This guide provides advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks. Morocco is generally considered a safe country to visit, with low crime rates but it is advised to remain vigilant and keep valuables safe. The country is a friendly Muslim country, and travelers should review the Country Security Report and the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information. A contingency plan for emergencies is also recommended.
The easiest way to get from Barcelona to Morocco is by plane, with budget airlines like RyanAir or Vueling offering direct flights. The FCDO travel advice for Morocco includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences. Marrakech, despite the recent earthquake, is now considered safe to visit. Travelers are advised to check the latest vaccine recommendations for Morocco at least 8 weeks before their trip and determine if they need to pay for NHS travel vaccinations.
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for every country, with Level 1 being the safest and Level 4 being the most dangerous. Morocco has lifted all restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the Morocco-Spain route a secure passage for tourists. Petty crime is common in large cities, particularly in Barcelona, especially on public transport and tourist areas.
Marokko is a safe and politically stable country, but minor incidents such as theft and tourist scams exist. Major cities are safe, and Morocco is open to international visitors. Planning a honeymoon in Spain and Morocco can be easy with the help of a tour guide.
📹 Inside Barcelona’s DANGEROUS Tourist Zone: 300 ROBBERIES a Day 🇪🇸
Travel Vlog Barcelona – Spain’s second biggest city in Catalonia, is among the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
Is Morocco safe to travel to right now?
Morocco is generally safe for travelers, with a “Level 2” safety advisory from the U. S. State Department. However, there are varying risk factors to consider, depending on the destination, purpose of travel, and precautions taken. The level 2 safety advisory is due to terrorism, which continues to plot attacks in Morocco, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities with little or no warning.
Is Morocco safer than Spain?
Spain is renowned for its improved roads and increased availability of emergency services, making it a safer and more secure country.
Is Morocco high risk country?
Morocco faces a high risk of terrorist attacks, which could be indiscriminate and targeted at various locations, including transport hubs, tourist destinations, government buildings, crowded areas, and western-interest businesses. The increasing threat is linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic to Daesh and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells and may implement protective security measures in some areas.
Are holidays to Morocco safe?
Morocco is known for occasional violent crime, including street attacks, thefts, and burglaries. To reduce risk, avoid quiet areas, especially after dark, and carry small amounts of money or valuables. Petty crime is common in tourist areas, especially in historical districts and on beaches, and includes pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and drive-by motorcycle theft of jewelry and handbags.
When not to travel to Morocco?
Morocco’s desert region is best visited in spring or autumn, as the weather is warm and pleasant, unlike the cold winters and scorching summers. The hottest months are July and August, but they should not be ruled out. The coastal regions can be visited year-round, with mild winters and mid-20°C summer temperatures. The best time to visit Morocco is between mid-March to May and September to October, as the region is not ideal for tourists due to the influx of insects and snakes.
What is the problem between Morocco and Spain?
Morocco and the Spanish Canary Islands have an unresolved dispute over territorial waters. Morocco invaded the Spanish Sahara in 1975, and the Madrid Accords ended Spanish administration over the Western Sahara. In November 2020, Spanish former Second Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias supported the SARD referendum’s arguments during the blockage of the N-1 road between Morocco and Mauritania, clashing with the official government position expressed by Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Arancha González Laya.
Can I go to Spain from Morocco?
Travelers need a paper or embassy visa for business or tourism in Spain. This visa, typically a stamp or sticker, is obtained from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center. Government visa requirements depend on the destination and passport. We can help find the visa needed and guide you through the application process. Our easy-to-use forms ensure your application is reviewed before submission, maximizing your chances of approval.
Can you cross from Spain to Morocco?
Ferries from Tarifa to Tangier are a fast and convenient way to reach Morocco from Spain. The crossing takes about an hour and costs around €40. Current ferry companies serving this route are FFRS Iberia DFDS and Intershipping. In 2024, there are 5-9 daily departures from Tarifa to Tangier. If you’re wondering which port to choose, consider Tangier Ville or Tanger Med depending on your desired destination in Morocco.
Which part of Spain is closest to Morocco?
Ceuta is a Spanish exclave, military post, and free port located on the coast of Morocco, at the Mediterranean entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. It is an autonomous city administered by Spain, along with Melilla and other islets along the coast of North Africa. Ceuta was colonized by Carthaginians, Greeks, and Romans, and became independent under Byzantine governor Count Julian. Due to its commercial importance in ivory, gold, and slaves, it was disputed until Portugal gained control in 1415.
The port was passed to Spain in 1580 and assigned to Spain in the Treaty of Lisbon in 1688. In the Spanish Civil War, Gen. Francisco Franco dispatched an expedition from Ceuta. In 1995, the Spanish government approved statutes of autonomy for Ceuta, replacing the city council with an assembly similar to other autonomous communities.
Is Barcelona safe for tourists right now?
Prevent unrest by avoiding bag snatching, pickpocketing, and car theft in large cities, especially in Barcelona, and be cautious at tourist spots, beaches, and transportation.
Is Barcelona safe to walk at night?
Barcelona is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, but it’s important to be cautious and avoid dark spots like narrow alleys. The area near La Rambla can become a hotspot for drunk and shady people, so it’s best to stick to well-lit paths and avoid dim alleys. Ciutat Vella, which covers areas like Barri Gotic, El Born, El Raval, and Barceloneta, is a safe area but also a haven for pickpockets and burglaries due to its tourist-friendly nature.
📹 Traveling From Morocco to Barcelona With No Phone or Plan!
Welp, I forgot to book my return flight from Marrakech to Barcelona (or did I…?). Now I have three days to get back to Catalonia, …
I grew up in NYC in the 1980s. Barcelona is a walk in the park! I also lived in Barcelona from 2013 to 2020. One of the safest cities in the world. As you can see the Catalan people are very cool. Don’t spread fear Elliot! If you don’t get publicly drunk, don’t seek random hookups and don’t seek drugs in dark alleys then you’ll be fine. I spent 7 years on Barcelona as a single woman no problem.
I live in Barcelona (I’m Irish) and I love the city but the volume of petty crime (robberies) is off the charts. Friend came to stay and was robbed twice in 2 weeks, everything stolen….this is the thing that is a cancer on the city, sin embargo sobre todo es una ciudad mas seguro que ciudades yo he sido en EEUU y otro paises, guay article Elliot.
Many will not like what I am going to say, but the data is correct. I am a lawyer from Barcelona and I know the subject from my work. Barcelona is a very touristic city and that attracts many foreign people. The mafias dedicated to robberies know this and come to “work” robbing these tourists. They are foreign, North African, Eastern European and South American mafias especially. What happens is that Spanish law is very gentle with this type of non-violent robbery and as they know, they come to Barcelona to take advantage of it because even if they are arrested they immediately go out into the street. This will only change by making the law much tougher. If they spend five months in jail for a robbery, they will stop coming to Spain because they will not be interested.
So I spent a month perusal these youtube articles before I left for Barcelona and worked myself into a right frenzy! I spent the first day walking around like a SAS soldier looking at everything and everyone with suspicion ready to take anyone down witht the slightest wrong movement. After a 5 day stay I have to say I never felt safer in any other city. It is really simple, dont make yourself a target and dont be naiive!
Elliot, We visited Barcelona for 4 days in early November 23. We had no issues with predators. I’m 75 and a likely target for punks. What I’ve learned from living in the USA is to be alert. Make eye contact. Keep my head on a swivel and keep valuables in front pants pocket. What I did learn is jet lag will reduce a traveler’s alertness for the first 2 days. I left a tour book on a bench near the Cathedral. Agree travelers should avoid restaurants in touristy areas. Best meal was a little store front restaurant in a residential area north of Sagrada Familia cathedral. No table cloths, paper napkins but delicious food at low prices. We were in Spain but could not stay up late for a 10 pm dinner. Instead we ate a big lunch and then had a glass of wine and tapas at about 7 pm. Looking forward to return to Spain.
Was robbed in broad daylight in day 2 of Barcelona. Was leaving las ramblas area in a somewhat busy street. Keep in mind I’m a young in shape good sized guy( not the easiest target) and a guy comes up acting like he wants to sell a rose to me to give to my wife. I told him no and he quickly tapped my shoulder and ran, had my chain in his hand as a tried to chase in. It happened at about 4 pm. Guy had a middle eastern accent. All happened in about less than a second. You literally have a split second to respond. I also wasn’t being flashy, chain was tucked in my shirt and it wasn’t very large at all. Going forward do not let anyone get in arms reach. I would also avoid las ramblas unless you have a group. The guy was very bold and the locals didn’t seem to care.
I had an interesting experience visiting Barcelona in Oct 2019 knowing about it being the pickpocket capital of Europe…. I stayed in a few neighborhoods away from El Raval and even walked through El Raval during sunset (at the time I didn’t know it was the most dangerous area in Barcelona but I could feel it and see it) Then, the next day the Catalonian Indpendence riots occurred which caused me to cut my trip short to Spain. That said I felt safer there (in Barcelona) than I do here in the US and it is statistically safer than most American cities for various reasons. But I’d rather visit Madrid next time I’m in Spain.
Elliot! I’ve been perusal your articles sitting at my desk at work–you’re doing incredible work and even with the danger in this article I find myself wanting to visit more and more. It’s so badass that we went to school together and I love telling people about this website and saying “Yeah I know this guy!” Keep kicking ass 🦁😃
We were in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago. We walked about 5-9 miles a day exploring. No issues at all, even rolling our carryons up Las Ramblas at 4:30 AM in the dark, to catch our Aerobús at 5AM at the Plaza de Cataluña square next to El Corte Ingles. People who work in the hotels along Las Ramblas are out and travelers too up early. If you take the Aerobús to the airport make sure you take the correct bus. The #1 bus goes to Terminal 1. The #2 bus goes to Terminal 2. If you get on the wrong bus it could cost you 30 minutes of time. For accommodations, stay closer to the district of Gracia or in Gracia. It’s safe and beautiful. Most people protect their belongings while walking. At outdoor restaurants you will get homeless people asking for money and some can get aggressive. That’s the only issue. They will yell at you and say “Woman or man, I have to eat too!” Even though they get money from the government. Even if you don’t have cash on you, they will press on. Don’t make eye contact with them. Have fun!
I lived there for 3.5 years. For my part I was OK, and I lived in one of the suburbs. But I promise, you really want to be careful around La Rambla any time of the day – at night it becomes outright dangerous, especially the little side streets and the neighborhoods surrounding La Rambla. Do NOT go stumbling around there half drunk and alone at night. I’ve had many near incidents and I’ve heard many stories. PS: There’s a reason why the hotels around the city center often are quite cheap – the neighborhoods ARE dodgy – better find a place to stay around Gracia or away from the city center. Barcelona is a fantastic place but keep your wits about you.
I lived in Southern Spain in 1992, near Cadiz.. In a country of 40 million there were only about 40 murders a year. Practically no crime, petty theft, pick pockets yes. Girls walked arm in arm always. The abuelas were the neighborhood watch. They sat in second floor windows and sewed and watched everything!
Been working as a tour guide for years in Barca and never been pickpocketed having walked the Ramblas, Raval, El Born hundreds of times. Yes.. there are pickpockets and thiefs a plenty but they are looking for victims and people to pick pockets easily. Don’t make yourself an easy target and make sure that you make it hard for pickpockets …rucksack on your front.. wallets and phones on inside pockets. Theyre looking for people that aren’t aware of their surroundings. It’s an awesome city.
Lived in Barcelona in 2001-2003 and went to school in Raval,, lived in the area for a few months. It was definitely sketchy, sometimes walking past heroin needles on the floor, and I witnessed some pic pockets/bag snatchers in action, I was a kid so they never targeted me. Was very dodgy but fun too!. Went back to visit in 2018, what a dump it had become. If you walk to Mare Magnum and towards Barceloneta, literally every step of the seafront was lined with migrants selling their things on carpets on the floor. Walking past them they would try and talk to you or shake your hand, one guy was quite aggressive towards me and forced me to shake his hand when I tried to ignore him, he held on with a tight grip and was definitely looking if I had a watch on he could steal. Very intimidating. The legal street market stalls had signs calling Barcelona Lawless and it definitely felt that way. Back in 2001 the migrants were always there but nowhere near as much and not as aggressive, the police would chase them away if they bothered tourists too much, but in 2018 they didn’t care and just let them run wild. Was quite sad to see the state of the city and what it became, wasn’t an enjoyable visit.
ELLIOT. el barrio de EL RAVAL siempre fué un poco peligroso, pero antaño en los años 70, 80 e incluso en los años 90 aun se podia pasear bastante bien. pero ya no..hay que andar con cuidado. sobre todo de noche.., aunque yo he sufrido robos en la zona alta de Barcelona tambien, (como en el EIXAMPLE) asi que ya ves tu. TODO CAMBIA . me da pena que mi querida Barcelona haya cambiado tanto . ¡POR QUE LA AMO! aunque como es lógico no pasa eso en toda Barcelona eehh,
Hello, I live in Barcelona and it is a fairly safe city, as in all cosmopolitan cities in the world, there are some unsafe neighborhoods. But Barcelona is quite safe and you can walk everywhere, which is why it is the most touristic city in Spain. As seen in the article, Barcelona is impossible to live in and it is not like that. It is just my opinion. Greetings
Last year was in Barcelona for 2 days. Was on the Ramblas in the early afternoon, very conscious of the potential for robbery when a group of young men started aiming for us from 3 directions, we then crossed the road and 2 of these men crossed just behind us so we went into a shop, while we were in there these two men kept perusal us from outside so we got talking to the shop assistant who said they target people and perhaps follow them for ages until they get them in a quite place or can just grab their bag. After 10 minutes these men moved off and we were clear. Just before covid, friends of ours and their 8 year old daughter were visiting Barcelona and were followed by a group of young men back towards their hotel, these thugs shouted at them and started running towards them, my friends were very lucky as their hotel was the next building along and got inside just in time. in 1981 I travelled around Spain and had one night in Barcelona, I left my room to get something to eat at maybe 7pm and was bailed up by 3 young scumbags and robbed at knifepoint in the Ramblas, so left the next day.
Creo que es la primera vez que comento un article en YouTube pero te lo mereces Elliot! Toda lo que vas diciendo sobre la marcha en las ciudades que visitas demuestra el gran trabajo que hay detrás para informarte y conocer la cultura, datos históricos, económicos y la actualidad del lugar. Haces un trabajo estupendo, espero que obtengas millones de seguidores porque tus vídeos son geniales😊 Además creo que haces algo único al integrarte con la gente del lugar para mostrar el día a día de la gente, me gustaron especialmente tus vídeos haciendo el Camino de Santiago conversando con la gente mayor que encontrabas en la ruta. Te deseo muchos éxitos y buena suerte, se nota que disfrutas el trabajo que haces. Un saludo.
I was i Barca first time 1991 and that’s the only time someone tried to pickpocket me. After that we’ve travelled to Barcelona, Ibiza and Malaga 8 times with our three kids and rented apartments in Raval two of the trips (for two weeks each). Never had any issues at all, just don’t dress like you’re a rich tourist!
If I’ve seen this prior to visiting, I probably wouldn’t have come – thank goodness I did not watch this before visiting. I think the city is great! It’s beautiful and full of culture. The food is excellent, the people are generally alright. Been to many areas and felt safe. Once in crowded areas such as la rambla, metro and certain tourist spots, just be aware of your belongings like anywhere else in your own cities. I think this city is worth exploring and revisiting is a must. However, I do appreciate the warnings. Tnx!
I worked in Barcelona few years back and the huge market you visited was where my Spanish colleagues and I would always end up for lunch. The Catalans work VERY hard and long hours, but boy do they know how to party. At the week end we would have dinner at maybe 10 or 10 30 and then on to a night club until 4 in the morning. I used to drive over via Bilbao from UK and through the Rioja vineyards to my hotel near the airport … El Prat de LLobregat. Love that city. My Spanish was really good, but Catalan …. no way lol.
I’m from London and have lived in Barcelona for 7 years. It is 100 x safer than London. The theifs tend to exploit drunk people, or you get tourists who are just not very street wise who get unlucky. Although there are bad parts, like in every city. I feel that articles like this are a complete mis representaion of what the city is actually like!
As an Englishman, Barcelona is easily my favourite European city. I have been to Paris, Lyon, Nice, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, Turin, Amsterdam, Bruxelles, Dublin, and quite a few others . I’m not boasting, I’m saying that of all those cities, Barcelona is my favourite. The Sagrada Familia defies description. You just have to see it.
I grew up just down the coast in Villanova i la Geltru, and some time in Cubellas, my primary school was in Cubellas. I was there full time from the whole of 1970s and 1980s, and would spend the whole summers there after my family moved back to the UK and I go back fairly often to see friends. Barcelona has changed immeasurably since the 1970s till now, tourism has spoilt what it used to be, and with that tourism comes lot’s of crime, not to mention mass immigration, I’m very sorry but diversity is not a strength, it is destroying European culture, in some places faster than others. There have been lots of positive changes to Spain generally, but lots of bad ones.
I love this vlog, my wife and i will be back in Barcelona in 2 months and we love it. Like everywhere crime exists but the funny thing about this vlog to me is that the people you meet in the worst area seem to be the best people. Your linguistic skills are obviously very helpful, i will check if we are near the oldest bar and will definitely go there if we are.
Very good article! Although there are some things that are not very accurate. Bullfighting is not only banned in Cataluña within Spain, there are several cities that have banned them and have even more pro -animal policies than those of Barcelona. When you point out that Barcelona is much different than the rest of Spain… You have already been in Asturias and Galicia, I think those regions are by far the most different to “standard Spanish”
Nice article in English. That was a bit risky, but safer from some of your Spanish articles. Anyway, interested in your adventures, whatever they may be. I’ve been delayed from my move back to Spain due to repairs to my home before I can list it. I’m one week away from completion, so anticipate September. I’ll end up in Castellion de la Plana, 30 minutes outside of Valencia via fast train. Hopefully you will still be in Spain. I can handle dangerous neighborhoods, as I’ve worked with the population in skid row in Los Angeles and neighborhoods in Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Garden Grove California. I avoid these neighborhoods now that I’m not working.
Hey Elliot – a great, fun and informative article, thanks mate! I’m heading off next week to Barcelona for a few days before a 550km hike through the Spanish Pyrenees. Not sure which will be “more dangerous” ha ha. I have lived in dodgy parts of London for over 10 years, so like other commentors (ala from New York in 80’s), i doubt if i will feel intimidated by Barcelona. As you (and so many others) say, just don’t be an idiot with a target on your back. Anyhow, i thought I’d mention why you didn’t get your aspired hallucinogenic-high after drinking the Absinth in “Hemmingway’s Hangout”: Irrespective of the brand you had being only 35% alcohol, Absinth is now prohibited to contain the active ingredient of yesteryear (it also used to be 70% or higher), which was a herb called Wormwood. This herb contains the active ingredient for hallucinations, and in excessive consumption, apparently made your skin take on a grey tone. Nice!
Was recently in El Raval for some days. Nice there and no problems for me, but i am rather big. I walked the streets a lot. I noticed, the police there is abundant and very fast. It seems, 4 police cars arrive in seconds on the Ramblas if there is some trouble. I would trust the Mossos de Esquadra, the Police Catalan.
Fascinating article. Honestly, though, despite all the beautiful architecture and history I think I’ll give Barcelona a pass. My wife lived in Spain for a time and she speaks excellent Castellano (she is from Romania.) I think we’ll explore some of the more laid-back parts of the country instead where we don’t have to cling to our possessions for dear life. Spain has an embarrassment of riches as far as beautiful squares and churches and fantastic cuisine. Was still a really interesting glimpse into Barcelona’s seedy underbelly. Thanks for posting it.
Barcelona was one of my favorite European Cities… I went last year for my 4th time and NEVER will go again. The amount of crime is insane. I had a gypsy try to rip my watch off while standing in front of Hotel Colon in the Cathedral plaza. The uncontrolled immigration and communist government have RUINED that city. I’ve seen it as a tourist and learned about it through many people I spoke with there….
all good… a detail, Hispanic America was not a colony, they were viceroyalties, England and France had colonies… the difference between a Viceroyalty and a Colony is that a Viceroyalty is a part of an Empire with laws, the same deals, etc. In this case, Spain was with South America, while a Colony is a place where a power goes to plunder the resources and take them away.
It’s very irresponsible of you to use people of color in your thumbnail to express the dangerous zones of Barcelona. In fact, those men were very nice to you. It continues the narrative that people of color are dangerous and violent. Many articles across this platform speak to the fact that you CANNOT and SHOULD NOT stereotype pickpockets and thieves. They are not your stereotypical looking criminals. Many of the pickpockets blend in and are very easy to miss. I don’t support this type of travel journalism. Especially for people who have little exposure to people of color/black people. Do better sir!
I lived near the Placa Reial in ’99 and it was already bad back then around Las Ramblas. I’ve seen the worst homeless people ever. One drunken (I guess) homeless woman dropped her pants in the middle of the Placa, her pants were full of 💩and she squatted down amongst all of the people and pissed a stream of 5 minutes that collected as a small puddle of piss. She ranted and screamed and other homeless men joined her, lots of kerfuffle going on. I watched her an hour or so while waiting for my friends. I’ve never seen such an ungodly human in my life. – The rest of Barcelona is amazing, just avoid the Ramblas. They are absolutely not interesting to see, lots of tourist traps, pickpockets and people that go on your nerves. Visit Parc Güell, Palau Güell, La Pedreira, Sagrada Famiglia, Mont Juic… And I bet a lot more to see now after almost 25 years.
Barcelona is dangerous for Spanish standards. But compared to other big European cities, or specially those in the U.S., Barcelona is a kindergarden. Raval has top criminal rates because of immigration, particulary from Morocco. And since Catalan independence movement take place, the city is out of control. It was the destabilizing event that change the city. Madrid, being double the size of BCN, is a very safe and clean city.
I’ve been to almost all places in this article. You walked right past El Pachuco, one of the best places in Barcelona to grab a few tacos and have a michelada. Raval and Gótico aren’t that dangerous. Sure, you might get robbed like in most tourist hot spots, though it never happened to me. But I know a few people who live in Barcelona who got robbed there.
En 1988/1989 viví en Barcelona. Un día quería buscar una amiga con mi coche (con matrícula alemana). Perdí la orientación y me encontré en un callejón en China Town (Raval). El coche enfrente paraba y no pude salirme. Dos tíos con pinta muy mala me acercaron y me preguntaron de bajar la ventana. El momento típico de las pelis de horror cuando gritas: “NO ABRAS LA VENTANA TONTO”. Pero yo lo hice por vergüenza. 😱 ¿Qué pasó? Pues, me preguntaron si estoy perdida y si me podrían ayudar. 😍👏 Me dirigieron a la dirección de mi amiga por coche! Fue una de las experiencias más positivas en España! A esa época Barcelona fue de puta madre y la ciudad más fascinante de Europa. Hoy es otra cosa por los separatistas idiotas y no volveré nunca más. Vivo en Málaga y me encanta mucho!
Showing the Raval neighborhood as an example of Barcelona seems to me to be most dishonest and false. That neighborhood is not as dangerous as you present it, nor is it representative of Barcelona, since a large number of Arab, Pakistani, etc. emigrants live there with a very low standard of living, which affects their behavior. Be honest Elliot and show de real Barcelona.
Just came back from a trip to barcelona. I actually stayed at El Raval and I didn’t really felt unsafe. Of course you gotta keep an eye open about your surroundings but thats probably true for most big cities and crowded places. I’ve been at the same market you been too twice once in the morning and once in the evening. No problems there. Also I didn’t feel like the people who wanna sell you something are really that pushy. Just say no gracias and keep on moving or say nothing at all they won’t chase you or anything. Little side note: Barcelona is actually a great city for vegetarians and vegans. There are tons of great vegan restaurants and bistros and you most likely find a vegan option on most menus.😊
Love this! What a great mission you are on! Please come to Germany one day😊 it is crazy here in Frankfurt. Some dark lady with her veil stole all my money using her cute baby to sidetrack me. She suddenly disappeared and so did my money! I ran and looked but she was gone within seconds, with the stroller! The police had my fill out like 5 pages 🙈 instead of helping me find her. Of course I never got it back. I was just told, it happens all the time and to anybody. 😢
Very teue information ℹ️ i challenge those which are commenting about safety to come down town Raval, Ramblas, Plasa cataluña and see the reality. I see people people every day getting robbed by marrocans, Algerian mafias. Police even have no control over them 😔 Be careful there is a lot of information that it’s not being published in media but daily a lot of locals and tourists are getting terrorized by this agressive thiefs
So yeah, I’m another Irish expat living in Spain, 4 years in Barcelona, twice in el Raval. I never once felt threatened in el Raval, but then I do have ‘street smarts’ from an early age. I’d say even el Raval is leagues upon leagues safer than say….your average USA school, or church these days. Just be aware of your surroundings, try not to act too much like a starry-eyed tourist, and you’ll be fine. Everyone I know from Barcelona has been robbed (pick pocketed or mugged) one or more times. It’s annoying and invasive, but they take it in stride. And many times the pick pockets work the Metro, so you don’t need to visit anyplace dodgy to have it happen to you. The Boqueria is a very good place to get robbed. If the pickpockets don’t get you, the vendors will! Seriously inflated prices there. But I really enjoyed living in Raval. It’s a solid community, and so much of the socializing happens outdoors: kids kicking balls around, people playing music, dog walking, older folks hanging out with their friends…. And if you want some very interesting history check out the long history of the Raval.
Just got home from a 3 day short holiday in Barcelona. I was aware of the pickpockets so I was prepared. My place was in the Raval without knowing its unsafe there. First time I arrived at the Ramblas I was overwhelmed how many people there where. I sure knew immediatly i dont need to go to Pakistan 🤣😂. After perusal this article i see that my first walk in the city after checking in the hotel, it was not the best place. The 1st full day i saw a young man perusal back to a tourist if he has a wallet in his back pocket. 2th day evening i was walking alone in the Ramblas. Some people asked something. Just ignored them. Some wanted to follow me (or i just felt that) and on the way back to the hotel a women around the corner said Hello with bad intentions 😂 misslead for pickpocket or 18+ stuff the ask. Just ignored and walk away. 3th day evening again in the Raval back streets at Paral-lel metro to the street where you saw the statue of the big cat “El Gat the Botero” through the small streets back to the ramblas street. Very beautiful city, good metro connections, it was nice the be in Barcelona, most people are very helpfull and friendly. You can feel where its safe and where its not. Just be aware of the possible danger.
Hi Elliot I like your work the way you make the articles are super improvised interact with people or at the same time people approach you to socialize with you. It’s my first time perusal your website. Showing the deepest part of Barcelona let’s say that they would be the catatombs in which many live and another does not even know that it exists. Best regards to you.
Spain is diverse, mate. The fact that Barcelona does not look like Malaga, does not mean that Barcelona is not the true Spain, just that it is not the true Malaga. That true Spain that you mention exists in the prejudiced mind of some people. Andalucia is not the only Spain. Flamenco is not the only Spanish music. It is the music of the andalusian gipsys. You just keep spreading the same misconceptions that have been circulating for decades and make people ignorant.
Bulls’ “corridas” (or “corridas de toros”) never have been as important nor traditional elsewhere in Spain as in Catalonia they reached to be, except for de Vasconian case (Eusko), where they had been even more emblematic. Corridas in Barcelona for 1900s beginnings met even more audience than anywhere else in Iberian Plazas. Bulls Culture is as Catalan as Spanish (not telling the evidence that the first involves the second), and every Catalan Comarca is full of games and folkish happenings taking the bull as a Myth, icon and central item of leisure. The fact of quitting Bulls’ corridas in Barcelona and in Catalonia is merely political and responds to a trial of ridiculously self-distinguishing from Spanish/CATALAN identity as a whole, and betrays the own Catalan history and popular identity inside Spanish nation.
That`s (actually not so) cool, mate! I`ve been to Barcelona, uphill and on the flatter area, so to say, Barcelona is a bit like Budapest in terms of landscape (except for the fact that it is not a continental city), areas with blocks to the south, merely huge blocks but nicer than in Romania, the touristic areas, Casa Battlo, Sagrada Familia, Guell park,. hoho… I`ve noticed that, although the city has a much higher population density than Bucharest, e.g., there is more civility than in the Balcans, it`s still Catalania, but never went to more shady areas. Me and my wife stayed here for ten days, during our honeymoon, I`ve seen lots, lots of migrants though selling poorly made cheap stuff (looking pretious, though :))), and when the police came they tighted their sacks in two seconds and started wistling to the birds. 🙂
I live in Barcelona and have walked El Raval at midnight. Honestly, I’m not sure what the fuss is about. Mostly Indians and Moroccans, many buzzed tourists, and sewers smelled extra bad, but I hadn’t felt in danger, at least when I went there in July of 2023. Also, Raval is relatively small and runs into Gothic and Eixample, which are popular areas. I’ve also lived in Malaga, and while it’s also a very safe city, it has underdeveloped areas one might perceive as sketchy.
I’ve visited Barcelona most often of all European cities, because flights from Helsinki used to be really cheap, around 100e for a round trip. Also, a friend of mine lived there for about a year. Walked around Raval often at nights. It seems a bit scetchy with prostitutes and shady looking immigrants, but never had any problems, though I’ve heard they cleaned up the area from what it used to be decades ago. But I’d never feel safe walking around abroad in an unkown city with passport, credit card and lots of cash etc. so better to store anything you don’t need in a safe place before exploring, if only for piece of mind.
Barcelona is safe as far as robberies etc but the pickpocketing crime is huge, you won’t even know how they did it, there is no violence its just a pain, everyone just accepts it, I had issues trying to pay my hotel, they just weren’t interested, I was happy to pay i just needed them to give me a different option to get the money to them but no interest
No, actually it is not difficult if you are vegetarian or even vegan you just have to know where to go. I would recommend Ecocentre in the Avinguda Diagonal. You can buy really nice vegan food there. There are also many vegan cafes and restaurants. Vegan Corner, Santa Vegana, etc. From my experience it also would not be a problem to find smth in a meat restaurant, although it may be only 1-2 options.
Barcelona could be great, but they have a real issue in the city centre (ramblas / barrio gótico) and some outskirts. It’s not exactly safe. A friend of mine has been robbed his luggage from his car when standing still in the traffic, and that’s just small stuff. I love the work of Gaudi, the City is beautiful, the beach is nice, but…. Yeah, the curry doesn’t get a grip neither on petty, nor in violent nor on organized crime. And it is indeed a problem that the city has, because they’re not organized tracking the issues the city is facing. It’s a shame, such a great city,… I felt mich safer walking empty streets at night in Paris than in centre of Barcelona at any time of the day
El Raval is safer than many “safe” cities. That’s all I can say. Barcelona as a whole is anything BUT a dangerous city. Go see it, don’t be that abnoxious tourist type, and you’ll love and enjoy it. Oh, and trust me, you WILL be back. P.S. Pickpocketing is an issue in every single touristy town on Earth.
La chica que habla en 22:00 y dice que “toda Barcelona es así” se equivoca. No es cierto. La mayoría de Barcelona es de lo más normal. Y ella explica que le pusieron una navaja en el cuello. Pero eso eso es muy raro, los robos con violencia contra las personas en Barcelona son escasos. Lo que hay es mucho carterista, descuidero (te dejas algo en la mesa y se lo llevan sin que te des cuenta) o tirones ( te dan un tirón en el bolso) pero robos con navajas, pistolas…son muy raros. Lo que ha crecido mucho es el tráfico de drogas. Y algo a destacar es que el 40% de todos los delitos se concentran en verano. Es decir, que las víctimas habituales son turistas.
Imagine you work all year so you can afford a vacation, you go to barcelona and get robbed on the first day, you lose everything passport, id, driving license and all you cash. Yeah that happened to my brother, it meesed up his vacation, because he spend all his time there trying to get some papers to get back home. The police didnt help him the place he was robbed in (taco bell) didnt help him . Nobody helped him, because it was happening so often and it had become a normal thing. I am sorry to say your city sucks. That would never happen in my country.
Buen trabajo,he vivido en Barcelona en los 80,!!en este article he podido apreciar lo mucho que ha cambiado,en aquella época,el rabal era gente mayor catalana de toda la vida apenas había foráneos,sólo en el barrio chino se veía prostitución y gente de todas partes!!!,la Barceloneta de entonces era preciosa!!!con sus costumbres catalanas muy arraigadas!!! cómo la comida,pan con tomate,butifarra catalana etc…y sobre todo la economía aún era boyante y se vivía muy bien en está bellísima cuidad!!!hoy apenas la reconozco no oigo hablar apenas en catalán 😢!!!no queda gente autóctona, más gente de fuera que de dentro😂!!! está bien!!!pero …ya no es lo mismo,hoy yo no viviría en esta cuidad,y eso que es una de las más bonitas de Europa ❤❤❤❤❤❤!!!
I’ve walked through Raval probably 1000 times (no exaggeration) and never had an issue. Yes petty crime is high in Barna but dont wear visible jewlery or watches. Don’t carry you passports or lots of cash. What you do take with you keep in front pockets with loose clothing over it. You’ll be fine. If you are stumbling round las ramblas at 3am with a Rolex on you are going to get rolled but this is true of much of the rest of the world as well. There is nothing on the Ramblas that you will not get better and cheaper somewhere else in the City for sure.
Elliot los catalanes son españoles, ellos están en su derecho de sentirse como quieran y nadie les dice lo contrario. Pero la realidad es que si viajan al extranjero en su pasaporte pone España y no Cataluña… Dile a uno que te enseñe su DNI… Veras lo que pone y es nacionalidad española… Cataluña no existe como estado.
when I go to Medellin CO to visit my wife I never carry a camera and cell phone. my wife has been robbed several times on the streets especially for her cell phone. on one occasion ripped out of her hand while getting into a cab. once while in a group of women walking from a class at night by a couple thugs at knife point. same can happen in Barcelona or any large city. avoid dark lonely streets. go only where other people are as in malls or busy streets. never use ATMs on the street. only at malls with many safe people about.
The guy from Canada that speaks several languages, He should look for a job in Casinos, as a valet parking foreigners usually likes to compensate if you speak their languages, likes to give you big tips, a friend of mine speaks 5 languages, He was a valet parking in a Casino in Los Angeles, CA. Tips of fifty dollars, 20, 10 …For only talking in the language to foreigners.