We would like to travel to Barcelona in Oct. There are 5 of us 60's and two in their 30's.( 4 males and myself female) We difinitely look like tourists but look forward to walking ,eating, drinking and absorbing the architecture, art and people of Spain. Lately i hear endlessly of the petty crime. Is it really bad ? i don't want to base in Barcelona if i need to be on constant alert for pickpocket and scams and the constant annoyance of hand patting and such. Some travelers have compared it to Times Square ( NYC) 10 years ago. Well Times Square is my neighborhood and i gotta say i love just walking and not being so observant ( aware but not vigilant). We were hoping to take in a soccer game , see the beaches take day trips and sit in Cafes and have tapas and delicious seafood . Any comments ,suggestions and raves are welcomed. We are not experienced travelers but are beginning. So far we have been delighted to have visited Paris,Scotland Puerto Rico ( San Juan and Culebra )and Cost Rica ( San Jose and Manzanilla) thank you all so much

You are NY'er, you know the drill. Just be aware. There is more petty crime than NYC but violent crime is rare.

Las Ramblas is Barcelona's tourist epicenter. There is no way you should avoid Barcelona or be scared.

I am native NY'er and have spent over the years about two months in Barcelona.

RLC: we were in Barcelona last year,and we enjoyed it inmensely without any problem.
just normal,i repeat normal precautions,not more than in Times square.
We walked past midnight from Paral-lel to the Ramblas without any problem.
Plus,Barcelona is very different from other cities,the Gaudi architecture is a marvel.
Enjoy!!!!

In over 20 trips to Europe, Barcelona was where "they" got me - on the metro - they are pretty tricky - ANY bump or door obstruction, be on guard. I still love Barcleona but as you move about #1 limit what you are carrying around, not all your credit cards together and limited cash. Any type of secure carrying item that you would like to use - ie undergarment money belt - would be a good idea. The day after we were pick-pocketed, we returned to the same metro station and in about 5 minutes we could spot the group that was "working" that day. They stand at the end of the platforms / connecting tunnels watching for esp. older folks - one blocks the door to the metro car, another comes up behind and "fishes". My daugher and I watched them going to work then started yelling "thiefs" "ladrones". I kepp encouraging other Fodorites to do the same. So be aware, travel "light" valuable wise but most of all enjoy Barcelona - its a great city but it does seem the authorities are slow to address the problem of their petty thief population.

I travel to Barcelona frequently and, at this point, more of a people-watcher at public sights while in Barcelona. I cannot count the times I have observed the pickpoketers gangs move, almost like a coreographed dance, around unspecting (or many times, suspecting...)victims. They are everywhere. I got pickpoketed with an anti-theft purse crossed over my chest! That's how good they are. To be honest, if it wasn't for the business travel, Barcelona could fell off the edge of the ocean and I could not care less....and I do not say this about ANY other place on Earth. They do not have a violent crime problem, but I have seen so many vacations totally ruined and the authorities do so little....

thank you all so much .. i am so looking forward

but i realize with lots pf precautions

do you think it is best to stay off the metro?

stay off the metro? might not be a bad idea - that is where I was pickpocekted and where I have seen "the dance". Actually when we were there we met some Spanish friends and I think they suggested that we take a cab - oh no, I said, we can take the metro - and then I was robbed!

I have never had a problem in Barcelona . Taken Metro numerous times - day and night.

Lucky you danon - but there are PLENTY of other travelers that have not been so fortunate - all travelers would be well advised to be particularly cautious in that city.

The last time I was in Barcelona I too stayed all the way down on Paral.lel. The worst thing was I would take an out of the way route to avoid the southern part of Las Ramblas. Of all the time we have spent in Spain, I had my pocket picked in Istanbul after I took precautions.

One SIL was robbed near Puerta del Sol in Madrid about 10 years and recently went back so she could reclaim the area and her confidence.