A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What time do you open" in Italian
Ask shops and businesses their opening hours in Italy with this direct and common phrase.
A che ora aprite?
ah keh OH-rah ah-PREE-tehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you approach a shop, restaurant, or museum and want to know when they open for the day. It's perfect for a quick question as you arrive.
Alternatives
- A che ora apre?Use this if you're sure you're talking to just one person.
- Quando aprite?Slightly more informal, asking 'when' rather than 'at what hour'.
Ways to get it wrong
Aprite vs. Aprire
Remember to conjugate the verb 'aprire' (to open) to match who you're talking to; 'aprite' is for 'voi'.
Hour vs. Time
While 'ora' means 'hour', 'A che ora' is the standard way to ask 'what time'.
A small cultural note
In many smaller towns, opening hours can be quite variable, especially around lunchtime. It's always a good idea to check if possible.
Frequently asked
what time do shops open in italy
Shops typically open between 8:30 and 10:00 AM. Many close for a lunch break and reopen in the afternoon.
how to ask for opening times in italian
The most common way is 'A che ora aprite?' (What time do you open?). You can also ask 'Quando aprite?' (When do you open?).
italian for what time does it open
If you're asking about a single place or person, use 'A che ora apre?'. For multiple people or a general address, 'A che ora aprite?' is best.
