What to Pack for Italy

Clothing

• Lightweight tops (breathable for warm cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan)
• T-shirts or blouses (easy to layer for church visits and evenings)
• 2–3 pairs of pants or skirts (comfortable for walking and dining)
• One nicer outfit (for restaurants, theaters, or upscale evenings)
• Light sweater or cardigan (air-conditioned trains and cooler nights)
• Packable rain jacket (spring and fall showers)
• Underwear and socks for the full trip
• Sleepwear
• Scarf or shawl (useful for modesty in churches)
• Swimsuit (for coastal areas, lakes, or hotel pools)
• Sun hat or cap (strong summer sun)

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones and long sightseeing days)
• Sandals with support (summer travel and casual wear)
• Dressier shoes (for evenings or nicer restaurants)
• Socks for all closed shoes
• Waterproof shoes or travel boots (if traveling in rainy seasons)

Toiletries & Health

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (Italian sun can be intense)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Travel-size toiletries
• Prescription medications in original packaging
• Basic pain relievers and band-aids
• Motion sickness pills (for trains, ferries, or winding roads)
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues or pocket packs (not always provided in public restrooms)
• Insect repellent (helpful in summer and near water)
• Personal hygiene items
• Reusable water bottle (for city walking and refilling)

Electronics & Gear

• Smartphone
• Phone charger and cable
• Power bank (long sightseeing days)
• Universal travel adapter for Italy (Type C, F, and L plugs)
• Camera or action camera (if desired)
• Earbuds or headphones
• Portable e-reader or tablet
• Travel alarm or watch
• Small daypack or crossbody bag (for daily outings)
• Zip pouches or packing cubes (to stay organized)
• Plug-compatible dual-voltage hair tools (Italy uses 230V)

Documents & Money

• Passport (valid for required duration)
• Copies of passport and travel insurance
• Visa or ETIAS documentation if applicable
• Flight/train confirmations
• Hotel reservations
• Travel insurance details
• Credit and debit cards
• Some euros in cash (for small cafés, markets, and taxis)
• Wallet with RFID protection (optional)
• Emergency contact list
• Driver’s license and International Driving Permit (if renting a car)

Italy-Specific Essentials

• Modest clothing for churches and basilicas (shoulders and knees covered in some sites)
• City-specific transit cards or app access (e.g., Rome, Milan, Venice)
• Plug adapter for Type L sockets plus Type C/F compatibility (common in Italy)
• SIM card or eSIM plan with Italy coverage (for navigation and translations)
• Reusable tote bag (many shops charge for bags)
• Compact umbrella (handy for sudden rain and sun)
• Anti-theft bag or crossbody with secure zippers (crowded tourist areas)
• Train ticket app access and offline tickets (for Trenitalia/Italo travel)
• Small amount of change (for public toilets and tips)
• Light scarf for basilicas and cooler evenings