What Should You Pack for Italy?
Italy’s weather can vary by region and season, so layering is key! In spring, bring light sweaters and a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Summers can get hot, especially in cities like Rome and Florence, so breathable clothing and sun protection are essential. In fall, pack layers for warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Winters in northern Italy can be chilly, so a warm coat and scarf will come in handy.
Make sure you’re prepared for: Visiting Rome’s Colosseum, exploring Florence’s art galleries, seeing the canals of Venice, relaxing on the Amalfi Coast, and wine tasting in Tuscany.
Dress Code
Italians are known for their fashion sense, so pack stylish but comfortable clothing. In cities like Milan, you’ll want to dress up a bit more, especially for dining or cultural events. For beach destinations like the Amalfi Coast, casual resort wear is perfect. In religious sites such as the Vatican, modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required.
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Spring
50 – 70°F
(10 – 21°C
)
Summer
70 – 90°F
(21 – 32°C
)
Fall
55 – 75°F
(13 – 24°C
)
Winter
35 – 55°F
(2 – 13°C
)
Spring: Mild and pleasant, with occasional rain
Summer: Hot and sunny
Fall: Warm in early fall, cooler with rain later
Winter: Chilly with some rain, snow in northern areas
Spring
2.5 inches of rain
Summer
1.6 inches of rain
Fall
3.1 inches of rain
Winter
2.8 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for sightseeing in the warm Italian sun—I loved having these for days spent in Venice!
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Ideal for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the spring.
3. Sweaters: Great for layering during the transitional seasons.
4. Casual Jacket: A must for breezy evenings in cities like Florence.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Perfect for city exploring, especially in cooler weather—I really liked wearing these in Rome!
2. Leggings: Great for layering and comfortable travel days.
3. Shorts: Best for summer months, especially in coastal areas like Amalfi.
4. Dresses: Ideal for evenings out, with a light jacket if it gets cool.
5. Skirt: A stylish option for warm days in Florence’s art galleries.
6. Jumpsuit: Great for casual yet chic day trips around cities like Milan!
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for city tours—I always bring these when walking around Rome.
2. Flats: Perfect for evenings out in cities like Milan.
3. Swimsuit: A must for beach days in Amalfi or Sardinia.
4. Sandals: Great for summer, especially along the coastal areas.
5. Sunglasses: A must for sunny days in Venice and Tuscany!
6. Hat: Keep cool under the sun while strolling through Rome’s historic sites.
6. Scarf: Stylish and practical for cooler days.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for navigating Italy’s cobblestone streets and trains.
2. Daypack: Perfect for carrying your essentials while exploring places like the Vatican or Florence’s museums.
3. Purse: Stylish and practical for evenings out in Italy’s fashionable cities.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Dress smart: Italians tend to dress well, so pack smart-casual clothing.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially on cobblestone streets, so bring comfortable shoes!
- Layering: The weather can change throughout the day, especially in the spring and fall, so be prepared with layers.
Italy Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ITALY?
May and September are the best months to visit Italy. May’s weather is mild and pleasant, while September’s also great because the summer crowds have thinned, and temperatures are still warm for outdoor sightseeing. Both months are ideal for exploring cities, beaches, and vineyards.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN ITALY?
Venice Carnival (February): A massive tourist attraction with elaborate masks and parades, perfect for couples and families.
Rome’s Natale di Roma (April): A celebration of Rome’s founding with historical reenactments and parades, great for history buffs.
Siena Palio (July & August): A thrilling horse race in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, excellent for solo travelers or families looking for a cultural experience.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN ITALY?
Italy offers endless highlights. Visit Rome for ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Vatican City, and Florence for Renaissance art in the Uffizi Gallery. One of my favorite spots is Cinque Terre, with its breathtaking coastal views and charming villages. For something more relaxing, head to the Amalfi Coast for scenic drives and beach days. Don’t forget to explore Venice’s canals and Milan’s fashion district!
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT ITALY?
Ideally, you’ll want at least 10-14 days to explore Italy’s major cities and coastal regions. A shorter trip of 5-7 days can cover a few highlights.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning, followed by a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. On day two, head to Florence to see the Uffizi Gallery and the iconic Duomo.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, visit Venice to tour St. Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a gondola ride. Spend day four in the Tuscan countryside, visiting vineyards and charming towns like Siena. On day five, explore the historic streets of Milan and visit the famous Duomo.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: Spend day six relaxing on the Amalfi Coast, visiting towns like Positano and Amalfi. On day seven, take a day trip to Pompeii to explore the ruins of this ancient city.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: Spend day eight touring Cinque Terre, hiking between the colorful villages. On day nine, visit Lake Como for beautiful lake views and charming towns. On day ten, head to Bologna for a taste of the region’s world-famous cuisine.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, visit the island of Capri and enjoy its stunning views. Spend day twelve exploring Naples and tasting its iconic pizza. On days thirteen and fourteen, take a trip to Sicily to visit historic sites and enjoy the island’s beaches.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN ITALY?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 4 Dresses
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR ITALY?
High heels: Cobblestone streets make walking difficult in high heels.
Heavy winter coat: Even in winter, Italy’s weather is mild, so a heavy coat isn’t necessary unless you’re visiting the Alps.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO ITALY ?
Airfare: $600-$1,200 depending on the season and departure city.
Accommodation: $100-$300 per night depending on the city and season.
Transportation: $30-$100 for trains and public transit.
Meals: $40-$100 per day depending on whether you dine in casual trattorias or high-end restaurants.
Activities: $50-$150 per day for tours, museum entries, and experiences.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN ITALY? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is not common in Italy. Service is usually included in the bill at restaurants, but it’s appreciated to leave 5-10% if the service was excellent. For hotel services like porters, tipping €1-2 per bag is typical.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ITALY BEFORE I VISIT?
- Avoid tourist traps: Research restaurants and shops to avoid overpriced areas.
- Public transport: Use trains to travel between cities; they’re efficient and affordable.
- Siesta time: Many shops close in the afternoon, so plan accordingly.