As-salamu alaykum! Mofie here—your guide to Barcelona. I’m the one in the crowd yelling, “Don’t think about it, drink about it!” whenever the beats drop, but listen—I’m also the guy who’ll pull you aside to warn you about pickpockets when everyone else is busy snapping selfies. Barcelona might be one of the most incredible party cities in Europe, but staying safe is the real key to enjoying every last drop of sangria.
Let’s talk reality for a second: pickpocketing here is no joke. Wandering around Las Ramblas or weaving through the Gothic Quarter after a few beers can make you an easy target. Thieves often work in pairs—one distracts you with some random chatter or a “friendly” bump, and the other slips your phone right out of your pocket. My advice? Use a crossbody bag that zips shut, sling it in front of you, and keep your phone a little more guarded than your Instagram feed.
I’ve also seen my fair share of bag snatchers on scooters buzzing around like they’re late for dinner. You think you’re safe on a terrace, sipping a cocktail, but the next thing you know, your bag’s gone. So, keep those valuables on your lap, or wrap the strap around your chair. And if you see a shady character lurking nearby, trust your gut.
Now, about your drink: never leave it unattended. I know, I know—sometimes the music at Opium or Pacha is so good you forget the world, but that’s exactly how people can slip something into your glass. Overly friendly strangers are part of Barcelona’s charm—unless they’re being too pushy with the “free drinks.” A little politeness is fine, but watch your cup at all times.
As-salamu alaykum—still with me? Good. Because I’ve got a story: just last week at Pacha, I spotted some sneaky hand slipping into one of my guest’s pockets. Instinct kicked in, so I grabbed the guy’s wrist and shouted for security. The bouncers swooped in like they’d been waiting all night for some action, and within minutes, that wannabe thief was taken away. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I’m ready. Not to toot my own horn, but that’s one reason I always say a pub crawl is a far safer bet than wandering solo. We know which clubs to hit and which ones to avoid. We have eyes on everyone, and if some shady business goes down, we shut it down quickly.
On a typical night out, I suggest carrying limited cash—just enough for cabs or some backup cocktails if you want to branch out from the crawl. Leave the fancy watch and extra credit cards in your hotel. Barcelona’s got enough sparkle without you having to flash all your valuables, trust me. And if you do need to hail a ride after hours, stick to licensed taxis or well-known ride-share apps. Some unmarked “taxis” are basically an invitation to a scam.
The bottom line? Barcelona is brilliant for nightlife. The energy, the music, the people—it’s all part of why I moved here in the first place. But it’s also a city where you’ve got to stay on your toes. My motto might be “Don’t think about it, drink about it,” but that doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Party smart, watch your stuff, and if you’re feeling unsure, jump on a pub crawl with me and my crew. We’ll guide you through the best spots, keep an eye on your back, and make sure the only thing you lose is track of time on the dance floor.
As-salamu alaykum, my friends—see you out there!