is everything closed in August in Italy?
 

We are thinking of spending a few days in Milan and Venice before going on a cruise in mid August. We have heard all the Italians go on vacation then so lots of stores, restaurants, etc are closed? Any thoughts?

Nothing ever closes in Venezia, the tourist capital in Italy.

But a great deal will be closed in Milano, although not the major sites like museums, churches, etc. But stores? Restaurants? Better check ahead, either through your hotel or Google searches.

It's unusual these days for restaurants to close for the entire month. I don't know about the famous stores.

If you feel like too much is closed in Milano, consider going to Verona, a more touristy town and very enjoyable.

No. As a tourist, you will probably not even notice.

I've been to Venice twice in August. I did not notice anything closed.

I think even as a tourist -- especially one interested in shopping or fine food in Milano -- the depopulation of Milano and the closures will be quite noticeable. Not in Venice, but in Milano.

There will be PLENTY of stores and restaurants OPEN in both places since NOT everybody goes on vacation...AND, like YOU, a lot of the people in Europe who DO go on vacation in August actually go to Italy...get it?

I still recommend that if jbh555 has his or her heart set on certain shops or restaurants in Milano, it is best to find out ahead of time if they are open. Milano, more than most Italian towns, empties out in August, partly because it is primarily a trade town, not a tourist town, and the trade isn't there in August, and partly because the climate is so hot and sticky.

No point in tromping through the hot streets of Milano, or paying those high hotel costs, if the shoe store or hair dresser you've always dreamed of visiting is shut tight in the small window of time you're there.

Most place don't shut for all of August, but the vast majority close for some period.

But if you just want to window shop and don't care where you eat, yes, there will be plenty of fine places open the days you are there, and the empty streets will be a pleasure.

Some years ago when we visited Milan
in mid August it seemed rather dead - many shops and restaurants were closed
Things may have changed.

The things change.
August closed for vacation was the claim of the Italy during the "boom" meaning the good period for economy when the most part of workers worked in the industry and these companies closed for "all together" vacations three weeks in August.
Now it is completely different and there is almost no problem and you will find open what you search.

Vincenzo

There is "almost no problem" unless you visiting Milano because a specific designer shop, famous restaurant or hair salon, because most of them still close for at least some part of August, if only a week these days. If you are going to see the art and architecture, fine, or just generally shop around and eat, Milano still has plenty to offer in August.

Hi

I haven't been there in August but I'm sure that not everything closes down. Enjoy the trip...my wife and I did Milan and Venice a few years back and that was great fun. Here is a trip report with pictures http://gardkarlsen.com/italy_milan.htm

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I agree with zeppole. If there is a certain restaurant or shop you have your heart set on, call ahead, for both Milan and Venice. You mention going on a cruise in MID August. Be aware that August 15 is a national holiday and just about every store is going to be closed as well as many restaurants. Stores and restaurants that do close for a period during August usually begin the closure around this date, which falls on a Friday this year. So lots of places are going to be closed for a long weekend at least.