Barceloneta a safe place to stay?
 

We're in the final throes of securing lodging for our August trip. I'm considering an apartment rental via airbnb in the Barceloneta area of Barcelona for our family of four. We love the idea of being close to the beach. The apartment receives great reviews, but I can't really tell how easy it will be to get to other areas for sightseeing.

Any concerns?

Link?

Is it near the Barceloneta METRO stop??????

Unless close to the metro stop, IMO, it will be a bit out of the way. Great for the beach, not so convenient for other sightseeing but doable - tho it may seem a long HOT walk back to your apartment at the end of day. Also I suggest you pay close attention to the square footage - most of the buildings in that part of the city were built as very modest housing. You may find your family of 4 in pretty cramped surroundings.

<<I suggest you pay close attention to the square footage - most of the buildings in that part of the city were built as very modest housing.>>

That's very true. When we looked for 2br flats in Barceloneta we saw listings with sizes of 35-45 square meters. A square meter is 10.5625 square feet - those are 370-480 square feet, aka large closets.

And if it's not REALLY close to the metro, the location will suck. The Metro is only semi-convenient because only one line goes to Barceloneta.

airbnb has so many listings; why not pick another area of the city and not worry about it-- we loved the University area, right near metro too. Walk to the Gaudi houses, walk the Ramblas, etc, etc

I like the laid-back energy of the Barceloneta area (especially off season) and could easily have stayed out here.

Several great and local feel tapas bars/restaurants. Some suggestions: http://www.barcelona-metropolitan.co...e-barceloneta/

"only a few tourists explore beyond the main road and into this fascinating district, the old fishermen's quarter... This grid of narrow streets, with tiers of laundry hanging out to dry from the densely packed apartments, also feels separate – more village than city." http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/201...taurants-spain

The area has got its own Barceloneta metro stop (five minutes walking from the beach), and it's a ten minutes walk to the vibrant and medieval El Born area: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Just to be a bit picky - the metro stop may be 5 minutes to the closest beach point but could also be quite a bit further from where your apt. is. I do really like that part of the city, esp. for an afternoon or evening at a seaside restaurant BUT I'm not at all sure that is where I would choose to stay, esp. on my first visit to Barcelona.

I don't think anyone has addressed the safety query - IMO it is no different from the rest of the city. Be prepared for possible pickpockets and limit the amount of cash / credit cards you are carrying.

So smecky - did you stay n Barceloneta? We are considering going there in October.. Our daughter is enchanted with that area of Barcelona and is thinking,of purchasing a flat there. We have been to Barcelona but never Barceloneta. Has anyone else stayed there?