Are you planning your dream vacation to Italy? The Italy trip planning can be a bit overwhelming, especially when figuring out your Italy packing list.
Consider cobblestoned streets, train stations, stairs and lots of walking… Italy is one of those places you want to pack smart.
Trust me—hauling oversized suitcases across the country is not fun, especially if you are also managing kids.
Whether you’re sipping an Aperol Spritz off a cana in Venice, wine tastings in Tuscany, or sightseeing the ancient Roman ruins in Rome, you want to be prepared without overpacking.
This blog post does not provide a detailed list of what to wear in Italy; instead, it focuses on the most important items to include in your Italy essentials packing list.
For additional packing for Italy resources, check out
My Fall, Winter, and Summer packing list is coming soon, so stay tuned!
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Understanding the Italy Essentials for Your Packing List
Because we have been stationed in Germany, we have had the incredible privilege to travel Europe, and Italy has been one of our favorite countries.
This was our first time in Italy, and we had an incredible time. Check out our two-week Italy trip itinerary!
Since living in Europe, we have learned what essentials are truly needed and have been learning more and more how to avoid overpacking—and that takes practice.
Note: It does get harder to avoid overpacking when you’re traveling to Italy with kids. If you’re traveling to Italy with little kids, download this free travel essentials for little kids.
10 Items you need to include in your Italy essentials packing list
1. Travel Adapter
Yikes, we were surprised when our German / European adaptors did not fit into the Italian plugs. I scrambled to figure out how to plug in our sound machine for my toddler and baby!
Italian adaptors are different from those in other European countries. You can purchase them when you arrive in the country, but just understand that you will need them.
To make things easier, I suggest you purchase these adaptors and add them to your Italy essentials packing list!
Tip: Some adaptors can be used for various countries, including the USA, Germany, and Italy. I do think they are a bit bulky. We have used both the BESTEK and the VINTAR adaptors.
2. Portable Battery Charger
The portable battery charger is one of the most essential items I included on our Italy packing list. In fact, I use it for all of our travels.
While you’re in the Italy trip planning process, go ahead and order one. Between navigating, taking photos, and entertaining kids, the battery charger is an essential item you don’t want to forget.
Tip: They can be relatively inexpensive. I like chargers that are not black. The white one is easier for me to find when stuffed in a bag. And don’t forget the charging cables.
I love this portable charger; in fact, I always try to include it in our diaper bag essentials.
3. Scarf or Shaw
While determining what to pack for Italy, I am sure you’ll want to fit in with the Italian style or wear cute outfits that help you stay cool in the Summer. Another consideration for traveling to Italy during the Summer is that most places don’t have air conditioning.
An Italian summer can be hot!
The issue with dressing for the warmer months is the risk of not dressing modestly or respectfully for some religious sites.
Many sites have a strict dress code requiring shoulders and knees to be covered. If you’re not dressed modestly and respect these rules, you may be turned away.
It’s important to understand that Italy is predominantly a Catholic country. There are so many beautiful religious and holy sites you won’t want to miss, including the Vatican Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the beautiful Basilicas in Florence and Venice.
One of my top packing tips is if you are visiting Italy during Spring or Summer, make sure to include a scarf in your day bag. This way, if you’re wearing tank tops, you can easily cover up to enjoy the sights.
Wearing a scar can also be used to help protect your skin from the sun.
4. Pack a Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes
Plan for lots of walking. Truly, if you are planning a vacation to Italy, consider an Italian adventure.
Wearing comfortable shoes is easily the top most important thing you don’t want to forget to include in your Italy packing list.
Italy is made up of cobblestone streets, and cities like Rome still have some of their ancient roads.
During our two-week Italy trip, we walked an average of about 10 miles a day. I cannot stress this enough.
I love the Cloud 5 Sneakers and the Cloud 5 Waterproof shoes. You can’t go wrong by adding a good-quality walking shoe to your Italy packing list.
Tip: Order these a few weeks before your Italy Vacation. You will want to break them in and ensure they are comfortable.
5. Pack a Poncho or Small Umbrella
I think whether you choose a poncho, rain jacket or umbrella is totally personal.
Something to keep in mind is that it can be challenging to navigate the narrow streets of Genoa or Venice when you and everyone else has umbrellas. It can be pretty frustrating, especially if you’re traveling to Italy during the peak season (which is typically the summer months)
It may be worth sacrificing fashion for the poncho. Personally, I find the poncho easier and perfect for saving space. Pack a disposable or reusable poncho in your day bag.
It may be a good idea to compromise and pack both. You can use the ponchos for sightseeing during the day and an umbrella when you’re dressed up for a nice dinner and night on the town. Just keep in mind that you want to pack light.
6. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
A wild thing about Italy is that water can cost more than beer and wine! That was one of the biggest adjustments of PCSing to Germany.
Some restaurants may even charge for tap water.
Many fountains are drinking fountains throughout the city.
Tip: If you’re more hesitant about drinking water from fountains, it’s a little cheaper to purchase water from grocery stores. Generally speaking, we had no issues with tap water.
Most restaurants were pretty good about filling our kids’ sippy cups with tap water at no charge; however, there were a couple of times we had to purchase still water.
Essential Read: A Complete Guide for Traveling with Toddlers and Babies to Italy.
7. Bring a Little Coin Purse
It’s good to know that the local currency is the Euro, and 1 and 2 Euros are coins, not paper money. When paying with cash, you will start accumulating coins quickly.
While traveling through Italy, there will be times you will want to access change easily.
Including a little coin purse in your Italy essentials packing list will ultimately make your life easier. The change quickly adds up, and you don’t want to bring it home to the United States.
Tip: Many public bathrooms will charge you between 50 cents – 2 euros.
8. Important Travel Documents
It’s usually not recommended to carry your passport with you while out and about (we were advised that there are pickpocketers, especially in the larger cities). Keep a digital copy stored on your phone and a paper copy in your day bag.
I usually leave my passport in a hotel room or an Airbnb.
It’s important to note that some tours and major attractions (such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome) require IDs to enter.
Italy Trip Planning Tip: Don’t forget to call your bank and tell them you will be traveling! The last thing you want is to have your credit cards cancelled. And plan to use your debit card, you will want to carry cash in your day bag.
Many people choose to purchase travel insurance, so you will want to keep a copy to carry with you.
Tip: While traveling with little kids, I used our carriers as day bags. The fanny packs made things so much easier by allowing easy access to important documents, cash, and credit and debit cards. Usually, my husband wore one.
9. Medications
I think it’s a good idea to carry enough prescription medications to cover you for your entire trip and extra to account for any trip delays.
I have heard of some people having issues at customs, so make sure you have all of your medications in their prescription bottles and are clearly labeled.
Tip: Navigating the pharmacies can sometimes be challenging. I suggest packing some of your over-the-counter
10. Detergent Sheets
I love these detergent sheets! They are such a great hack for packing light!
We use them all the time when we travel.
They come in really handy when you’re traveling with many Airbnbs. Many Airbnbs will have washing machines, and washing clothes in a sink is always an easy fix.
Breathable fabrics tend to dry faster.
11. Pack the Heatless Curlers
If you have mid- to long hair, you must purchase these heatless curlers! As a busy mom of two little kids, I never have time to pamper myself up, especially while traveling!
These heatless curlers are so easy to stick in your toiletry bag, and don’t take up extra space. So ditch the curling irons and blow dryers. This should definitely be included in your must-have items for your Italian getaway!
Download this Ultimate Packing List if you’re traveling to Italy with a baby or toddler.
Additional Packing Suggestions
Check out how to pack for a Spring Vacation in Italy, including the two-week packing list I used for our 14-day Italy Itinerary.
My Final Thoughts
Working on your Italy packing list shouldn’t be too overwhelming… I know it’s a lot easier said than done!
But honestly, these are all the items on my Italy essentials packing list, that you don’t want to forget.
While preparing your ultimate Italy packing list, the key is to strike a balance of comfort and style. Wear cute, comfortable jeans, great walking shoes, and lots of layers.
Remember, the best part of traveling to Italy is the incredible experiences, not what’s in your suitcases.
Imagine enjoying the sunny days while sipping on an aperitif in a quiet Piazza in Venice or aimlessly walking around the curuggi in Genoa—a trip to Italy is the most magical experience.
Packing the right items in your day pack will help you enjoy this Italian adventure with minimal hiccups and have the best time. And remember, pack light!
Are there any items on the Italy essentials packing list you recommend? I would love to hear about them in the comments. I am always looking for great tips!
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