Sundays in Europe: When Shops Close and How to Plan

On Sundays a large share of shops across Europe are closed — a surprise to many travelers, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the law bans Sunday trading. If you don't plan ahead, a Sunday can greet you with an empty fridge and locked doors. This guide tells you where and when shops close and how to plan your day without a hitch.

🔒 Where Sundays close most strictly

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland — almost all shops and supermarkets close on Sunday (the Ladenschluss law)
• France — many shops are closed, though some open in tourist zones
• Poland — Sunday trading is largely banned, with only a few trading Sundays a year
• Southern Europe (Italy, Spain) — more flexible, but siestas and reduced hours are common
• The UK and Netherlands — shops open, but with reduced hours (e.g. 11:00-17:00)

🍞 What stays open on Sunday

• Shops in train stations and airports — almost always open, Sundays included
• Gas station shops — basic groceries are available
• Bakeries (Bäckerei) — many open on Sunday morning
• Restaurants, cafés and markets — usually operating
• An on-duty pharmacy — there's always one, at least per neighborhood

🛒 How to plan ahead

• Do your main shopping on Saturday — the supermarket will be closed on Sunday
• Check whether a national holiday falls on the Sunday or Monday (then Monday is closed too)
• Confirm the breakfast option at your hotel in advance
• Stock up on water and any medication on Saturday

💊 Pharmacies and emergencies

If you need medication on a Sunday, look for an "on-duty pharmacy" — in German, Notdienst-Apotheke. Every pharmacy posts on its door or window which pharmacy is on duty that day. In an emergency, the single EU number is 112.

🗓️ Mind the public holidays too

Beyond Sundays, on European public holidays (Christmas, Easter, May 1 and others) shops close just as they do on Sundays — sometimes two days in a row. Before you fly, check the dates: European Public Holidays: When Shops and Museums Close.

🧠 The bottom line

In Europe, Sunday is a day of rest — and that's no problem if you know it in advance. Buy what you need on Saturday, spend Sunday in a café or a museum, and the day passes pleasantly. For more tips on saving money on food, see Supermarkets in Europe: Save Money on Food While Traveling, and for restaurant etiquette — Eating Out in Europe: Restaurant Etiquette and How to Order.

If it's your first trip, First Time in Europe: A Complete Guide for Georgians will help. When planning your flight, compare fares on the Travel365 price calendar.