Most of the problems around the Ramblas area is pickpocketing, they are unlikely to be violent. You just have to take precautions: ie not having an open bag, an over-the-shoulder bag is better, not getting out wads of cash etc etc.
During the day on La Ramblas she would be absolutley fine as there are masses of people about, and we saw lots of teenagers. Just remind her to keep control of her bag. It's a great area to walk along IMO; lots of people watching, buzzing and very atmospheric. I adore it. La Ramblas is also very busy in the evening too. It's the side streets in an evening you've got to be more cautious of.
Don't really know about the el ravel area.

thank you,after reading up i found that pick pocketing does seem to be the sort of crime they have been talking about which is common in alot of european areas,i went to naples a couple of years ago and never had any problems but i would like to hear if anyone has travelled to el raval before?thank you
carmella

Hi, El Ravel is not really a place to go around with a 15 year old daughter, it's a large ghetto with a mixed immigrant population, at night it can become very scary, if you stick to the main streets you will be ok, its when you go up and down the side streets that you will see lots of women sitting outside and inside small bars, they are there all day and night, they don't bother you unless you are a single male. The police do drive around but unless there is trouble they leave the girls alone. if you are going down the La Ramblas towards the sea then El Raval is on your right about half way down ( behind the market ) There is only one hotel in the middle of El-Raval and thats the Hotel Sant Agusti, but it looks a good hotel.

We to stopped in Barcelona last August. Las ramblers is a very busy street lost of entertainment on the streets and packed with shoppers and tourist me and partner went and it does come alive late at night.We walked down towards the sea as the had some bars and clubs that were really packed we could not move in there.
So we heading back up Las Ramblers at two in the morning single file as the pavement was heaving my partner in front of me still not letting go off my hand was if he wanted bussiness till she seen me i was livid but she did,nt seem to care.Just of from Las Ramblers there was a square with lots of bars and restaurants i cant remeber what it was called but it was nice.
There are many restaurants on the street and it was nice having a meal and watching the street entertainers i really enjoyed Barcelona and i would go again we got a bus tour ticket for 2 days and still did not get to see everything the buildings are breathtaking.
I would not advisor your daughter [ i think you said} to go out on her own at night as i was a little nervous and i was with my partner but i still going to visit again.

Just of from Las Ramblers there was a square with lots of bars and restaurants i cant remeber what it was called but it was nice.

Placa Reial

There is a restaurant called La quinze nity in the square and the food is superb and very reasonably priced.

Thank you for your information everyone.im leaving tommoro so ill let you know what it was like when we come back!

Hi,after reading some reviews of the hotel i am staying in ive become a bit worried as all the reviews are very bad of it so i wondered if anyone had any information of the Hotel Espana in barcelona in cl san pau?
it would be a big help if you could let me know.
thank you
xxx

Don't worry, go and enjoy, the hotel web site is hotelespanya.com, it looks ok

Hi thianx,the hotel lookd fine but its the reviews ive read dont!But ill find out tommorow!

Have a great time Carmella. If you have time, check out the restaurant I recommended, it's fab!

I have owned a flat in Raval for the last five years. The area is safe, but like elsewhere in Barcelona you must keep your wits about you. Obviously, you don't walk don't walk down dark, unlit streets - but why would you?
Raval is now the coolest area in Barcelona - pop into a bar and find out!