What to Pack for Italy: Stylish, Comfortable & Safe Travel Essentials

Planning a trip to Italy? Lucky you! Whether you’re wandering through the ancient streets of Rome, sipping wine in Tuscany, or shopping in Milan, Italy is a dream destination. But when it comes to packing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want to be comfortable, look stylish, and, most importantly, pack light—because dragging a giant suitcase over cobblestone streets? No, thanks.

The biggest mistake women travelers make when visiting Italy is wearing the wrong shoes! 👠🚫

Many first-time travelers to Italy underestimate how much walking they’ll do. They pack fashionable but impractical shoes (like heels, flimsy sandals, or cheap sneakers), only to end up in pain after a few hours.

After a few trips to Italy (and a couple of overpacking disasters), I’ve learned what’s truly essential—and what’s just taking up space in your bag. So, let me break it down for you: what to pack, what to leave behind, and how to travel smart in Italy.

1. The Best Travel Bag for Italy (Stylish + Secure)

Italy is a walking city—no matter where you go, you’ll be exploring on foot. That means you need a lightweight, hands-free, and secure bag that keeps your valuables safe in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and busy piazzas.

✅ My Must-Have: An Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Italy is amazing, but pickpockets in touristy areas are very good at what they do. I always travel with a sleek crossbody bag that has hidden zippers, slash-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking compartments. It gives me peace of mind while I’m enjoying my gelato and snapping photos — without screaming “tourist.”

After not finding anything that felt both safe and stylish, I actually ended up designing my own. The result? A neutral-toned crossbody that clips to chairs, fits my essentials, and works for any city outfit. (I’ll link it below if you're curious.)

Travel Bag Checklist: What I Always Keep in Mine

Passport Copy – I leave my passport at the hotel's safe.
Credit Cards + Some Euros – Cards work in most places, but cash is still king for small purchases.
Portable Charger – Google Maps and taking pictures will drain your phone FAST.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Italian sun is no joke, especially in summer!
A Scarf or Shawl – Required for visiting churches (like St. Peter’s Basilica) where shoulders must be covered.

2. What to Wear in Italy Without Overpacking

Let’s be real—Italians know how to dress. While you don’t need to look like a fashion model, you’ll feel more comfortable if you skip the super touristy outfits (like oversized T-shirts, running shoes, or anything too sloppy).

☀️ Spring & Summer (April-September)

Light Dresses & Midi Skirts – Easy, breezy, and perfect for warm days.
Linen or Cotton Tops – Breathable and chic.
Comfortable Walking Sandals or Sneakers – Italian streets = cobblestone ankle traps. Pick stylish but comfy shoes!
A Light Jacket or Cardigan – Evenings can be chilly.
A Sunhat – Protects you from the sun and makes you look effortlessly cool.

🍂 Fall & Winter (October–March)

A Stylish Coat or Blazer – Italians love a good jacket, and it instantly elevates your look.
Sweaters & Long-Sleeve Tops – Great for layering.
Ankle Boots or Fashion Sneakers – Comfortable but stylish.
A Pashmina or Scarf – You’ll fit right in, and it keeps you warm.

🚫 What to Skip:

Super short shorts – Not common in Italy unless you’re at the beach.
High heels – Absolute pain on cobblestone streets.
Flip-flops – Only for beach destinations like the Amalfi Coast.

3. Packing Cubes = My Favorite Travel Hack

I used to be a messy packer—until I discovered packing cubes. They keep everything neat, organized, and save so much space.

How I Use Packing Cubes:

One for Clothes – Dresses, tops, bottoms.
One for Undergarments & Sleepwear – So I’m not digging through my bag every morning.
One for Accessories & Toiletries – Easy access to all my small essentials.

Bonus tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and prevent wrinkles.

4. Beauty & Toiletries: What’s Worth Packing

Most hotels and Airbnbs in Italy provide basics like shampoo and soap, so there’s no need to bring full-size bottles.

What I Always Pack:

Moisturizer with SPF – Essential for Italy’s strong sun.
Micellar Water & Cotton Pads – Easy makeup removal.
Dry Shampoo – When I need a refresh but don’t have time to wash my hair.
Mini Perfume – Because feeling fresh all day is a must.
Dual-Voltage Hair Tools – If I bring a curling iron, I make sure it works with European voltage.

🇮🇹 Pro Tip: Italy uses Type C, F, and L outlets, so don’t forget a travel adapter!

5. Travel Shoes That Actually Work in Italy

Italy is all about walking, walking, and more walking. Your shoes will make or break your trip.

My Go-To Footwear for Italy:

✅ One pair of comfy sneakers – Perfect for long sightseeing days.
✅ Flat (closed back) sandals or loafers – Stylish but practical.
✅ Foldable ballet flats – A lifesaver when I need to switch from sneakers to something dressier.

🚫 What I Don’t Bring: High heels (impossible to walk in) and flip-flops (except for the beach).

6. Game-Changing Travel Accessories

A few small things that make a big difference when traveling in Italy:

✔️ Collapsible Water Bottle – Italy has free public fountains with safe drinking water.
✔️ Notebook & Pen – To jot down memories or cute café recommendations.
✔️ Noise-Canceling Earbuds – For long flights or noisy train rides.
✔️ Kindle or Paperback – Because there’s nothing better than reading in an Italian piazza.

7. Safety Tips for Italian Cities

Italy is safe, but here’s how I stay extra cautious:

Keep your bag in front of you in busy places.
Avoid flashy jewelry—it attracts pickpockets.
Use hotel safes for extra cash and passports.
Only use ATMs inside banks to avoid card skimmers.

8. Final Travel Checklist (Before You Go!)

Before leaving, I double-check:

✅ Passport & Travel Insurance
✅ Credit/Debit Cards + Euros
✅ Flight & Hotel Confirmations
✅ Train Tickets & Public Transport Passes
✅ Offline Maps & Google Translate

Packing for Italy is all about looking stylish, feeling comfortable, and keeping things simple. With the right bag, versatile outfits, comfy shoes, and smart travel accessories, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable trip.

Curious what bag I carry in Italy? You can see it here → Thafael Crossbody Travel Bag

So, where in Italy are you headed next? Let me know in the comments! 🇮🇹✨

Arielle

FAQ: Italy Travel & Packing

Are crossbody bags better than backpacks for Italy?
Yes. Crossbody bags are easier to keep close, look more stylish, and are harder for pickpockets to access. See Crossbody vs Backpack: What Should You Travel With?

Do I need an anti-theft bag for Italy?
It’s not mandatory, but if you’re going to tourist hotspots or traveling solo, it offers peace of mind and added safety.

Can I dress comfortably and still fit in with Italians?
Absolutely. Stick to clean, neutral outfits and avoid gym clothes or super casual wear.

What’s one thing most people forget to pack?
A lightweight scarf. It’s stylish, keeps you warm, and helps meet church dress codes.

How do I stay safe while walking around Italian cities?
Keep valuables in a secure crossbody, be aware in crowded places, and don’t flash expensive items.

What to Pack for Italy: Stylish, Comfortable & Safe Travel Essentials for Women