We have been to Italy a number of times but never in August. A friend wants to go August with her teen children. They want to hit the holy trinity of Venice, Florence, and Rome. As far as I can tell this or that might be closed, but the sites and most restaurants are open in August. Is this correct?

Thank you in advance.

Have been to those troika of tourist meccas several times in August and they are complete zoos - especially Venice of course with its limited real estate.

Though many local restaurants and cafes may be closed for their annual vacation holiday since most of their patrons are out of town they of course close and take off too.

But in the main commercial parts of those cities the tourist will find most everything open and thus is not IME a factor.

The center of Florence is rather compact and it too can become elbow to elbow in front on the cathedral - Uffizi plaza area - Rome has more real estate to spread out the tourist mobs but sites like the Vatican and its museums, Colosseum, etc will be mobbed and advance online reservations if possible may be a good idea. ditto for Florence or Venice of course.

And the weather in Florence tops avg highs in August of low 90s and rather humid - not the optimal time to visit - in retrospect I enjoyed visiting those places in August but now I go in the off season and can really appreciate those places much more.

Thank you. And while I agree on the crowds, like all parents they are restricted by the school schedule.

Yes, almost everything will be open - barring a few small family owned restaurants.

But all three places will be hot, humid and mobbed. Make sure they secure lodgings with strong AC - the US kind that lowers the temp to 72, not the wimpy european kind that cools a few degrees. Also they should always carry bottles of water to stay hydrated.

And shorts are regularly worn by tourists - including Italian tourists too - so don't be put off by thinking shorts will be seen in a poor light - perhaps at fancy restaurants but no one else will bat an eyelash.

Thanks for confirming the situation.

We have been in Florence in April and the crowds were insane near Il Duomo. Fortunately her kids are good, smart kids who I am HOPEFUL will not react adversely to the crowds and the heat.