Hello,<BR><BR>I am considering a tour in Spain. I fly in and out of Barcelona and would love to spend a few extra days in the city, but I will be there alone, and am female. Is this a safe city to navigate alone?<BR><BR>Thanks for any tips!<BR><BR>

If you are an attractive blonde you will be pestered, believe me. Some of the men can be incredibly persistent even if you are nasty to them. I would be very careful putting myself in this situation again. No deserted areas, no nighttime strolls, etc.

Yes, it is safe to walk around Barcelona. Just try to avoid the Gothic Quarter (including La Rambla and Plaza Catalunya) at nights. Be aware of your surroundings and when in doubt, dash into a store.<BR><BR>You should be perfectly OK.

While I wasn't alone while in Barcelona, I never felt unsafe. All the guides made me very paranoid, so I packed a money belt, didn't take my purse with me, etc. By the end of the trip, my boyfriend and I laughed oursleves silly by just mentioning the money belt(didn't need it at all). <BR>The only recommendation I have is to avoid the area called El Raval(mostly the part closer to the port) and the Placa George Orwell at night. El Raval is known as being rather rough-and-tumble and George Orwell was filled with scummy-looking backpackers and their mutts. Probably harmless, but as a woman I wouldn't go there alone. I'm sure you will have a great time.

Yes, do wear a money belt and dont carry a purse! If you are not careful, Spain can be rough. Jess, I'm glad nothing happen to you but dont thumb your nose at the moneybelt. Its worth carrying. You were lucky and you had your boyfriend with you which helped you a lot. Kelly, you should be fine but do take precautions like be aware of your surroundings, take cabs at night, and dont go on deserted streets. Keep enough cash in your front pocket and some more in your moneybelt. Stay at a descent hotel that has a safe where you can keep your valuables. I dont mean to make anyone paranoid or to seem like an alarmist but if your not careful, especially in Spain, you are asking for trouble. I've been going to Spain once and sometimes twice a year forthe past 20 years and Ive never had a problem. I do know those who have.! However, I do take precautions.

Wear your money belt. Stay away from the lower part of the Ramblas (closer to the port) and that part of the old section to the west/"left" of the Ramblas. You will be ok in the old secion by day, however -- safer OFF the Ramblas than ON it, even if the little street looks a little sketchy. <BR><BR>

Don't carry a handbag! Use a local supermarket plastic bag to store your belongings and link it firmly around your wrist. If you stop for a drink or a snack, loop the handles of the bag around your ankles.<BR>I learned this trick in Rio ten years ago and am still using it.<BR>I also use a wallet that is threaded on to my belt and tucked down inside my jeans.<BR>I only keep small denomination notes and change in any pocket.<BR>I never wear jewellery or anything ostentatious and just a cheap wrist watch.<BR>It is just a question of common sense and being aware.<BR>Barcelona is a lovely city and I shall be visiting there for the second time in a couple of weeks for five days. Two of these will be spent on the Bus Turistica which is an ideal way to get to know the layout of the city and you can hop on and hop off at any places that may be of interest to you.<BR>I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I know I shall enjoy mine.<BR>We are staying at the Hotel Continental at the top of the Ramblas which is a superb location and highly recommended on this forum.<BR><BR>

Thanks for all the helpful responses. I'm feeling better about this idea. Maggie, what is the Bus Turistica? This sounds like a great way to see the city.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Hi Kelly,<BR>The Bus Turistica is a hop on - hop off coach that takes you around the city to all the major points of interest with a running commentary in different languages<BR>These coaches are available in most major cities and they are not expensive.<BR>The Barcelona coach follows two different routes and each route takes about two hours to complete, but it can take a whole two days if you get off to see all the sights.<BR>I think the ticket costs about 8 Euros for the two day pass and is well worth it.<BR>I have emailed Barcelona pages to you separately.<BR>Have a great trip.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.<BR><BR><BR>http://www.bcn.es/english/ihome.htm

Sorry Kelly,<BR>That should have been 18 Euros for the Bus Turistic 2 day pass.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.