Rome on a Sunday...?
 

Will shops and restaurants be open on a Sunday? Will they be open on a Monday? Will the time restaurants serve lunch and dinner on a Sunday differ from other days of the week? I know the Vatican museums will be clossed - but will the other sites be open on a Sunday?

Shops will not be open on Sunday, and many will only open in the afternoon on Monday.

Many restaurants will be closed on Sunday; those that are open will serve at the same time as on other days. Many Italians go out for Sunday lunch, so it is best to reserve. It's not a bad idea to reserve for Sunday dinner either.

Most state museums are closed on Monday. Many archeological sites are open seven days a week.

Isn't Sunday noon when the Pope gives his address and blessing from the St. Peter's balcony? Although not a Catholic, I found it to be very moving.

Sounds like I should rethink my April trip--would have been in Rome Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Guessing we would be limited in our sightseeing...correct? Is it any better in Venice?

......in September we shopped on a
Sunday afternoon in the Coin department
store near P. REpubblica. Great quiet
time to shop.

In September we spent a lovely Sunday
afternoon shopping at La Rinascente
near P Repubblica....and I was in
the Coin in Verona Visa-ing on a
Sunday.

Hello Caramia, I believe the Vatican Museum is open on the last Sunday of each month with free admission.

Some supermarkets and some touriest oriented stores should be open on Sundays.

A lovely way to enjoy an afternoon in Rome on a Sunday is at the Borghese Park if the weather is cooperative. Taking long walks is so enjoyable also. You will find restaurants open.
Just check the open times for Sunday at various restaurant before Sunday.

As Eloise said, many of the archeological and tourist type sites ARE open even on Sundays and Mondays. I know that the Vatican Museum is open on Mondays (unless a holiday) and the last Sunday of each month is free (although the lines are staggeringly long). And museums such as Galleria Borghese ARE CLOSED on Mondays, but open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday.

If you plan on visiting mostly touristy areas, you shouldn't have a problem finding restaurants and even shopping. I lived there for several months while studying at the university and NEVER had a problem finding a restaurant (even in the early morning hours).

The things I remember being closed where supermarkets and other similar stores catering more to locals than tourists. Plus, there are many sights that don't close such as Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, etc.

Therefore, I think you would be fine with your scheduling. However, if you want to be safe, take Eloise's recommendation about making reservations for lunch and dinner on Sunday and plan to visit areas that will definately be open (such as the Colosseum which is open every day from 9:00 a.m.).

Another website you might want to check out for useful information is http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/rome/home.html. Have a great trip.

We were in Rome two weeks ago on a Sunday. Many, many shops were open.