What Every Tourist Needs To Know About Italy's Afternoon Breaks

Italy is a magnificent country that combines culture, history, and incredible landscapes all at once. No wonder it is a popular tourist destination! But if you're thinking of visiting this beautiful country, there are a few things you need to get familiar with first, one of which is the leisurely pace that Italians adopt as a way of life. This cultural aspect is evident in their beloved tradition of the pausa pranzo, which is their midday lunch break. 

As a tourist, you need to expect that many shops in Italy take a break for three hours, from noon until 3 p.m. or from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., to honor the sacred tradition with their love for food and family time. Local shops and stores do not operate within these hours; instead, shop owners go home to have a long lunch with their families or meet their friends. Understanding this common Italian cultural practice will give you a glimpse into the Italian lifestyle, as well as help you plan your day better to prevent disappointment. 

This long-lasting Italian cultural tradition is quite common, especially in smaller towns, where locals take a break in the early afternoon to enjoy a proper meal, spend time with their loved ones, and get some rest. When visiting Italy, you should know that during these hours, many shops, boutiques, and small businesses, especially those in small cities run by families, will close during lunch. While some chains might remain open in larger cities, pausa pranzo is popular among all establishments in smaller towns. 

During this time, restaurants are usually packed, so if you're planning to have lunch, be sure to book in advance or go early. This midday break is a significant cultural aspect of Italians, reflecting their outlook on life, their dedication to maintaining a work-life balance, and their insistence on prioritizing rest and family time. Keep in mind that in larger cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, tourist-focused businesses or larger stores may remain open to accommodate visitors. 

It's best to plan your day around the common midday break and schedule activities for the morning or late afternoon. By getting an early start and visiting museums or tourist attractions in the morning, you'll have enough time to finish before they close for Pausa Pranzo. As a tourist, it's common to be all over the place, rushing from one place to another with a packed itinerary, but using this midday break is a way to relax, take in the local tradition, and either take a long lunch or stroll through the streets of the city admiring its people and architecture.

Don't miss the opportunity to embrace the tradition like a true local with a multi-course Italian meal. Remember that meals in Italy take longer than usual, and as it is packed with people, service will be slow, so don't get frustrated. This is just part of the Italian culture and way of life, and respecting it is key, especially during the pausa pranzo. But most importantly, if you're planning to shop, check the operating hours of shops and attractions in advance to avoid any hiccups, disappointments, or frustration.

Another important tip to consider is that many shops are closed on Sundays and may start later in the day on Mondays. Some of the things that might stay open are churches, landmarks, and open spaces. Remember, there will always be a park or piazza where you can grab an espresso or gelato and enjoy people-watching. Just remember to enjoy the day. After all, you're in Italy!