Is Barcelona a dangerous city to spend a week in?

Question

Is Barcelona a dangerous city to spend a week in?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

NO.  Really, with a little common sense, nothing in Spain is "dangerous".  

That said, Barcelona is a big city, and as such, has a terrible reputation as one of the pickpocketing capitals of the world.  

"Dangerous"?  no.  you could lose your valuable?  yes.

Be careful.  Be aware.  Be extra careful in places that are crowded, and even more so in train stations, bus stations, and airports.  Keep your valuables close to your person, and INSIDE your clothing.  Money belts, and those pouches you wear inside your shirt are great things to have.   DO NOT carry things in pockets.  If they can't stick their hands in, they'll slice the bottom with a razor blade.  I carried a purse (no valuables inside, but for things like extra sunscreen and memory cards for the camera), and carried it under my arm, tightly.

The thing they got us on, was in the subway, when we were tired, and had been in a crowded situation for a few hours, someone got into my husband's pocket.  NOT PAYING ATTENTION!   We were all tired.  Luckily, it was only a few credit cards and some photos.

Credit cards!  In a seperate place, keep a record of all the account numbers, and the international phone numbers...the numbers they gave us at the police station did NOT actually accomplish anything.

If you can, keep more than a couple, and keep them in seperate places.  If someone gets a couple, you still have money in another pocket.

passports, tickets, etc., should NOT be carried in a purse, or smallest bag on top of your stack of luggage, but inside your clothing, if at all possible.  

Basically, you make it a habit, and make sure you LOOK like you are aware, and you should be in the best possible position.

As for personal crimes, like attacks, they are much less common.  

Answer 3

Barcelona can be very dangerous whilst crossing the road. The traffic is a nightmare. In terms of personal danger, Barcelona must rank as one of the safest cities in the world. In all cities there are precautions one should take, but please don't be concerned about Barcelona.

Answer 4

I went to your question with intention to answer it but I see that JC22NY´s answer has it all. Follow her advice. It´s not dangerous just watch for pickpockets (typically moroccan illegal immigrants) and I´ve heard of thieves impersonating policemen to access tourist´s wallets (by summarily demanding ID). That said, I´ve lived and worked in Barcelona 2 years now withever once having a problem (and with my looks I stick out as a foreigner). Have a great time just take the same precautions as in any other city

Answer 5

Less than NY or London for sure. Like in other big cities, there are pickpocketing in touristic places. Frequently they're gypsy or moorish children.

Answer 6

Barcelona receives quite a lot of bad press about pick pocketing, theft and scams

However it's true to say that there is a pick pocketing and bag snatching problem in Barcelona mainly for those visitors that do not take the right precautions and it is to those people this article is intended

So many times I walk down La Rambla and see tourists with maps open, looking lost and with their bags unguarded. These tourists will almost certainly be noticed by all the wrong people and be an instant target. You can be a tourist, no problem, but what you must behave like is a savvy tourist and you will be much, much safer.

Please take these precautions to safeguard yourself. I know you may think it will never happen to you. You may even think that "all big cities are the same in this respect" but I would say perhaps think again. I see so many tourists that are leaving themselves wide open for something to happen and all they need to do is just take a few simple steps to help safeguard themselves.

Is The Ramblas Safe? (The Ramblas is the main promenade through central Barcelona)

In my opinion the Ramblas is safe. (physical assault is rare). At night time (after 23:30) the Southern most end of the Ramblas (between Gran theatre de Liceu and Colum) can be seedy but it is still relatively safe. However if you feel uncomfortable you can avoid this area at night. The rest of the Ramblas is fine and in fact very enjoyable to stroll along in the evening with thousands of other people, and watch the street performances.

Answer 7

just be aware of gypsies, rumanian and moorish people, they are dangerous because of pickpocketing.