I just got back from my trip and didn't have any such problems.

A couple of late nights (around midnight/1am), I walked back to my Eixample pension after dinner in Barrio Gotico/Born with another solo female traveler I met. When I was by myself late at night, I took the night bus back to my pension. I will say that walking through the deserted alleys late at night by yourself as a lone woman was kinda eerie (I jumped at what I thought was a scurrying rat--it was a shadow). I don't really recommend it. BUT even 1:30am on a Sunday night/early Monday morning, people were still out (I understand now why siestas are still practiced).

As suggested by other posters, if you're walking purposely, that really helps. And I followed other general common sense rules, such as carrying limited amounts of cash, using an across the shoulder bag, keeping the bling/flashy items hidden, and being aware of your personal space.

Hope you have a great (and safe) trip!