I would not attempt to put anyone off going to Barcelona, but the pickpocket problem there is massive. The police dont seem interested, as they know the tourist will only be around for a short stay. I was there in November, and had my wallet dipped on the Metro. A mate of mine pointed out that the 4 men and 1 woman, who entered our carriage, then got off at next stop, were a pickpocket team. I checked my pocket and lo and behold, wallet was gone. I ran after the ring leader, and to cut a long story short, got it back. I was very lucky though, that a mate made me aware. Everything was in that wallet, and it was in my front trouser pocket. Did not feel a thing. La Ramblas is ok during the day, but at night, it is a complete dive, to be avoided. It is a very big city, and the transport system is good. The castle mentioned is worth a visit. The Nou Camp is worth a visit, but dont buy tickets in advance off online agencies, go to the ticket office when you settle in to the City. The Metro will take you there from the centre. Ticket prices on the internet, are usually 4 times the actual price at least, and are a rip off. The non pickpocketing people of Barcelona, are very laid back, and pleasant enough. The Spring is a good time to go, and the weather should be ok. Hope you enjoy your trip, but be vigilant.
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Trip to Barcelona
- Thread starter Woodingdean Gull
- Start date
dougdeep
New member
Not carrying a wallet is the best way to avoid this surely.
Beach Hut
Brighton Bhuna Boy
Rosas is Dali country and a very weird museum to say the least.
In the main square there is a large department store on the corner, go up to the restaurant on the top floor as another stunning view of the city.
However Mont Juinc in the best view and I suspect that lovely large empty Olympic swimming pool is there.
Last time we were there Gloria Estafan was having the mid afternoon sound check so we could her her singing.........which was nice.
In the main square there is a large department store on the corner, go up to the restaurant on the top floor as another stunning view of the city.
However Mont Juinc in the best view and I suspect that lovely large empty Olympic swimming pool is there.
Last time we were there Gloria Estafan was having the mid afternoon sound check so we could her her singing.........which was nice.
Happy Seagull
Barca Cule
I have been to Barna many times and not once had any trouble with pick pockets. I know that they do operate, but IMO if you get robbed it was probably your own fault. Be careful and you'll never have anything to worry about.
Djmiles
Barndoor Holroyd
Yup, there were about 60 of us with about 5 teachers. They told us to keep an eye out and keep all valuables close.
No one had any problems.
Lord Bracknell
On fire
My experience of having my pocket picked in Barcelona was of it happening just as I was boarding a metro train at a busy time of day.
People inevitably push against each other. Watch out for the guy who suddenly decides that he doesn't want this particular train and turns round to get off. He's the guy who has had his hand in your pocket.
My man had only taken my copy of The Rough Guide, which had been in my jacket pocket. I felt it go - so simply tapped him on the shoulder and held my hand out.
He smiled politely, shrugged his shoulders and gave the book back to me, before disappearing back on to the platform to wait for the next train.
If you are worried about your wallet, my advice is always to carry two. Let them have the cheap one that's easy to reach, but only contains receipts from Tescos.
People inevitably push against each other. Watch out for the guy who suddenly decides that he doesn't want this particular train and turns round to get off. He's the guy who has had his hand in your pocket.
My man had only taken my copy of The Rough Guide, which had been in my jacket pocket. I felt it go - so simply tapped him on the shoulder and held my hand out.
He smiled politely, shrugged his shoulders and gave the book back to me, before disappearing back on to the platform to wait for the next train.
If you are worried about your wallet, my advice is always to carry two. Let them have the cheap one that's easy to reach, but only contains receipts from Tescos.
Lady Bracknell
Handbag at Dawn
If you've got a whole week in Barcelona then there's definitely time to get to take a train out to Montserrat (quite spectacular) and also to Figueres where the splendid Dali Museum is located.
But there's loads to see in Barcelona anyway and the Gaudi architecture is wonderful:
Just wandering around the city reveals all sorts of curiosities though:
As for pickpockets, I've never felt the slightest bit "insecure" in Barcelona but you just use the same commonsense required in any city that attracts loads of tourists and don't make yourself an easy target. Only there's always some eejit whose belongings are readily liberated and that's who the pickpockets will choose.
But there's loads to see in Barcelona anyway and the Gaudi architecture is wonderful:
Just wandering around the city reveals all sorts of curiosities though:
As for pickpockets, I've never felt the slightest bit "insecure" in Barcelona but you just use the same commonsense required in any city that attracts loads of tourists and don't make yourself an easy target. Only there's always some eejit whose belongings are readily liberated and that's who the pickpockets will choose.
Woodingdean Gull
New member
- Thread starter
- #48
So how was your trip to Barcelona? Anything to add to the already excellent response to this thread?
Really interested to have your views.
Monkster
Ragamuffin
Absolutely fell in love with the place......
For us, the best thing we did was buy the Bus Touristique tickets & hopped on & off throughout the day.... there are 2 different routes so make sure you know which one you're getting on
....as we were only there for a short time, we got to see all the things we wanted to....Sagrada Familia, Marina, Parc Guell, Olyimpic Park (free & nice to see where Linford Christie got his Gold Medal & Espanyol play) Nou Camp tour( again well worth the money) & then we just happened to be there when there was a game on....funny that (vs Osasuna), the Catherdral....The beach in BarcelonettaMetro was well easy to use & really good...only 1.20 euro's for a single...
Las Ramblas is Ok for walk to say you've done it....Food Market off it was good..Didn't really get the chance to do all the gaudi tours inside the houses, but we're gonna go back soon to do that....
We liked the Barri Gothic for the Tapas bars......
On the Pickpocket thing its like any other town isn't it, if you look like a tourist you with your Map & NSC approved digital camera round your neck, then you're making self known......
Barcelona - it's a 9.2 from me
Lord Bracknell
On fire
Woodingdean Gull
New member
- Thread starter
- #52
The week has at last arrived and we fly out with B.A., (from Gatwick, not Heathrow), this Friday.
Just like to give a big Thank You to all on this thread who offered help and advice as it's all been extremely useful.
Tony....
Just like to give a big Thank You to all on this thread who offered help and advice as it's all been extremely useful.
Tony....
Woodingdean Gull
New member
- Thread starter
- #54
Thanks Frutos, I intend to.
