Respect the Riposo

Many travelers plan jam-packed itineraries, only to find themselves wandering ghost towns at 2:00 PM. This is due to the 'riposo', the Italian equivalent of the siesta. In smaller towns, villages, and even non-tourist neighborhoods of major cities, businesses, shops, and churches often close their doors between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Instead of fighting it, adapt your schedule to the local rhythm. Use the morning for sightseeing and shopping, enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at 1:00 PM, and then head back to your accommodation to rest or visit a major museum (which usually stay open). By 4:30 PM, the streets will come alive again, leading perfectly into the evening 'passeggiata' (traditional evening stroll) and a late dinner.