Italy Packing List (30 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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I’ve traveled to many of the best destinations in Italy, and have spent good chunks of time in the country over the years. I absolutely love Italy, but each time I go, I’m reminded how important it is to pack appropriately. 

I’m here to give you my best advice on what travel essentials to bring, clothing to pack, and what to leave at home. Plus, I offer some helpful travel tips you won’t want to miss. 

Travel Essentials for Italy

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here

Water Bottle

A water bottle is a must on any list of travel essentials, and Italy is no exception. All the walking you’ll be doing will leave you parched and unlike in America, water is not free in Europe. 

Back in 2022, my friend gifted me this Dopper water bottle. Ever since, it’s been my go-to bottle for all my travels. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and fits into my crossbody purses and daypacks alike. 

Plus, it’s got a unique design that makes it possible to unscrew the bottle and have an extra cup handy. Super useful if you need to share with a friend. The bottles are BPA, phthalate, and lead-free. If you’re worried about insulation, Dopper offers an insulated version as well. 

Coin Purse

If you’re in the major cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, you shouldn’t have any issues using your credit card. However, many smaller cafes and shops (especially in more rural areas) will only accept cash. Plus, carrying some euros just makes it easier to pay for an espresso or shop at a local market. 

This leather coin purse with a key chain is perfect for keeping your coins in one place. It comes in several colors and has a zipper to keep everything secure. The key chain will make it easier to loop onto the key leash inside your bag. 

Adapter

Every traveler needs an adapter, and this EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter is the one I personally use. I’ve taken it to a handful of countries and have had it for 3+ years and it still works great. 

The adapter itself is small and can charge up to six devices at once. It has USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as an AC socket. It’s pretty much the only adapter you’ll need since it works in more than 200 countries. 

Portable Charger

The last thing you want is for your phone to die while you’re out exploring. We need our devices for directions, photos, safety, and more. A portable charger is a must. 

My mom gifted this myCharge Portable Charger to me a couple years ago and it’s hands down the best portable charger I’ve used. You won’t have to keep track of any additional cords since it includes iPhone and USB-C cords, and you can charge the power bank directly into the wall. It has a USB port, too.

I also love that it charges devices quickly, and you can charge multiple devices at once. 

Soap Leaves

Whenever I go to Italy, I commonly find public bathrooms out of basic essentials like soap. Hand sanitizer is an easy fix when you’re on the go, but I still prefer to actually wash my hands. That’s where soap leaves come in handy. 

This pack of HongyiTime Hand Washing Soap Sheets comes with two boxes of 100 soap leaves each. The box is teeny tiny so you can easily fit it in your purse or daypack. Boom, you’ll always have clean hands. 

Toilet Paper

I know what you’re thinking: “This isn’t the Stone Age, why would I need to bring toilet paper to ITALY?” Hear me out. Yes, of course there’s toilet paper in Italy. 

Your hotel will have it. And all the nice museums, restaurants, and attractions will have it, too. But train bathrooms? And random cafes? Think again. I don’t know what it is, but every time I’m in Italy, it always seems like people forget to restock the bathrooms. 

Don’t find yourself in a precarious situation. Carry some extra tissues or TP like this Coghlan’s Packable Camp Toilet Tissue in your bag. Just trust me. 

Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag is essential in Italy. The truth of the matter is that pickpocketing is a common crime against tourists and you’ll want to keep yourself and your things safe by having a bag that sits across you. I’ve never been pickpocketed in all my visits to Italy, but I always carry a crossbody and hold it securely in front of me. 

I love my BAGGU medium crescent bag. It’s my go-to purse at home and while I’m traveling. The crescent design and wide strap make it comfortable to wear. You can fit a lot in this bag as well. I’ve been able to easily fit extras like a water bottle or thin sweater, alongside all my normal purse items. 

Plus, I find that less structured bags like this one work better for me when traveling. 

Day Pack

Due to Italy’s extensive train system and size, hopping to a nearby town or city for a day trip is easy. Enjoy these day trips to the fullest by having a day pack. 

This way, you can carry everything you need for a long day out, like a water bottle, snacks, sweater, camera, and other essentials. The Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack is a Travel Lemming favorite for its comfortability, sturdiness, and smart design. 

Lactose Intolerant Tablets

Being lactose intolerant isn’t fun. But naturally, lactose intolerant people are always the ones who like dairy the most (I don’t make the rules). Italy, however, is home to a lot of dairy products. Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, ricotta, burrata… and of course, gelato. Should I go on?

Prevent discomfort and enjoy Italy to the fullest by bringing along some Lactaid caplets to accompany all your dairy-eating adventures. Just pop a capsule right before you eat some dairy, and it should help minimize the negative effects. 

First Aid Kit

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so pack a first aid kit. Whether it’s a blister from walking, a scrape from adventuring a little too hard, or something else, you’ll be glad you packed prepared. 

I like this Mini First Aid Kit because it’s compact and comes with everything you need for minor injuries like bandaids, burn cream, antiseptic wipes, and more. 

Medicine Kit

Nobody likes getting sick on vacation, but sometimes, it happens. Save yourself the headache (no pun intended) of having to track down a pharmacy and ask for medicine in another language by keeping basic medications handy. 

This Travel Essentials Medicine Variety Pack covers all the basics. It has individual packets of things like Advil, Pepto-Bismol, antacids, sinus decongestants, and more. 

Quick-Drying Towel

Italy is home to world-renowned beaches (hello, Amalfi Coast) and picture perfect lakes (Lake Como, anyone?). Enjoy water activities to the fullest by packing a quick-drying towel. 

I love this Rainleaf Microfiber Towel because it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space in a day bag or tote. And of course, it’s quick-drying, super absorbent, and comes in a bunch of colors. 

Umbrella

Rain is inevitable when you travel, but Italy can be extra rainy during the spring and fall. Packing an umbrella is essential for staying dry (and avoiding catching a cold). The SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella is sturdy yet small with plenty of great reviews. It also comes in a variety of colors. 

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are no longer a traveler’s secret, but that’s a good thing. Because seriously — everyone should be using them! Packing cubes help you maximize space while keeping your clothes and accessories organized.

The Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes make the perfect set because the cubes are compressible and durable, and come in different sizes. You’ll have everything you need to pack smart. 

Travel Journal

Italy is the perfect place to let inspiration strike. Whether you’re big into travel journaling or totally new to it, writing in a notebook is a great way to reflect and create a keepsake of memories in your own words.

The Moleskine Classic Notebook is exactly what it sounds like — classic. These notebooks are high-quality and thin, perfect for throwing in your purse or daypack and journaling at cafes. I also like that it has an elastic strap to keep everything secure and an inside pocket for storing paper treasures. 

RFID-Protected Wallet

I’ve experienced some fraudulent charges while traveling in Italy before. And whether they came from bad ATMs (you should always use ATMs inside banks!), someone swiping my bag with an RFID reader, or something else, I’m extra cautious about this now. 

I like using a thin, RFID-blocking leather wallet. This one is super small and has eight slots to fit whatever IDs or cards you need. And the color choices are great. I also love a small wallet like this because it won’t take up too much space in your bag. Or, you can discreetly put it in a pocket or money belt. There’s no need to carry something bulky around.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Chances are, you’ll be taking a long haul flight to get to Italy as well as some trains for getting around. Stay entertained with noise-canceling headphones. Not only will you have better sound quality when listening to music, but you’ll be able to block out annoying noises from planes and trains. 

These Sony noise-canceling headphones are high quality with a long battery life (up to 30 hours!) and are comfortable to wear. The ear pieces can also be folded in to make the headphones smaller and easier to pack. 

Reusable Bag

Italy, like many European countries, charges a small fee for plastic bags at stores. Save a few cents and be a more eco-conscious traveler by simply carrying a packable reusable bag with you. You’re pretty likely to do some shopping while you’re out and about, anyway. 

I love my BAGGU reusable bags. They fold up really thin, barely taking up space, and they hold SO much. Plus, they’re made from recycled materials and come in plenty of cute designs. 

Checklist of Other Italy Essentials to Pack

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Toiletries 
• Razor 
• Personal medications
• Hand sanitizer
• Laptop
• Kindle 
• Device chargers
• Charger organizer 
• Eye mask 
• Ear plugs 
• Sunglasses
• Travel locks 
• Camera 
• Laundry bag 

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Italy

Italy has a reputation for fashion, so you’ll want to put a little thought into what you pack! A classy, capsule wardrobe is a good idea, but you’ll want to consider weather, activities, and cultural customs, too. 

Read on to know what specific clothing items to bring. 

Scarf

When I first visited Italy at age 14, I was told I couldn’t enter a church in Milan because my knees were exposed. Thankfully, my mom had a scarf and I was able to tie it around my waist. If she hadn’t had the scarf, I would’ve missed out on the beautiful architecture of Milan’s Cathedral. 

Don’t make a similar mistake, and pack a scarf like this maamgic Women’s Scarf. It comes in a ton of colors to suit everyone’s style, and is ideal for staying warm in the cooler months. You could also pick up a cashmere scarf at a local market once you arrive in Italy, which can make for a special keepsake!

Versatile Jacket

Depending on what season you visit or activities you plan on doing in Italy, there’s a decent chance you could need a lightweight jacket. 

This Amazon Essentials Women’s Puffer Jacket is good for transition seasons like spring or fall, but also for outdoor activities like hiking in the Dolomites or climbing Mt. Etna. 

Comfortable Sneakers

If you’re anything like me, then finding the perfect travel shoe can be difficult. You want something comfortable, durable, and versatile, but also stylish. This is especially true in Italy, where you’ll be doing A LOT of walking (including on cobblestone streets). 

Enter the Salomon Trail Runners. I bought the XT-6 style for my last trip to Italy and I couldn’t have asked for a better shoe. Although pricey, I think they’re worth the investment. 

These trail runners have great tread, are super comfortable, and the quicklace feature makes them SO easy to slip on and off at the airport. They’re the perfect travel shoe whether you’re hiking or exploring cities. 

Swimsuit

No matter when you visit Italy, it’s a good idea to bring a swimsuit along. This is because aside from the beaches and lakes you’ll swim in during the summer, Italy is also home to hot springs, which can be enjoyed year round. 

This women’s one piece and this pair of swim trunks for men are great, classic choices. Both have good reviews and come in several color and pattern options. 

Swimsuit Cover-Up

In addition to bringing a swimsuit, you’ll want to pack a swimsuit cover-up, too. Italy isn’t the place to be traipsing around in only a swimsuit if you aren’t at the beach, lake, or hot spring. 

I like this CUPSHE Swimsuit Coverup because it’s 100% cotton, making it breathable and comfortable. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and the simple design makes it easy to style if you want to wear it as a normal dress. 

Flip Flops

In my opinion, a pair of flip flops is a must for travel. They’re thin, lightweight, easy to pack, and they always come in handy. The obvious use is to wear them for pool or beach days. But if you’re staying in a hostel or a hotel, they can double as shower shoes or slippers. 

The Havaianas flip flops for men and women are durable, light, waterproof, and come in a bunch of colors. 

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Italy

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Italy? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Italy: 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts or trousers 
• 2-3 sundresses
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 sunhat 
• 1 pair of jeans
• 4-6 shirts
• 1-2 dressier tops
• 1 cardigan
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 bras
• 1 sports bra  
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• 1-2 pairs of pajamas 

Seasonal Items to Pack for Italy

Summer is the high season in Italy, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time worth visiting. Spring and fall can be lovely, and winter offers things like skiing, holiday markets, and enjoying cities with fewer crowds. 

Generally, you should pack for whenever you’re visiting, but here are additional recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Italy:

Sunscreen

Summer in Italy can be HOT. Seriously, I remember one time when the pavement was so hot in Milan that the chair legs at a restaurant sunk into the concrete and left imprints. No joke. 

With that in mind, you’ll want to protect your skin. Sun Bum Sunscreen has been my go-to for years. It comes in a variety of SPFs and is oil-free and water-resistant. Plus, it doesn’t leave white streaks across your skin. 

Lightweight Clothing

Linen sets just scream Mediterranean style to me. But they’re actually super practical, too. As I’ve previously alluded, summer in Italy can be HOT. Lightweight, linen clothes are the perfect way to stay cool, prevent some sunburn, and explore comfortably.

The ANRABESS Women’s 2 Piece Linen Set is made of a linen blend and comes in plenty of colors. This set is also convenient for visiting churches, because you can simply throw a scarf over your shoulders. Meanwhile, this COOFANDY Men 2 Piece Linen Outfit is a good choice for men. 

Fan

As beautiful as Italy is in the summertime, it really does get hot. And air conditioning just isn’t Italy’s vibe. For Americans who are used to blasting the AC, this can be rough. 

Prevent yourself from overheating by carrying this JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan. It’s small, easy to keep in your bag, and provides up to 19 hours of cooling time. It even has a flashlight and backup power bank in case you need it for another device. 

Waterproof Phone Pouch

The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre, Sardinia… I could go on. There are just so many beautiful coastlines and bodies of water to enjoy in Italy. 

With a waterproof phone pouch, you’ll be able to snap all the photos you want without worrying about water damage. Plus, the waterproof case comes with an attached lanyard to wrap around your neck, so you won’t have to stress about dropping it in the water either. 

Puffer Coat

Exploring Italy isn’t the same as exploring the U.S., where you can just hop in the car to get from point A to point B. Italy requires a lot of walking and spending time outside (which is ultimately good for us, but that’s another topic). 

The point is, if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll need good outerwear so you can comfortably explore and get around. Eddie Bauer is a trusted brand that I’ve used for years, and they’ve got tons of warm, high-quality puffer coats for men and women. 

Hand Warmers

Anytime you’re traveling in winter, hand warmers are a good idea. Especially if your Italy itinerary includes long days of wandering around cities or skiing in the Alps. 

The HotHands Hand Warmers are popular for a reason. The packs are super thin and the heat lasts for up to 18 hours. 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Italy

So what seasonal items should you pack for Italy? Here is a quick checklist for Italy: 

• Hat (sunhat or baseball cap)
• Leave-in conditioner (for beach days)
• Insect repellent 
• Outdoor sandals 
• Beach bag 
• Wool socks
• Waterproof boots
• Ski helmet 
• Thermal wear
• Gloves 
• Beanie
• Ski gear 

Italy Packing Tips

Cover up when visiting churches

You’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees at most churches around Italy. This is why I recommend bringing or buying a scarf. 

I know it can feel like a hassle to carry an extra layer, especially if you’re visiting in the summertime, but it’s the respectful thing to do. So, abide by the rules. Plus, you’ll regret missing out on some of the beautiful architecture that exists just because you weren’t prepared. 

Keep your bag in front of you

Pickpocketing is a common crime in touristy cities in Italy. I don’t say this to scare you. In fact, I’ve never experienced pickpocketing in all the times I’ve traveled to Italy. But, I know people it’s happened to, and it’s something to be aware of. 

The simplest way to stay proactive is to carry a crossbody bag and make sure it’s always in front of you. For extra peace of mind, consider a bag like this slash-proof anti-theft bag by Travelon.

Bring tissues and hand sanitizer to the bathroom 

For whatever reason, bathrooms in Italy seem to always be lacking when it comes to toilet paper and soap. If you’re at a popular museum or nicer restaurant or cafe, this likely won’t be an issue. 

But at more basic cafes and attractions, the supplies can be missing. Bring along some extra toilet paper or tissues in your bag, alongside hand sanitizer or soap leaves. 

Wear layers

Layers are the name of the game when it comes to travel, and Italy is no exception. Although the country largely experiences all four seasons, the climate can vary a lot by place. Packing layers is a good way to ensure you’re prepared for temperature fluctuations and different destinations across Italy. 

Bring your water bottle with you

Not to generalize, but it feels like Europeans just don’t drink the same amount of water Americans seem to glug down. Chances are, you’ll be thirsty. Plus, you’ll be doing so much walking! 

Bring a water bottle with you everyday. It’s important to hydrate, and quite frankly, you’ll just want it. 

Leave extra room in your suitcase… trust me

It’s no surprise that Italy is a great place to shop. With that in mind, save yourself some stress at the end of your trip by leaving space open in your suitcase. It’s easy to want to bring your best, cutest outfits to Italy, but I promise you: you’re going to want to shop (unless you have crazy self-control… which I commend you for), so pack smart. 

Some of the things you’ll want to shop for are leather bags, leather jackets, scarves, and linen clothing (amongst all the other trinkets and treasures). 

Leave the high heels at home

Despite what you might have in mind about Italian fashion, you won’t find many locals wearing high heels. This is because many Italian towns and cities have cobblestone streets. The last thing you want is to accidentally lodge your heel in between cobblestones during a night out on the town. Plus, Italy is a place where you’ll be doing A LOT of walking. 

Do yourself and your shoes a favor by leaving the heels at home.

Expect to air dry your clothing

Dryers are not too common in Italy, similar to many other places in Europe. So, if you want to do laundry and you’re staying in a rental, there’s a good chance you’ll have to air dry everything after the wash. Just keep this and drying time in mind. 

📚 Related Reading: What to Pack for Europe

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🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here

Thanks for reading! Now you should be prepared for your trip to Italy. Read Sky’s guide to solo travel tips for Italy next, for more helpful tips.