Barcelona - Safety

Barcelona has always had a reputation for being one of the pickpocket hot-spots in Europe. I was there in March and didn't have any problems nor did I witness any kind of suspicious behavior or people. Having said that, during my visit there was article on the BBC News website, about how the British Consulate in Barcelona has reported a big increase in the number of Brits reporting stolen passports and strong-armed robberies (muggings). Saying the Barcelona is "very dangerous" is a bit strong. As long as you're willing to use a money belt you'll be fine. Tourist crime will always be a problem to some extent in Barcelona, don't cancel your trip to an amazing city. The city's pro's far outweigh the cons;)

We were in Barcelona last fall. It seems quite safe overall. However, I did get targeted by young female pickpockets in the metro. I didn't lose anything but there certainly were hands all over me. The problem with the metro is that there are no places (straps or bars) to hold onto when you are standing. There are vertical poles to hold onto near the doors. Near the doors becomes the problem when the doors open and crowds coming in and going out are trying to get by the people holding the poles. That's were I encountered my incident.

I was in Barcelona at the same time Larry was. We were 2 females traveling together and had no problems. Be aware of your surroundings and use a money belt. You should have no problems. I did have my wallet stolen in Paris a few years ago, and I have been back since. I can't blame Paris. I blame myself for being distracted (on our way to the airport and forcing ourselves onto a crowded train) and making myself an easy target. Take the proper precautions and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a very nice city.

What do you consider "dangerous"? Violent crime is "dangerous". Pickpockets generally are not. You are not, generally, at risk of violent crime in Barcelona. You are a target for pickpockets, sure, but the same is true of Paris. What is your "reliable source" anyway? Most major U.S. cities are more dangerous in terms of violent crime.

I also wonder what your "reliable source" is because no European city is as dangerous as most American cities. Especially in touristed areas. Barcelona is well know for its plethora of pickpockets. But that is not a problem if you have a moneybelt. There used to be, and may still be, certain areas to avoid late at night. But that falls into the "don't go looking for trouble" category. And just about every city has such areas - but they are rarely near the tourist zones. Violent crime is almost non-existent in Europe compared to the US. Thieves tend to use opportunity and stealth, not force.

Of course you should go to Barcelona! But you should wear moneybelts as advised. I also suggest you and your husband read the book Travel Advisory by Bambi Vincent and Bob Arno so you can feel confident about avoiding petty crime. I checked it out of the libary before going to Naples because I was concerned about saftey there. We had a fantastic trip with no problems.

Shelly, just use common sense and carry a money belt. I My family of seven plus a family friend were there for a week at New Years. We depended completely on public transportation and we walked a lot. Barcelona was bustling with people at all hours and we never felt unsafe. The trains were efficient and cheap and we took a daytrip out to Montserrat and another one up to Girona. There is lots to see and do in Barcelona and there are lots of interesting daytrips in the area. Go for it!

Shelly, As the first reply mentioned, Barcelona has long had a reputation as a city with lots of pickpockets and other scammers. That situation is probably exacerbated now given the current economic conditions in Spain, and the fact that the unemployment rate is ~23% with over 5 million people out of work. However, that situation is comparable in Italy, Portugal and Greece, so unless you're planning to stay home you'll have to deal with it wherever you go. I suspect the "scam" activities will also increase in London during the Olympics, as it will be a "target rich" environment. While there certainly could be muggings, that sort of thing isn't typical in European cities (more common in North American cities). You're far more likely to be the victim of "the artful dodger", so if you wear a Money Belt and practice some basic precautions, you likely won't have any problems. You may find it very helpful to read the "Tourist Scam Alert" on the Graffiti Wall (click the link at the top of this page). Happy travels!

I'll just add that I walked alone, as a single woman, all over Barcelona, including in neighborhoods that the RS guide deemed "sketchy" without thinking they were sketchy or dangerous at all (they were just neighborhoods in which not-rich Barcelonans lived...) including at night. I can think of at least 5 major European cities I've been to that I felt were more sketchy to the average tourist than Barcelona. It's really a fantastic, lovely city.

Been to Barcelona twice in the past 5 years and never seen or had any problems. Don't worry go have a great time. If you go, ride the Hop on Hop off bus at night to see the city all lite up. I think it was 20 euro ea and took about 2 hours.

My teen age daughter and I just returned from a week in Paris, followed by a week in Barcelona. We walked everywhere, even at night. I did not carry a moneybelt, but did buy a small pac-safe purse/cross body bag to carry. My daughter carried a smaller backpack with locks on it. We were never bothered by pickpockets, though i felt extra safe with the pac safe bag. We were just very careful and on the lookout. We never felt we were in danger.

My 10 year old daughter and I were in Barcelona in November, and as others have said...VERY SAFE!!! We even cut through little alleys between Las Ramblas and our hotel. We took taxis and walked everywhere. I never for one moment felt unsafe anywhere. I did not even use a money belt...carried a purse and just held on good. Pulled out my camera and iPhone all the time without worry. My husband has been there too and he had no qualms about us going on our own!! We are headed to Madrid in June by ourselves too...GO!!!