What areas to avoid in Barcelona as a tourist?

Want to be on the safe side? Then consider avoiding Ciutat Vella. This covers the area of the Barri Gotic, El Born, El Raval, and Barceloneta. Besides containing poor quality housing, this too-touristy area is also rather expensive and a haven for pickpockets (and also burglaries) due to the tourists.



People Also Ask

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

La Rambla is the boundary between the quarters of Barri Gòtic, to the east, and El Raval, to the west. Barcelona's safest areas tend to be the more affluent neighborhoods, such as Eixample, Poble Sec, and Poblenou.

MORE DETAILS

If it's your first time in Barcelona, you can't go wrong with staying centrally in l'Eixample. It's right on the center of the city, conveniently located between the Old City and Gràcia, and it's well connected to just about every place you'll want to visit over the course of your Barcelona itinerary.

MORE DETAILS

Gràcia is the best place to escape the tourists, with its tranquil plazas and cafés full of locals and an appealing small-town atmosphere. Barceloneta has the closest beach to the center of Barcelona, within easy walking distance from Las Ramblas. It's also Barcelona's longest beach, and popular with families.

MORE DETAILS

Barcelona is easily worth two days, and no one would regret having a third day (or a fourth, or a fifth…). If you can spare only one full day for the city, it will be a scramble, but a day you'll never forget.

MORE DETAILS

Pickpockets are the main crime problem for most tourists visiting Barcelona.

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

Bring cash in the foreign currency until you can arrive at a bank or cashpoint to obtain some more money. Barcelona does have a pickpocketing problem, and it is advised to ensure you do not carry too much cash around with you.

MORE DETAILS

Barcelona is a very walkable city. We could stroll through the differernt neighborhoods first hand and get a feel for the local markets and shops. Of course a stop at the open air market of La Boqueria is a must. You will find fruit stands, sweets, tapas, cheese, and of course meat vendors.

MORE DETAILS

Public transport such as the metro, tram and FGC are the quickest, simplest, most convenient and most sustainable way of getting around Barcelona. You can choose from the different ticket types and travel cards. Bicycles are a healthy, clean and silent way of getting around the city.

MORE DETAILS

The Bari Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is arguably the most desirable area to stay in, which is why it gets so much foot traffic. It's close to many of Barcelona's most popular attractions and has many great restaurants—another reason why people love it.

MORE DETAILS

Barcelona is indeed a safe place for solo female travelers. Violent crime in the city is generally low, and you may feel as safe walking by yourself throughout the day. The biggest problem in Barcelona is pickpockets; they are everywhere – the more touristy areas are the worst for pickpockets.

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

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

Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range near Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. The main peaks are Sant Jeroni, Montgrós and Les Agulles. It is well known as the site of the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary.



MORE DETAILS