Pickpockets in Barcelona: where they strike and how to avoid them

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe… and also one of the best known for its pickpockets. The good news: with a few habits you can greatly reduce the risk and enjoy your trip without constantly checking your pockets.

Where to be most careful

• La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter: narrow streets, crowds and tourists looking at their phones.
• The metro, especially at rush hour and when getting on or off the train.
• Around the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, in lines and while you take photos.
• Barceloneta beach: never leave anything on your towel while you swim.
• Café terraces and bars: a phone on the table is an invitation.

The most common tricks

There’s almost never any violence: the goal is to distract you. Someone asks you something with a map, "accidentally" stains your clothes and offers to clean them, pushes you at the metro door or asks you to sign a fake petition. While you look one way, someone else slips a hand into your pocket or backpack.

8 tips to avoid it

1. Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket.
2. On the metro and in crowded places, wear your backpack on your front.
3. Don’t leave your phone on the table at outdoor cafés.
4. Be wary of anyone who suddenly approaches you to ask for something or to "help" you.
5. Carry only the cash you need for the day and keep the rest separately.
6. Leave your passport in the hotel safe if you don’t need it, or carry it hidden under your clothes.
7. Take a photo of your documents and save it to the cloud.
8. Split things up: one card for everyday spending and a backup card hidden away.

The simplest way: let them see nothing

What can’t be seen can’t be stolen. A hidden belt wallet goes inside your pants, flat against your body: your passport, cards and cash stay out of anyone’s reach, even on a packed metro.