Two friends who visited Barcelona on holiday were left considering their options after finding themselves on the receiving end of a problem plaguing the city within an hour of arriving
Two young tourists have shared their shock and disbelief after an unfortunate incident occurred within an hour of them arriving on holiday in Barcelona. Spain, with its warm climate, rich culture, delicious food and stunning landscapes, is a top choice for holidaymakers from around the globe during the summer months.
Indeed, millions flock to the country each year to soak up the sun in its numerous coastal spots and explore its bustling cities. Barcelona, as one of the most frequented cities, offers the perfect blend of city life and beach relaxation. The city boasts a lively cultural scene, breathtaking architecture including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and a plethora of traditional tapas bars and high-end eateries.
However, the city has recently gained a reputation as one of Europe’s most unsafe due to a worrying surge in thefts.
WARNING – explicit language in TikTok video below, viewer discretion advised
Growing concerns about security in Barcelona are particularly focused on heavily populated areas such as the historic centre, public transport hubs, and tourist hotspots.
Moreover, incidents of pickpocketing, snatch thefts, and violent robberies are on the rise, causing distress for both locals and tourists. This harsh reality was experienced first-hand by two young tourists who chose the Catalan capital for their getaway.
One TikTok user, @orangieyt, turned to social media sharing their unfortunate travel experience shortly after landing in Barcelona saying, “First hour in Barcelona and Brian got robbed already,” they cursed in a clip. “They took my chain.”
Elaborating on the incident on the platform, they described the events: “We were walking down a normal street… a random man approached me, looked at me, grabbed my chain and ran off.”
The disheartened friends posed the question in their video: “Are we leaving Barcelona? Now everyone seems suspicious.”
A number of TikTok users from Barcelona responded, one whom commented cynically: “Welcome to Barcelona, I live there and everyday it’s getting more dangerous.”
Another one extended an apology for the mishap, stating: “Barcelona is the worst thing about Spain right now, I’m really sorry.”
A third TikTok user added: “It’s totally normal that tourists want to visit Barcelona it’s one of the most famous cities in Spain. But if you’re a foreigner planning to come here, especially to Barcelona, make sure to look into the recent rise in crime. It’s really important to stay alert right now.”
Meanwhile, a fourth individual recommended better alternatives for holiday-goers: “Why [do] tourists continue to visit Barcelona? I don’t understand, there’s literally 1,000 places way prettier, safer and better. A Coruña, Pontevedra, Gijón, Alicante, Sevilla, Granada… etc etc etc. Go search a plane Barcelona – A Coruña. If you don’t fall in love, I’ll pay for the flight.”