Areas to Be Extra Careful When in Barcelona ~

Ever since you have been buying milk at school your parents continually remind you to watch your pockets and watch your money. You may be older, you are hoping you are wiser, but the same still holds true, even more so here in Barcelona. Violent crime in Barcelona is relatively low, so cheers for that. Unfortunately Barcelona is the European pickpocket capital. During the height of the tourist season (ie. during the summer months) there are approximately 315 reported thefts in Barcelona each day. Anyone who has been mugged or pick pocketed knows the feeling of being left with no money, feeling vulnerable and violated.

Theft in Barcelona is highly lucrative, with small fines and a quick release. The police try to serve and protect the public, but they can only do so much. While certain areas of the city are regarded as high theft locales, the truth is that it can happen on any street, at any time, by anyone. Do not be fooled thinking that thieves have s specific type; the gypsy looking woman, the poorly dressed man on the metro, the group of kids on La Rambla. These criminals take every shape and form, and they can often seem friendly and warm. Here is a list of the top 5  pickpocket locales in Barcelona.

1. The Metro -

A ride on Barcelona’s Metro can provide quick and effortless access to the city at large. It can also provide quick and effortless access to an unsuspecting persons’ effects. Crowded and tight locations are prime hunting grounds for Barcelona pickpockets as they are able to get close, make body contact without anyone thinking twice about it, and an easy escape. Even in seemingly safe surroundings always look around and identify your location as well as the people who are around you. Wear you back pack forward or keep it in your hands. Do not leave it strapped to your back facing away from you as it is effortless for criminals to reach in and grab any desired possession. Keep purses and camera holders tight diagonal around your chest and arms, and always be wary of people bumping or touching you, no matter how close of proximity you are. While people in Barcelona tend to be friendly, people normally do not like touching strangers unless they truly have to. Watch out for people a little too close for comfort.

2. Las Ramblas -

Barcelona’s busiest street and most famous tourist attraction. During the day watch out for pickpockets on the street. As Las Ramblas is incredibly crowded, especially during the summer and weekends it is easy to get pushed and bumped by the passerby’s. While you may feel safe being in the busiest part of the city during the day with so many people around you, it is actually an incredibly easy  situation for criminals to get close. The close proximity and constant bumping makes it easier for Barcelona pickpockets to get close and grab hidden items in pockets and purses. You may be busy watching the living statues or looking at flowers along the streets. During this time you are not paying attention to your belongings and are not paying attention to the people bumping into you. Next you notice that your wallet or belongings are gone.  Even during the day it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and who is around you.  Keep purses closed, place the straps diagonal instead of simply resting on the shoulder. If you are taking pictures keep the camera strapped around your neck or keep it in your bag when not using it.

In the evening Las Ramblas can seem like an entirely different place. It is dark, empty, and seedy.  During the evenings the street tends to be the habitation of  prostitutes looking for some evening work or a person to steal a few Euros from. Be careful as they can be incredibly pushy and forward. Continue to walk without stopping or making eye contact. They are persistent and will try to make body contact. During this time they will try to relieve you of your belongings. Don’t give them this opportunity. The easiest thing to do here is to walk quickly and avoid any conversation or contact.

3. Beaches -

The beach is a pickpockets paradise as people are always leaving valuables out and often unattended. It is as easy as picking an item up off of a towel. Similar to every other situation, keep valuables like cards, passports, or expensive items at home, or if you have to take them with you keep them properly stowed away and never leave them out. Never leave your blanket or property even for a quick swim. Make sure someone is always watching your belongings.

4. Ciutat Vella -

This is the area of the city right off Las Ramblas beaten path. Ciutat Vella consists of narrow isolated streets that are often dark and empty. During the day it can be fun to walk through these historic pathways, however use extreme caution and judgement when alone at night, especially after drinking. There are many fun Irish pubs and tourist bars in the area, so make sure you never leave alone as this is the perfect scenario for a thief to take advantage.

5. Any bar after a few drinks -

I have first hand experience with this scenario. Barcelona night life is fantastic. Plenty of bars to find your favorite drinks, plenty of good looking people to talk with, plenty of songs to dance to, and plenty of parties to last the whole night through. Similar to Las Ramblas and the Metro, bars and clubs are great grounds for pickpockets as people once again are in incredibly cramped, crowded rooms badly lit with loud noise and plenty of distractions. I hate to sound paranoid and discourage anyone from having fun, but similar to other setting be wary of people touching you. Yes people tend to be more flirty and touchy with drinks and dancing but make sure to be cautious of people touching you out of the blue. If they are grabbing you without even a conversation or dance then be a bit cautious. This is true of any city or scenario, but be careful of taking strangers home. I have friends who had taken people home from the clubs only to wake up missing all of their belongings. I know this may sound cliche, but use common sense; never leave a bar or club alone or with strangers, never take passports, credit cards, cameras, or other valuable items, and always be aware of where you are and who is around you.

Pickpockets and thieves make there living by being fast and unsuspecting. They go after the easiest prey they can. If you stay aware, alert, keep valuables hidden and guarded they will be that much less likely to target you. Even if you are targeted by a thief do your best to avoid body contact with strangers, and avoid conversations with people on the street who appear too close for comfort. If you use these tips while traveling through these famous Barcelona locations then you will be less likely to be targeted by Barcelona pickpockets, and much more likely to enjoy your Barcelona experience,creating nothing but positive memories.

If you have any tips about how to stay safe in Barcelona we would love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Brettsky

Check out these other Suitelife blogs about staying safe in Barcelona:

5 True Stories To Help You Recognize and Avoid Pickpockets in Barcelona

Barcelona Pickpockets Hit the Road

Barcelona Beach Profile #5: Llevante Beach is our final segment in a special blog/video series, which will give you an insider’s perspective on each of the beautiful Barcelona beaches. 

In this segment we take a look at Llevante Beaches during July. Check out Barcelona’s newest beach.

Barcelona Beach Profile #4: Marbella & Nova Marbella Beach is our fourth segment in a special blog/video series, which will give you an insider’s perspective on each of the beautiful Barcelona beaches. 

In this segment we take a look at Marbella & Nova Marbella Beaches during July, when the sun is shining and people are making the most of the beach. This is Barcelona’s nudist beach. Take a look!

Passeig de Gràcia - Immerse yourself in chic Barcelona

Passeig de Gracia, also known as Paseo de Gracia is one of the streets in Barcelona that I don’t find myself visiting that  often. But when I do, I barely feel like I am in Barcelona anymore. Correction. I realize that I am actually in a big city that offers everything that a shopoholic, a museum and restaurant – lover, could possibly want and need. Because when you find yourself walking around in El Born for Eixample (which I do almost everyday…) or along the beach, I often feel that I am at a summer resort rather than in a big city. But that’s not the case. I am in a big city, I Just don’t go to those typical big-city-parts of Barcelona that often. However, when my friends come to visit me, I often hear myself saying: Hey, let’s go to Passeig De Gracia. And let me just tell you one thing: all my friends that have been here  love love love Passeig de Gracia Barcelona! In other words, there is something magical about this street.

Street Profile: Passeig de Gracia – the most exclusive Barcelona street, bringing you a little bit closer to Audrey-ism with stores that carry clothes that you almost would give up your vision to have in your closet.  Get all the information you could possibly need to know about the most exclusive shops, fabulous restaurants and museums. Read and take notes my friends.

Passeig de Gracia by day

Passeig de Gracia is one of the major avenues in Barcelona and also one of it’s most important shopping and business areas, containing several of the city’s most celebrated pieces of architecture. Furthermore, this street is the home of heavy brand shops and boutiques such as Jimmy Choo, Tiffanys in Barcelona, Chanel, Gucci and Valentino, separated with cute coffee shops and trendy restaurants. However, this street is not always aimed at the ones with a big wallet. Shops such as Stradivarious, H&M, Bershka and Blanco are all to be found here.

Passeig de Gracia is located in the central part of Eixample, stretching from Placa Catalunya to Carrer Gran de Gracia. In terms of cost of renting or buying property anywhere in this avenue, Passeig de Gracia is nowadays regarded as the most expensive street in Barcelona and also in Spain – even ahead of Calle Serrano in Madrid.

When living in Gracia (I now live by Plaza de Catalunya), I went to DIR – one of Barcelona’s most famous gyms, located on Gran de Gracia. After my one hour – or so of training, I was not ready to go home just yet. Many times, I found myself strolling down Passeig de Gracia in order to do some sightseeing or shopping. One day, for example, I found myself passing by the park and boutanic garden of Jardines del Palau Robert, located on Passeig de Gracia 107. After one quick look through the big glass doors, I could not not go inside in order to look further. A shame that I didn’t bring my camera, I thought as I was walking through the beautiful garden where I also visited small art and history museums.

When it comes to sightseeing, I would recommend you go and visit one of Gaudi’s works. When in Barcelona, this is something you just have to do. Gaudi’s work is admired by architects around the world as being one of the most unique and distinctive architectural styles. His work has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona Architecture and you will see his work all over the city – for example on Passeig de Gracia.

Casa Battlo, located at 43 Passeig de Gracia – is a building restored by Antoni Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol, built in the year 1877 and remodelled in the years 1904-1906. The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) and it does indeedhave a skeletal organic quality. This building looks very remarkable – like everything Gaudi designed. The ground floor in particular, is rather astonishing with tracery, irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work.

Passeig de Gracia by night

Passeig de Gracia is famous for its chic and trendy restaurants. One of these is Parco Sushi Sashimi, located on Paseo de Gracia 119. I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of sushi – and sushi restaurants. I love everything about it. I mean, after all, this is where you will find the best cocktails and service, the perfect atmosphere on that Saturday night and hip people from all over the world. On Passeig De Gracia, you will find this sushi restaurant, famous for its amazing food and drinks. The dress code is a little bit nicer than other typical Spanish restaurants, so start scanning your closet right now for that little black dress. This restaurant is unquestinably one of the best and most exclusive Japanese restaurants in the city with a stylish atmosphere. Average cost per person: 60 Euros. Reservations highly recommended.

Other Barcelona restaurants, located on Passeig de Gracia, that I recommend you to go visit are the following:

• Restaurant Bilbao. C/ Perill 33 One of the best restaurants serving Catalan cuisine in the city. Very friendly service. Average cost per person: €35. Reservations highly recommended. Tel: 93 458 96 24

• Botafumeiro marisqueria Gran de Gràcia, 81. One of Barcelona’s famous seafood restaurants only 5 minutes away from the apartments. Average cost per person: €70. Meals served non-stop from 1 pm to 1 am                  www.botafumeiro.es Tele: 93 218 42 30

Passeig de Gracia living – The home of the exclusive hotels

If you want to enjoy this summer on top of one of the best terraces of Barcelona, don’t miss ALAIRE Terrace of Hotel Condes de Barcelona, located on Passeig de Gracia 73-75. This is the perfect place to stay during your visit in the city or for that Saturday lunch or Sunday brunch (wow, that rhymed!) The other weekend, I was having lunch with some friends at this 4 Star Hotel, located in an emblematic corner of the city where you can contemplate the spectacular sights, surrounded by other beautiful hotels (all with rooftops and pool areas!).

From the ALAIRE hotel terrace, you have an amazing view over the famous Gaudi building on Passeig de Gracia. I suggest you bring a camera and make a visit!

The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is one of the newest Mandarin Orientals. The hotel is situated in an elegant mid 20th century building near the Casa Battlo by Gaudi with its fabulous facade. The rooms have great view over the city and some even has terraces. The hotel design takes inspiration from its original Spanish heritage and mixes it with modern Spanish design. There are s one can love about this hotel. The fact that each room has a free standing bath, the white mediterranean brasserie Blanc serving up Catalan specialities and the modern Bankers Bar with outdoor terrace. But my favorite part of the hotel has to be the roof top sun deck with plunge pool and views over the city. For more information or to make reservations please visit www.mandarinoriental.com or call 0080028283838

Charlotte Giver

Palau Güell, the masterpiece designed by Gaudi is due to reopen to on May 25th. One of the lesser known Gaudi buildings, the Modernist Palau Guell, was built for Eusebi Guell between 1885 and 1890. It has been under restoration for the past seven years and now opens its majestic parabolic entrance to the public.

Gaudi designed the palace for the industrial magnet Guell on Nou de la Rambla, just off the Ramblas. Two large iron entrance gates, adorned with the owner’s initials, lead to what used to be the livery stables where guests would leave their horse and carriage. There are six floors to explore with ornate and intricate details, dragons’ heads, grand fireplaces, carved wood ceilings, and the reception room with a spectacular cupola which illuminates the somewhat dark interior.

The roof of the house is perhaps the most intriguing with its famous 22 assorted chimneys. This was the first time Gaudi used the ‘trencadís’ technique of smashed and reconstructed tiles so typical of his other works like Park Guell. Not only do you get cool views of Barcelona but it’s also a great opportunity to take some photos.

Entrance to Palau Guell will cost 10€ but you may need to reserve your visit since there is a limit on the number of people that can be in the building at one time.

Check out our video on the architecture of the building and our Gaudi tour.

Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most famous beach. There is tons of cool stuff to see and do so tune in, relax, and soak up the sights.

Barcelona Beach Profile #1: Barceloneta” is our first segment in a special blog/video series, which will give you an insider’s perspective on each of the beautiful Barcelona beaches.

SuiteLife kicks off its series on Barcelona’s beaches with an in depth look at Barceloneta. Barcelona’s most popular beach has a great mix of cool beach bars, nightlife, and architecture. Check it out!

Love the Gracia Festival night scene as much as us?! Here’s a glimpse of what was going on this year in the Gracia Neighborhood after all the little ones had gone to bed… The decorations were a bit lacking this year, but the music Rocked!

Top 10 Things to Do & See In & Around the Famous Placa Reial, in Barcelona, Spain! Check it out and share with your friends!

Gracia Barcelona is SuiteLife’s favourite barcelona neighborhood! Get a glimpse of just how charming it actually is and click the link to read our blog with tons and tons of great insider information this famous Barcelona barrio!