Going to Barcelona,how safe is it?

I am going to Barcelona tomorrow, never been there. In most of the Barcelona city guides they warn against carrying your camera too visible. Well that is quit hard with the MKIII. So i am thinking of taking my old 10D with me. Has anybody been there recently and can give me some advice?

Thanks, Ted.

Haven't been at all, it is one on my destination choice list for this year, heard that there is this website that tell you all the non good tourist areas, can't remember it off hand

Wouldn't worry if you have insurance, but bring a monopod for effective use

Capital of pocket thieves. Take GOOD care of your stuff. They have some insanely good pocket thieves there.

I had a couple of friends cleaned out while they where helping someone (part of the play ofc) find their way on a map. I mean: Pockets on the inside of the jeans cleaned out. They never felt a thing. If a police officer had not seen from far away and stopped them to inform them, they would have realised much later.
If possible carry the really important stuff underneath your shirt.

Don't know about the camera thing. Never heard it should be particularly bad in terms of robberies as such.

Great location, but lots of petty theives around La Rambla and also near metro exits. Watch what you are carrying around.

I used to live off Placa Catalunya. Just keep your wits about you. You are not too likely to be mugged, but it is possible to have stuff stolen (unattended bags, pickpockets, etc). Standard big-city tourist crimes.

Barcelona is one of the coolest cities in the world. Have a great time.

Vandit

Still wondering whether to take the MKIII (not the type of camera to put under your coat). And no ,camera is not insured (perhaps by the travel insurance). And although I would be very sad if something happened to the camera, I would be much more worried that something happened to my wife or myself because I am carrying the camera. At the moment I am inclined even to skip the 10D and take a powershot 520 with me.Well one night to sleep over it.

I've been to Barcelona and haven't had any problems but I use common sense.
Take only the minumum cash you'll need with you when you go out. No passport, no wallet, no credit cards, etc. Use the room safe for all valuables. Hang on to the camera at all times, and always keep your arm through the strap.
Don't sit your camera on a chair or the table when you go into a restaurant. I put my foot through the camera strap and pull it up so I can keep the camera on my lap. If someone did try to grab it, they'd have to take me with it.

tedh wrote in post #6995749
Still wondering whether to take the MKIII (not the type of camera to put under your coat). And no ,camera is not insured (perhaps by the travel insurance). And although I would be very sad if something happened to the camera, I would be much more worried that something happened to my wife or myself because I am carrying the camera. At the moment I am inclined even to skip the 10D and take a powershot 520 with me.Well one night to sleep over it.

Travel won't insure it, unless it says so

hawkeye60 wrote in post #6995808
I've been to Barcelona and haven't had any problems but I use common sense.
Take only the minumum cash you'll need with you when you go out. No passport, no wallet, no credit cards, etc. Use the room safe for all valuables. Hang on to the camera at all times, and always keep your arm through the strap.
Don't sit your camera on a chair or the table when you go into a restaurant. I put my foot through the camera strap and pull it up so I can keep the camera on my lap. If someone did try to grab it, they'd have to take me with it.

Haha, good one

Go, take photos, enjoy.

As with any city, only carry what you can afford to loose, remember, thieves don't want to be noticed, so they will pickpocket, large items WILL get them noticed if they try to take them.

Have fun, Barcelona is beautiful.

Steve

Tedh
a few years ago i was in Barcelona. had a blast really nice place.
as some have already mention'd it is a pick pockets heaven, i was out drinking one night and had some guy trying at my wallet in my pocket . he denied everything.
but after i came back from Ibiza i was sitting at the wharf for a few hours and had two pro's get my stuff. one destracted me infront and the other came from behind and took my bag which was right next to me. it had my passport, camera, money, well everything that was important to me in that bag.
I was so so so lucky that a police man on a motor bike was watching it all and came to my rescue. after a scuffle with the crim i had everything back, and then he try'd to deny it and was giving me his wallet. but that i refused and off to the cop shop he went.
Barcelona is a big city and its like any other city. just be aware of your things
have a good holiday

hawkeye60 wrote in post #6995808
I've been to Barcelona and haven't had any problems but I use common sense.
Take only the minumum cash you'll need with you when you go out. No passport, no wallet, no credit cards, etc. Use the room safe for all valuables. Hang on to the camera at all times, and always keep your arm through the strap.
Don't sit your camera on a chair or the table when you go into a restaurant. I put my foot through the camera strap and pull it up so I can keep the camera on my lap. If someone did try to grab it, they'd have to take me with it.

Exactly. For your passport, take photocopies of it to carry around. If you generally keep your wallet or any valuables in your back pocket, shift them to the front. But as stated, leave the bulk of your personal belongings in the hotel safe.

Don't resist; although from what I am quickly reading here, the Barcelona crooks are not necessarily violent, you never know when you might be confronting one who has had a bad day.

I've been a few times. It has its fair share of scrotes and criminals for sure, but no worse than London. Just watch yourself down some of the quieter side streets off La Rambla at night. I had a pair of numpties try it on first time I was there and had to threaten them with a bottle of wine!

Don't let it put you off. Possibly the best city I've visited. Fantastic place!!

I spent a week there with some friends. Had my bag and Xti+siggy out pretty much the whole time.
There were some shady looking characters occasionally, and I put it away when I saw them eying(eyeing?) me, but nothing happened.
I was in a group of 3 or 4 (or more) most, if not all, of the time though, all guys, so I'm sure that had something to do with it.

i've been there and had no problems... just keep your eyes open and your documents/money under your clothes, stay aware in crowded areas - you know, the usual...