i didn't go to barcelona but have been several times before and it does have big problems with petty crime,pickpocketing and violent attacks.i have worked in madrid and burgos in northern spain where i never encountered any problems at all.i have spent time in many european cities but barcelona i rate as the one where you have to be more vigilant but it is still a place worthy of a visit but i don't think we should play our fixture with cats there on a regular basis.

ramblas is fine if you say no to them hookers and also avoid the drug dealers. we went there friday saturda night and were fine apart from when the hookers kept feelin you up!!! we went to a nightclub called sunset by the port and was class stayed there till 5am (Spanish time) but then had the problem of walking back to Melia hotel with no money and just me and mate. overall i would go back to Barca any weekend but ignore the hookers on ramblas and it is class.

Where did you tell them? Behind the Spar in five minutes, drop your slacks and I'll get me some fudge. We'll call it a pony.

They the colored ones who offered you the best you no what you ever had? Tried follow me back to my hostel sloshed on Saturday night worst thing worst thing is I look about 15 even though I aint

Not read the full thread (because I've just got back) but IMO the moral of the story is keep your wits about you. Its well documented over here that Oxford Street in london is riddled with pick pockets etc. I had my folks with me & we came away 'unscathed'.

I had all my money, cards, hotel room key and match tickets stolen. Walked about 40 yards down Ramblas in a big group of people with my bag to my side.. I was well aware of the crime and was being careful but they are very good at what they do. Later on I was walking down by the stadium and a 12 year old made a grab for my bag but failed. Horrible city for crime.



I live there, trust me it's nothing compared to the levels of crime in barca. It's only dangerous round here if you put yourself in dangerous situations like walking home alone at night. What i saw happen in Barca was insane

Sounds like you're just stupid.

That's a bit harsh. They are good at what they do, although it does surprise me that somebody could be well aware and then still get picked within 40metres.

The tips like using pockets with zips, and using two wallets etc. were certainly useful tips.

the only trouble we seen was a pick pocket getting beat up by 4 guys just off the rambles in a side street,the guy got his wallet back but the picket pocket got his just deserves,running away covered in blood.
and how bad r the black prositutes?got slapped for telling 1 to f*ck off,and plenty of their pimps down the side streets.
the only downside for are group of 7 was that 1 of us lost 100 euro on that spot were the ball was in the middle of the ramblas street.

apart from that had a brill weekend just a shame that there was no beer inside and the very very long and steep walk to the ground,and before anyone says about could have got the bus,im a stinge bag.

having been to barcelona on many occasions I stayed in a district nowhere near the ramblas and thus had no hassle, I went there for a pre match pint and got the tube. if you stay near the criminals you are more likely to fall victim to them and its not even close to the nicest part of the city anyway. whilst travelling stare back if needed to prove you know what you are doing and where you are going even if you don't and avoid dark areas and should be fine. look vulnerable and you will be and this applies everywhere. believe it or not barcelona has improved, it still has a long way to go though.

hi vernon,een you at the match,think i had you at least 3 times at halftime calling your nameout and you just didnt know where it came from even though i was hiding from you,top weekend mate

8/10.

I've just got back and practically stayed in the Ramblas areas for the entire 4 days and nights. Sorry to hear of people's troubles but I felt safe. Perhaps it would be different at 3am.

It wasn't that class fella and the 40 Euro to get in was shocking, now the Baghdad cafe is class (so i was told).