I've heard that restaurants and shops will be closed in August in northern Italy. We are spending the first week in Bologna -should we be worried?

Hi tamwill, I have never been in Bologna in August. But thinking about it in that Bologna is quite an "university city" and in that all the students from the various university will be on school vacation I could imagine that a lot of places could be closed. Bologna is not a city that has a slew of tourist like Rome, Florence and Venice where even though some places are closed there are still many opened.

Have you made your hotel reservation? If so you could contact the hotel as they could no doubt advise you. And hopefully there will be Fodorites that have been in Bologna the first part of August that can share their experience with you. Also, go to Google for information about a Visitors center for Bologna.

Wish I could be of more help. Best wishes.

Oh, no !
Ghost town Bologna in the first week of August it will be not but . . . very hot yes.
Nice the late evening to walk in its historical center and several good restaurants are open.
Have you a car ?
If you have a car, it is very nice to dine on the hills surrounding Bologna: good foos, good wine and a/c provided from the nature !

Have a lovely trip, ciao.

Vincenzo

Hello Vincenzo, I was hoping you would see this thread and consequently be able to advise tamwill about Bologna.

Tamwill, per Vincenzo's advice you will be fine being in Bologna. So you have no worries. Enjoy your time in that most wonderful and beautiful city. I love it very much and I am sure you will also.

Thanks to both of you - yes hot we are expecting but we feared restaurants and shops would be closed. We do have a car and would welcome any restaurant suggestions. We are excited about spending the week. We will be visiting the lamborghini musuem (two teenage boys) as well so a b&b suggestion in that area could be a base for day trips. Any thoughts on that?

I suggest Ferrara and its historical center the B&B D'ELITE
www.delite.it.
You will enjoy it and, obviously, you will aprreciate very much Ferrara, a very beautiful town.

Have a lovely trip, ciao.



Vincenzo