Is the noise & theft in Barcelona bad?

Question

I'm going to Barcelona next week and have been warned that the theft there and noise levels at night is really bad (I'm staying in the city center)..

Should I be careful? and what can I do to be safe?

Thanks

Answer 1

Be careful.  Barcelona requires more than the usual common sense.

Carry your money/credit cards where they are difficult to get to.  DO NOT put everything in one place!  They slice your purse, and everything is in there, you have lost EVERYTHING!  Make sure you don´t take your eyes off your things when you are in crowded places!  Airports and Train stations are biggies.  People arriving, leaving, tired, concerned about other things, and suddenly one of their bags is gone.

ALWAYS be sure you are alert and aware of your surroundings.  They get you when you are distracted.  (see above).

I didn't see anyone using backpacks on their backs....always carrying them on their fronts.

Noise...yeah.  Especially right along the Ramblas.  My friend took a hotel on Para lel a little up from the Port Vell (about a mile or less) and she said it was very quiet and nice.  But any of the busier parts of town are going to be noisy at night.  People there party all night long, and quite loudly.

Answer 2

girl its terrible at night...i visited there two months ago and it was terrible...you barely got sleep there at night. then if you did it was only for maybe five or six minutes then its right back up...the best thing i did to avoid this situation was have my own noise...for example i love to listen to temptations...i played the temptations loud enough to where i could block out the other noise and be in my own little world

Answer 3

I live here in Barcelona and my advise is to buy some earplugs. They are cheap and very effective. As far as theft, yes, it can be pretty bad on the beach and around the tourist areas. Carry a copy of your paasport and just enough money for the day or evening and keep your bank cards and passport in a safe place in your hostel or hotel. The theives here aren´t really violent but they are smooth so keep your purse or bag strap around your arm or leg when sitting outside a tapa bar, restaurant, beach, whatever. Just keep your eyes open, be smart and enjoy the city, it is beautiful!!  

Answer 4

pick pockets and bag snatchers,put valuables in hotel safe only take enougth money out with you for the evening or day

Answer 5

Hey, I'm going to Barcelona next week as well... But I'm moving there! Rock on Port Vell.

And its no worse than most other major cities