Barcelona

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Barcelona

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RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

Barcelona

My college age daughters are traveling with a group of friends to Barcelona and staying at a Hostel for a long w/e. Do I need to worry about their safety? any advice from you'll, they never been to Spain

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 0:02:46

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3079
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

You don't need to worry.. but you already are and it can only get worse if someone tells a horror story or something.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 0:10:06

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

Mr. Martins right, it's gonna happen so any bad stories isn't gonna help.

Madrid & Sevilla felt safer then any of the big cities I've visited in the US.

Also, a place is as safe as the person visiting. For a college girl I'd say just stick with your friends at all times, don't accept open drinks from strangers and if a place/street feel sketchy avoid it. I'm sure it's completely fine, worst case scenario she gets pick pocketed.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 0:31:31

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

I was there last year and have been many times. I saw lots of college kids from all over the world having a blast, meeting, talking and hanging out. It's a very friendly place, it's not Castilian, the main language is Catalan, so worth reading up on this cultural aspect and learning to say "hello", "please", "thank you" and "goodbye". English amongst visitors and younger residents is widespread.

I found Carrer Ample, near the port, packed with decent bars and bistros buzzing into the early hours.

There are no real no-go areas, gun crime or violent gangs to my knowledge. Las Ramblas has a reputation for scams and pickpockets but that's about it in my opinion, the rest is down to your daughter using her judgement.

This advice seems about right:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g187497-s206/Barcelona:Spain:Health.And.Safety.html
http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-tourist/115-safety-barcelona-top-tips

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 9:20:22

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

I would not worry to much eather.
It is much saver than 20 years ago.

It is now a big city with normal big city problems.

If it may feel a bit better to you, yesterday my wife and me where dining with our Spanish friends.
We know them about 30 years. The guy is head of the police in Barcelona center.
So if something is happening, let me know, and I will give him a call, maybe usefull for an Ad-Hoc solution or some thing else.

But better if they do not need it.
I hope they enjoy every minute of it and dad and mom can be proud of their daughters and their new experience.

Peter.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 16:21:57

edguerin

Posts: 1589
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania

RE: Barcelona (in reply to gerundino63)

Barcelona is as safe as or safer than other large European cities.

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Ed

El aficionado solitario
Alemania

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 17:02:01

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

Thanks for all your input

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 10 2014 23:47:54

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to RTC)

[Deleted by Admins]

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 11 2014 0:45:29

edguerin

Posts: 1589
Joined: Dec. 24 2007
From: Siegburg, Alemania

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

quote:

Certainly do not accept drinks from complete strangers.

Where would that be o.k. ?

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Ed

El aficionado solitario
Alemania

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 11 2014 6:05:52

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to RTC)

[Deleted by Admins]

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 11 2014 13:28:53

sig

Posts: 296
Joined: Nov. 7 2007
From: Wisconsin

RE: Barcelona (in reply to Guest)

Yeah, that movie creeped me out!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 12 2014 17:31:11

Spencer

Posts: 34
Joined: Mar. 27 2008
From: Bargara Beach, Australia

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

I have just spent a few days in Barcelona. It seems pickpocketing is the biggest risk - especially in the crowded, touristy spots like Las Rablas and Plaça Cataluña. I think there was an attempted pickpocket in the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - the guys in the black suits took off in hot pursuit of someone who was beating a hasty retreat.

I always only took the money I needed and kept my mobile phone safe.

The Tripadvisor Barcelona City Guide app on my android was the single most useful tool - with that you can't get lost.

I found flamenco harder to find than in Granada or even Madrid.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 13 2014 13:48:57

wikichris

Posts: 7
Joined: Aug. 28 2013

RE: Barcelona (in reply to RTC)

Not been but know pick-pocketing is the main problem. Don't even dream of getting a laptop out in a bar (I know of a story first hand where the guy was distracted and it was gone).

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 13 2014 15:26:09