Packing List for Italy

What to Pack for Italy

Italy is one of Europe's most visited countries but also one of the most demanding in terms of what you bring. Cobblestone streets in Rome, Florence, and Venice destroy the wrong shoes. Catholic churches — including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel — turn tourists away at the door for dress code violations. And the electrical sockets use a three-pin Type L plug found almost nowhere else in Europe.

Church dress codes in Italy

Required at most major churches:

• Covered shoulders (no sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps)
• Covered knees (no shorts, short skirts)
• No hats inside the church

A lightweight scarf solves this for both men and women. Keep one at the top of your daypack — you'll use it multiple times per day in Rome and Florence.

Shoes for Italy — the cobblestone problem

The most common Italy packing mistake. Sampietrini cobblestones in Rome are uneven, slippery when wet, and punishing on arches. Bring cushioned walking shoes that are already broken in. Ballet flats and smart loafers work well for evening dining.

Italy power adapters — Type L

Italy uses the Type L plug — three round pins in a line. Most universal travel adapters cover it, but verify before buying. Standard Type C plugs often fit Italian sockets but not reliably — a universal adapter with Type L coverage is safer.