The Ultimate Florence Packing List For The Stylish Traveler

So you can spend less time worrying about what to bring and more on where to get your first glass of wine!

If you’re anything like me, you love to travel but hate to pack. It’s just this big chore standing between you and the amazing trip you have planned! It’s stressful, time-consuming, and you inevitably forget something. If you’re heading to Florence, you just want to spend the hours leading up to your departure daydreaming about all the incredible pasta and gelato you’re going to eat—not scrambling to haphazardly cram everything you own into your suitcase. A painless packing experience may seem like a dream that is impossible to realize when heading to a new destination, but fear not, my packing-averse friend! I’ve compiled your definitive packing list for a trip to Florence, so you can spend less time worrying about what to bring and get to the more important questions, like where you’re going to get your first glass of wine when you land! 

Must-pack items:

1. Passport (double-check!)
2. At least 2 international travel plug adapters—make sure Italy is included in the list of covered countries. Important note: do not plug your American hair straightener in with a normal adapter, because it WILL BREAK!
3. Camera (so many sights!)
4. Camera strap to wear around your neck
5. Reusable water bottle (lots of walking!)
6. Portable phone charger
7. Protective phone case
8. Sunglasses
9. Headphones
10. Journal, books, magazines, etc.
11. Cross-body bag for women, money belt to wear under the clothes for men and women. Pickpocketing does exist, so I wouldn’t recommend walking around with a backpack that opens easily.
12. Comfortable shoes: sneakers, comfortable booties, flats, wedges
13. Shampoo + conditioner
14. Toothpaste + toothbrush
15. Razor + shaving cream
16. Hairbrush
17. Ladies: makeup and other toiletry items you can’t live without (lotion, face wash, etc.)
18. Underwear (a classic forgotten item!)
19. Socks
20. Belt
21. Pajamas
22. Phone/computer chargers
23. External hard drive for backing up photos
24. Money: I highly recommend exchanging some US dollars for euros at your local bank in America before heading to Italy. You can be sure you are getting a fair exchange rate and you’ll be all set with cash for taxis and coffee when you land!
25. *If you’re staying in a hostel or shared vacation rental: bath towel, washcloth, luggage lock, shower shoes, slippers, hairdryer, soap/shower gel

Now here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for the varied Florence seasons:

Autumn & Winter (approx. September – February)

Be prepared for cool days (approx. 50 – 79°F), chilly nights (approx. 34 – 55°F), and quite a bit of rain.

1. One big warm scarf
2. Gloves
3. Beanie
4. A few pairs of black jeans or leggings (good for nightlife)
5. Your favorite jeans
6. Rain boots
7. Raincoat
8. Umbrella
9. Comfortable boots/booties
10. Thick socks
11. Comfy sweaters
12. Raincoat
13. Warm puffer jacket
14. Shirts for layering
15. Lotion for dry skin

Spring & Summer (approx. March – August)

Get ready for some sunny days (approx. 60 – 75°F), some scalding, humid days (approx. 80 – 90°F), comfortable nights (approx. 40 – 63°F), and scattered showers.

1. Sunscreen
2. Bug repellent spray or bracelets (those darn mosquitos!)
3. Hat (wide-brim, baseball cap, etc.)
4. Umbrella
5. Active wear for long walks/hikes
6. Comfortable flats, sneakers
7. Sandals
8. Short sleeve shirts, tank tops, cool blouses
9. Ladies: light jeans, skirts, sundresses (you’ll rarely see local women wearing shorts)
10. Men: shorts, jeans
11. Light jacket or sweater

Jordyn Asakowicz

Editorial Intern

Jordyn is a college student from California. She is an aspiring writer who fell in love with Italy while living there for a few months. She loves shopping and trying local foods in a new city.