Barcelona Travel Forum

I want to go to Barcelona this august. I hear it's practically deserted though. Is this true? Should I not go? We want to go from Aug 5 to the 15th. We want to be able to explore the city, see major landmarks/museums/etc., go dancing and go out to eat. Will the city be totally closed or is that an exaggeration?

10 July 2008
Hola! Having lived here in Barcelona the last 36 years and few months old, I do not recall in the month of August being even half deserted, yes, please do not misunderstand when people comments "August Spain can be deserted" please do not misunderstand that bit of expression. There are stores/restaurants/dinning bars which you will find close all the month of August, however, the biggest and most popular store called "EL CORTE INGLES" remains open and is in business from 10am till normally till 9-10pm (with no lunch break). Hotels/Pensions/B&B's are always all year round. Yes, your correct, it is an exaggerated way of telling new comers to Barcelona that August for Spain is dead, that is totally wrong, what you must have in mind is during the month of August it is the height of hit and best to bring a bit of protection like sunblock, hats, or anything to make your stay feel cooler...
If you want to explore the city, and make sure to visit all our landmarks, museum, and visit our disco's and specially dine, go into our homepage and there plan your tour. Very quickly just so you don't miss it, if you wish to have the most original Catalan ambiance for your meals, have your tapas at my favourite bar/restaurant. It is called Cerveseria Catalana which is located corner Calle Mallorca and Rambla Catalunya - the address is: #235 Calle Mallorca. What we can advise you adhead of time is avoid going to Cerveseria Catalana after 1pm for lunch, as that is our local lunch hour of the locals and you will need to que for at least an hour and that can be exasperating during the hot weather of August. We would advise you to have your lunch at Cerverseria Catalana at about 11:am and you will surely have a good table. When tipping it is NOT commonly practice here (within us locals)or in Spain,(observe how locals move after they have been given the bill, they just pay the total bill and not even a penny do they leave and if they do you will certainly notice it) however, if you wish to live couple of euros, it is appreciated. There are atleast 65 museums in Barcelona. After you visit the museum in Barcelona plan for a side trip and visit Figueras and visit the museum of Salvador Dali, it's all worth it.! Have a wonderful and great time here in Barcelona! Just be super careful as there are many pickpocketers all over the city, keep your belongings in your hotel and make copies of allyour documents...Cheers!

Barcelona "practically deserted"?? Well, maybe between 5-6 AM LOL

You get good advice above. Yes it's true that some small, family run, shops and some restaurants that cater mainly for local workers will close for their own vacation. Is true as well that many locals will be on vacation, but they will be replaced by even more tourists, as in fact is peak tourist season (Spanish and foreign tourism) so all museums and attractions are full open, and most restaurants, bars and clubs will be very busy, "haciendo su agosto" ("making their August" = earning big money!)

In addition, it will be still sales season (not only at El Corte Ingles.... BTW a place most of we locals do only use on sales season as it tends to be more expensive, and obviously less charming that the small shops). Shops in all city center do open from 10AM to 8:30 PM, and very few close at midday, all year round. Department stores and shopping malls do open from 10 to 10, except on Sundays

And... last but not least, you'll be in perfect time to enjoy the festival in Gracia neighborhood: amazing street decorations, food, live music and dancing... don't miss it!

(shameless plug: have a look at my Barcelona VT page for more tips ;o))

Hi

I lived there for a while... there are lots of people and lots to do in Barcelona in August.
Were you thinking of Paris?

Anyway, enjoy yourselves!

crazyman2