Barcelona - tips please.

And, in a certain little pavement tapas place, it is possible to get excellent French fries and hot chocolate for supper.

And the beach area is lovely too. (walkable from the Gothic quarter, but you will be on your knees when you get there) (got taxi back again in desperation )

Well! DD and I must have been lucky. We had no trouble with thieves or pickpockets when we were there a few weeks ago.

We went to the Gaudi museum and the park up above the city, views beautiful, fountain amazing! And the ex Olympic park while we were up there.

We stayed near the Cathedral Catalonia. Cathedral (withgeese) and whole area round there, is amazing. Very old and atmospheric. Las Ramblas is great for just wandering (and buying tat)

In fact, I think Barcelona, especially the beautiful Gothic quarter, is made for just wandering, and looking, both by day and night.

Buy tickets in advance for Sagrada Familia. Very long queues to negotiate otherwise.

Thank you for the warnings - I have heard about this. I usually have a cross body bag and as it February it will be under my coat. Dh secrets his wallet about his person somewhere!
We didn't have any problems in Florence on both occasions.

I've visited Barcelona and had no problems at all. It's just a matter of being cautious. Florence is equally notorious, but it would be a shame not to go and see such fabulous places.

I came on to warn about pickpockets, and also thieves who follow tourist cars with foreign numberplates and hire cars on their motorbikes, hoping to steal from the boot or whip a handbag - whilst at traffic lights or in a quiet carpark. I have had several friends who have had to fend off thieves on motorbikes in Barcelona lately. Bags that go across your body when you are walking around, or a moneybelt around the waist, are best. I really want to go, we were supposed to go last year, but it put me off, one family I know was so shaken.

What about this, Sue?

www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/products/barcelona-card.html

My son is on honeymoon in Barcelona right now, sue. Seeing all the places you plan to go. I have no helpful tips, other than to beware of pickpockets, who are more prevalent there than ever. My son had his wallet taken last night, whilst visiting a restaurant on the Ramblas. On the plus side, they adore the city and are very happy they chose to go there.