Barcelona: What's really true?
 

I've read so many scare stories on the internet about crime in Barcelona. Now I read about ETA bombings. I am going in October and plan to enjoy the city, but, how much truth is there to all these stories?

While the risks are there, the probability that anything will actually happen to you is rather low. I'd say there's a 10% chance. Lower if you're careful.

Well Mr. Wizard, you are saying that out of the Iberia 747 NYC-BCN, 40 people will experience that feeling of "happen to you"? That's pretty bad, considering that most will be there for only a few days. Does that mean that if they are there for 10 days, that it is certain that "anything" will happen?

If you're concerned that while walking along you'll be knocked to the ground, mugged and raped - that will be very unlikely. If you're walking along with your purse open with lots of dollar bills in plain view, then there's a good chance your purse will be stolen. Having visited Barcelona last October - I came away with the feeling that Barcelona has a defintely tough edge. My friend and I were on the metro at the end of a soccer match - and a group of drunk soccer fans started screaming "death to the fags" - not pleasent. Will I go back to Barcelona? Yes. Just be aware - use common sense. In other words, no walking down dark alleys late at night.

I agree that 10% is quite high. A few people around here have been working hard at presenting Barcelona as a very dangerous city. I lived there for 2 years, returned 8 months ago, and can not wait to go back. <BR> <BR>About ETA, if you are involved in any kind of attack, that was just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. ETA usually has very specific targets, but since bombs are their weapon of choice, bystanders may be hurt. Believe me, you, Cindy, will NOT be a specific ETA target. <BR> <BR>Barcelona is a wonderful city, enjoy it!

My bad -- I meant 1%. Assuming a short stay. Stupid fingers.

I was in Barcelona a year ago and I've already posted my experience with and witnessing crime. I'd say that out of our cruise group, 20% were robbed in three days. Most of them were older people who didn't heed the warnings to hang onto their bags, not to set shopping bags at their feet in cafes and not carry wallets in their back pockets. One pickpocket robbed the girl in line in front of me and tried to reach into my fanny pack which was on my stomach with my hands on the sides. So, I think the crime is bad. It may be mostly petty but it's annoying and you must be careful.