The Worst of Barcelona

The Ramblas

Yes, I know that the Ramblas figures high up on any guide to Barcelona, and I agree that the concept is great: a huge pedestrian street which cuts the old town in half and enables the city folk to enjoy a nice stroll on a hot summers evening. However, the reality is, well, tourist hell quite frankly. Packed solid at any hour of any day, the Ramblas requires an exercise in patience and restraint. Avoid the miserably inactive human statues (Or are they real, perhaps?) and keep a sharp look out for thieves.

Ramblas Highlights

Not really a highlight, but getting from one end to the other with all your possessions intact and without having had an altercation with swarthy adolescent tour groups should be considered an achievement.

Ramblas Lowlights

Thieves (see below) , crowds, human statues, con artists, tourist tat etc etc.

Thieves and Tricksters

It’s an unfortunate truth that tourists attract thieves. Visit any major tourist centre around the world and you’re sure to come across a fair number of individual determined to part you from your wallet, handbag, camera. Unfortunately, what makes Barcelona stand out above other cities it’s the sheer scale of the thievery and the apparent inability of the police and politicians to do something about it. While almost all robberies are carried out my stealth, without violence, being robbed on holiday is still something you’d want to avoid.

The worst affected areas of Barcelona are, as you’d expect, the tourist hotspots:

See our special anti-thieving section for more specific information

Waiting for Waiters

Barcelona restaurants will usually be woefully under-staffed, with one waiter per 100 tables (or at least that’s what it feels like!). Expect to wait 5 to 10 minutes to get the waiter’s attention and a further 10 before he decides to attend you (assuming he does so). Clearly there are restaurants in Barcelona where the service is great, but in summer in the central restaurants go expecting the worst.


 

barcelona hotels