Barcelona Las Ramblas tip

"I have been a little scared with all the info on pick pockets."
No need to worry about pick pockets: a money belt, worn under your clothing, is your key to peace of mind.

Ok thanks I guess I have to by one how about when it comes to the camera any tips with that! Thanks kent !!

"Any tips on keeping cameras from thieves?" The only camera we've heard of being taken was Chevy Chase's in European Vacation, and he made the mistake of giving it to someone who approached him and offered to take their picture. So it's not a security thing. Some travelers keep their camera in a small padded case inside a day bag (when not using it). A day bag preferably worn in front or to the side, not in a back pack worn behind you (which is not as secure, esp. in crowded situations).

I know Las Ramblas has the reputation but we have been there three times with no problems. Our last time was a year ago October and the police were everywhere. Obviously you don't want get into small back allies late at night but you should fine in the main tourist areas.

Returned from Barcelona November 21st. I too was over paranoid with all the stuff written both in RS Barcelona book and the graffiti wall. I did all the usual precautions such as always using my waist money belt under my clothes, had a reversible coat which provided inside pockets, limited my cash available . I had no problems, used the metro, walked the Ramblas, stayed away from the main tourist areas when retrieving money from the ATM. Knowing Spanish may not help as they speak Cataluna- and they may not even respond to you if you try to speak Spanish to them; so use your English as you may get further. My friend's daughter is there for college and had no problems at all, but did have one metro story of a visiting parent who was cornered by a group of men on the metro during rush hour as they were traveling back from Sagrada Familia, it turned out OK but was scary. One cashier told me to be careful after making a purchase because of thieves; it was about 10am on a Saturday morning around Santa Maria del Mar. Just be aware of your surroundings including people. I took a picture of a man who we suspicious of. We were going to the market on Ramblas and he seemed to be around , not walking with a purpose, just made my radar take notice. So to conclude just make sure you wear the money belt right next to your skin under all clothes and just have enough money available if needed for the day, read the travel books available, check the tourist scam alert under the graffiti wall and you should be fine.

Pickpockets don't want your camera- there a dime a dozen in tourist areas. They want your money and credit cards.

Thanks to all for the responses I have a little question which areas did you guys feel the most unsafe? And also which hotels did you guys stay at and again thanks so much you guys are a big help !!

Thanks to all for the responses I have a little question which areas did you guys feel the most unsafe? And also which hotels did you guys stay at and again thanks so much you guys are a big help !!

I was in Barcelona for about a week, and never felt unsafe or uneasy. Las Ramblas was fantastic. We stayed near the Cathedral. Fabulous time.

We went to Barc in May, and I was also worried about crime after reading the glut of warnings on line. We were there for three nights and never had a problem, never saw any indication of someone else having a problem and never felt threatened or unsafe. We fell in love with the city. Rick's book is good about identifying those areas that are sketchy. One area he advises to avoid is just west of the Ramblas. He also identifies a small section just south of the Gothic Quarter to avoid.
Our hotel was a Best Western about a mile and a half from Placa de Catalunya right near the bull-fighting ring. It was so-so, but I wouldn't recommend it. Aimlessly roaming the Gothic Quarter was a highlight for us. Gaudi's attractions: the Sagrada, Casa Mila and Park Guell were outstanding. Any precautions that simply deter a thief are wise - even simple things like using a bread-bag tie to secure the zippers on your day bag can be enough to make a thief look for an easier target. Have a great trip, Rafael.