Tapas Barcelona- -safety?

Barcelona is so busy all the time now that I really don't think serious concerns such as this really exist anymore. Thirty years ago perhaps. Take the normal 'big city' precautions. Enric, your thoughts, amic meu ?

I agree with David.

Safety, or rather the "feeling of safety", is always a very subjective matter so these are always difficult questions to respond to... I personally wouldn't worry about this, for me, Carrer del Carme is perfectly all right and it's not more problematic, safety-wise, than other streets in El Gòtic quarter. However, and here it comes "perception", this is a narrow street with buildings 4 or 5 storeys high therefore a bit darker than other streets and for some people, this can "feel" a bit intimidating and/or less safe -which it's not! Note, however, this is something common in this part of the city, which is part of the cradle of Barcelona, the Old City. And as in all old cities anywhere else in Europe, there are always streets that are narrow, darker and a bit rough-edged...

If you meant to stay there... since you say you're "not used to big cities", why don't you stay somewhere in l'Eixample district instead? it's very centrally located, streets are wide and luminous and you'll probably feel much more at ease, especially if you return late to your hotel/apt. Note however that you still should stroll in Carrer de la Mercè and the surrounding area... no reason why not to.

Districts: http://bit.ly/BCNdistricts
Neighbourhoods: http://bit.ly/BCNhoods

If you meant to go there just for tapas... IMHO I'm afraid most of the bars in that particular street are not really worth going to, for me, there's life beyond the oily deep-fried fish and seafood served for example in Bar Celta or at Tasca el Corral. Albeit I can understand the allure of some for visiting some of those places... raw rascal and underworld-like, at the end of the day most of the tapas they serve are not my particular type of tapas. But again, that's me of course :)

Enjoy!

These 3 choices in La Ribera are worth a look.

https://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/tapeo

https://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/el-xampanyet

https://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/bar-del-pla

Don't wear expensive-looking jewelry. Use money belts.

This woman solo traveler felt much more comfortable in late evenings in Barcelona than in SF when I lived for several years in the Bay Area before I retired. I never had occasion to go to Oakland alone late at night . . . I've been told that's a dangerous place.

My favorite tapas were the Basque ones at Orio across from the entrance to the Santa Caterina market. Order one glass of cider, just to watch the waiter pour it.

Yummmm tapas. Saving post. :-)

My wife and I had no problems in Barcelona, or anyplace we've traveled, but you need to follow your gut feeling. If you feel unsafe or that you shouldn't go to a particular place, stay away. On numerous occasions, especially in S. America, we've altered our route because something didn't feel right.

I'm in my late twenties and recently spent a week solo in Barcelona. I went to Bar La Plata on Carrer de la Merce twice, once in the evening and once in the afternoon. I never felt unsafe at all. I will note that I went at the start of my tapas-hopping in the evening so it was on the early side, so can't speak to the vibe later in the evening. Like others have said, though, Barcelona felt very safe to me. It is such a convivial place, in general there are so many people out late into the evenings and the streets feel friendly and populated.

FWIW, I (clearly, since I went back) enjoyed Bar La Plata. They only have a few menu items, but they do them very well. And, it's a small detail, but they have the most beautiful tiles on the walls and the bar there.

Great, thank you! Sorry Enric, what I meant was we ARE used to big cities since we live in them, so I didn't think it would be a problem - glad to know that you agree we should be fine! We are used to big city general precautions... I totally get that people have different comfort levels depending on what we are used to!

Thanks everyone for the advice! All good, and appreciated.

So... maybe some places near there for tapas, maybe not? If not, other suggestions for good places? We are hoping to start around 8:30 and then hop around a bit and snack... does that work? Where?

THANK YOU!

Ah ok, Kim... you'll probably feel it's perfectly all right then :)

David mentioned already three of my favourites -albeit I haven't been at Xampanyet in ages.... too many damn tourists nowadays, LOL!

Have a look at the site he mentions, it's got some good tips: https://www.timeout.com/barcelona/restaurants/barcelonas-best-tapas-bars