Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THINGS TO AVOID
1. DANGEROUS AREAS
Beware of under-populated alleys and streets in the old town after dark, particularly
in the Barri Gòtic and El Raval. These attract thieves who tend to operate in groups.
Primepickpocketingtimesarebetween9pmandmidnight,whenmostlocalsareeat-
ingdinnerandonlyvisitorsareoutonthestreets.Theearlyhours(3-6am),afterthe
bars and clubs close, are also popular with thieves.
2. OVERPRICED LEATHER SHOPS
AvoidthepriceyleathershopsclusteredonandaroundLaRambla.Theleatherisof-
tenpoorqualityandpricesarehigh.Stopoffatthetouristofficeforalistofapproved
leather shops, or head for established stores (for further details see
Best Shopping
3. LA RAMBLA SCAMS
Don'tgetsidetrackedbytheraucous“findthehiddenball”gamesonLaRambla.Usu-
ally played on makeshift tables, presided over by a skilled, nimble-fingered trickster,
itappearsatfirstglancetobealivelygameofchance.Inreality,it'saconfidencetrick.
The lively folk who cheer you on are all accomplices who are in on the act. Though
youmaywinthefirstfewrounds,you'llsoonstarttolose,andyou'llwalkawaywitha
muchlighterwallet.Alsotobeavoidedarethegypsieswhotrytosellyouflowersand
often pick your pocket at the same time!
4. OVERPRICED EATS
Rip-off, touristy terrace restaurants line La Rambla. Most of these paella and tapas
eateriescatersolelytotourists,chargingsky-highpricesformediocremeals.Theside
streets off La Rambla offer better food at more reasonable prices.
5. CROWDS
Missthecrowdsandinterminablylongqueuesatthecity'smostpopularsightsbyvis-
itingfirstthinginthemorningwhenthesightsopenortowardstheendoftheday,an
hourortwobeforeclosingtime.Toavoidthehordesonthebeachesinsummergoon
weekday afternoons.
