Venice is a gorgeous, photographic city. There are tons of things to do and to see. However getting around is a little different than in any other city, and there are a few things to be mindful of when packing. So I’ve compiled this Venice Packing List.

Venice is an amazing, historical city consisting of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. The stunning canals are the major waterways sporting both magical old world gondolas and newer utilitarian water taxis.

However, there are no cars in Venice. While you can take group water shuttles or private water taxis along the canals, there are a number of places you just cannot get to unless you walk. Many of the quainter hotels are along small alleyways which could be a ten minute walk from the nearest water taxi stop. And that’s if you don’t get lost on the way walking.

In addition, the walking areas, along the canals, over bridges and through piazzas, are mostly stone or cobble. They are not even, and they are old. This brings me to the two most important packing rules I have for Venice, before we even get to the Venice packing list:

1. Wear walking shoes you’ll be comfortable spending a lot of time in.

Do not wear heels. Do not even pack heels. Just don’t. Now, it‘s not that Venice is not fashionable; in fact, quite the contrary. Venice has a sophisticated, classic (and sometimes flirty) style. However Venetian women will be wearing adorable flat strappy sandals in the summer with a sundress, or rain boots in the fall or winter. Did I mention there are no cars? This is a walking town and the walking is over uneven stone streets and cobbles, wet bridges and alleys. If you must wear a heel make it a short comfy wedge, like an espadrille.

2. Pack a carry-on sized backpack only

Venice is the one city where I would definitely not bring a roller bag suitcase. You will need to bring your luggage everywhere, and you will end up slogging that roller bag all over the cobble streets and bridges, up and down steps. And heaven forbid, if you are there in the rainy season when it floods, you will be carrying that puppy up above the flooded streets. During high water or ‘Acqua Alta’, the floods can be several feet above the sidewalk level. Go ahead and google images for “Acqua Alta suitcase”.

You will be much better off packing everything in a backpack with well organized compression style packing cubes.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way, lets talk about what you DO want to pack. As always, pack in similar color tones to keep your wardrobe mix and match in case the weather surprises you. You will want to dress in layers, especially for spring and fall. Evenings are cooler all year round, but in the shoulder months they can get unpredictable.

Venice Packing List

No matter what time of year, pack the following:

• Lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting basilicas in the summer, as an extra layer of warmth in the winter, and anytime to add a little color to your mix/match wardrobe.
• Polarized Sunglasses, even in the winter as glare off the water can be strong
• Lightweight day pack or cross body bag/purse for around town
• One nice outfit for the evenings – many upscale bars and restaurants have a dress code.
• Anti-nausea meds – if you get sea sick, as you will be on boats a lot.
• Reusable water bottle. Like all islands, Venice has a serious problem with trash and recycling – don’t add to it by utilizing plastic water bottles.

In the spring and summer you will want:

• three lightweight short sleeve shirts
• one long sleeve top
• jacket or warmer wrap (it can get cool in the evenings)
• 2-3 pants, skirts or skorts
• 1 sundress
• 1 nicer dress or dress shirt
• crushable sun hat

In the fall and winter, modify:

• Swap out the short sleeve shirts for warmer long sleeve shirts.
• Swap out the sundress for a light sweater or pullover
• Add a warm coat
• Add winter gloves and scarf
• Consider waterproof rain boots. (Many hotels will supply overshoes, or ‘disposable’ rain boots, and you can also buy these from vendors on the street. The Acqua Alta can be unpredictable, so if you’re not sure, while you could get some after you arrive, you will likely not have them on the way to the hotel on the first day.)

Have a great trip!