Essential Italy Packing List: How to Pack Smart for Your Trip

Packing for a week in Italy involves balancing versatility, style, and practicality. This Italy packing list is perfect for my 7 day Italy itinerary, but it can be customized depending on the month you’re visiting and how many days you plan to stay. This pack list for Italy is perfect if you plan to move between cities and engage in various activities or stay in one general area.

As I mention in my essential tips for Italy, I highly recommend avoiding a checked bag if possible, even if it’s included in your airfare. Cobblestones and heavy suitcases are not a match made in heaven, and moving between train stations will be much more challenging if you’re lugging around a 50 lb bag.

These packing cubes can be game-changing and make your life a lot easier. Alternatively, the classic roll method is my favorite for maximizing carry-on space and avoiding checked baggage.

Here’s a suggested packing list for Italy, including clothing items for a week-long trip:

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Italy Packing List

Clothing

Tops: 5-6
Include a mix of t-shirts, blouses, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts. I highly recommend bringing solid-colored pieces that you can mix and match to create several different looks. Consider packing 1 dressier top or an extra dress if you’re visiting during the warm summer months.

Bottoms: 3-5
Pack 1-2 pairs of pants or jeans.
Include 1-2 pairs of shorts or skirts if traveling in warm weather.
Consider packing a pair of dressier pants or a skirt for formal occasions.
Wear leggings or joggers on the plane, but in general, athleisure isn’t commonly worn by Italians so I wouldn’t build my wardrobe around that if I wasn’t trying to stand out.

Dresses: 1-2
Choose versatile options that can be dressed up or down. Solid colors are preferable, as they won’t go out of style as quickly as patterned dresses.
Bring 1-2 sundresses for warmer weather. If you’re traveling in shoulder months, check the forecast and adjust as needed.

Outerwear: 1-2
Pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, even if you’re traveling in the summer.

Include a rain jacket if you’re traveling between November and April; otherwise, you can probably get by without one.

Swimwear: 1
Essential if you’re visiting coastal areas like Amalfi or Cinque Terre or swimming pools. I didn’t need one in May as the sea during our 2 days Cinque Terre was too cold, but from June to October, you’ll likely want at least one.

Sleepwear: 1
Choose something comfortable and suitable for varying temperatures. Many hotels in Italy do not have AC, so leave thick fabrics at home if you want a good night’s sleep.

Undergarments: 7-10
Enough for each day of the week plus a few extras.

Socks: 7-10 pairs
Make sure to bring a pair of compression socks. They help prevent swelling and improve circulation on long transatlantic flights. If you’re on birth control, flying for extended periods can increase your risk of blood clots, and compression socks can help reduce that risk by improving circulation.*
*Basic Economy B is many things and doctor is not one of them. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about long periods of travel.

Footwear

Comfortable Walking Shoes: 1-2 pairs
When I say comfortable, I mean comfortable. I know Italians don’t typically wear athleisure, but if you’re sightseeing, you’ll need good shoes. I have logged lots of miles in Europe and love these Chacos for Italy because they’re affordable, relatively compact, and stylish. They also double up nicely for beach shoes, so you won’t need flip-flops.

Dress Shoes or Sandals: 1 pair
Bring lightweight sandals that don’t take up much space. If you prefer heels, pack something chunky. Thin kitten heels won’t be practical on the ancient cobblestone streets of charming Cortona.

Accessories

Scarf/Shawl: 1
Useful for cooler evenings or visiting religious sites where modesty is required, like if you’re following my 2 days in Rome guide. This can replace the light sweater if you’re visiting in the summer. I swear by mine, you can find it here.

Sunglasses: 1 pair
You don’t want to spend your entire tour of the Colosseum squinting. Trust me.

Crossbody Bag: 1
If you’re going to be in Rome, Florence, Venice, or Milan, a crossbody bag will help secure your belongings against pickpockets and is excellent for everyday use. This one is my go-to.

Toiletries

Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the Mediterranean sun all months of the year, especially your face. Many sunscreens irritate my skin or are inconvenient to pack, but this one solves both problems and helps prevent premature aging.

Travel-Size Shampoo and Conditioner: Pack small bottles to comply with airline regulations, as some hotels don’t always provide them.

Deodorant: Bring a travel-sized option if you’re sticking to a carry-on.

Makeup and Makeup Remover: Pack only what you need if you wear makeup.

Hairbrush/Comb

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Health and Safety

Medications: Bring any prescription medications and a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and allergy medicine, especially if you’re planning on hiking or spending time in nature. Build your own or buy one.

Hand Sanitizer: Handy for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.

Travel Insurance: This one is virtual, so nothing to physically pack thank goodness, but make sure you have it! I used to skip travel insurance due to budget constraints, but once I realized I was essentially without health insurance abroad, I started purchasing it. My favorite is travelinsurance.com, as it allows you to compare different options and prices, kind of like a booking.com or Trip Advisor.

Luggage Lock: If you plan to check into your accommodations early or leave your bags after check-out, having a luggage lock can help keep your belongings secure. This is the one I’ve use for the past 10 years without issue.

Documents

Passport: Check the expiration date in advance to ensure it doesn’t expire within the next 6 months.

Driver’s License: If you plan to rent a car.

Credit/Debit Cards: Most banks don’t need a heads-up for international travel in this day and age (Capital One never has cared where in the world this Basic Economy B is), but smaller banks might.

Phrasebook: don’t forget to an Italian phrasebook handy to be able to at least communicate some basic phrases. Get my 1 page digital phrasebook that you can screenshot and have handy here.

Technology

Phone: Obviously don’t forget this.

Chargers: For all your electronic devices, including a portable power bank for longer travel days.

Travel Adapter: Italy uses type C, F, and L plugs, so bring an adapter for your devices. I like this one as it’s compact but has enough ports for a whole family so you don’t need to bring a second.

I promise, it’s possible to fit this entire packing list for Italy in a carry-on and backpack. Investing in an affordable but good carry-on like this one will serve you well for years to come.

As a side note: Carry-on luggage makes an excellent gift for 18-22 year olds. I received a checked bag for my 18th birthday and a carry-on for Christmas on my 20th birthday.

By following this Italy packing list, you’ll have a well-rounded wardrobe that accommodates a variety of activities and weather conditions. Don’t forget to mix and match to create different outfits and make the most of your suitcase space!

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More Italy from Basic Economy B:

• Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary for Cinque Terre – The Best of Italy
• Essential Italy Packing List: How to Pack Smart for Your Trip
• 45 Essential Travel Tips for Italy That You Need to Know
• Is Pisa Worth It? What You Need to Know for Your Italy Trip
• Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy