There are some cities where, come August, practically the entire population ups and leaves, and Barcelona is one of the. In their wake, an almost eerie quiet descends, and the deserted streets become unrecognisable, the hustle and bustle of the rest of the year vanishes, dissolved in the scorching heat and heavy dog days of August. Traffic is practically non existent, streets deserted, and many businesses and smaller shops close for the month.

Come August, the hottest month of the year, the city belongs to the tourists, who can be seen enjoying having the city to themselves, often to be seen wearing a slightly bemused expression, wondering where everyone has gone. Whether its Las Ramblas, Plaça Catalunya, Barceloneta or the Old Port, the crowds are not to be seen and visitors get to enjoy the best of Barcelona without having to fight the crowds. August is a great time to come if you don’t like standing in line to see monuments.