Security in Barcelona

Barcelona is in general a safe town where violent crime is rare, however you should always be aware of pickpockets as they are extremely good.

Tourist are usually the main target so just be extra careful with your belongings as sometimes robberies can be avoided by just being a little bit extra careful.

Basic security advices:

- Keep your documents safe: Do not carry your ID or passport, always leave it at your hotel. A photocopy is usually enough.

- Do not leave your luggage or belongings unattended at any given time.

- Suspect of anyone that seems to be too friendly.

- Do not let people getting too close to you.

- Be specially careful of people saying that you have a stain on your clothing, don't let them clean it.

- Do not show large amounts of money.

- Be careful with people asking for directions, as this is one of the tactics used. Again, don't let people get too close.

The above recommendations may sound a little bit stupid. However, people tend to be relaxed while on holidays, so just do what you would usually do at your city. There are also other scams to be aware of.

I would also recommend that you take note of useful telephone numbers in case of an emergency before you start you travel.

Family activities (updated)

Here are some nice places to go specially if you travel with children although adults will also enjoy it.

Barcelona Zoo
Founded in 1892, it has more than 7500 animales of 400 different specifies from all around the world. It is situated in the Parc de la Ciutadella. Barcelona zoo is famous for its albino gorilla Floquet de Neu (Snowflake). He was the first know albino gorilla. Arrived in Barcelona the 1st of November 1966 and died on the 24th of November 2003 as a result of skin cancer.

Other highlights include dolphin and killer whale show.

Hours: 10-17h daily (Jan, Feb, Nov and Dec), 10-18h daily (Mar - May and Oct), 10-19h (Jun-Sep)
Admission: €14.50 adults; €8.75 ages 3-12; €11.30 groups of adults (twenty or more); €7.70 pensioners; €64 anual family memberships.
Directions: Parc de la Ciutadella s/n. Metro Barceloneta (L4 - Yellow) or Arc de Triomf (L1 - Red). Click here for further details

The Aquarium
It has already been visited by 14 million people since opened on the 8th of September 1995. With 35 tanks, 11.000 animals, 450 different specifies and an 80 metre long underwater tunnel it is the largest aquarium in Europe.

The Aquarium is highly recommended, I would describe it as "must see".

Hours: 9:30 - 21h Monday to Friday (Jan - May and Oct - Dec), 9:30 - 21:30 Weekend, public holidays and daily (Jun and Sep). 9:30 - 23h August.
Admission: €15 adults; €10 children ages 4-12; €12 pensioners. Tickets can also be bought online at the Aquarium webpage.
Directions: Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell, s/n. Metro Barceloneta (L4 - Yellow), Drassanes (L3 - Green). Touristic Bus (blue south route).

Parc Güell
Designed by Antonio Gaudí, it is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. It is the perfect place to spend a lovely day as it allows enjoying Gaudi´s architecture, and it offers amazing views of Barcelona.

How to get there: The easiest way is to take the public bus number 24 at the starting point in front of El Corte Inglés at the Plaça Catalunya. Bus 24 will drop you just in front of Parc Güell. Free entrance.

Parc de la Ciutadella
This 75 acre park is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. Located in the Barri Gotic, just behind the Arc de Triomf.

Very popular for both tourists and locals, it is the perfect place to spend a sunny day and just walk around enjoying the beauty of the park. For those of you who like taking pictures, just empty your memory card before getting into the park as you will take lots of pictures.

I would recommend having a sandwich there although don't buy it at the food stands inside the park as they are a little bit pricy so just get it anywhere outside the park.

Inside the park there is also a life-size status of a Mammoth, which will allow you to understand how big these creatures were. Kids will love it.

Main attractions in the park are the zoo (see details above), Zoological and Geological museums and the art museum. The zoological museum is located at the magnificent Castell dels Tres Dragons (Three Dragons Castle) which was designed by Domènech i Montaner.

My favourite part of the park is probably the waterfall and the lake where you can rent rowboats. The plaza in front of the lake is often used for concerts and shows or fairs.

Click here for a list of places to visit in Barcelona.