Urban75 Home About Offline BrixtonBuzz Contact

Barcelona - places to visit, things to see, photos, top tips and chat

Donna Ferentes said:
Been there once.

Car broke down.

Rained.
Click to expand...

:(

I ate olives, drank rioja and got chatted up by a Spanish bloke (though I think he was only using me to get to my younger, blonder friend :hmm:) while Mr. QofG's and his chums went off to see Depeche Mode play

The cathedral, with the geese in the courtyard, is beautiful as is the Sagrada Familia
 
We just ran a massive event there and crime was definitely down for the people attending. Previous years have been plagued, but this year had less reported muggings, thefts etc.

But as everyone has said, just avoid looking like a target, don't wander down dark back streets by yourself when pissed, all the normal things you'd normally do when in a big city. Oh, and remember to enjoy it, it's a great city.
 
ChocolateTeapot said:
Well, I am due to go to Barcelona for 5 days next week, so I have been doing a bit of reading about it. To be honest, I wish I had never booked the break. By all accounts it seems to be absolutely teeming with thieves, possibly second only to Rome in this respect

Anyone been who can confirm this?
Click to expand...

:hmm:

Fishing perhaps?

It's one of the best cities in the world.
 
perplexis said:
If you're worried about thieves exercise caution.
Avoid going to El Raval, which is the area west of The Ramblas. It's actually a rather interesting and recently much-cleaned-up if much-maligned area. And features some cool shops, graffiti and the awesome Modern Art Museum.
Avoid flashing wallets/bags/cameras around anywhere, and you should be fine.
I've seen one bag-snatching in the town, and I've been a lot.
Basically, don't get pissed up and wander down dark alleys in the Gothic quarter alone.
To be honest, last time I was there, the police presence round all the touristy areas had been increased enormously and it felt a little sanitised.
Click to expand...
i took the missus a-wandering down el raval in the small wee hours of the morning on a couple of occasions when we were there, it was certainly a very entertaining place but she was keen for us to make haste out of there.
 
I went to a club in the raval. Was wicked, got some very good pills for peanuts within about 10 seconds of getting in to the club, and had a very good night indeed :)
 
Paulie Tandoori said:
i took the missus a-wandering down el raval in the small wee hours of the morning on a couple of occasions when we were there, it was certainly a very entertaining place but she was keen for us to make haste out of there.
Click to expand...
Yeah, it can be a bit grim, and the louche characters hanging out don't always inspire confidence. Nor does the all-too-obvious prostitution, really. Thing is it is an interesting part of town, just best kept for the afternoons or for when you really know your way around and feel confident.
 
I got my purse snatched out of my hand on Via Laetana, which is a main street that runs parralel to Las Ramblas - then they legged it down some side street and I lost them.

Another time a woman bumped into me outside the cathedral, and when I looked down she had managed to unzip the front pocket of my bag. Luckily there wasn't anything in it.

It hasn't put me off going there again.

Have a great time :)
 
I lived in barcelona for a few years, and never got anywhere near being robbed. I did hear plenty of stories, though, all from tourists.

Just carry the bare minimum with you and, er, don't walk around like a tourist and you'll be fine.
 
ChocolateTeapot said:
Yeah, maybe I am just getting a bit paranoid after 2 hours of reading virtual tourist: the jist of it seemed to almost be "there's nothing you can do! you WILL be robbed! Even if you put all your money in a condom and swallow it, you will be sliced open whilst innocently watching a game of "find the pea""

I should have stuck to Centre Parcs...
Click to expand...

Just keep your wits about you and know where your valuables are at all times and you'll be fine. Tbh, El Raval and Ramblas are the worst areas for this so be wary of people 'invading your personal space' as they're most likely trying to pick pocket you.

I've lived here for just under a year and walk about at 3am and stuff and feel safer here than in the UK. The scare stories on virtual tourists arent a representation on how it really is at all. :)
 
Geri said:
How can you not look like a tourist though? People only have to look at me to know I am English.
Click to expand...

I think he means carrying a massive expensive camera round your neck and wearing shorts when it's still a bit nippy out. :D

Just try and blend in and walk with some kind of purpose even if you are lost as fuck if in an area that intimidates. It's basic common sense/street smarts more than anything!
 
And be wary of over friendly people who come up to you for no reason and strike up a conversation. When I was in Argentina 'Where are you from' was usually, but not always a typical prelude to some kind of money extracting activity. The friendliness of people in latino countries is a breath of fresh air coming from London, but they are good at turning on the charm, and not all of it is sincere.

God, I sound like such a cynic :D
 
Wolveryeti said:
And be wary of over friendly people who come up to you for no reason and strike up a conversation. When I was in Argentina 'Where are you from' was usually, but not always a typical prelude to some kind of money extracting activity. The friendliness of people in latino countries is a breath of fresh air coming from London, but they are good at turning on the charm, and not all of it is sincere.

God, I sound like such a cynic :D
Click to expand...

lol, where did you hang out?? I get the friendliness of the South Americans and the whole ''where are you from?'' spiel but they never try to extract cash...maybe cos I just look broke! :D
 
It's all about seizing the moment:

Buy a top notch new camera and laptop (to catch the beauty of Spain and edit the photos, yadda yadda) leave them at home then get bag-rustled and claim on the travel insurance :cool:
 
Madusa said:
lol, where did you hang out?? I get the friendliness of the South Americans and the whole ''where are you from?'' spiel but they never try to extract cash...maybe cos I just look broke! :D
Click to expand...

Yeah. A bit strong. I guess I mean just in the street. I am bitter 'cos I got ripped off twice after having let my guard down- the second time resulting in the loss of photos from nearly my whole trip.
 
ChocolateTeapot said:
Well, I am due to go to Barcelona for 5 days next week, so I have been doing a bit of reading about it. To be honest, I wish I had never booked the break. By all accounts it seems to be absolutely teeming with thieves, possibly second only to Rome in this respect

Anyone been who can confirm this?
Click to expand...

There are thieves yeah, but only if you look like a tourist and act like a twat.

My family have had a house near barcelona for 21 yrs, and yes my dads freind had his wallet stolen once, while he was sitting having a drink outside a bar, he left it on the table.

Basically keep small notes and coins in your pocket, keep large amounts of money and cards in a safe wallet (one of the belt ones)..... Stay away from Placa Real at night, and be careful in the Barri gotic at night......

Generally barcelona is a beautiful city with lovely people, it is without a doubt my favourite city ive ever been to (and ive been to quite a few)....

Make sure you go to Sagrada familia, barri gotic, barcelonetta, parc guell and can cullurettes (oldest restaurant in barcelona...... u cant book, you have to queue for when it opens).
 
I used to love it, now I fucking hate the overpriced, false fucking playground of a city with all it's fucking rules and crap :)

I was talking to a couple in Barcelona last week who were 'jokingly' writing a book entitled 100 ways to get robbed in Barcelona. Just be on guard for distraction tatics. People asking if you speak English and for directions. Guys playing imaginary football with no ball. Someone trying to help clean the pigeon shit (paint) of your jacket - just 3 current favourites.

I got my bag stolen from under my feet. I don't look like a tourist. I don't look like anyone with money.

The most notorious area is the paseo from Arc de Triumf towards the park. On Sundays it's packed and thieves flock there.

My favourite area (the only bit of Barcelona I still enjoy) is Sant Pere. Possibly considered the worst central area by many.

I have to go back there next year. I'll probably stay in Sitges and get the train in. Hope you enjoy yourself. Sure you will if you just want to play, but it's far from a workable/liveable city IMO.
 
Spent a thoroughly enjoyable 4-5 days there a couple of years ago.

Now I am not one of life's natural travellers. I REALLY don't speak any language and, as such, rarely feel comfortable on a non-English speaking country.

However.

I felt happier, safer and was prepared to travel on my own in Barcelona.

FAR FAR FAR Happier than if I'd been in London FFS.

Would go back there in a heart beat.

Driving in Barcelona . . . well, it's not as bad as some places.
 
ChocolateTeapot said:
Yeah, maybe I am just getting a bit paranoid after 2 hours of reading virtual tourist: the jist of it seemed to almost be "there's nothing you can do! you WILL be robbed! Even if you put all your money in a condom and swallow it, you will be sliced open whilst innocently watching a game of "find the pea""

I should have stuck to Centre Parcs...
Click to expand...

I went there last year and yes we saw a bag thief- getting nicked
I felt really pretty safe, just be careful like you would in london or any other big city.
Dont eat on La rambala- the cafe owners will rob you blind! 40 euros for 4 sarnies and a slice of pizza and 4 drinks!
 
Seriousy as far as food goes go to can currelletes, its about £8 per head for a 3 course meal inc bread and wine iirc....

its the oldest restaurant in barcelona and still has the original tiles from the 1600's....... breakfast in the indoor market is always a good cheap, and authentic way to go too..... about £3 for a big slice of spanish omelette and coffee....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Kaka Tim
Going to Berlin in March! where to go - what to see?
Replies
17
Views
597
pogofish
pogofish
Pickman's model
south georgia - chat, history, photos
Replies
3
Views
348
Elpenor
Elpenor
spitfire
Visiting Türkiye
Replies
26
Views
754
May Kasahara
May Kasahara
A
Bordeaux - what to see and do in and around it?
Replies
13
Views
477
AnnO'Neemus
A
N
Weird rubbish things you've encountered while travelling
Replies
6
Views
311
Dr. Furface
Dr. Furface
Back
Top Bottom