I love Barcelona, it really is one of my favourite cities in the world and I hope to live here one day.
But petty theft in Barcelona is a major reoccurring crime. During my time in this city I have experienced, and witnessed, multiple occurrences of theft. From wallets to cell phones and even the occasional camera.
I have put together some helpful tips, and insights, to help you not end up being on the receiving end of crime in Barcelona. With these simple tips, you really can reduce your chances of getting robbed.
1. Never have your phone out on the table in restaurants
Pickpockets are always looking for easy targets. Whether you are out for brunch in Barcelona or eating lunch or dinner, pickpockets will notice your phone out and come up to you asking you for money or put a sign on the table trying to distract you, and when they leave you will see they took more then they asked for. This has happen to numerous people that I know while sitting both inside and outside at restaurants.
2. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets
Back pockets are easy access and pickpockets are good at what they do, your things will be gone and you won’t even feel them leaving you.
3. Don’t take all of your cash/credit cards out with you
In the case that you do get something stolen, it’s better to loose a little than a lot. So, don’t take out all of your cash when you really only need 40 or 50 euro maximum. Also, leave your debit card in your room; you only need one card for emergencies. Small proactive steps like these ones can help minimize the damage done if you find your stuff at a lost.
4. Keep your bag on your lap when sitting down, not on the floor or on a chair
Again, easy access. It’s much easier to steal a bag hanging on a chair or underneath a seat than it is to take right out of your lap or off of your body. Pickpockets have many different techniques of distracting you and spot situations like this from a mile away.
5. Make sure your bag is closed at all times
Especially on the metro. If you have a backpack don’t wear it on your back, wear it on your front and don’t keep anything valuable in the front pockets. The metro is a very common place where people get things stolen so keep an eye on your things and the people around you.
6. Don’t drink too much
Okay, there are lots of recommended bars in Barcelona and you are probably going to want to enjoy yourself but if alcohol is involved so remember to be aware of how much you’re drinking and keep a firm grasp on your belongings and try not to get too out of it.
7. Take extra caution at night
Tourists are often preyed upon around the backstreets of Las Ramblas late at night. Try to not wander around alone at night, or if you do stick to well lit areas where people are around. You might also want to carry a rape alarm.
8. When out in the club or any other crowded place make sure to keep one hand on your bag
There are so many good clubs in Barcelona, this nightlife in this city is amazing. But I have friends who have had phones stolen, both in a club and it was because they were dancing with their hands up in the air not paying any attention to their bags at waist level. It’s very easy to get distracted.
9. Don’t be easily distracted
Distractions are a pickpocket’s best friend. They will use anything and everything to try to take your mind off of what’s in your pocket. Example’s include – pretending to play soccer with you in the street and getting close enough to slip your phone out of your pocket, acting drunk and trying to stop you from passing them in the street, waiting until the last second to exit the metro when it’s very crowded, or simply bumping into you while walking by.
To sum it all up you should always be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. This is a problem in various European destinations although in Barcelona it does seem more prevalent than in other places. Keep your wits about you and go enjoy this magnificent city. View my Barcelona travel guide for advice about what to do and where to go.
