Nordace - Italy Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Italy Packing List (2024)

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with its beautiful natural wonders, historic monuments, un-rushed lifestyle, home to the Roman Empire, the beloved pizza, and some of the most luxurious fashion houses, Italy is a destination that needs no introduction

Planning a trip to the Bel Paese? Whether you prefer to wander Rome’s romantic streets, get lost in Venice’s maze of canals with a gondola ride, or experience new gelato flavors, make your holiday a special time and enjoy la dolce vita by following our Italy packing list.

Before You Pack – The Perfect Bag for Italy

Before going further with the packing list, the first thing you should consider when you plan your trip to Italy is the type of bag that will accommodate all your essentials. Trolley or backpack? If possible, choose a backpack. This way you can enjoy your adventure hands-free and avoid overpacking. For all types of Italian adventures, we recommend a versatile and spacious carry-on you can take from the plane directly to the Colosseum.

One of our backpacks that’s up to this task, when you want to balance style with practicality, is the Nordace Comino Travelpack. This is the best backpack to keep you organized and still looking classy. It was thoughtfully designed with a spacious interior and multifunctional pockets to help you pack better your essentials and help you move smoothly. With plenty of room to carry your clothes, accessories, gadgets, and souvenirs, it is the best solution to pack light and still carry everything you need to enjoy Italy to the fullest.

Italy Travel Essentials

When packing for Italy, these items are the absolute must-haves.

Travel Documents

You need only your ID if you’re visiting from an EU, EEA, or Schengen country. But if you’re traveling from a non-EU/EEA country, you need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of exit from the Schengen Zone and/or a visa if your country of residence is subject to the Italian visa regime.

Travel/Health Insurance

Traveling is such a wonderful and liberating experience. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Having travel/health insurance gives you peace of mind so you can relax knowing you’re covered for whatever could happen.

Money

The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). We recommend bringing both cash and credit cards. Most shops and merchants are equipped with POS machines and accept card payments.

Italy Vacation Outfits – the Italian Dress code

Nordace - Italy Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Italy Packing List (2)

One of the questions that might pop into your mind when packing for a trip to Italy is “What should I wear when traveling to Italy?”

One saying says “Speak English, kiss French, drive German, dress Italian” and that’s for a good reason.

You probably already know that this beautiful country is synonymous with style. Home to some of the preeminent names in luxury fashion in the whole world, Italy is and has always been the epicentre of fashion. Always well dressed, Italians exude an effortless, yet elegant style that has put Italy on top of the list of the most fashionable countries around the world.

However, styles differ from region to region. If Milan, the fashion capital itself, is on your list, then you should pack your most precious items and wear them gracefully on the streets. Smaller towns have their own unique flair.

So, if you don’t like to look like a tourist when visiting Italy, but still want to travel comfortably, continue reading your Italy style guide and get those Italy vacation outfits ready.

What to Wear in Italy

The Italy vacation outfits will depend a lot on the time of the year you’ll be visiting and the region. The best months to visit Italy are late May and early October when days are warm and sunny compared to the hot and crowded summer months. As for the region, while the south with its fascinating Amalfi Coast and unique cities such as Palermo or Bari can get really hot during summertime, in the northern cities such as Milan, Venice, Bologna or Verona you can enjoy the chilly breeze. Also, your outfits should be chosen depending on the activities you’ll be experiencing,

If you’re trying to put together your Italy packing list, we hope our comprehensive guide will help you pack smarter and blend in like an Italian native. Pack, relax, and enjoy the dolce far niente lifestyle.

Nordace - Italy Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Italy Packing List (2024)

FAQs

What am I forgetting to pack for Italy? ›

Packing for Italy? 10 Things You Shouldn't Forget
  • Clothes that mix, match & layer well. ...
  • Shoes made for walking. ...
  • A good looking, comfortable day pack. ...
  • A scarf or lightweight cover-up. ...
  • Your finest clothes. ...
  • Your proper camera. ...
  • Adaptors, chargers & a portable charger. ...
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen.
Oct 3, 2019

What to wear in Italy to not look like a tourist? ›

Italians are known for their impeccable fashion sense, and dressing appropriately can help you blend in effortlessly. Avoid bright colors and opt for more neutral or muted tones. Italians generally dress up a bit more than casual tourists, so bring some stylish outfits.

What should I pack for 2 weeks in Italy in June? ›

Summer (June to August)
  • Light and airy clothing, such as shorts, sundresses and tank tops.
  • Swimsuits for beach trips or time spent around the hotel pool.
  • Sandals or comfortable walking shoes for hot weather.
  • Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
  • A compact travel towel for beach days.
Aug 23, 2023

How much cash should you bring to Italy for a week? ›

Bring $100-200 USD cash, but keep it stashed away and don't change into Euro. It's only to be used as a fallback if every ATM in the country is out of order at the same time. Use ATMs to withdraw Euro from cash machine in the airport upon arrival, and replenish your Euro supply at an ATM when you run low.

Is 500 euros enough for a week in Italy? ›

I did business in Italy (primarily Milan but travelled all over) for years and have done many vacations there. I used cash for small lunches but used my credit card for almost everything. In my opinion 500 euros is sufficient for 10 days and if you feel you need more, just use your debit card to get some more.

Is it OK to wear black in Italy? ›

Back to Black

Italians prefer more neutral colors. Bright, vibrant colors are seen as flashy and over the top. They also wear a lot of pastels in the summer months. I'll be packing a lot of black, white, and olive green items.

Should you bring toilet paper to Italy? ›

There are two things you might not find in a public bathroom or in a café. First, always carry some toilet paper. They sell small packets of paper individually wrapped that you should keep with you at all times. A package of tissues can be a great alternative.

What to wear on a plane to Italy? ›

​The best clothing to wear on a plane is lightweight layers, comfortable shoes for airport walking, that aren't too tight in case your feet swell on the plane, and a bag that you can easily access under your seat during the flight.

What is considered impolite in Italy? ›

It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing. Hats should be removed indoors. It is impolite to remove one's shoes in front of others.

How not to look like an American in Italy? ›

How To Avoid Sticking Out Like a Tourist in Italy
  1. No Cappuccino After 11:00AM. By far, this goes down as the number one rule in the Italian handbook. ...
  2. Cheese And Seafood Do Not Mix. ...
  3. Don't Out Think The Room. ...
  4. Embrace the Culture and Customs. ...
  5. Choose Your Words Wisely. ...
  6. Speak Italian!
Sep 19, 2023

Can you wear sneakers in Italy? ›

Italians dress head to toe, and shoes are a dealbreaker.

Instead, opt for sleek ballerinas or pretty jeweled sandals to dress up your outfit; for more casual wear, bright white sneakers or strappy leather sandals (never flip flops or rubber clogs) are both stylish and comfortable enough to take on uneven pavement.

Can you wear shorts in Italy? ›

Shorts are generally acceptable for casual settings, like sightseeing or dining at informal eateries. However, for more formal occasions, religious sites, museums or upscale restaurants, longer trousers are preferred to align with the local dress code and show respect for Italian fashion sensibilities.

How much euro should I bring to Italy for 2 weeks? ›

It's generally a good idea to have a mix of cash and other payment methods like credit/debit cards. For a rough estimate, considering expenses like accommodation, meals, transportation, sightseeing, and shopping, you might budget around 50 to 100 euros per day on average.

How to pack for 7 days in Italy? ›

Whether you're visiting bustling cities or quaint coastal towns, your Italy packing list should include comfortable walking shoes, light layers for changing weather, a stylish scarf or hat, and, of course, a good camera to capture the unforgettable moments.

What shoes to wear in Italy summer? ›

What to wear in Italy in summer when it comes to footwear? Generally speaking I tell people to choose between a cool pair of walking shoes or a pair of sneakers. Now if you are headed out on treks then you could also replace them with a pair of hiking shoes because they are rather versatile.

What should I wear traveling in Italy? ›

In addition to getting you into churches, more coverage will protect you from the unforgiving Mediterranean sun. Opt for light linen and cotton short-sleeve tops, pants, and long skirts; alternatively, throw on a pair of knee-length shorts and bring a light wrap with you to cover your shoulders.

How do I prepare for a trip to Italy? ›

7 Things To Know Before Traveling to Italy: From Planning to...
  1. Don't rely on your smartphone for maps (all the time)
  2. Remember to validate your train ticket.
  3. Be careful with the 'daily specials'
  4. Pack light.
  5. Avoid restaurants with servers waiting outside.
  6. Buy your tickets in advance.
  7. Carry cash, as well as a card.
Sep 12, 2023

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