My husband and I are traveling to Italy from August 29th to September 6th. We are flying into Rome and plan to spend our first couple of days in Rome. My aunt mentioned that Rome businesses close down at the end of August. If this is true, what are the usual dates that this occurs? Is it just Rome or all of Italy?
Thanks
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Most Italians take their "vacation" in August. Different stores/restaurants are closed for segments of the month - some for 2 weeks, others for the entire month. On many websites you'll see AUGUST hours posted.
School starts back the first week of September so folks are getting back into the routine usually by the last weekend of August, first week of September. All of Italy is "on vacation time" in August and we've come to find it's a tough time to get any service work done!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Columbus, OH, US
17 posts
Kate,
There is no "set date" for the slowdown of Rome or Italy...As a tourist, I wouldn't worry about it too much, because those businesses which cater to tourists are year-round operations. Also, Italian businesses are now not taking vacations but are open shorter hours during the summer months. No worries and enjoy!
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
August can actually be a good time to be in Rome, cause it is half empty. There is actually parking! As Ron said, yes, all of Italy slows down in August and most people head for the mountains and the beach. Yes, some bars and restaurants will be closed as well as stores, but you will find all museums and tourist sites are open. I've noticed this year at work that many of our suppliers are taking the middle two weeks of August off, but not the whole month like they used to even 5 or 6 years ago. Seeing as you are coming at the end of August, everything should be back to normal by September 1st.