May 1 holiday in Rome
 

Will there still be businesses open on the May 1 holiday, such as tours, trattorias, ancient ruins, Vatican sights?

The Forum and Colosseum are open. The Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel is closed but St. Peter's Basilica should be open. Most shops will be closed as well as some restaurants and trattorie but there will be plenty of places to eat.

We were in Rome May 1 on one of our trips - I don't remember it being much of an issue but as you plan your daily itinerary you may want to check on anything particular you have planned for that day, especially museums. I would think shops might be closed but there will be restaurants open. I'm sure most guidebooks would say if the Vatican was open. If you are a flower lover, there is a rose garden at the foot of the Aventine Hill that I think opens on that day. There are ruins everywhere that never close! The May 1st we visited there was a parade - as best we could figure out, a political demonstration. Have a great trip!

May 1st this year is also Ascension Day which may affect Vatican openings.

Since it's the Feast of the Ascension, St. Peter's Basilica will be open during the day but if the Pope is celebrating Mass in St. Peter's Square, there won't be access to the Basilica during that time. The Museum/Sistine will be closed all day.