Going to Barcelona alone. Any advice?

Question

By some stroke of bad luck, instead of spending time with friends, I will be hitting the city of Barcelona solo for a week. Does anyone have any good travelling advice for a solo traveller?

Answer 1

Hi anonymous traveller.

Maybe without meaning to, all the othe posters have left negative comments about safety in Barcelona, perhaps tinting the idea you may have before you arrive. I am not suggesting that they are wrong in doing so, rather that you asked for solo travel advice - this means a bit of everything right?!

So, bear in mind that, yes, there are pickpockets the same as in every major city, so be careful on the metro, on las ramblas, and be suspicious of any unsolicited "help" while out and about. Barcelona is not a dangerous place - it's opportunist theives that may swipe a wallet or a camera if you're not careful .However, this happens to a few only...

Make sure you visit:

Park Guell. Try and go early, as you'll see much more before the crowds and take the metro to Vallcarca and walk - you'll see the park backwards  but wilsee it all (it's a fair hike otherwise)

Magic fountains at Plaza Espanya (at night).

Cuitadella Parc on Sunday lunchtime (if you happen to be there on a Sunday?!)

So far these are all free. ;o)

Also check out Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell (only the facade, as it's undergoing renovations)  but it's just off las ramblas

La Pedrera (Casa Mila) on Paseo de Gracia - especially the rooftop.

Cable car ride over the port to the beach or up Montuic mountain.

Sample the nightlife at Port Olympic and Plaza Reial.

Do keep your wits about you, but have fun!! Don0t worry before you get there, as you'll ruin your time thinking something will happen to you, and then the experience will be over, and you'll never have time to enjoy yourself!

Answer 2

Show care on the Ramblas. Lots of pickpockets and if you are female show particular attention to your purse. Be sure to see the Sagrada Familia and other buildings by Gaudi. And buy some esperdenyas. they are canvas shoes with rope soles and are dirt cheap. makes good presies to bring people. zillions of colours

Answer 3

again...be careful of La Ramblas, I went with my friend and especially at night we became very aware of un desirable people hanging around. From a personal experience be careful of English men....... we only spoke a little Spanish so when a group of English guys approached us in a bar it was sort of a reliefe and we let out guard down as such but after a while we realised they were very dodgy and each one had a different story (one said they all live in spain, one said they were working over here for a few weeks,one said they were all fluent,another said his wife was spanish and another later said he doesnt have a girlfriend) basically they were trying to get us back to a flat up the road and kept offering us drinks. Obviously we realised what was going on and made a very quick exit. Then the next night we had an almost exact experience as the night before.

I'd advise to be careful around the cathedral and Sagrada Da Familia (if you havent been there you have to go its the most beautiful amazing place Ive ever seen) because people seem to let their guard down around 'holy' places and we witnessed alot of things.

If you go to train/bus stations also be vigilant. I think its best just to stand tall and look really confident when you walk like you know exactly where you are and where youre going.

I dont mean to put you off by saying all these, but my advise is just to be really really aware of your surroundings and the people around you..... Barcelona is an amazing city so aslong as you keep your eyes open you will have a brilliant time.

Answer 4

Well, basically beware of unsuspected thieves and deceivers, anywhere you are in this world those kinds of people do exist. When you are inside your hotel in Barcelona check http://www.hoteles-silken.com make sure your doors are lock. Don't walk alone at night. Strange places can also mean strange things at the wrong time. Be most wary of remote places, if you are a tourist u are prone being eyed by "these" people. Though the city can be explored on foot,  it is still best to have a car so you can  have access to various attractions dotted on the outskirts, the city life, and to the superb seafood restaurants that line the beach fronts.  :)