Nou Camp tour and avoid the tall, muscular "ladies" on las Ramblas that offer you a good time.

...been there for the last two years, the first time for a couple of days on the way to France and the second time we stayed about 40 km down the coast but went into Barcelona a number of times. This seems to me to be the ideal as you can get away when it gets a bit much. Depends what you want out of a place; it's got more culture and beautiful buildings than you could shake a stick at; the shops are terrific, including some really good comic shops; Las Ramblas is fascinating; the area around the Picasso Museum is utterly absorbing; some good street art. Against - it's hot, busy and not particularly relaxing and the beach is always packed but they're minor irritants compared to the 'fors.' It didn't seem any more crime-ridden than most western cities as long as you're not naive and keep everything of value on you at all times and I wouldn't let that put you off at all. We loved it

Lived in Barcelona for 15 years now. The crime thing is no worse than London,Paris,New York etc. Sitting at an outside table just keep your stuff close to you and when on the Metro make sure nothing can be grabbed.Violent robberies are seriously rare,it's more bag snatching and the like.
The best way to see the city is on The Tourist bus. It takes you to all the places to see. The Time out guide is very good.
PM me and i'll be happy to recommend Restaurants,Record shops and the like.
For record shops you want Calle Tallers,from the top of the rambla,go down,first street on your right and there's about 7 or 8 shops selling Vinyl along a half mile stretch.Second hand and new.
Toffee the cat..if you go north about about a mile from the city centre ,they've made the beach bigger and it's safer than Barceloneta beach where most people go.

As long as you're not an idiot then you won't have any more to worry about security-wise than you would in any other big city.

A lovely city. Wish I'd been able to stay longer than 3 days really. But heigh ho. Such is life.

However, avoid the wax museum at the end of Las Ramblas (or somewhere near there), which has got the most dubious waxworks ever created. "Luke Skywalker" looks like a lady from a 1970s cooking magazine. Not a strong look. And the majority of famous world leaders from history are literally laughable. Good if you want a giggle. Not so much if you wish to spend wisely.

Who got robbed on La Ramblas, wallet taken out of rucksac whilst on my back, my fault for not being careful enough.

Otherwise a great city, go to all the Gaudi buildings, absolutely stunning, walk through Barcelonetta and take the funicular up to Montjuic for a lovely walk with great views.

It does have a reputation for being a pick-pocketting hotspot, so I wore a money belt. The end of La Ramblas close to the dock is also pretty shady, but not, I felt, dangerous. It's a short section of hookers and clip joints between the more mainstream attractions and the beautiful harbour.
Must-dos are the Picasso Museum, Montjuic, Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, the street entertainers on La Ramblas, the beaches, and the flea market at Plaça de les Glories Catalanes. Barcelona really does have eveything and you certainly won't find yourself short of things to do.
Hotels are expensive but this place, where I stayed, is stylish and central, and half the price of most http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187497-d647354-Reviews-Market_H...

Edit - here's a better link which takes you straight to the hotel's homepage http://www.markethotel.com.es/

I've just noticed that bit about 'Spain's second largest city' too. In Barcelona they regard themselves as Catalan rather than Spanish, and Catalan is the main language. Among other tourist-speak pleasantries, this means that they pronounce Barcelona as an English speaker would, and not as 'Barthelona'. Spanish will certainly be understood but it would polite to bone up on a few basics in the local lingo.

Fantastic City, absolutely awesome, but take care, particularly should you go down Las Ramblas.
My sons Mother In Law had her shoulder bag sliced off by a guy on a bike, never to be seen again, and my friends son in law had his wallet filched from front pocket of his jeans.

...Sour Crout. I'd like to return there this year but we may head off to Italy instead. Forgot to mention the tourist bus, which is a great way of seeing parts of the city you wouldn't normally find. Fairly expensive but hop on, hop off all day if you wish. We stayed at the Hotel Casa Fuster - stunning and normally unaffordable but laterooms.com came up trumps.

Been there twice in the last few years and always have an amazing time, it really is a city with everything. Regarding the pickpockets, you should be fine as long as you remain vigilant. The few dodgy characters we saw were pretty unsubtle and easy to spot so we just avoided them.

...both wanted to talk about football and give me a big hug. I just talked and walked briskly and they moved on. Got a friend of mine with the technique the night before. All this occurred in the Ciutat Vella (old City) by the harbour, late at night. A smarter person may have avoided this area at this time.

great waterfront, great buildings especially the Gaudi ones, cool bars, yes a bit edgy but a lot of good places are. For me, it's the ideal weekend city break as it's near enough not to take too much time travelling and compact enough to get around in a limited time and "foreign" enough to be a real change with a relaxed buzz around the main drags.

It happened as I was having breakfast in a quiet restaurant at about 09.30 in the morning just north of Las Ramblas. I couldn't believe their nerve. They must have moved like silent snakes. Lost a camera and a couple of tourist books. But I always carry my money and cards in a pouch connected firmly to my person. I recommend you do the same. Bag snatching seems to be the main petty crime down there. But to be honest, apart from that I felt safer in Barcelona than in a lot of places I've been.

Don't let that put you off. Its a wonderful city with lots to do, very Gothic in places. Read a couple of Carl Ruiz Zafon novels to get you in the mood. Make sure you take trips outside to the wonderful Catalan countryside.

never had any problems with street crime didn't even know it was a problem. Can't recommend anywhere other than the tourist places really, when had a good time in Gracia last time, have also been to Nou camp to see matches which is always fun when you're abroad has always been easy to get tickets even for local derbies etc. I always like the flea markets in spain which are often held on sunday , it's similar tat to the stuff we have in UK it just looks more exotic abroad!

I've spent at least one week a year there for 5 of the last 7 years, and had serious withdrawal symptoms when illness made me cancel last year's trip at the last minute! I just love the mix of old & new, city & seaside, culture & fun, busy & laid-back... yes, something for everyone, & only a few hours away, just go!

PS Surprised to hear all the minor horror stories above, I've never had a sniff of trouble, but it happens everywhere I guess...

if any of the massive plan on visiting,PM me for recommendations of Bars,restaurants etc or any questions you may have,be happy to help out.. Hotels i can't do as i never stay in any.

...absolutely great city, Gaudi, Miro and Picasso things mandatory. But have to say that every time I've been there the pickpocket thing has been a serious irritation. Didn't lose anything, but chocolate sauce on the trousers not a good look. Money belts, inside pockets, no handbags etc all recommended. But don't let that put you off going!

great time on all three occasions have been there. Yes, have seen some bad types on the Ramblas (and area behind it) and pickpockets, but then I've seen that everywhere. Go and enjoy it, there's lots to see.

Cheers for all the advice and offers of further help, I think we're going to go for it. I might be in touch nearer the time Sour Crout, thanks again.

One thing is certain, I won't be walking around taking quite as many photos/film clips as usual while on holiday!

We had some phenomenal meals there. Loved the city, beautiful, loads to see and do. Go and enjoy!