Shopping trip - Barcelona or Milan?

[namechangedyetagain]

Wondering about taking my 12yo for a quick trip away in the summer holidays. Just me and her. Which would be best (and safest) ? Probably only having a 2 day stay just to get away so would like to fill the time. Happy to shop, eat, wander. Also how easy is it to get from Airports to the city and around once you're there?
I'm also trying to do this as cheaply as possible!!!

I would definitely say Barcelona. I wasn’t overly impressed with Milan and the shops are so expensive.
There is a bus that takes you from the airport in Barcelona directly to the centre. Lots of places to wander round and inexpensive eats. Hold onto your possessions though as it does have a reputation for pickpockets. When we went we stayed at the Citadines at Las Ramblas which was a great location and nice apartments although a bit noisy once the bells started going off.

I’d say Barcelona, although accommodation is not cheap. The shopping in Barcelona is more varied: there’s a really good choice of high street shops, local markets and one-off knick-knack shops. You definitely have to watch your bags though, but that’s the same in most large cities. Overall vibe is pretty relaxed.

I fancy Barcelona as she's been to Italy before, it's coming out slightly more expensive but if it's cheaper to eat when out there it will probably be much the same i know there's a reputation for pick pockets but I guess that's the same in most big cities as I'd be on my own I'd be super careful. I was just wondering how easy the city was to navigate. My Spanish is very very basic! We're not having a family holiday this year due to cost so this would be a treat for us both after an horrendous few months, hence I want it to work!

Barcelona is really easy to navigate as most of the sights and things to do in a small area.

I do think the pick pocket problem is worse than other cities. I don't know anyone who's been who hasn't been pickpocketed or had bag snatched. I had my bag snatched there. It did put me off!

Barcelona. It’s easy to navigate and Milan is really not very nice. I would feel happy taking my DD to Barca just wear cross body bags and don’t leave it on a chair behind you. I’ve been there a few times and never had an issue.

The first thing the guide said to us on our walking tour was to carry our bags in front of us and take off any watches.

Bum bags and cross body bags are in - if you both use these will put off most pickpockets. Just be careful if you’re watching a street performer or someone bumps into you on the street. I would keep some change in my pocket to give if you want to street performers, rather than getting out your wallet.
I have been twice and not pickpocketed, just need to keep your wits about you.

Thank you. Barcelona it is! Any recommendations for somewhere to stay? Would we need a pool or is the beach in easy reach via public transport?
Hotel just needs to be clean and functional, only planning to use it to sleep / shower / change.

Need for cross body bags noted!

We stayed here https://www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines/spain/citadines-ramblas-barcelona?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22596779236&gbraid=0AAAAAC_gTw9cKozYRtw2o4FaKHAejdOLg&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqcLnkduWjgMVQJFQBh2B3zc6EAAYASAAEgJTovD_BwE. Was not expensive when we went and has a rooftop terrace, not sure if there are many hotels with pools, it is more of a city break destination.