Spain in August-what is closed?
 

I posted earlier about a trip my family is making to Spain at the end of July to the 2nd week of August. Realize it will be hot and crowded, but this is the only time we can go. Question is what is open and closed (in Madrid and Barcelona) in August. I have read that shops, restaurants, and ? shut down at that time of the year. Any input? Thanks. Jim

At least in Spain, this is a concern that has gotten some attention from local cities governments after getting much complaints from Spaniards and vistors alike. It has improved quite a bit in the last years. While there is still a number of restaurants and shops that close in August, the current business practice now is to spread vacations during the year (like in the USA), or take July and/or September off. It is very likely that you will not be much impacted in Barcelona or Madrid. That said, when it comes to restaurants, it is advised that you make reservations, as it is still a popular vacation month. Also, July/August is a very popular month for road repairs, so traffic tends to be slower. If at all possible, stay near the beach, a pool, definitely A/C, and plan to go out early. The extra money for A/C or a place with a pool will be well worth it :-D 8-)

Hello!,

In Barcelona there is not problem to go in July or August, the most of the shops, bars, restaurants, or museums are all open. It’s possible that some shops in districts far of centre were closed, but in the centre all are open, Barcelona is a tourist city and, you don’t have to worry for that.

Nothing to worry about it in tourist places, maybe you find a restaurant or bar closed but that's not the norm, there will be a wealth of them opened, at least on city centres.