Europe, Guide, Italy, Packing Guides, Travel

What to pack for a trip to Italy – Packing List for Summer and Winter

April 15, 2024

What I Really Pack for Italy (After Making Every Packing Mistake)

Table of Contents

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Italy is one of those trips that always looks effortless on Instagram… until you realise you’re walking 20,000 steps on cobblestones wearing the wrong shoes.

This can easily turn a great trip into a frustrating one. Or imagine getting to your dream sights and realising you packed the wrong clothes. Sometimes you simply aren’t familiar with the weather there and have no idea where to even start with packing.

After visiting Italy multiple times (and definitely overpacking on my first trip), I’ve figured out exactly what actually works and what you should leave at home.

Quick tip before you start packing: the best tours in Italy sell out fast, especially in Rome and Florence. I always book these first before even thinking about outfits:

My go-to Colosseum skip-the-line tour – book here

Vatican Museums early access tour (SO worth it) – view here

Florence Duomo climb – check availability here

Trust me packing is easier once your itinerary is locked in.

My Italy Travel Booking Checklist (Don’t Skip This)

Once your packing is sorted, make sure you’ve locked in the important stuff. These are the things that make your trip feel smooth instead of stressful.

After a few Italy trips, these are the things I ALWAYS book early:

⭐ Colosseum skip-the-line tour
The lines here can get crazy long, especially in summer. Booking this saved me so much time.

⭐ Vatican Museums early access
I did this after a previous trip where I waited forever in line… never again

⭐ Florence Duomo climb
One of my favourite views in Italy but tickets sell out quickly.

⭐ Central hotel location
Trust me, staying central means less walking back at the end of long days.

⭐ Airport transfer or arrival plan
Nothing worse than landing tired and not knowing how to get to your hotel👉 Compare transfers here

First, What to Wear in Italy (The Basics)

Don’t Overdo Jewellery or Accessories

Italy is stylish, but flashy jewellery can make you stand out as a tourist, especially in busy areas like the Colosseum or major train stations where pickpockets are common.

I always keep it simple and practical.

Skip Heavy Backpacks

Italy is a walking destination.
You’ll be navigating stairs, narrow streets, bridges, and uneven cobblestones all day, so bulky bags get annoying fast.

I always travel with:
a lightweight crossbody bag
something with zips
easy access for phone and camera

Especially handy if you’re doing walking tours or city exploring.

Flip-Flops = Beach Only

Save these for the Amalfi Coast or Sicily.

Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are best explored in comfortable sneakers or stylish walking shoes. You’ll blend in more with locals and your feet will survive the day.

My Italy Packing Guide (What Really Matters)

Light Layers Are Essential

Italy’s weather changes a lot throughout the day, especially in spring and autumn.

I always pack light layers so I can adjust without carrying around a heavy jacket.

Dress Respectfully for Churches

Some of the most beautiful places in Italy are churches but you need to cover shoulders and knees to enter.
I always throw a lightweight scarf in my bag to use as a quick cover-up.