mikster

My husband and I are thinking of going to Barcelona and possibly Majorca in August 2007. Is this a bad time of year to go in terms of shops and restaurants being closed? Thanks for your input.

Steve_James

Hi Mikster - Majorca is a major tourist destination - so one month when shops/ restaurants will NOT be closed is August

I'm sure the same would apply to Barcelona. Like any big city, you will find most things open - for locals and tourists alike.

Steve

mikster

Thanks very much. Do you have any hotel suggestions for either location and is it fairly easy to get to Majorca from Barcelona? In terms of hotel we would like to keep it no more than 250 US a night. Thanks again.

BarcelonaMan

I can't speak on Mallorca but in Barcelona you will find a large percentage of the every-day, smaller shops closed, yes. Everyday shops would include, possibly, flower shops, shoe stores, bakeries, shoe-repair shops, smaller convenience stores, some bars, and smaller family run restaurants. And when I say "a large percentage" will close I don't mean, necessarily, the majority but at least a percentage which you'll certainly notice. All of the tourist attractions, museums, and hotels will be open, however.

You can also expect how-and-steamy (i.e. HUMID!) weather in Barcelona in August. PERFECT beach weather though so take your swimming trunks and sunblock cream.

By contrast, Madrid is HOT HOT HOT and DRY DRY DRY in August and Barcelona is just HOT-and-Humid. But at least in BCN you have the mediterranean breezes which Madrid doesn't have (unfortunately). Speaking of heat, you can expect many of the smaller bars and restaurants to have their windows/doors open and those which do have air conditioning YOU may well consider the establishment to be "under air conditioned" by some (USA) standards.

Regarding lodging, at least in Barcelona, you'll find dozens and dozens of previously reviewed hotels right here in the Fodors Euros Forum. Utilize the SEARCH function to find them. $250 is the equivalent to 197 Euros these days (that could well change by August 2007). For that, you're likely looking for a 4-star (or maybe 5-star) hotel for a double room.

Salut, BarcelonaMan
--
Barcelona information and more @ you-know-where (wink!)

laclaire

I am in BCN right now and was here in August and it is actually a really empty city, but really wonderful. There are a lot of tourists, but the locals mostly leave and there is much less traffic than normal, things move slower, and you don't have to deal with a lot of the hustle and bustle that normally inundates the city.

I actually decided that next year I am taking my vacation in either July or September just so I can be here during August and ride my bike down normally busy streets completely undisturbed by motorists.