Barcelona next spring....tell me what you know
Discussion
Turn7 said:
I have to say, you lot are not are really not selling it to me....
It's a great place, went for a long weekend with the Mrs in Spring and then for a week with the Mrs and the lad in summer.Treat it like a trip to any large city and you'll be fine.
1st time me and the Mrs made a Horlicks of the trip from the Airport to the city, sailed straight past the transfer point and ended up in the middle of nowhere in full 'pink suitcase' tourist mode at a very rough looking 'local' station, no issues though, back on a train and all sorted with no fuss/muggings.
Next time we used the bus from the airport, loads easier.
The Ramblas at night can be a little 'seedy', don't know whether I look the 'type' or not but I have never been offered so much 'class A' openly in such a short time by so many, and the hookers look VERY ropey, but then when we were there as a 'family' I didn't get asked if I was after anything.
I wouldn't eat or drink on the Ramblas, there appears to be a 'Ramblas Tax' and lots of better/cheaper places just off the main drag, we found a great Tapas place on the Ramblas Del Ravel a few streets away that was infinitely nicer.
I don't carry a wallet/phone, or wear an expensive watch when away on ANY city break but I had no issues there, or Rome, or Amsterdam, London, or anywhere to be honest, being a scruffy bugger finally paying off.
Turn7 said:
I have to say, you lot are not are really not selling it to me....
We are not hardened seasoned travellers , so therefore a very easy and obvious mark I would imagine.
serious doubts now.
Sorry OP, I didn't want to piss on your chips. I've been very vocal about pickpocketing (specifically, I should have said, around Las Ramblas) but I would still recommend going - it is a wonderful city - just keep your wits about you. You asked what I know, and I don't think it is wrong to tell the truth about pickpocketing there. We are not hardened seasoned travellers , so therefore a very easy and obvious mark I would imagine.
serious doubts now.
If I was going on a city break, it would still be high up my list. All I can say is this: if you were on Oxford St in London and a stranger approached you chatting about something banal, you'd probably find it a little unusual (it's not the British way) or they are a chugger. If somebody does the same to you on La Ramblas, they are probably after your wallet. Keep it and your phone well stashed about your person and you will have no problems.
Away from La Ramblas it is just like any other great tourist city. I particularly liked the Bari Gothic area, Park Guell and Casa Mila - the Gaudi architecture is phenomenal, absolutely loved it. Don't let a few light fingered scrotes put you off, but do go with some PH wisdom and I'm sure you'll be OK.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Friday 28th October 12:22
Great place if you have common sense with your personal security.
Las Ramblas is possibly the worst of Barcelona in one small strip, although the beach has some of the same issues - it gets worse the later it gets..
Away from there I've always felt a lot more relaxed. As mentioned on other threads never buy drinks from street hawkers, as they've typically been stashed down drains..
Otherwise, if you're sensible it's basically just like any major tourist city. Lots of very reasonable places to eat, I really liked Viana for tapas, and other places like Biercab, and Anouco for cheaper food. Eixample,and Rambla Catalunya have some pretty reasonable places to eat.
Worth noting, the metro has recently been extended out to the airport, so is more reasonable than a cab (typically at least 30 euros into the city), and Sagrad Familia had been selling out recently, so worth booking in advance.
Las Ramblas is possibly the worst of Barcelona in one small strip, although the beach has some of the same issues - it gets worse the later it gets..
Away from there I've always felt a lot more relaxed. As mentioned on other threads never buy drinks from street hawkers, as they've typically been stashed down drains..
Otherwise, if you're sensible it's basically just like any major tourist city. Lots of very reasonable places to eat, I really liked Viana for tapas, and other places like Biercab, and Anouco for cheaper food. Eixample,and Rambla Catalunya have some pretty reasonable places to eat.
Worth noting, the metro has recently been extended out to the airport, so is more reasonable than a cab (typically at least 30 euros into the city), and Sagrad Familia had been selling out recently, so worth booking in advance.
Was In Barcelona for a week in September on my own, followed the usual tips and felt very safe, loved it, its a great city. Recommend Casa Milla, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, done a couple of walking tours with these guys, www.runnerbeantours.com/tours which were great. For food, Paco Meralgo is really good as already stated, went to Milk Bar & Bistro near the Port for amazing brunch, after a heavy night. La Malandrina, rough and ready Argentina BBQ place, doesn’t look like much but great steak and Santagustina was great for tapas and beers and had a nice vibe.
I was there for 10 days last year. Stayed in the area not too far from the University, a little away from the center so had to walk about 20 minutes to get the Metro, no big deal if your fit and used to walking. There were plenty of restaurants to eat in this area and tended to contain more locals than what you would find in other areas of the city.
I would reccomend:
www.copaseticbarcelona.com/
http://ilovetoto.es/
Both of these have good food and there is plenty near by too.
http://www.maryboonebar.com/uk/home/
This is nice for cocktails etc. lively vibe later in the evening, they stay up and eat late in Barcelona.
EDIT: The Splendom Suites is where we stayed and they're really good. A little bit of noise from the Bar above because it joins on. The apartment was posh and massive. If your only staying 3 days it may not be required but we found it nice to have a home from home. It didn't cost a million quid either.
In terms of crime, we didn't encounter any. I've heard there is a great deal of distraction type crime, but we don't carry lots of money in any case. Get a cash card. I don't know if my appearance deters petty criminals because I'm large... but I've never suffered in this regard. The area of Las Ramblas was very touristy and I'm told that's where the scum hang about. We didn't spend much time there really as we prefer the quiet wine bar and locals type experience where possible and it was along way away.
The Sagrada Familiar is the best thing I have ever seen. I'm not religious but the architecture is fantastic and you even get a divine sort of feeling in there. I put it down to the marvelous construction but you may be able to find some other meaning? Other Gaudi attractions are also very good!
Enjoy, don't worry about getting robbed, but be sensible.
I would reccomend:
www.copaseticbarcelona.com/
http://ilovetoto.es/
Both of these have good food and there is plenty near by too.
http://www.maryboonebar.com/uk/home/
This is nice for cocktails etc. lively vibe later in the evening, they stay up and eat late in Barcelona.
EDIT: The Splendom Suites is where we stayed and they're really good. A little bit of noise from the Bar above because it joins on. The apartment was posh and massive. If your only staying 3 days it may not be required but we found it nice to have a home from home. It didn't cost a million quid either.
In terms of crime, we didn't encounter any. I've heard there is a great deal of distraction type crime, but we don't carry lots of money in any case. Get a cash card. I don't know if my appearance deters petty criminals because I'm large... but I've never suffered in this regard. The area of Las Ramblas was very touristy and I'm told that's where the scum hang about. We didn't spend much time there really as we prefer the quiet wine bar and locals type experience where possible and it was along way away.
The Sagrada Familiar is the best thing I have ever seen. I'm not religious but the architecture is fantastic and you even get a divine sort of feeling in there. I put it down to the marvelous construction but you may be able to find some other meaning? Other Gaudi attractions are also very good!
Enjoy, don't worry about getting robbed, but be sensible.
Edited by Sparkzz on Monday 31st October 21:24
been there on two stags and a dirty weekend with the wife, no pickpocket issues to report.
on the stags we were particularly vulnerable (off our faces for 3 days in each case) but the only incident i can recall is a shifty bloke trying to give us free coke samples on a try before you by basis that would of inevitably went tits up in some way shape or form.
on the stags we were particularly vulnerable (off our faces for 3 days in each case) but the only incident i can recall is a shifty bloke trying to give us free coke samples on a try before you by basis that would of inevitably went tits up in some way shape or form.
I went for 3 days in August and had no issues with pickpockets and also saw no pickpocketing happen. I wasn't extra cautious or anything either, but knew the stories of the area since my brother has been there a few times.
During the day on Las Ramblas there were police every 50 to 100 metres walking/standing around and other offices on motorbikes/cycles going up and down. I stayed about a 5 minute walk from the Apple store at the top of the road. From what I have read elsewhere on PH, its at night down towards the harbour/casino where it gets really bad. May also be a good idea to not stand in crowds when there are street performers out.
Me and my wife were walking about at 1am by Passeig de Gracia and not 0 issues. Wouldn't say we are well experienced travellers but have done Thailand & a road trip around Europe earlier this year.
I'm off to Rome in 2 weeks, lets see how that goes!
During the day on Las Ramblas there were police every 50 to 100 metres walking/standing around and other offices on motorbikes/cycles going up and down. I stayed about a 5 minute walk from the Apple store at the top of the road. From what I have read elsewhere on PH, its at night down towards the harbour/casino where it gets really bad. May also be a good idea to not stand in crowds when there are street performers out.
Me and my wife were walking about at 1am by Passeig de Gracia and not 0 issues. Wouldn't say we are well experienced travellers but have done Thailand & a road trip around Europe earlier this year.
I'm off to Rome in 2 weeks, lets see how that goes!
Hi, I recently returned from a short break.
Never had a problem with pickpockets but they are there with shifty eyes. I had more of a problem with prostitutes on the sidewalk of La Rambla at night with very in-your-face propositions and I saw one guy grabbed by the elbow!
If you are worried then get a key chain wallet and I always carry banknotes in my back pocket.
Magic Fountain only available on Friday and Saturday 7pm-9pm during late autumn/winter, might be all week round by April.
I went primarily to check out graffiti across the city and suburbs and wished I did more of the touristy stuff. There's a street art tour everyday that meets by the Arc D'triomf at 2pm.
Montjuich Park you can walk round the old race track.
Top of Arena shopping centre has a great view of the city.
Go there and enjoy yourself. Lovely place to go exploring by foot, safer to go walking in the middle of night than it is in a British town or city.
Never had a problem with pickpockets but they are there with shifty eyes. I had more of a problem with prostitutes on the sidewalk of La Rambla at night with very in-your-face propositions and I saw one guy grabbed by the elbow!
If you are worried then get a key chain wallet and I always carry banknotes in my back pocket.
Magic Fountain only available on Friday and Saturday 7pm-9pm during late autumn/winter, might be all week round by April.
I went primarily to check out graffiti across the city and suburbs and wished I did more of the touristy stuff. There's a street art tour everyday that meets by the Arc D'triomf at 2pm.
Montjuich Park you can walk round the old race track.
Top of Arena shopping centre has a great view of the city.
Go there and enjoy yourself. Lovely place to go exploring by foot, safer to go walking in the middle of night than it is in a British town or city.
Don't be put off, Barcelona is a wonderful city. Try tapas at Ciudad Condal, call in to La Boqueria half way down the Ramblas on the right. Walk as much as you can, see Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell. Tickets is good if you can book, Disfrutar if you can't.
Barcelona is a very cool place, the Catalonians are proud of their city and very welcoming. I love it that families walk together in the evening, along the avenues of the Eixample and round town, enjoying their city.
Take care like you would if you were visiting any city in the world, don't forget to walk down to the sea.
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Barcelona is a very cool place, the Catalonians are proud of their city and very welcoming. I love it that families walk together in the evening, along the avenues of the Eixample and round town, enjoying their city.
Take care like you would if you were visiting any city in the world, don't forget to walk down to the sea.
Been ~30 times for work and leisure.
Weather, food (tapas) and relaxed atmosphere are worldclass.
Clubbing, bars and redlight are semi-worldclass.
The big church, royal palace on the hill, and a day trip into the mountains are good excursions.
Espanyol is a cheaper alternative to Barcelona FC if you want to catch a soccer match.
Barca is the pickpocket capital of the world, but it is less bad than it used to be. The police are having a crackdown.
Weather, food (tapas) and relaxed atmosphere are worldclass.
Clubbing, bars and redlight are semi-worldclass.
The big church, royal palace on the hill, and a day trip into the mountains are good excursions.
Espanyol is a cheaper alternative to Barcelona FC if you want to catch a soccer match.
Barca is the pickpocket capital of the world, but it is less bad than it used to be. The police are having a crackdown.
Just come back from a three-day stay. Much bigger police presence on the streets and on Las Ramblas.
Apart from benign beggars holding out paper cups didn't see any of the usual hordes of Romanian street gangs.
In fact the place now seems infinitely safer and friendlier than London.
I daresay the street thieves will be back in force fro rich pickings in February when 100,000 mobile phone executives arrive for Mobile World Congress.
Apart from benign beggars holding out paper cups didn't see any of the usual hordes of Romanian street gangs.
In fact the place now seems infinitely safer and friendlier than London.
I daresay the street thieves will be back in force fro rich pickings in February when 100,000 mobile phone executives arrive for Mobile World Congress.
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