Spain in August

Want to take a short one or two week trip in August. I've never seen Spain, and would love to go to Barcelona; however, I know that Spain "shuts down" during the month of August in particular. Is this really so drastic that I should plan on doing Barcelona another time?

Who told you that Spain "shuts down"? What.... do you think everyone packs up and heads underground? hehe. I am going to be in Barcelona in August. I have booked accommodation, and the organisers took the booking, so I think you are safe. The only thing that people tend to say about August is that in some parts of Spain it is terribly hot and that there are a lot of tourists about. So if that doesnt bother you then have a safe trip!

August in Barcelona:
Tourist sights - all open
Shops - all open, except some neighbourhood shops like bakeries, grocers
Restaurants, bars, cafes - open, except a few high-end places and some neighbourhood ones
There are fewer residents, as August is the main holiday month, but it's more than made up by tourists who pack the city and the beaches (very crowded)
Make sure you book your accommodation in advance - every summer there is a huge line of people at tourist offices looking for last-minute vacancies, and feet-weary and sweaty tourists trudging from one hotel/hostal to another in search of a bed for the night.

Of course not everything is closed, but I think it's too radical that many places just shut down for a whole month and actually force the employees to take vacations even if they don't want to, and the same goes for the government, if for any reason you need to go to trial or need a judge you have to go wait until freakin' september!
But don't worry, as long as you stick to Las Ramblas and sorroundings you'll be ok

Barcelona in August is a nightmare.........hot, humid, sticky and full of tourists!

It's more Madrid that "shuts down", but not really...

Thanks for all the information, guys! I appreciate it!

I don't mind the humidity or temperature. Looking at the statistics for average temp/humidity it doesn't even hold a candle to where I live, about two hours south of Washington DC. We probably have the worst summers in the world that no one knows about.

I'll take into consideration all the tourists... Anyway, thanks again for the responses!

The main problem is the town council scheduling nearly all the roadworks and public transport improvements for approximately two months in high summer. This is also coupled with the summer service (less frequent). As a tourist this doesn't matter but if you're working in August it's annoying.