safest/best area of Barcelona

[moonstone]

Our DD (27yo) has booked a flight to Barcelona in Sept. She'll be travelling with her Aunt (50yo) and they'll be in the city for 6 days / 5 nights before they go their separate ways. I've been given the task of finding safe & reasonable accommodations for them. They would prefer a small fridge & possibly a microwave in the room (not necessarily a full kitchen) and definitely a private bathroom and near public transportation. Not too much to ask I've been looking at Airbnb as well as the usual hotel search sites.

I have googled safest areas, best areas... but wondered what people who have actually been there think.

Thanks!

~Diane

 

[Helen_Colorado]

Barcelona

We stayed for a week (in a rental apt) across from Sagrada Familia. We walked and took the train and public transport everywhere. Felt very safe. For maximum convenience, find a place on the train line and if possible, on or near the tourist hop on/hop off bus line.

I felt pretty safe every where we went, mainly because the only time this city sleeps is during the afternoon siesta.

BUT - there are pickpockets and beggars everywhere. Many. Everywhere. I don't know that there is a place that's both interesting and beggar/pick-pocket free! I did a lot of traveling in Europe and never saw anything like it.

Just keep wallets, bags, cameras, etc. very close, and don't have cash in your hand for very long. I was digging through my wallet in front of some tourist attraction, holding cash in one hand will digging with the other. Out of nowhere a pickpocket was RIGHT THERE eyeing my wallet. I just crammed everything away and glared at him. He followed me for a little bit then moved on. The point is - beware.

We really enjoyed our full week of vacation in Barcelona - plenty to do, fun place, friendly people.

 

[Passepartout]

We've stayed twice at Hesperia Del Port hotel- the first time in conjunction with a 'Cruising TUGgers' cruise. It's located a couple blocks from the foot of Las Ramblas. Metro and the funicular to the Olympic hill is 1/2 block. It is modern, and there is a mini-bar fridge in the room.

We've also stayed a block from the Sant Station in a W Hotel that is affiliated with Marriott. It had a mini-bar fridge, and micro was in the lobby. Nice place, but too far away from the historic Barri-Gothic for me. I simply never mastered the Metro, and taxis are fairly dear.

As to Safety, I don't think Barca is any more dangerous than any large, 'world' city. If one maintains an awareness of their surroundings, and personal space. Keeps their belongings close to their bodies- No fanny packs/backpacks (wear them in front) Wallet in an inside pocket- zipped or velcro'd closed. Don't wear expensive jewelry. Nobody goes there to see your stuff- only thieves care.

We've been to Barca a half dozen times and never had a problem with petty crime. A couple restaurants got to me because I didn't have a chip card. I do now. This guide will answer any possible question. I've found it invaluable. http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/

Jim

 

[Jason245]

For the most part anywhere you stay in thr tourest attractions area of the city (center city) is safe from violent crime. Outside of the northern germanic countries, pick pockets and fake beggers are everywhere (especially France, italy) barcalona is really bad with pick pockets. The general rule in Europe is, don't hit or attack the tourists when stealing from them..so pickpocketing is an art form that pays very well (the eiffle tower was shut down because workers there were sick of it a few months ago). If they hit a tourist, the police will take immediate action. . If they just pick your pocket they will more or less tell you it is your own fault and do nothing.

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[chriskre]

I stayed at Citadines on Las Ramblas.
Great location, very safe for ladies and within walking distance to anything you want to do and a metro stop nearby.
I'd go back in a heart beat.

The rooms had a little fridge and microwave, free wifi in the lobby, restaurants all around. Reasonably priced and if you sign up for their email newsletter you'll get notifications for discount codes.

http://www.citadines.com/en/spain/barcelona/ramblas.html

 

[Conan]

One more thing re: safety in Barcelona.

Be wary (i.e. ignore and keep walking) if a lost/confused person asks you for help or directions. They're in cahoots with fake police who will accuse you of doing something illegal, ask to see your passport and wallet, etc.
http://www.corporatetravelsafety.co...spain/tip/fake-police-scan-in-barcelona-spain

 

[GrayFal]

I stayed at Citadines on Las Ramblas.
Great location, very safe for ladies and within walking distance to anything you want to do and a metro stop nearby.
I'd go back in a heart beat.

The rooms had a little fridge and microwave, free wifi in the lobby, restaurants all around. Reasonably priced and if you sign up for their email newsletter you'll get notifications for discount codes.

http://www.citadines.com/en/spain/barcelona/ramblas.html

Lol, this was going to be my suggestion. Great location. Would love to return here soon.

 

[chriskre]

Lol, this was going to be my suggestion. Great location. Would love to return here soon.

Well you're the one who suggested it to me.

 

[GrayFal]

Well you're the one who suggested it to me.

Yup, I remember! :whoopie:

 

[moonstone]

I stayed at Citadines on Las Ramblas.
Great location, very safe for ladies and within walking distance to anything you want to do and a metro stop nearby.
I'd go back in a heart beat.

The rooms had a little fridge and microwave, free wifi in the lobby, restaurants all around. Reasonably priced and if you sign up for their email newsletter you'll get notifications for discount codes.

http://www.citadines.com/en/spain/barcelona/ramblas.html

Thanks it looks very nice & it is a great location, however, their rates ($250 Cndn/night) is a little, -ok a lot, steeper than what they are looking for.


Jim, thanks for the tourist guide link -lots of great info there!

I have copied all the suggestions/info here so far onto an email & sent to Sister-in-law & DD.

The hunt continues........

~Diane

 

[EAM]

I think we stayed at the Silken Diagonal, hear the Torre Agbar. Seemed nice, but even there we were warned to keep an eye on our luggage, even in the hotel lobby.

 

[Ken555]

I was in Barcelona a few months ago and stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton. Modern hotel, good restaurant, near local restaurants and stores (including laundry), and close to transit. It took about 20-25 minutes to the main tourist areas, and always felt safe. No kitchen. I stayed on points but their rates are very reasonable for most days. If you've got any StarPoints, this is just a category 2 hotel so it's cheap.


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[M. Henley]

Last June

Our DD (27yo) has booked a flight to Barcelona in Sept. She'll be travelling with her Aunt (50yo) and they'll be in the city for 6 days / 5 nights before they go their separate ways. I've been given the task of finding safe & reasonable accommodations for them. They would prefer a small fridge & possibly a microwave in the room (not necessarily a full kitchen) and definitely a private bathroom and near public transportation. Not too much to ask I've been looking at Airbnb as well as the usual hotel search sites.

I have googled safest areas, best areas... but wondered what people who have actually been there think.

Thanks!

~Diane

We (wife and 16 yr old grandson) stayed here (airbnb) last month and found it to be quite safe:

Apartment in the center of bcn
Barcelona, ​​CT, Spain
Antoni

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/571783