How Safe Madrid and Barcelona for TT SubC?

[BlackBay1]

I went to Barcelona last March, everyone I spoke to prior to going told me to watch for pickpockets as they had experienced incidents on their trips. Sure enough, whilst on the tube/metro someone tried to pickpocket my wife and one of the people we were with (they do it near stops so they can jump off without being pursued) without success. Having said that, there were no parts I walk round were I felt intimidated. I wore my Seiko to be on the safe side. Nice city, enjoy the Gaudi architecture if you can. Leave your Rolex at home IMO.

[Tri-Tip]

If there are any concerns, just wear an inexpensive watch. Don't let worrying about your watch ruin your trip.

[opaline460]

[WatchinMD]

Beware in Cannes and Monaco. If you are crossing a street and feel the need to check the time on your Rollie, you will likely get run over by a Ferrari or Lambo!

[wisguy]

I have never felt unsafe in Madrid or Barcelona, in fact I have felst safer than in many US cities.

Just use common sense as in any city there are places you don't go flashing a Rolex in.

I would wear the watch on the trip (I have).

Don't look to much like a tourist (huge camera hanging from your neck, bermuda shorts, polo shirt, long white socks and tennis shoes, you know... the american tourist stereotype)

[st08136]

Hi, I'm from Barcelona,
The major problem in the city for tourists are the pickpockets so it's better to hide your wallet and be sure that your wife's bags are closed because in the most crowded places and in the subway there are a lot of pickpocket during all the day searching for clueless tourists. At night for tourists (23:00h and more) it would be better if you avoid Ramblas, the rest of the city is completely safe.

Don't worry about your watches I normally use the subway with my sub-c and I've never had any trouble

You can enjoy a walk through Passeig de Gracia and you'll see some good watch stores like Chopard, Montblanc, Rolex... you will also find the best clothes stores.
Don't forget about the best thing we have... our meals: try to taste a good "paella", a piece of "tortilla de patatas", or a "pan con tomate y jamon"...

[steptoe]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

but in Europe, everybody would know I am a tourist...

Not european ?? Then they may think that you're a pickpocket and everyone will assume your rolex is a fake.

[Nycturbovr6]

I would just wear it and enjoy your trip

[colpol]

Been to Barcelona twice

First time was a 3 day\ 2 night city break. Went to every tourist attraction there was & never any problems. Wore my Omega SMP the whole time

The 2nd time was in 2010 when we got stranded in Spain due to the ash issues at time. Spent an afternoon\ night\ morning in Barcelona while we waited for our car - Sea dweller on the whole time - never gave it a thought

As others have said - aways be aware of your surroundings

[Georg]

Some interesting comments here. Been to both Madrid(the Prado is amazing and so is the hot chocolate with churros) and Barcelona (go to the 4cats cafe). In Madrid, most stores have security guards, even cheap places. At least they did a few years ago. There's a reason for this. There are plenty of pick-pockets and scam artists out there. Yes, there are plenty of people who can afford luxury goods there, BUT...they speak the language, know which streets to avoid, and don't have to refer to a map. Tourists make great targets anywhere, even in Singapore and Gothenburg.


Common sense is great, but the sense that's common in Paris isn't common in Miami and vice versa.

Couple tips:
-Don't wear white walking sneakers, this screams tasteless American tourist. Try to wear clothing that helps you blend in.darker colors like forest green, navy blue, and brown are more popular there.
-when walking around show a sense of purpose, like you know where you're going
- Ask the hotel what places to avoid
- if people try to stop you on the street and talk, you probably want to keep walking (use your best judgement)
- research current scams(AAA May be able to help, TripAdvisor, LonelyPlanet), eg the burning cotton ball thrown under your rental car...
-be especially watchful when visiting tourist sites, watching street performances, and looking at street vendor wares.

It's Winter, you'll be wearing a jacket, no one will see your watch on the street.


Finally, remember that Philly, Chicago, LA, Miami, and NYC are all much more dangerous than Barcelona and Madrid put together. Wear your favorite watch and don't sweat it.

[fvfvsix]

When I'm sightseeing in Europe, I guess I dress like a pickpocket :) Nobody ever bothers me. In all seriousness, I try to make sure my casual dress doesn't say "clueless tourist".

Haven't been to Barcelona, but I found Madrid to be totally safe... and I was last there during a series of protests in 2012. Looked like a party.

[crowncollection]

stay alert and aware, you will be fine

[Bobby T]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

Guys,


Planning to go to Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Cannes and Monaco....

A little worry with Madrid and Barcelona...Would it be ok if I wear my TT SubC? Or would it be wiser to wear my SS Rolex?


Thanks in advance for your advice guys....


Regards,

You're from Jakarta and worried about Spain?????????

[Shrek32]

The financial crisis in Spain is pushing person really hard now, Madrid and Barcelona have always had a large number of pickpockets and street muggings, the criminals are getting more deceiving and unfortunately in a place like barcelona and Madrid you will always look like a tourist. Certain watches to the trained eye can be identified from a long distance due to there specific colours, design etc....I would just say your on holiday to enjoy your self after months of hard work .... So leave the rolex at home wear a Casio and one less thing to worry about.....

[scarlet knight]

My wife was pickpocketed on the subway in Barcelona . We were there in 2005. It was a real pro job, because we were hyper aware and we didn't know it happened until she went to pay for something later.

Just be aware. If you wear a Rolex, make sure it's insured.

I am going to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina and I think I will bring a relatively less expensive Breitling Superocean and some Casios.

[trumpedaces]

Been to all of those places with a variety of Rolexes. You'll be fine, just don't go waving the thing around! Lol. Happy holidays and safe travels.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

My wife was pickpocketed on the subway in Barcelona . We were there in 2005. It was a real pro job, because we were hyper aware and we didn't know it happened until she went to pay for something later.



Just be aware. If you wear a Rolex, make sure it's insured.



I am going to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina and I think I will bring a relatively less expensive Breitling Superocean and some Casios.

Some real pros out there in the major cities. So many things grabbing our attention to notice... When I travel anywhere dicey, I throw it on a strap and Its a model that won't kill me if something happens to it... Which is my SuperOcean. I have an Abyss 42mm which doesn't shout out like a typical Breitling. Quite casual/conservative considering.

[redsubby]

Originally Posted by Georg

Finally, remember that Philly, Chicago, LA, Miami, and NYC are all much more dangerous than Barcelona and Madrid put together. Wear your favorite watch and don't sweat it.

If you were talking about murder rates, maybe. But in Europe the chances of getting mugged or stuff stolen from you is much greater than these US cities.
For the 20+ years I was in the US, I had never had anything taken from me nor have I felt the need to watch out for my surroundings, to constantly checking if I still have my wallet or my phone, to see if my luggage is still with me.
Twice I was in Europe, both times myself or member from the trip had things stolen from us.

[Miguels]

I've been to Barcelona and Madrid several times. I was accosted one evening in Barcelona. It happened on Las Ramblas, while walking back to our hotel. The guy came up asking to dance, reaches around my back, and tries to put his hands down my front pocket. Luckily I had on skinny jeans to somewhat deter him. I gave him a hard shove and he just walked away. In Madrid, I noticed a guy reach into my buddies back pocket at the train station, so I screamed at him. He turns around, walks away, and never got on the train. The guy was dressed business casual and carried a newspaper like he was on his way to work. From my experiences, and from that of others, I would say that there is a higher prevalence of theft in these cities. Just be vigilant and leave your watch at home if you want to avoid risk.

[Rashid.bk]

Very pertinent topic....my philosophy is no where is "safe".
I treat every place I travel to the same, not safe and not secure. I hide or conceal my valuables as much as I can, for example, I don't grab the handle on a bus or subway with the hand that has my watch....and if I'm traveling with the kiddos and I think it may be an issue I don't bring things that can distract me from paying attention to my family's safety.

And bottom line, if I have to ask myself something then maybe you know the answer already........is this cheesecake made with skim milk fattening....

[dukie748]

Went to Barcelona in August, I never really worry about pickpockets as I've been all over the place without trouble. Within about 4 hours of arriving a street vendor managed to remove my double clasp Brietling in about 3 seconds and without me realizing until the weight was off my wrist, fortunately he was not as fast on his feet as he was with his hands - I trapped him between two cars and was not very nice - watch duly recovered. And no, I didn't beat the crap out of him as he had 3 other 'friends' about 100 feet away. Never thought it would / could happen to me, but it did. Now when I vacation I wear an old Tag 6000.

[JDBCN]

I've been wearing my Rolex and my IWC for 27 years with no problems. So have all of my friends and tons of people that I know that have Rolex watches.
Barcelona is a very safe city.
The only problems are pick pockets that steal your wallet without you noticing, so be very careful.
Other than that, no problems