Anna Wondering what to pack for Venice? I’ve been lucky enough to visit Venice a few times now—and I’ve definitely learned what to bring (and what to leave behind). Between the cobblestones, the boat-only transportation, and the unpredictable weather, this magical floating city calls for some specific considerations to get the most out of your trip.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, visiting in the heat of summer or the misty shoulder seasons, this Venice packing list for first-time travelers covers everything you need to stay comfortable, stylish, and prepared. From smart shoe choices to weather-ready layers and a few useful extras you might not have thought of, this guide is packed with real advice based on what it’s actually like to explore Venice.
Additional Travel Guides for Venice:
- Advice on the best sites to see in the city
- Venice travel tips
- Hidden Gems in Venice
- What to Eat in Venice
- 15 items to Pack for Vacation: Packing Hacks to Avoid Disasters and Have an Amazing Trip
This post contains affiliate links for things I use and recommend to my friends.
Documents
- Boarding Passes – consider printing your boarding pass, or if you’re using a digital boarding pass consider saving it on various devices or in multiple locations. I find this helpful for flights with a layover in another country. Depending on your phone plan you may not be able to quickly access your email if you’re out of network.
- Passport and ID’s
- Make a photocopy of your passport and store it in another suitcase. If you lose your passport, the photocopies will help you at the embassy.
- Money, credit cards and ATM card. You can usually exchange money at your own bank
- Travel insurance
Clothes
- Socks, Underwear X days +a few extra
- Bras
- Sports bras – I will never stop recommending these because they’re versatile.
- PJs
- Tshirts and tops – Preferably mix and match, pack tops that coordinate well with your bottoms. I lay my clothes out on my bed as I pack to visualize how I can make multiple outfits from a few tops.
- Pants – I bring 3-4 per week and mix and match with the tops. Of course, you can get away with fewer pants if you’re also packing skirts and dresses. Leggings are ok, even though Europe isn’t big on athlesuire, there will be plenty of other Americans wearing leggings. I suggest pants like wide trouser, linen palazzo type of styles.
- Dresses and skirts
- Cardigan/sweater
When planning your outfits, think layers. Keep in mind that if you plan on visiting the church interiors, you’ll need to cover you shoulders and legs. You wont be allowed in the church if you’re wearing a tank top and shorts.
Pack outfits that will keep you comfortable during the day, when you’re outside and in the sun. However, bring layers so you can easily covered up for the tourist attractions: it can get chilly inside the churches, museums, or doge’s palace (especially down in the prison). I think it can feel chilly while eating inside the restaurants, or if you get patio seating on the water.
Your outer wear will also depend on the season. Here’s a helpful chart of basic weather patterns in Venice to plan your outfits.
| Season | Months | Low Temps | High Temps | Weather notes |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 30’s | 40’s | Cloudy |
| Spring | March-May | 40-56 | 56-72 | |
| Summer | June-Aug | 60’s | reach the 80’s | humid expect mosquitos |
| Fall | Sept-Nov | 58-40 | 75-54 |
Outerwear
Light jacket for layering. Evenings can still get cool, rainy days or inside churches and museums
If you’re going in the early spring or fall: consider a more weather proof jacket, not just for rain, but chilly wind. Since it’s on the water, the breezes can be chilly.
If you’re going to Venice in the winter, consider packing a scarf, hat, and mittens
Shoes you’ll need in Venice
Slip ons canvas shoes, sneakers, or casual walking style shoes are the go to’s. Venice is small, but you’ll likely walk a lot—half the fun is exploring. The streets are uneven and unforgiving cobble stones. For this reason, I also pack inserts for my shoes. I know this makes me sound sooo old, but they keep my feet from being so sore at the end of the day.
Sandals for nice outfits or summer dresses, but make sure you’re comfortable enough to walk.
Flip flops or slippers for the hotel/airbnb..cuz, ew.
Consider packing shoes that will keep you dry during the Acqua Alta. These are especially high tides that occur in the winter, or during storms. They can happen spontaneously, so be aware that if you’re traveling to Venice during flood season, the city’s walkways may be underwater for a short time.
Accessories
- Jewelry to complete outfits — I pack only a few simple items and pretty much wear them the whole time.
- Hair clips (yes I’m listing in multiple locations because forgetting them sucks)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Watch
- A purse that’s pick-pocket safe— especially around St Mark’s Square, and as always, the train station. Venice is fairly safe, but because tourists pack into Piazza San Marco, there’s more of a risk here.
- Mosquito bracelets.
Let me explain, this probably doesn’t count as an accessory, buuutttt these plastic bracelets are infused with citronella oil and keep mosquitos away (will be GOAT in the summer months). They’re awesome because you can save on your liquid allotment, and….personally I hate spraying myself with bug spray.
I can tell you that these bracelets work surprisingly well bc I’m from Maine 🙂 We have jurassic flocks of mosquitoes where I live, and wearing these bracelets does in fact allow you thrive outside in the densest of mosquito clouds— you can double up if they mosquitos are extra thick, or also wear them on your ankles, tie up your hair or fasten to your purse handles for a full protective field.
Toiletries
Double check your airline information for the allowances on your liquids. Usually for an international flight you’re allowed 100ml sized bottles, and they must fit in a quart sized bag. Anything over this limit must be checked* food for babies and medicines are exempt from the rule.
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash
Body wash is usually supplied by accommodations, and I usually skip this if I need to save space for my better liquids like hair care and face care.
- Hair Care/Styling: Consider you’re hair hair and styling routine. The minimum you’ll likely need is shampoo and conditioner. Personally, I like my own products and don’t trust what the hotel provides—I’m not risking gross feeling hair. Also consider
- Dry shampoo, for days when you want to save time getting ready in the morning
- Serum/leave in conditioner/styling products— whatever is part of your routine,
- Skin Care:
- Facial Cleanser, Moisturizer, and SPF
These last two I highly recommend you add to your Venice packing list because you’ll be outside a lot, probably catching some sun reflected off all the water. I linked my fave face sunscreen- it’s not greasy and works so well!
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste/ toothbrush/floss
- Hairbrush, hair ties or clips
- Travel razor etc
- Contact lenses and solution
- Feminine hygiene products— are expensive when you travel.
- Sunscreen
- Makeup, makeup brushes, individually wrapped make up remover sheets
- Lip balm probably with SPF, there’s water everywhere and the sun rays will be hitting you from all angles as you take vaporettos around the lagoon, walk around the city and dine on patios.
Medicine
- Personal prescriptions
- Advil and Tylenol
- Tums, pepto or other medicine for stomach issues
Electronics
**avoid public charging stations, always use your own plug, don’t insert your charger into a public usb or use a public cable- they can be altered to steal your info
** Make sure you have enough plugs and cables to charge everything you need. If you’re using a power adapter, consider that you may need to charge things in cycles. Don’t forget about your smart watch, as they usually have a proprietary charger.
- Power adapter (s). At least one per person because everyone will have multiple electronics to charge.
- Chargers and plugs, enough for all of your devices
- External hard drive, device for offloading pictures and videos from your phone
- Power bank for on the go charging.
- iPad/laptop
- Kindle or books
Misc Stuff to Pack for Venice
There are certain random things that I pack every time I travel, because they come in so handy. Check this full list of useful things I always pack, no matter where I’m going, will help you stay prepared and comfortable. Here are a few suggestions:
- Extra plastic bags – a few ziplock bags or grocery bags. They come in handy for dirty clothes etc
- Foldable tote bag, in case you buy too much and need more space for your return trip 🙂
- Mosquito repellent, like the bracelets linked above. You’ll want to pack these if you’re visiting Venice in the summer, when mosquitos are on the prowl.
- Hand sanitizer
Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Venice
Packing smart for Venice can make all the difference for your trip, whether you’re visiting the city for a romantic weekend or stopping by as part of your longer European escape.
I really do love Venice, and after a few trips to Venice through different seasons, I’ve learned what works (and what really doesn’t). Come prepared with layers, weather-ready essentials, and a few items that help you blend in with the effortlessly chic locals.
With this Venice packing list, you’ll feel ready to explore the floating city with confidence—rain or shine, gondola or vaporetto.
Here’s to stress-free packing and a magical trip to Venice! 💼🇮🇹✨
