When Shops & Stores Are Closed in Europe (What Tourists Should Know)

Published Friday, September 22nd 2023 - Updated Monday, September 22nd 2025
Categories
Helpful Tips & Information

Sundays (year-round, most of Europe)

  • Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France:
    Almost all shops (including grocery stores) are closed on Sundays by law, except for restaurants, cafés, and small tourist shops in train stations or airports.

  • The Netherlands, Belgium:
    Some shops may open Sunday afternoons, especially in larger cities (Amsterdam, Brussels).

  • Exceptions: tourist zones (Paris Champs-Élysées, Vienna Old Town) and Christmas market stalls.

Client Tip: Use Sundays for museums, scenic cruising, excursions, or dining.

Public Holidays (National & Religious)

  • Easter Sunday & Monday
    – Major closures across most of Europe. Easter markets usually close before Easter Sunday.

  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day (Dec 24–25)
    – Shops close early on Dec 24 and remain closed Dec 25. In Germany/Austria, also Dec 26 (St. Stephen’s Day).

  • New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
    – Shops, banks, and many attractions closed.

  • May 1 (Labour Day/May Day)
    – Major holiday in most countries; shops closed, demonstrations/parades common.

  • Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi
    – Varying May/June dates; observed in Catholic regions (Rhine, Danube, Rhône). Expect closures in small towns.

  • All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
    – Shops closed in Catholic regions (France, Germany, Austria).

Seasonal Closures

  • August (esp. France & Italy):
    Many smaller family-run shops/cafés close for several weeks for vacation, especially outside big cities.

  • Harvest Season (Sept–Oct):
    In wine villages along the Mosel, Rhine, Wachau, and Douro, some wineries may close tasting rooms during peak harvest days (they’re literally in the vineyards).

What else?

  • “Avoid Sunday Surprises”: Plan shopping for Saturdays or weekdays; save Sundays for sightseeing or onboard activities.

  • “Holidays = Festivals”: While shops close, public squares often come alive with parades, processions, and local events (great photography + cultural experience).

  • “Think Local”: In tourist-heavy areas, souvenir shops and restaurants usually remain open even when the rest of town is closed.