I have heard soooooooooooo many stories of people having horrible experiences with pickpocets, muggers, gypsies etc. while in Barcelona. It's not that i don't believe them, but can it really be THAT bad? I have travelled extensively in Europe and have never had a run in (knock on wood) and this is without a body wallet or ankle purse or other "precautions". We are always very careful and aware of our surroundings. Also, since we have been living in Europe for over a year I don't think that we really stand out as American tourists anymore. So...do you think i'll be ok in Barcelona this weekend or should I prepare myself now for a crime-filled, terrible trip?

I'm sure I'll get slammed for this, but I don't think crime will be a problem for you. You sound very observant and like you are quite comfortable traveling. I spent ten days there last summer and never once did anyone come anywhere near me trying to get into my bag. I did get a gyspy woman doing the buy a silk flower trick, but only an idiot would actually fall for that one. I say no worries--hiding everything in a money belt and being all paranoid never seems to help any of the people on this board as they still get robbed. Have fun--its a WONDERFUL city!

The real risk in Barcelona is that you will lose your heart to the city and always thereafter have trouble planning trips to Europe so that you can start or end there or go there instead of wherever else you were planning to go. It's a fabulous city. Relax and enjoy it.

I think the real risk is eating too much paella and drinking way too much sangria . Go and have fun and watch your personal belongings.....

I went to Spain including Barcelona 2 years ago and had no problems. I would only advise you to be somewhat careful strolling Rambles. There are lots of crowds, street entertainers, it seems likely that there would be pickpockets there.

Hi Heather -<BR><BR>Three trips to Barcelona and absolutely no problems what-so-ever !!!<BR><BR>It is our very favorite European city and we have never been anything but comfortable there... go and enjoy gt<BR><BR>Barry

PLEASE LISTEN! My parents are there right now. They travel to Europe 5-6 times p/year for bus. and pleasure. While walking in Barcelona, something was sprayed on them...they thought a bird had dropped on them...a man asked if he could help clean it up....he then, while wiping off my dad's coat in th efoyer of a bldg. , took his wallet, etc. My Mother said BEWARE of FAKE POLICE and those asking for directions. My parents are well educated and seasoned travelers...this happened to them. Beware!

if you are careful you won't have any troubles. stay away from gypsies and young children. and if someone sprays something on you keep walking.

Heather- I agree with the above postings. When my boyfriend and and I went to Spain two years ago, we had heard the same thing as you. We had zero problems. Actually, it became the big joke of the trip - why hasn't anyone tried to pickpocket us yet? We were almost disappointed. Have a great trip.

Don't pay attention to the people who say that they were there and nothing bad happen and then automatically generalize that to anybody can go there and nothing bad will happen. Well, there are plenty of people who can attest to being mugged.

as with all major cities, one should always be on alert but i personally think one should especially be on guard in barcelona...two years ago, we saw a tourist with his camera snatched away with the assailant doing his best olympic sprint..the second time our family of four was being followed suspicously by a group of three men after one of them initially approached us and welcomed us to spain..i just stared back at them to let them know what they may be up to...<BR><BR>like the previous poster, one mishap report does not generalize into a trend but if a sizeable number of people (see fodor forum and recent nyt travel section) are reporting these incidents one should take extra caution...<BR><BR>bottom line: it doesn't matter if you look like a tourist or not..if an opportunity arises, people would take advantage of it; while some things are simply out of anyone's control, just exercise common precautions (e.g., don't leave handbag unattended; look for well-lit atms; beware of strangers asking for directions)

I was just in Barcelona and absolutely loved it. The only problem we had there--as we did all over Spain and in France--was with taxi drivers! <BR>Have fun and don't miss Casa Mila or Parc Guell.<BR>Paula

Besides one jerk in Madrid I didn't have any problem in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cordoba and Sevilla) with cabs

Paula, what do you mean about problems with taxi drivers?

We were in Barcelona last year. While we did not have a problem, I do not equate this to mean there exits no problem. Neither do I claim that if one is "alert" and "use common sense" one can prevent pickpockets. These are crime of opportunities and they are far more proficient in distracting your attention before you know something is wrong. It is their full time job.<BR><BR>If you want a list of horror stories, there is actually a site documenting what happens there:<BR><BR>http://www.jones.tc/barna/scams.html

The above posters "Odds" and "sonic" are correct...namely, individual testimonials as to good or bad experiences are really of little value. The more meaningful measure is probability, based on statistical reports on the incidence of crime.<BR><BR>Does anyone know of any web-based reports on incidence of such street crimes that compares cities such as Barcelona vs. NYC vs. London, etc?<BR><BR>I wouldn't be surprised if the incidence in Barcelona were comparable to Rome or NYC. Meanwhile, the various advices ranging from using a money belt to alertness in crowds and avoiding dark alleys, etc. are all important to heed since theves pick the easiest targets first.

Beautiful City! But you do need to heed advice and be aware of your sorroundings. We travel regularly abroad and only in Barcelona have we been targeted by pick pockets, unsuccessfully I may ad. One of the attempts was foiled by my husband when he punched the woman on the head,as she dropped to the floor so did several wallets which I presumed where her catch of the day. The police came and arrested her. We were told she had an extensive record and that the whole family, including her kid,s operated in that particular area of the city. <BR><BR>Unless you have been to Europe a few times you might not be able to recognize what a gypsie looks like. Therefore, Always enter and leave buses, and subways last. Avoid the stampede of people. Scams range from children beggin for money, old ladies appearing to be lost and asking for directions, or over friendly people asking if you are an American. <BR><BR>Other than that we had a great time, and enjoyed very good meals.<BR><BR>

Note of caution : If you "get the better of" a criminal, it is possible that he/she could complain & have you arrested!<BR>It's almost universal that criminals' rights are more protected than the victims'!