What aspect of Barcelona is going to surprise a first time visitor?

In Rome, it was the traffic. Sure, I'd read about the traffic. No biggie. I drive into downtown Dallas every day; I know traffic. Wrong...I couldn't believe the volume and speed of the traffic on even the narrowest of streets in Rome.

What should I be prepared for in Barcelona? (I know that the Cathedral is in scaffolding.)

I was surprised when I purchased a ticket from a machine in a metro station, followed the signs through a tunnel or two to the line I wanted, and found the ticket would not work. It turns out that there are two companies running subways in Barcelona: the TMB and the FGC. I had assumed that the system worked as it does in Paris, where you can use a metro ticket on the RER while you are in central Paris. I even had read that the two train lines and the bus line in Barcelona were "highly integrated".

But the single tickets I bought from a TMB machine were not valid to enter to go to the platforms of the FGC line. This involved a phone call from a "help" phone on the wall in the station, since there was no actual person in the station. Someone came down and looked at my tickets and explained why they wouldn't work. I had to buy new ones from the machines at the entrance where I was standing.

Now I know. I think.

Wow...so which is which? Which combination of letters is the Metro and which is the "train."?

You're biggest surprise is that you will actually enjoy the city and all it has to offer. Parts of Barcelona remind me of Paris, specifically the 7th on the left bank. It's a friendly, outgoing city, and bright, even on a rainy day.

Traffic isn't a problem unless you're planning on driving. Yes the front of the Cathedral is covered with scaffolding, but you are likely to find that anywhere in Europe where they are trying to keep the historic significance of the structure. It will give you a reason to return when the scaffolding is finally removed.

Be prepared for street crime - perhaps the worst city in Europe, along with Madrid, for muggings and bag snatching. There have been posts on this topic here and many report being victimized. Many.
So if you know the problem exists then you probably can avoid it.
A relative of mine was mugged in Madrid recently and got bruised.

I don't think you'll have any trouble with figuring out which platforms are for the Metro and which are for the rail company trains in those few stations where they might share space.

Be aware that you can share the discounted T-10 ticket on the Metro with someone else..because you only swipe it when you enter the Metro..not when you get out...perfectly valid to do so.

Pickpocketing can be a major problem on the Metro (I speak from personal experience) so safeguard your valuables.

Be ready for the MOBS of people who go to Sagrada Familia as the day wears on (when you see it you'll understand why it is so popular).

You can buy that Kleenex you asked about and just about anything else in the El Corte Ingles department store...the one at the Placa Catalunya comes to mind.

You'll love all the "living statues"

Nobody cares what you wear or where you are from`...it is a wonderful city.

TMB is the metro. FGC is the regional train.

1) The city is too big to walk around but it looks like it is
2) At street corners the corners themselves are cut off so walking is a bit of a wiggle
3) Wear multi coloured socks (the locals don't so it makes them laugh)
4) Pick pocketing is Olympic class in the main shopping road
5) The sites are great and take your best camera
6) The breakfast bars are very good for breakfast and better value than the hotels
7) The train reaches the airport (it does now)
8) The cable car over the harbour is one not to be missed
9) Take at least one trip by local train to a wine tasting (Torres)
10) The Real football ground

You will LOVE barcelona! I have been before and am planning a trip to return this July.

As has been mentioned before in posts, pickpocketing is an issue - so be careful! I was almost mugged by a young boy (no joke, he was 8) on Las Ramblas.

If you want to go to the Opera House for a tour - be sure to book your tickets at least a day or 2 before you want to go. I learned that the hard way. I have heard that it's really beautiful.

I was amazed at the Picasso Museum - it was really great. A nice surprise!

Also, a day trip to Monseraat was a great experience. If you have time for a day trip, I would recommend it. Just make sure you check train times for getting back to the city at the end of the day. If I remember correctly, and it's been a few years so it might have changed, they only come every 30 mins and you don't want to miss the last one.

There's so much to do and see in Barcelona - wear your most comfortable shoes!!

The coffee: wonderfully good.

Bilboburgler...The Real football ground ??? I'm having nightmares...The Real in Barcelona !!!
I suppose you wanted to say FC Barcelona ground , the Nou Camp !

Loved the Picasso Museum, the Cava and tapas. Not so keen on the pickpockets or the caged birds for sale on Las Ramblas.

Hi, missypie -

Don't be too scared by PalQ's warnings about crime. We just got back from Madrid, which he also warns about, and can say we felt very, very safe, even wandering around after midnight. loads of police around, well-lit streets.

Not been to BCN yet, so looking forward to your impressions.

regards, ann

my sister-in-law thought that too before she was violently mugged in front of Atocha train station early one Sunday morning.

No don't be scared but be on guard. Most of Europe is overwhelmingly safe but Madrid and Barcelona many folks have been so victimized. Many many reports in previous posts on Fodors on this subject.

Personally i think it's a scandal that authorities don't do more about it..by highlighting the problem maybe they would.

I loved Barcelona! I was not too keen on going there since I had been to Madrid and didn't like it that much. But Barcelona was Fantastic. I was with a group of Spanish/French Students and We had a blast.

The City is Huge. We did walk alot. It was busy busy busy while there. Right before Easter Last Year. All the store windows were decked out in Easter Mode. The best part for Me was the Park in the middle of the City. I can't tell you the name off the top of my head, but it was the nicest suprise about the city. It was like an oasis in the middle of the City.

There was a huge marathon while we were there too and that was very cool. And everyone was really friendly. I had one of the best Breakfast's while touring Spain there too at Our Hotel. Even the cab driver who took mercy on Me and picked me up took Me to my Hotel and waited for Me to go get the money to pay Him. Never told anyone about that. Too embarrased.

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in the world.

You might be surprised that the shopping is so good. There are some great Spanish labels (Zara, of course, for affordable trendy clothes, but also Camper for funky shoes ...)

If you go shopping, you might be surprised to discover that shopkeepers will want to see your passport. (I tend to keep mine locked up in the hotel room safe, except for shopping-focused excursions.)

Why will the shopkeepers want to see my passport? As ID to use a credit card? To mock my photograph?

Yes, for use of the credit card. They ask for our ID card here And also , if your shopping is big enough for the receipt to have the taxes back

Let's put all those who have been "mugged" or pick pocketed while in Barcelona on one side of the aisle and everyone else on the other. Will it balance out?

missypie, you're required by Spanish law to carry around some form of picture ID, especially when using a credit card to purchase just about anything (outside of paying your bill in a restaurant). Your standard drivers license will suffice, or a photocopy of your passport.

<<<<<10) The Real football ground>>>>>


What ???? You have got to be having a laugh.......

I went to Barcelona with 2 friends and we heeded the advice about the street crime, consequentley I did not take my digital camera with me. I was wrong. I did not find Barcelona any different to any big city. You have to be careful where ever you go nowadays, just be sensible. (However we did end up in the police station, but that's another story...)

To answer your question I'd say that there are tons of people everywhere, at every hour of the day. Barcelona has a fantastic dance music scene, so there are clubbers around at all hours.


Barcelona is a fantastic city with a great atmosphere. Enjoy!