Dangerous areas of Barcelona. Holidays in Catalonia: what will change for tourists after the referendum Unrest in Barcelona is it worth going
For me, like many other travelers, my acquaintance with Spain - a country over which, truly, there is always a cloudless sky, began from the capital of Catalonia - Barcelona. Stunning sea air, deep blue sky without a single cloud, mild Mediterranean climate impresses literally from the first steps taken on the plane.
The airport greets you with light, cleanliness, cordiality, well-coordinated work of baggage delivery services, and speedy border control. Concern for passengers is manifested in everything: from numerous trolleys conveniently located in the baggage claim hall for transporting old, sometimes difficult suitcases and bags, to a taxi stop or public transport (moreover, free of charge), to an information service in which everyone knows about everything, to convenient and accessible public transport.
If you are traveling not with a group, but on your own and have not previously booked a transfer from the airport to the hotel, then this will not create any problems. You can get to the hotel by taxi, dozens of which are located near the entrance to the airport, or, which is much more economical and convenient - by public transport: a bus that will take you directly to the city center to Plaza España or by train (Renfe), which you take You will be able to get to both the city center and any of its districts by making a transfer to the desired metro line at the junction station.
In order not to get lost in this fairly large city, you should not rush out of the airport building, but go to the information desks. There you will be provided with free detailed maps of Spain, Barcelona and other settlements of interest to you, as well as booklets with timetables, metro maps and other types of transport in the city, as well as its suburbs (Metro-Bus-Renfe-Cercanias). The information desk can find and reserve a hotel room for you, in accordance with your wishes and budget, and tell you how best to get there. This service will cost less than 5 euros. It is quite possible that when you check into a hotel, you will be compensated for the cost of arriving there by taxi (however, such a favor, as the Catalans say, which can be translated as a favor, is only possible in the low season, when hotels are not so so that they are completely empty, but not filled to capacity, and every additional guest is a godsend).
It is most convenient to stay in a hotel that is not located in the city center, which is significantly distant from the sea, but in areas located near the port of Bella (Port Vella), in an area such as Barcelonetta, the Olympic Village (Villa Olimpica) or in the suburbs Barcelona - Badalona, which is served by both train and metro. It is advisable not to opt for hotels located on the main tourist boulevard of the capital of Catalonia - La Rambla, where the noise and hustle and bustle of thousands of people passing along it during the day does not subside for days.
La Rambla is one of Barcelona's main attractions. The boulevard begins in the port of Bella, from the monument to the great traveler Christopher Columbus (it was a discovery for us that in Spanish, as in Catalan, his name is written and pronounced Colón), which extends to Plaza Catalunya. On the square there is one of the largest and best supermarkets in Spain, El Corte Inglés, which houses boutiques of famous world brands, and there is also a grocery department where you can buy whatever your heart desires at fairly reasonable prices, and then order it at the service desk, which is located on the top floor of the department store, a single Tax Free receipt for all purchases. On the way back at the airport building, you can quickly and easily mark the check with a customs officer and receive a VAT refund, either immediately at a bank branch at the airport, or at an authorized bank that has a branch in your hometown.
The weather in Barcelona is clear, warm and sunny at all times of the year. Already from mid-May, the sea sometimes warms up to 19° and up to 24-25° in mid-summer. The beach season usually lasts until October. Of course, the cost of hotels depends directly on the season: low and high. The lowest cost will be from November to March. And in July-August, the time of traditional summer mass vacations for Europeans, it will be the highest, higher than in other months of the high season, which lasts from April to October.
There are countless attractions in Barcelona. Chief among them is the Cathedral of the Holy Family - Sagrada Familia, the image of which has become a kind of calling card of Barcelona. The architecture of the city is especially beautiful and delightful. It organically combines architectural monuments, among which a special place belongs to the works of Gaudi, and modern buildings that harmoniously and naturally fit into the landscape of the area and do not discord with the traditional urban environment.
A place of particular interest, arousing the admiration and delight of tourists, has become La Rambla, on which there are not only many bars, restaurants, shops and shops with clothes, shoes and souvenirs, as well as a theater and a conservatory, but also a unique cultural program is constantly offered to tourists - an attraction "The circus has come to you." Almost at every turn you are greeted by living sculptures in stunning, incredible poses and incredible costumes, thus artists and amateurs manage to supplement their sometimes meager budgets. From the boulevard there are many small narrow streets and alleys with buildings built mainly in the century before last. Entering this labyrinth, you cannot shake the feeling that you have found yourself in a fabulous ancient Catalan city and that Cervantes’ heroes are about to appear around the corner.
If the main purpose of your trip is to sunbathe on the beach, swim in the sea, especially if you are traveling with small children, then you cannot find a better place than in the suburb of Barcelona - Badalona. In fact, even though I really wanted to find something negative and at least one argument against going to Barcelona, I was unable to do so.
The question of whether to go or not to go to Barcelona is rhetorical in nature. The impressions, the charge of enthusiasm and energy gleaned from it are so powerful that they will help you not to notice or be upset by routine work, the hustle and bustle of everyday life at home, illuminating the future with the hope of returning again to this beautiful, hospitable, delightful country.
More than fifty million tourists annually come to sunny and hospitable Spain to relax. It’s quite a civilized country, not at all Egypt and Tunisia, and not Turkey, where it’s dangerous for a girl to even walk down the street alone. But even here, oddly enough, tourists may face some troubles that are better avoided than allowed to happen. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.
Dangers of resort holidays
The peak summer months in Spain are always accompanied by incredibly high temperatures and scorching sun. An hour or two of lunchtime sunbathing on the beach is enough, and you are simply guaranteed a burn, as well as subsequent “licking” of your wounds. Even a “super” expensive sunscreen won’t save you. It makes the most sense to go to the beach early in the morning or in the afternoon, and devote the resulting gap to walks in shopping centers, gastronomic pleasures, or visiting closed places.
Jellyfish- another real danger awaiting tourists in some Spanish resorts, the burns of which can lead to complete paralysis. Usually, their influx is observed on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea from the African continent, caused by a sharp warming of the climate.
Money and values - “keep your eyes open”
Walking along the Spanish streets, cheering for your favorite team at a football match, shopping in stores or at the market, and simply visiting places where people gather, which during the summer tourist season includes almost the entire territory of Spain, you need to be vigilant every minute. 
There are pickpockets even in such a pleasant European country. Barcelona is especially keen on this business.
The "working place" of Spanish pickpockets is Barcelona's La Rambla
Never carry a large amount of money with you. When leaving your hotel room, calculate approximately how much you will need to spend. It is better to return after one time for additional money than to be left with nothing. In this case, a credit card will be an excellent lifesaver. 
Do not put your wallet in your backpack or back pocket of your trousers; it is better to distribute them in some parts in different places, and the closer to your body, the better. Carry bags only over your shoulder. It is strictly forbidden to take your passport with you, or you will simply not return home: only a photocopy of it will be sufficient.
Remember! No hotel in Spain is financially responsible for your documents, money and material assets. Therefore, when planning trips to another country (and not only to Spain), do not take expensive equipment, mobile phones and other high-tech devices unless absolutely necessary. Yes, maids are fired for theft and the police are called, but this is not a guarantee of the return of the stolen goods. An excellent option for ensuring the safety of valuables is to rent a safe from a hotel. The cost of this service ranges from 3 € to 5 € per day - not cheap, but worth it.
750€ for washing fruit, dishes, shoes and everything that is not necessary under the shower installed on the beach of Mallorca;
From 750€ to 3000€ on the beaches of Valencia for violations of the rules indicated on the information stands: throwing garbage into the sea, grilling kebabs with making a fire, walking the dog, etc.;
From 80€ to 200€ for violating pedestrian rules: jaywalking, running a red light or slowly crossing a zebra crossing;
200€
for illegal parking in the wrong place, up to 600 € for speeding, 300 € for talking on the phone while driving, 500 € for not wearing a seat belt.
Taking note of the information presented and following its advice, a holiday in Spain promises to be joyful and unforgettable for everyone!
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5. What can you visit for free?
Barcelona often hosts various events, and the city's museums hold weekly open days. Here are just a few that you can visit for free if you know when to come:
- Science Museum in Barcelona (CosmoCaixa) - on the first Monday of the month admission is free (on other days - €3.80).
- Center for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (Centre De Cultura Contemporània De Barcelona) - every Sunday from 15:00 to 20:00 (on other days - €6-8).
- Picasso Museum in Barcelona (Picasso Museum) - every first Sunday of the month and every Sunday from 15:00 (standard ticket price - from €15).
- Palace Güell (Palau Güell) - the first Sunday of every month, as well as April 23 and May 8 (on other days you will have to pay from €12).
- Virreina Palace (Palacio de la Virreina), which today houses the Museum of Decorative Arts and hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists, has free admission every day.
6. Where can you experience the local flavor?
Many travelers and locals recommend attending flamenco evenings. You can view the schedule of performances on this website. Tickets should be purchased in advance, at least a week in advance, because the shows are very popular, and seats are already sold out on the day of the performances.
7. Where to try Catalan cuisine?
Let's move from spiritual food to worldly food! Perhaps it’s not worth mentioning that establishments in the tourist center of Barcelona are increasing their prices? They are especially overpriced in cafes and restaurants on the famous pedestrian street Rambla.
Almost every establishment has a so-called “menu del dia” - a menu of the day (like business lunches that are familiar to us). It runs from approximately 13:00 to 15:00 and includes first and second courses (your choice), as well as a drink and dessert. Such a set will cost you only €8-20, depending on the class of the restaurant.
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Coming to a new city, we get a lot of bright positive impressions. But every country has its downsides, which you can rarely find information about on travel websites. Barcelona is no exception. Despite the stunning landscapes, medieval architectural monuments and developed infrastructure, the city has many things that are important for every traveler to know about. Therefore, our article is devoted to the dangers for tourists.
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What can ruin your holiday?
Laws of Spain. Before traveling to the capital of Catalonia, carefully study the laws of the country. It is unlikely that the costs of unexpected fines will brighten your vacation. For example, tourists are prohibited from walking along the streets of Barcelona in a swimsuit or swimming trunks. You can pay a hefty sum for such a fashion show. Those who like to talk on the phone while driving should also be careful; talking while driving is not allowed here. And if you come to Barcelona with a dog, be sure to check out the places where you can walk your pet. Particular caution should be exercised while relaxing on the beach. For throwing garbage into the water and washing vegetables in the shower, a rather large fine is imposed.
High temperatures in midsummer. Soaking up the sun is, of course, good, but do not forget that it can cause harm to the body. If you spend even half an hour in the sun at lunchtime, you are likely to get severely sunburned or get sunstroke. Be sure to take sunscreen and cover your head. During the summer months, it is best to go to the beach in the morning or afternoon.
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Jellyfish. This is the main danger you may encounter on the Spanish coasts. The bites of these sea creatures are poisonous and can lead to serious consequences, including paralysis. As a rule, tourists rarely encounter such a threat on popular beaches. But by swimming in wild places, you really risk your health. Rest only on equipped coasts and listen to the advice of hotel staff.
Gypsy areas. It is difficult for many tourists to imagine that in such a civilized country there are areas that should be feared even during the day. Familiarize yourself with the location of the gypsy neighborhoods in advance so you don’t accidentally end up there.
English or Spanish. Many residents of Barcelona do not speak English. To avoid communication difficulties while traveling, use a Spanish phrasebook. If you need help finding a street or establishment, it is better to contact students or schoolchildren, they more often speak English.
Service in a cafe. If you dine in budget establishments, then you should not count on first-class service. The Spaniards have one characteristic feature - they are very slow. Therefore, you can wait quite a long time for your dish.
Pickpockets and scammers in Barcelona
The main threat to the safety of a traveler in Spain can be local thieves and scammers. You are not protected from them in any place in the city. Pickpockets operate in markets, beaches, clubs and right on the streets. These are professionals in their field who can deprive you of your phone, card or wallet in a few minutes.
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- Keep things to yourself and don't show them off. In establishments, do not leave your wallet on the table or in your coat pocket.
- For a walk around the city, take the amount that you can immediately spend. It is better to keep the rest of the money in a hotel safe or on a card.
- Fraudsters, as a rule, work in groups, and theft schemes are the most intricate. Typically, one person distracts your attention while another steals your valuables. Avoid any interactions with strangers, especially if they insist on getting to know you.
- Walking around with a camera around your neck is definitely a bad idea, as is keeping your wallet in a half-open bag. This way you do half the work for the pickpocket. It only takes a second for any professional to deprive you of your valuables.
- Eliminate backpacks from your wardrobe. The easiest way for any pickpocket to steal something is to take it out of a backpack on the subway or on a crowded street.
- Take your credit card out on the street as little as possible. In the crowd, pickpockets look for tourists using such signals.
- Thefts often occur in nightlife establishments and cafes. During a fun holiday, tourists are as relaxed as possible and lose their vigilance. Keep your bag with you and do not leave it on a table or other chair.
- Another favorite place for pickpockets is subway and railway stations. Be alert when boarding and disembarking subway cars when strangers are pressing against you. While you pay for the ticket, the scammer will have time to figure out where you keep your wallet. He can track your further route and take advantage of a good moment to steal.
- Thieves often pose as police officers or other government officials. Don't rely on the form and always check your documents.
- If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, get rid of things that mark you as a tourist. This way you will blend in with the local population and will no longer be of interest to scammers.
Tourists in the metro
On the subway, a group of scammers (usually middle-aged women) may approach you and ask you to give them directions. While you are thinking about what to answer, one of the ladies will search your pockets. Having reached the goal, they will run into the closing doors of the carriage. Only when the train has already left will you discover that you have been robbed.
All kinds of pickpockets
Barcelona is the capital of pickpockets. Never keep your wallet, money or important documents in your pants pocket or bag. Always be alert in crowded places, and especially on public transport. Also, you should not keep your phone on the table, someone will definitely try to steal it.
Adequate rudeness
Don't be afraid to appear rude and ignorant, as this is one way to protect yourself from scammers. Most scams start by getting a person's attention. You may be asked for help, offered to drink together, or found another reason to start a conversation.
Bird droppings
A few scammers will throw some smelly stuff on your shoulder. Once you turn around, they'll say they saw a bird defecate on you and offer to help you clean up. While you are drying yourself, you will be deprived of everything valuable.
Fake cops
The police may approach you and try to take possession of your things under any pretext, for example, for inspection. These are almost always fake government officials. If this happens to you, then first demand to show documents, and if you are asked to hand over some things for inspection, then confidently say that you will do this only at the nearest police station. If the “police” are too persistent, immediately call the tourist police.
Cafe bag thieves
People relaxing in cafes most often become victims of petty thieves - their bags are snatched from them. Many thefts occur near ATMs, so do not cash out in the dark. It is better to wear gold chains or necklaces under clothing, otherwise they may simply be torn off in the crowd. Thefts on the beach are not uncommon, so it is better to leave valuables at your accommodation.
ATMs
Choose ATMs in quieter areas to avoid becoming a victim of scammers. If possible, ask someone you trust to look around you while you use the ATM.
Where else can you meet scammers?
Everywhere. At railway stations, on beaches, early in the morning you can be robbed by a company of prostitutes, jewelry can be torn off from women, bags can be snatched by guys on bicycles and much more. Therefore, in Barcelona you need to be as vigilant as possible.
Statement to the police
If you intend to file a police report, be prepared for the fact that even in city center police stations, officers will not speak English. Despite this, application forms are available in English, Spanish and Catalan. In any case, you shouldn’t rely too much on them; it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get anything back.
