There is a trend towards more flexible opening
hours. Most shops and businesses in Italy open
from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until
1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, in the south
the day can begin and end an hour later. In
the north some businesses work 9am-5pm . Traditionally,
everything except bars and restaurants closes
on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria
open in the mornings, while in large cities
and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming
more common.
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am
to 1 or 1:30pm and 2 or 2:30 to 4pm, and are
closed all day Saturday, Sunday, and national
holidays.
