Barcelona - safety tips?

[jrong]

I'm just back from Barcelona. Absolutely fantastic place, even with the crowds of tourists milling around. 🙂 I visited the places recommended, including the Gracia quarter, had some tapas in the evening there - and the Barri Gotic, and all the Gaudi places. Great place, wish I had more time. And I didn't have any problems with would-be thieves, but then I am a paranoid traveller. 🙂

Would definitely love to go back, particularly when the tourist crowds thin a little! Is winter a good time? I don't mind the cold weather, in fact I much prefer it to the heat and dust of summer. I think the lighting in winter might be better for photographing those beautiful Gaudi facades?

I also popped into the magnificent Granja M.Viander for some hot chocolate and dessert... yummy. But I have to say that it is hard to find a good restaurant (as in any big city)... too many to choose from, and alas, many are just over-priced tourist traps. I did not have time to visit any markets either. 🙁

What a "happening" city! London seems incredibly boring in comparison. 🙂
Thanks for all the tips. Maybe I can meet up with a few Barcelonian RFfers next time....

 

[pau3]

Glad to read you enjoyed (safely) your trip. Did you take any pictures?
By the way, the question of restaurants in Barcelona
is getting difficult lately. Nowadays, there are only two
kinds of restaurants, good and expensive or bad and expensive.

 

[jrong]

Yes, I took some pictures. 🙂 6 webpages of them.
http://www.artemisworks.plus.com/spain/barc/index.htm

 

[ERV]

jrong, very nice photos. Makes me want to keep my G2 and get a wide lens for it.
I lived and worked in BCN for three years leading up to the '92 Olympics and have been back a couple of times since then. (my avatar is my youngest daughter in parc guell)
It is truly an amazing city. The Catalans can be rather cold in a normal everyday settings, however if you are able to make friends with them, they are wonderfully funny people.
Too bad you missed the markets, they are my favorite places in the city. next time.
-eugene