Barcelona Travel Forum

Hi, I am a young woman (mid 20's) traveling alone for a few days to Barcelona this week, and just opening the floor to all suggestions for where (and where not) to go, where is safe and where's not, and particularly the best places for meeting English speaking travellers. I am very aware of the problems with pickpocketing and mugging in Barcelona - have been reading a great deal about it on various sites! Where, therefore should I stay away from? How is the ease at getting cabs late at night and how should I go about not getting overcharged? Also would love to hear from anyone who has been in Barcelona for Midsummer's Eve before and has any tips on where is good (and reasonably safe!) to go and what I can expect... Come on guys, gimme what you got! :)

Hi! Barcelona is safe as far you do not forget you're in a big city and you do not leave your common sense at home. It is amazing how many tourists seem to forget these basic points!

You should be extra careful at Las Ramblas, esp. the sea end and narrow dark streets of the old town and at any crowded touristy area. While pickpockets are common, muggings (involving some violence) are rare. Stay clear of the bottom of Las Ramblas and the part of the old town near the sea at night. There is not much reason to be there at night anyway (unless you like the *sights* of prostitutes, drug dealers and drunken stag-dos)

Do not carry anything you can't afford to loose in an accessible bag or pocket. No need to be paranoid, just do not make the life easier to the low-lifes.

You will find English speaker travelers all over the place... La Ovella Negra is a bar near las Ramblas (carrer Sitges) very popular with Erasmus students so its' always full of 20-something foreign people

Midsummer Eve is called here Nit de Sant Joan (Saint John's Night). Expect "spontaneous" fireworks all over the city, esp. at the seafront. You may head to Barceloneta and watch the "correfoc", later follow the crowds to the open-air concerts and parties at the beaches. Better if you find some people to go with, it will be not so fun alone, and some people goes too wild, be careful.

Have fun!

I personally know of a young lady your age who just recently was in a club with a couple of friends in Barcelona. Somebody slipped a drug in her drink and she found herself the next morning wandering around the streets of Barcelona by herself. Her 2 friends frantically looked for her all night and found her the next day walking around. She couldn't remember anything about the previous night. We can only imagine what happened to her.

If you do go out for a drink anywhere, PLEASE be aware that there are malicious, predatory guys who will take advantage of young, traveling women if they have the chance. Don't give them that chance. Keep your wits about you, be smart, and do not take your eyes off of your drink at any time.

I'd say the good advice above would apply to any women (or even men) going alone or accompanied to virtually any club in the world... sadly, predators are not exclusive of Barcelona.
I only can say I feel much safer going around alone in this city than in many others I've lived or visited, but of course you can't forget it's a big city

Thanks guys! This is all really great advice. Is it easy to get cabs back from the beach in the evening (i.e in the middle of the St Joan's night festivities) or would u recommend giving this one a wide berth if I'm alone?

as in other festive days, on Sant Joan night the metro will be running (and quite busy) all night long

taking a cab may be difficult (not many around and many people waiting for), even possible

One suggestion: There is a tourist bus that you can ride around in the daytime to many of the sights. It is hop on/hop off. You can buy a 2-day pass, get off if you want to see something, and get back on later. (Sometimes it gets crowded, and you have to wait for the next one.)

The blue route goes through historic center of the city(the Barri Gòtic)the waterfront and the Olympic village (about 2 hours if you stay on.) The red route is a little longer, and goes north, past the palace, the Mt. Tibidabo tramway, the soccer stadium and Park Güell--be sure you get on the right one for the route you want! Catch it at Plaça Catalunya

Don't miss Park Guell.

actually, if you want to ride the Bus Turistic, is better to catch it anywhere on its route except on Pl. Catalunya, there are the longer queues ;)

I LOVE BARCELONA!

however...

the threat of pickpockets is far beyond that of any city I have travelled to or lived in. No matter how many times I've warned people who travel here, they give the "yeah, yeah..I'm from (such and such), I can deal". Then, they get robbed....and don't realize it until an hour later.

I, myself, have been robbed three times in two stays.

So, just take it seriously. If you are in a touristy area, they are there. Your natural defenses don't go up, b/c you're in this gorgeous city, not the South Bronx. And, if you're drunk, you're a target. Upside - half the city is wasted, so you have some cover...

Don't carry your passport. Though businesses require it as ID for a credit card purchase, most will accept a photocopy, so long as you whip it out like a resident.

Don't carry a map or guide book out in the open. Pop in a cafe or store doorway if you need to reference it.

And, if somebody sprays something on you or something wet falls on your head, just keep on walking as it's likely a planned distraction in an attempted pickpocketing.

That said, I feel a hell of a lot safer walking Barcelona than just about any city in Ireland. And, certainly, getting behind the wheel of a car is miles more dangerous, no pun intended.

Cab - just did the beach party madness of the Festival of San Juan. We had to walk to the Port Olimpic to get a cab - big hotel and mall, there. But, once there, they were lined up. So, that would be my advice if you're doing the Midsummer thing on the beach.

And, my english speaking friends hang out at Flaherty's Pub all the time - just off the lower Ramblas.

Isa...when the heck we getting a beer, gurl!?