Is pickpocketing a problem in Spain?

Sadly there are many pickpockets in popular tourist areas, so be aware in busy tourist places, airports, train stations, metro and also in your hotel lobby. Pickpockets in Barcelona are generally not violent.



People Also Ask

Las Ramblas, the main promenade through central Barcelona, is humming with activity 24 hours a day and – pickpockets and tourist scams aside – is considered safe. Late at night, the south end of the street may feel a little seedy but is still relatively safe (and pretty easy to avoid if you prefer).

MORE DETAILS

As a general rule, you should avoid the bars and restaurants on La Rambla because they are of poor quality and ridiculously overpriced. Some establishments can charge up to €10 for a beer or a Coca Cola, which sell for around €2.50 elsewhere in Barcelona. That said, there are a few exceptions and places worth visiting.

MORE DETAILS

Similar to Madrid's Plaza Mayor, Las Ramblas is extremely popular with tourist crowds. In fact, there's a good chance you won't find anyone else on this street other than tourists and vendors selling to tourists.

MORE DETAILS

Your clothes are a dead giveaway. The stereotype is true: American tourists stick out like a sore thumb when they travel, making them prime targets for pickpockets. Instead of throwing on a T-shirt to rep your alma mater, try to dress like the locals.

MORE DETAILS

How To Avoid Pickpockets When Traveling In Cities
  1. Be Extra Aware In Certain Areas.
  2. Don't Let Looks Fool You.
  3. Know Common Pickpocket Scams.
  4. Leave Valuables Locked In Your Hotel.
  5. Look Like A Local.
  6. Wearing A Money Belt To Avoid Pickpockets.
  7. Invest In A Pickpocket Proof Bag or Pickpocket Proof Wallet.


MORE DETAILS

Go to any Police Station (Comisaría) or Citizens Advice Bureau to file a report (denuncia)
  1. Police Stations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  2. Remember that the Spanish police are not necessarily multilingual, the police station for the 'Mossos d'Esquadra' can provide an English speaker with whom to make a report.


MORE DETAILS

  • Spain has one of the lowest crime rates of Europe, around one third less than also Germany.
  • There is a concentration of crime at parts of the Costa del Sol and in Barcelona. Most crimes in Spain are drug related and theft and burglary in mostly touristic areas.
  • The homicide rate is very low in Spain.


MORE DETAILS

While pickpocketing is widely regarded as a petty crime, if convicted, you could face jail or prison time and expensive fines.

MORE DETAILS

Although Barcelona is largely a secure city, some parts are best avoided, particularly after the sun sets. As a visitor to this vibrant city, it's important to be mindful of the risk of pickpocketing and bag theft in high-traffic tourist locales such as Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.

MORE DETAILS

The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. knowledge. The best place for keys is on a chain attached to your clothing.

MORE DETAILS

The safest and most convenient style of bag is a crossbody bag that you wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. A thin flexible wire embedded in the strap makes it slash-resistant to thieves who cut bag straps and then run off with the bag.

MORE DETAILS

According to the study, the top five “tourist traps” in the world are the Four Corners Monument in Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, the Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the Calico Ghost Town in California, Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse, South Dakota and the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell ...

MORE DETAILS

Avoid These Travel-Related Faux Pas and Blend in With the Locals
  1. Dress for the season (and don't wear a fanny pack)
  2. Understand Catalonian values (and don't call it “Barca”)
  3. Don't eat on Las Ramblas (and eat dinner late)
  4. Don't keep your valuables on show (Including your camera)


MORE DETAILS

One of the best things about staying in a hotel on La Rambla is you will be in the heart of the city, and therefore close to most of the main tourist attractions: the Cathedral is a few minutes walk, as is the MACBA, several other art galleries, Plaça de Catalunya, plenty of shops and close to the beach.

MORE DETAILS