What really closes in European cities in August?
Check the places you want to visit individually, since a family restaurant's holiday does not tell you whether a museum or city is open.
August does not close every European city. Some independent restaurants, shops and workshops take holidays, while many museums and visitor services continue operating. The useful approach is to check the small number of places that matter to your trip.
Use the venue's calendar
In Madrid, the Prado's official schedule lists regular opening throughout the week, with specific annual closure dates. It does not describe an August shutdown. The Reina Sofía normally closes on Tuesdays, a weekly rule that matters more than assuming all museums follow the same pattern.
In Lisbon or another city, look at each museum's own page for weekly closures, temporary work and public-holiday changes. A search result showing ordinary hours may not include a special notice.
For Italy, Ferragosto on 15 August is worth checking, especially for smaller businesses and local services. It still does not mean that only tourist restaurants remain open.
Confirm the meal that matters
If a particular restaurant is part of the reason for your visit, check its booking calendar or contact it before travelling there. A closed reservation date may mean a holiday, a private event or simply that the restaurant has not released tables yet.
Keep a nearby alternative rather than making every meal dependent on one place. For ordinary lunches, walking past and reading the posted hours can be more useful than an old recommendation.
Check transport for the actual day
Local routes may use summer, Sunday or public-holiday schedules. Look up the journey again before an early train or flight, and leave time for a reduced service. Do not confuse a quieter business district with a city where transport has stopped.
Heat may affect your day more than closures. Our Spain and Portugal summer guide explains how to keep the sightseeing pace comfortable.