Barcelona safety for the serious amateur photographer

[davidlei]

Hello!

I'm currently in Europe for business and have been traveling to various cities throughout the continent solo on weekends. Everywhere I've been thus far (Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague, Istanbul, Berlin and in several cities / towns in Switzerland) has felt reasonably safe to me even carrying around some very expensive gear. My standard kit--what goes in my walk-around sling bag--has included a 5D MKIII, 24-70L, 16-35L, 35L and 24L TSE. Keeping in mind some bacic precautions, I've been comfortable taking long exposure night shots at each city.

I'm on my way back to the US at the end of the week but will be stopping over in Barcelona first. Everything I've read so far--and maybe I shouldn't be pscyhing myself out by doing too much reading on this subject--is leading me to believe that you can't be too careful in Barcelona. Is it a bad idea to keep my camera on my neck during the day? To leave it in my bag would mean missing shots. Should I definitely keep it stowed in the evening? How about using the camera in metro stations (I like to take pictures of public transportation). Is night photography a bit too risky? I'd love to get some shots of the Sagrada Familia at night with the light reflecting off the pond that seems to be across the street.

Everything is insured, but I'm actually more worried about not having my gear for the next two legs of my trip, through Edinburgh and London. And bodily harm, of course. Keep in mind that I'm a short Asian American, which might make me an attractive target coupled with the fact that I'll be alone.

Any tips on good locations for photographs would be much appreciated as well.

Regards,
David

[john-in-japan]

Greetings - I was daylight robbed in Barcelona and told afterwards this is common. At the police station, I had to take a number due to so many victims in the waiting room - all robbery victims. When I checked out of the hotel, a couple who had luggage brought down thought the cab driver was kind to put the bags in the trunk, but promptly drove off! My advice, be extra careful! Many stories about slicing handbag straps. Could happen to your camera bag too!
John

[davidlei]

Not so worried about the day time as I hope I'll be okay if I keep my wits about me. Sorry to hear about your robbery, john-in-japan. If you don't mind me asking, was it a pick-pocket or bag snatcher? Or were you actually held up with a weapon / assaulted?

Would you all say it's too much of a risk to try for a long exposure night shot at a place like La Sagrada Familia?

[john-in-japan]

Pickpot group, Romanian gypsys according to police. In this case an arrest occurred bacause I was able to draw the tattoo on one of the wrist of one of the pickpockets. They were selling postcards and had samples on a large board. As the board was shoved unexpectedly in my face, my hands went up to protect my face and in an instant my wallet in a buttoned pocket was gone. I discovered it immediately and the police were perhaps 25 meters away. They had no interest at all and told me to report it at the police station. As it turned out, my wallet was given to the U. S. Counsulate in Barcelona and maled to me with credit cards intact. Money, unfortunately was gone, but I already cancelled the credit cards and got a driver license reissued.
John

[DisrupTer911]

wow I spent 4 days in Barcelona and walked around with all my gear day and night and never had an issue.

[davidlei]

Originally Posted by DisrupTer911

wow I spent 4 days in Barcelona and walked around with all my gear day and night and never had an issue.

That's reassuring. Was this recent?

[DisrupTer911]

2 years ago I was there for a European cruise.
2 days before and 2 days after we spent in Barcelona.

Had an absolute blast.
I'll give you the name of a restaurant on the beach to try when I get home.

[95flhr]

I was in Barcelona last Sept. Walked around for a week with my camera gear and had no issues at all. I think the biggest trick is to be aware of your surroundings.

Have fun and enjoy, above all be safe.

[Croasdail]

i am actually in Barcelona all the time, and travel with my camera. I have never felt any need to be worried, any more than any other city in Europe. It is a very tourist friedly city. Bad stuff can happen anywhere.... I think in the main areas of Barcelona it is no different than anywhere else.

[DMax82]

Spent a week there in March. Walked all over the city during the day and night with my camera out, including long exposure stuff at night. Didn't have any issues.