However, you do need to watch out for pickpockets in Barcelona, petty theft is rife. If you leave your camera on a table outside on the pavement and take your eye and hand off it for a second, it will be gone. And DON'T get into a lift with people you don't know, especially if they 'accidentally' keep pressing the wrong buttons. Keep your hands on your bag at all times, and keep your vital documents in a belt bag underneath your clothes. The vast majority of petty thieves are not looking to hurt you, they just want to take your valuable little things, so don't put your iPod in a convenient side pocket, you might not be the only person for whom this side pocket is so convenient.
Barcelona is gorgeous, you'll love it. Be street smart and careful and you'll have no problems.
You will find enough people who speak enough English for you to communicate, but like most places they will appreciate it if you know a few words of their language. Most people understand Spanish, but for historical and political reasons it might be better to use Catalan (the Spanish dictator Franco suppressed the Catalan language).
Barcelona is a great city to visit, but is notorious for its pickpockets. Wear a moneybelt.
You can see a lot by walking. There is a good public transit system. There is also a public bicycle system called Bicing. Unfortunately, the website is only in Spanish and Catalan. https://www.bicing.cat/
ALWAYS learn a couple of phrases in the language of the land! They will LOVE you in Spain for it.
Find a simple site to teach you "hello", goodbye, please, thank you, you're welcome, where? how much? And you'll make them love you! (do it for both languages...you can learn that on the plane!)
Spanish men are sexy. THE OLD men are creepy. Actually, it's just their way and it feels creepy to us. IGNORE THEM. Don't respond.
Yes, it's safe. HOWEVER, Barcelona abounds with pickpockets. ALWAYS be aware, alert, and keep your valuables close. Use the hotel safe.
Oh, and in Barcelona, everyone calls each other "guapo/guapa". It doesn't mean you are so sexy or they thing you're that beautiful. It's like some stranger calling you "Sweetie", or like the Gabors calling everyone "Dahling". It's just a sweet endearment, meaning they don't know your name.
Know that you will love it! One time when I was visiting Barcelonaa I met a single woman from the United States. She was traveling alone and had not had any problem. However if you go to the beach stay away from Barceloneta -- had some problems withorganizeddthievess. Fred seems to know what he is talking about. In my experience most Spaniards are honest people and would not stoop tothieveryy. My camera got stolen once but I got it back from the police. They made sure I was aware that thethieff was from northern Africa. Once on Las Ramblas i was surrounded by 5 gypsy women. I pushed one aside andwalkedd away very fast --- did not lose anything. If you just stay alert and stay in open public areas you should have no problem.
It is not necessary to speak any Spanish or Catalan, although a Berlitz Spanish phrase book is useful for menu reading.
Travelling alone in Spain is safer than in most countries. You will actually be statistically safer than at home.
Nobody expects you to speak Spanish. Why should you.
I'll never get tired of advicing this, racist as it may seem:
Beware of non-european looking people. That is north african or latin american. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble regarding pickpocketing or deliquency in general. Also eastern european (romanian) gypsies.
Trust me, you'll thank this "racist" advice.
(Btw, spaniards/catalonians are european looking people)
I will be traveling to Barcelona next month for a few days, I am from America. I have never been to Spain before and I don't speak Spanish or Catalan. What should I expect? I hear Spanish men are sexy but somewhat creepy, will it be safe for me to travel alone there? Also, will the people not like me if I don't speak the language? Should I learn a few words in Spanish? Or Catalan?
