valleyk:

stay away from gypsies. They almost stole my husband's wallet. Also, a friend of mine had hers stolen while she was paying for a coffe pot at a little shop. There is nothing really scary though. Just exercise common sense with your belongings. My husband and I walked through a dark park on Montjuic late at night after a Flamenco show. We shouldn't have. Fortunately, nothing happened but it was a stupid thing to do, we realized later.

Otherwise, Barcelona is one of the most pleasant cities I have ever been to. You will love it!

Too bad I found this thread so late, but I'll reply anyway. To valleyk's original comment, "people keep telling me how bad the pickpockets are"... they are not bad -- they are expert! But first, as everyone else mentioned, Barcelona is one of the most fun and charming cities on earth to visit -- take it from one who travels 250+ days/year. It just might be my favorite city. All the posters' tips were good -- there are lots more on my site. See www.bobarno.com/bata.htm. Tons more to come in a couple of weeks when our all-new site goes up.

Gina_07 said "stay away from gypsies." For most visitors, gypsies will be difficult to identify. They dress modern now (though their taste is questionable!) so you need to know their M.O.s. BUT: believe it or not, gypsies are no longer the main perps. They may make up about a third of the pickpockets in Barcelona. Another third come from North Africa, and the remainder come from East Europe and South America. The South American thieves in particular practice what we call the "pigeon poop ploy." Hundreds of scams are documented and photographed in my book, "Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams While Traveling."

Go to Barcelona -- you'll love it. Just stow your stuff safely.

valleyk writes: "thanks Nedsireland, being a martial arts instructor, that sounds like fun"

Don't get carried away! You don't want to hurt those people, just do enough to discourage them.

Barcelona: Several years ago, my son and I were heading for the exit at Maria Cristina Metro station. We were about 10m apart: two Gypsies began a classic 'pincer' movement on me. When one came up on my left, I swung around clockwise with my arm raised. As I hit the second gypsy with a 'chop' in the throat, I called to my 6'2" 185 pound son. The Gypsies took off running!

I'm not into Martial arts: it was just an almost spontaneous reaction.

Nedsireland, maybe you should be into martial arts, but are you sure I can't hurt them? if only a bit?;-)
Thiefhunter, It's not late I'm not going for a couple of weeks and thanks for the site, I'll check it out.

I've been to Barcelona twice--in 1999 and again last spring. Both times I was warned about pickpockets before going. However, I did not feel unsafe and was not pickpocketed. I do wear a money belt and try to be aware of my surroundings. Could I be pickpocketed? Sure. Do I actually know people who have been? Yes (although not in Barcelona).

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities. I love the architecture, the ambiance, the many sights. I would go back again in a minute.

I am probably too late to reply, but I was just in BCN. Saw a man's attache stolen at the airport. A kid tried to steal someone's cell phone at Hard Rock, but was caught.

Watch out for the gypsies.

no, they really are that bad... i had my wallet stolen on the underground in a packed train... had no idea until i got on my connecting train... KEEP YOUR MONEY ON YOUR PERSON, do not keep anything worth saving in a purse... like your passport. On a brighter note, at least there was no violence involved, just watch your stuff in crowded places, I thought i was careful, but as it turns out not careful enough But, barcelona is a gorgeus place and do not let this deter you! yu will have a blast there.. make sure you check out a real flamenco show!

My husband and I just returned last night after spending eight days in Barcelona. We opted not to use the tourist bus and simply walked and used the metro. We left our passports, cash and credit cards in the apartment only taking necessessary amounts with us for each outing. I did carry a large shoulder bag (with short handles) and carried it on my front.

Never did we feel uncomfortable or threatened while in Barcelona. We worked very hard to know how to reach our destination before leaving to limit looking at our map. Also, we tried to look as un-touristy as possible and didn't speak english to each other while on the metro.

Barcelona is like any other large city. Just hold on to your bag, be aware of your surroundings. I ventured out on my own daily to the market and had no trouble. On several occasions men would say things to me, but I just kept looking ahead and walking. Nothing more than that ever happened.

Enjoy your trip! If you plan and pay attention you have a great time!