On the positive side, think how annoyed the pickpocket was when he discovered he got only 5 euro. I see from another post of yours that you like to bike and walk. Did you find any rides or walks in the Barcelona area that you enjoyed.

I'm heading to Barcelona next month but will be getting a car and driving into France for a walking vacation in the Cerdanya with just the last night of the trip in Barcelona.

I didn't imply the original poster was "a dumb traveler", I said IF they had not been using money belts, then THAT was a dumb action. That does not make the person "dumb", only the action. And I definitely stand by that. But what I really object to is someone who posts to say that Barcelona is a "NASTY city" and advising others not to go there. Of course the original poster is entitled to her opinion, and I am entitled to contradict that with my opinion. Barcelona is a lovely city with a lot to offer, and thousands of people go there every year and do not get pick-pocketed. Of course that is always possible, just as it's possible you will get struck by lightening or hit by a bus, or pick-pocketed in some other city.

The statistics may say there is a higher incidence of pick-pocketing in Barcelona than other cities. That still does not make it unsafe, or not worth visiting. The United States has a way higher incidence of deaths by gun shots than any of the European countries. That doesn't mean everyone in the US is in a constant state of being unsafe, or that others shouldn't visit here. People need to have common sense, take logical precautions but go and enjoy Barcelona and other cities without undue fear.

Put fish hooks in your pockets.

Ok everyone chill out...this is obviously a very touchy subject. All are entitled to their opinions and all opinions are valid. Mine included. Barcelona may be a great city for some, but for me not so. This is the end of a 2 week trip to the city and we have done many things. The beaches are beautiful, the city is historic and the food is good...but this one event has cast such a pallor on this visit that we cannot wait for our flight back to France on Saturday.
We will spend 4 days in Villefranche-Sur-Mer, then off to home to resume the jobs we left behind. I appreciate you all and your opinions. Fodorites thru the years have been very instrumental in the planning and enjoyment of many trips for us.
Thanks and P.S. I Love the "fish hooks in your pockets" idea, made me smile. chb

P.S.
I simply don't get the frustration.
OP was aware of the pickpocket situation, and did everything right. And eventually outsmarted the pickpocket who got a measly five Euros.
If all tourists followed his/her precautions, the whole pickpocket "industry" would be out of business in no time.

I agree with Cowboy. What was it that soured the OP about the entire city because of a single incident where he lost relatively little? A trip report which is more than a rant might be useful to potential visitors of Barcelona.

Cowboy makes perfect sense.
Like him, I never had a problem in Barcelona, but it does not mean one should not be carfull.
as for "To any travelers who are considering a trip here-there are better places"....
sorry, not for some of us !

One SIL had two incidents in Madrid about ten years ago. During her current trip, she must stop there three times for various connections. She is separating the city from the occurrences and is having a wonderful reconciliation.