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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Barcelona- How was it for you?

27 replies

kbaby · 25/02/2007 10:57

Were due to go for 4 days in March and wondered what it was like. Will be taking DC. Ive read that its not that safe so now v worried.
Where do you recommend for things to do/eat etc

OP posts:
zippitippitoes · 25/02/2007 11:01

Ihave missed something..why isn't it safe then?

detoxdiva · 25/02/2007 11:22

Loved it! The only word of warning is about pickpockets, oh and be really careful about where you put your handbag - the same advice for visiting any major city really.

We thought it was great - loads to do and a beach too . It's great for kids - we found the Spanish so welcoming in restaurants etc.

The Ramblas is the main place to start - but it is very touristy and over priced so grab a map and just walk around - it's easy to get to most places on foot. We also went on one of those sightseeing buses on the first day (touristy I know but a good way to get your bearings and work out what you want to see)

zippitippitoes · 25/02/2007 11:36

oh I thought there must have been a scare..no it's a safe as anywhere

agree just take care of your possessions..in markets and cafes etc especially

there are some beggars with sob stories but ignore them like going to lodndon really

easy to walk around and the metro is handy

even has a beach

I've wandered round in the middle of the night and it is busy and fine

wotzsaname · 25/02/2007 11:36

true about pickpockets. At airport and The Ramblas are bad. Dont let kids have ipods or mobiles on show (not sure eaht age they are).

I went and we were all fine. But my mum had a bad time.

My mum went and a got done. Ppickpockets have little scams. My mum and her DP were walking along and she got squirted with white stuff (she thought it must be bird drops from a building) then a man came up and said "oh dear, let me help' and as he was "helping' looking for bird mess and helping with a cloth to clean her coat (her DP there too) they had stuff taken from both their bag and pockets.

Also bad on arrival at airport. Dont leave anything while you wait to collect luggage and keep your eyes open.

There are open top buses with regualr tours and drop off points. You pay a day pass (tourist info centres - little boths - one in Ramblas - have lots of leaftets about this). better than metro as you can have a good look around. You can keep getting off and on. Kis will love it too.

wotzsaname · 25/02/2007 11:38

Just to add they went to the police who knew the scam 'about water pistol with white stuff, and 'helpful' man"!!

SherlockLGJ · 25/02/2007 11:48

But they are doing nothing about it. Crime has been rife in Barcelona for about 10 years if not more and it does not seem to be improving.

wotzsaname · 25/02/2007 11:53

Very true about the police.

We went early Jan so not in the height for tourists. It was over the Spanish New Year on the 6 Jan and they celebrate the 3 Kings, big parade. So lots of Spanish rather than Brits and other visitors.

A cafe owner came up to tell us to watch our things, near the Ramblas, as he'd spotted a group on the prowl.

No other trouble and very enjoyable.

swedishmum · 25/02/2007 23:19

Apparently there are lots of pickpockets down by the beach too. However they target likely victims only so stick to the usual rules - bag across the body, look as though you know your way around and keep your eyes open. I didn't feel any more vulnerable there than in my local town centre tbh. Go and enjoy it!

Molesworth · 25/02/2007 23:22

Echo everyone else's advice - it's no more dangerous than any other European city though, just the usual precautions you would take anywhere

DP and I have been a few times and never had any trouble - love the place

Have a wonderful time!

themoon66 · 25/02/2007 23:29

Been five times and going again in August. Love the place.

I went alone with DCs once when DH broke his ankle 5 days before the holiday. We were fine. Just be streetwise and don't fall for tricks like the bird poo one mentioned below, also the gambling on the street one (ping pong ball under the cups routine) and also the 'students' who say they've been robbed and need cash to get home. Wear a tiny bag across the front of your body, with your coat over the top when going out at night. Leave phones, ipods etc in hotel safe.

simplycontrolfreaky · 25/02/2007 23:50

any good hotel reccommendations? for 4 of us (dc's are 9 and 7)... somewhere central and nice. neednt be cheap as chips but not mega mega bucks? tia

Soapbox · 25/02/2007 23:54

Does it have to be a hotel?

We stayed in a lovely apartment in the centre of the Born area, which is the boutiquey area which the Picasso museum is in. Lots of lovely restaurants etc, but within an easy walk of most of the sights.

I find an apartment on a city break is somewhat easier on us all, in that we can pace ourselves a bit better and have enough room to chill out for an hour or so between escapades

If an apartment might do you, I'll give you details of the company we rented through!

Chandra · 26/02/2007 00:00

Deal with it as if you were in London, there are nice places and others where you have to keep your money and belongings well away of other people's access.

I have only been there without children so can not advice on more than the usual turistic places but, I'm sure there should be a guide about what to do with the family.

The usual turistic buses that allow you to hop in and out at attractions are available, so no worries about getting lost, the metro is busy at rush hours (as it would be expected in any city with a metro) but is fine out of them. Whatever you do, don't hire a car, finding a place to park it may take most of your time.

Chandra · 26/02/2007 00:01

The hotel Condes de Barcelona used to be quite good and in good location.

adamadamum · 26/02/2007 00:10

I lived in Barcelona for a while and never came to any harm! i just kept the same wits about me as i did and do in any other place. You have to be careful everywhere! I think Barcelona is one of the most fantastic places to be, just be as sensible as you would be at home and you should be fine! Have a great time - I am sure you will.

themoon66 · 26/02/2007 14:05

Can recommend H10 hotels.... lovely breakfasts and very clean rooms.

ScummyMummy · 26/02/2007 14:09

Barcelona is great. We had no problems safety wise. Stayed on the Ramblas in a citidene hotel.

Twinkie1 · 26/02/2007 14:10

Go to the Attic Restaurant on Las Ramblas - is great wonderful views and food is scrummy - is a decked roof garden sort of resaturant.

simplycontrolfreaky · 26/02/2007 18:21

thanks soapy, would love that info
ta chandra, will have a look at that
themoon, what is H10?

geordiemacminx · 27/02/2007 09:53

Just got back on Friday - had a fantastic time, weather was great, hotel (1898) was amazing, food was lovely, loads to do and see... especially since we got a 2 day pass for the tourist bus, and managed to see the whole of the city centre. Cafes on las ramblas were expensive for drinks, although I guess this is expected. Cant recommend it enough really - especially the hotel, indoor and outdoor pool, spa, lovely relaxing bar, arrived at 1pm, room wasnt quite ready (even though check in is actually 3pm) complimentary drinks from the bar while we waitied, rooms cleaned every day, turned down and fresh towels every night too.

wotzsaname · 27/02/2007 14:33

geordie sounds lovely, I want to go back.

The Tourist Buss Offical website is a good way to get around. I loved it, hoping on and off and stoping at places for lunch.

Shows routes and prices etc on the website.

themoon66 · 27/02/2007 20:30

The 1898 hotel looks gorgeous. But too pricey for me this year i'm afraid

Original poster
kbaby · 27/02/2007 20:54

Excellant. Thanks everyone.

Id heard about the ping pong and bird poo tricks and I was a bit worried about not be able to relax there due to constantly being on my guard.

The children are 3 and 7 months so I think were planning the beach, zoo and aquarium. The bus looks good also.

Any good places to eat?

OP posts:
themoon66 · 27/02/2007 22:56

Good place to eat with kids.... All You Can Eat for 13 euros. Buffet style so good for picky kids. Endless supply of different salads, soups, pasta with sauces, pizzas. Pud is fresh fruit and/or ice cream, frozen yoghurt etc. You just pay extra for alcohol. Immaculately clean place too. Its on Universitat... between the H10 hotel and the Easyjet internet cafe.. top end of Plaza de Cataluyna and turn left.

Soapbox · 27/02/2007 23:04

controlfreaky - this is the apartment we stayed at, although there are others that look really nice too. As a rough guide to cost it cost us 700euros for 5 nights over Easter last year:)