How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Italy?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Many Italian shops close Sunday or open shorter hours. Restaurants are generally open. On public holidays, most things close — plan ahead.
2What You Need to Know
Italy's Sunday culture varies by region and type of business. In major tourist cities (Rome, Florence, Venice), many shops open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. Supermarkets may open shorter Sunday hours. In smaller towns and non-tourist areas, Sunday closures are common — the giorno di riposo (day of rest) is still observed. Traditional Italian towns also observe the riposo (afternoon siesta) from roughly 1pm–4pm daily, during which many shops close. Public holidays (there are 12 per year) see widespread closures — ferragosto (August 15) is particularly significant with many businesses closed for up to 2 weeks in August.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1In August (especially around Ferragosto on Aug 15), many Italian restaurants and shops close for weeks — plan carefully
- 2The riposo (afternoon break 1–4pm) still applies in smaller Italian towns — do shopping in the morning
- 3On Sundays, markets and outdoor activities are often at their best — it's a social day
- 4In major tourist cities, Sunday is as active as any weekday in tourist zones
- 5New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Ferragosto, and All Saints Day (Nov 1) are major closure dates
Important Warning
Ferragosto (August 15) is a national holiday when many Italians take their annual vacation. In smaller towns, restaurants, shops, and services can be closed for 1–3 weeks around this date.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Shops are closed on Sundays by law. Restaurants and cafés are open. Supermarkets close Sunday. Plan your grocery shopping for Saturday.
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
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