The opening hours in Italy took me by surprise at first—shops closing for a midday break, reopening in the evening, and many remaining shut on Monday mornings. But I quickly realised they reflect a different rhythm of life, one that values family meals and midday rest.
To help you plan your time and avoid the frustration of finding the shop closed just when you’ve just run out of milk, here’s a guide to typical opening hours for shops, restaurants, tourist attractions, and more—complete with some helpful tips for navigating the Italian schedule.
Shops Opening Hours
Shops in Italy typically open around 9:00 or 10:00 AM, close from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for a leisurely break, and then reopen until about 7:30 or 8:00 PM. Many shops close on Sundays and Monday mornings, though hours in tourist areas or city centres can be more flexible.
Restaurants and Cafés
Coffee shops in Italy are usually open all day, offering a convenient spot for a quick break. If you drink your coffee at the bar, you’ll pay a lower price—typically around €1.50 for a cappuccino—which is why you’ll often see locals standing at the counter, savouring their coffee without the added cost of table service. Lunch is served from about 12:00 to 2:30 PM, and dinner starts around 7:30 PM, often lasting until 10:30 PM or later. Many restaurants offer a pranzo di lavoro (worker’s lunch)—a set menu with two courses, water, wine, and coffee, usually for around €15. Restaurants often close one day a week, typically Monday or Tuesday, so it’s a good idea to check ahead.
Museums and Tourist Attractions
Italian museums usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 or 7:00 PM, with extended hours on certain days, often Thursdays. Many close on Mondays, but popular tourist sites may remain open daily during peak seasons. Minor museums might only be open one day a week, generally on the weekends, or even by appointment only.
Banks
Banks typically open earlier than shops, around 8:30 AM, and close at 1:30 PM, with a shorter reopening in the afternoon from 2:45 to 4:15 PM. This allows locals to handle banking during their lunch break, a thoughtful nod to convenience. Banks are always closed on weekends, but ATMs are available 24/7.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets in Italy usually open at 8:00 AM and stay open until 8:00 PM or later. In cities, some remain open until 10:00 PM or even 24 hours. Unlike smaller shops, supermarkets are often open on Sundays, though hours may be shorter in rural areas.
Public Offices
Public offices, such as the local comune, are generally open Monday to Friday, with morning hours similar to banks. Afternoon hours are less consistent and may be appointment-only, so it’s always worth checking ahead. Comuni publish their hours on their official websites, making it easy to confirm before visiting.
Closing Tips
Larger cities like Venice, Verona, and Padova often offer more flexible hours, with shops and some restaurants staying open longer and more days of the week. However, in smaller towns, be prepared for more traditional schedules, including midday closures and limited hours on Sundays or certain weekdays. And remember, if you’re craving pizza, you’ll need to wait until the evening, especially outside the major cities—Italian pizzerias traditionally fire up their ovens only for dinner service!
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