Going to Barcelona in 2 weeks. Never been there before, and don't know the good or bad areas to stay in. We are an active 70+year old couple who have traveled extensively.
Have found one place near Plaza Catalunya.
Is it safe?
Are there better areas? Looking to stay in a B&B.
Thanks for the help.

It would help to know your budget...

more interested in safety of the area than budget.

Plaza Catalunya is the main square in Barcelona. From there starts the Ramblas and the Passeig de Garcia (main shopping street). So in generaal Plaza Catalunya (and arrounding areas) is safe. But some areas around Las Ramblas are a little less safe (El Raval/El Born) but up and coming.

Get Ready!

I am suprised you haven't been told NOT to go anywhere near that horrid and deviant-populated Las ramblas with its shell games, living statues, flower and bird sellers, etc...but if you don't you will have missed an essential part of Barcelona IMO...NO they will not mug you.

The Placa Catalunya is a great location IMO..near public transport (beware of pickpockets on the Metro) and there are some great places to eat along the OTHER "ramblas" which starts there and runs in the opposite direction from the more well-known one.

Personally, other than the pickpocket issue I have never felt unsafe in Barcelona and I have been in some ares you would never dream of setting foot in.

Plaça Catalunya is fine for safety and also good from the point of view of transport, being as it is right in the centre of the city and next to the Catalunya metro station. You can also easily find taxis here as well as take the tourist bus for an great overview of the city.

The bottom of the Ramblas is better avoided after midnight though, as is the Raval area, between the Ramblas and Paral.lel.

We just returned from Barcelona in Feb. I would definately VISIT Las Ramblas and surrounding environs but I wouldn't suggest staying there or in the Barri Gotic/El Born. Our hotel (hotel Murmuri, Rambla de Catalunya, 104, 08008) was in the Eixample and we really enjoyed it. It was a 10 minute walk to Plaça Catalunya and there were many shops, cafes and restaurants near us. There is a metro (Diagonal) station right near the hotel but we never used it, prefering to walk.

I suggest anything "north/northwest" of Gran Via and near Passeig de Gracia.

I probably shouldn't be jumping in here as I haven't actually been there yet! But we've rented an apartment on the border of Barri Gotic and El Born for three nights in June. I posted here extensively before committing and was assured by other posters who've stayed in the area that it's safe and convenient.

We (husband, wife and 18 year old son) stayed in El Born in a Habitat apartment last year and never once felt unsafe or threatened.