Italy in August?

Question

I am traveling to Italy from August 11th to August 19th with my boyfriend. We're dividing our time between Rome and Florence. Do the towns really shut down that entire week for the holiday on the 15th??

Answer 1

Writing from Rome: The Italians joke that the only things you find on the streets of Rome during August are mad dogs and Englishmen. The city is pretty empty, but the tourist business is still going. You won't have any problem finding places to stay or to eat (but some of the local less-touristy places might close). My suggestion however is take WATER wherever you go, and wear a hat (preferably straw)! August is the hottest month and the most humid! Both Rome and Florence can reach up to 100 F (37 C) and that's not counting the heat index (heat plus humidity which makes it feel even hotter).

The towns might not "shut down" per se, but on the holiday, you will find limited public transportation and almost all stores will be closed.

Some tips: don't get on the Metro in Rome in the middle. Go to either end of the train. The pickpockets know to go to the middle since most tourists just get on right when they arrive at the platform (generally the middle of the train). If you take the 64 bus in Rome, watch for pickpockets. It is known as the tourist bus and as such attracts them.

The best time to visit St. Peter's Basilica is before 8:30 in the morning (it opens at 7:00) or after 3:00 in the afternoon. The reason is that early in the morning, the tour groups have not arrived yet. In the afternoon, the tour groups can not enter after 4:30 and so the line dies down around 3:00.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 2

yes, pretty much the whole month of August, IN PARTICULAR aug 15th which is called "Ferragosto".

On this day almost everythign is shut down, lol.  I grew up in Italy and by the time the 15th rolled in, we always made sure we were already where we wanted to be from at least the day before, lol.  Avoid the highways on Aug 15th, you'll sit there under the hot sun for hours!! Its a day where the entire country has fun, eats, goes to the beach, dancing, BBQ's, etc etc etc, it's unbelievable!!! (just go to google, images and type in ferragosto you'll see)  Italy is breathtakingly beautiful and you'll have fun wherever you go out there!! Enjoy.

Answer 3

AND it tends to be swelteringly HOT at that time-main reason many Italians flee to the coast and cooler locations.

Answer 4

Italy, and all of Europe for that matter, do shut down mid-July though August.  That being said, if you're in Rome and Florence in the tourist areas you should be ok.  I really wouldn't be too concerned.

Have a fun trip.  Both cities are great.

Answer 5

Yeah, most of the people are on holiday for summer. It's gonna be hot and crowded especially on beaches or tourists spots. (--,)

Answer 6

bautiful...goog choice because in august in rome there are  only tourist!!!

important: there isn't traffic!!

i'm roman (is good roman in american?)

Answer 7

Yes. They do shut down. Museums and hotels and other tourist locations should be open, but most of the stores and businesses are off.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

Many shop are closed because the weather is very very hot and people goes on holiday.

Answer 10

From Rome take a trip to Frascati.  About 30min.  See the old summer papal palace and try the wine of the same name.