So you are going on a summer holiday in Europe. You’ve planned the perfect European itinerary. Your travel and accommodation is all booked. You just need to pack now. But what do you pack for a summer in Europe? Well, I’ve been through Europe a number of times and in all seasons and learnt what to pack and what to leave behind for a European holiday. To make it easier for you, I have put together the ultimate packing list for Europe in summer from my first hand experiences. It’s designed to help you choose the essentials for travelling Europea in summer. So let’s get packing.
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What to Wear in Europe in Summer – Your Style Guide for Europe
The good news is that Europe is basically always hot during the summer months – so you can leave all the heavy sweaters and coats at home! Unless you plan to go high into the Alps on your European holiday and then you might need some winter clothing items. But in general, packing for a European summer holiday is different to a packing list for Europe in winter.
Europeans have the reputation for being fashionable people who dress nicely. After all, Paris and Milan are known fashion capitals. None of this walking around in shorts, sweatpants and sneakers! Unless you are off to the beach or the gym!
When planning your Europe packing list for summer, so you don’t look like a tourist, it is best to dress to blend in. You have less chances of being targeted if you do. I recommend you dress fashionably, especially in the larger cities. Also, as you are travelling around Europe in the summer time, there can be some very hot long days and so these clothes not only need to be fashionable, they need to be lightweight and comfortable also.
Your Europe Summer Outfits Tips
My biggest tips for packing for a European summer trip are:
- Your Europe summer outfits should be clothes you can mix and match, so you can wear them more than once.
- Take lightweight, comfortable and fashionable clothes.
- Choose clothes made from fabrics that breath, yet dry quickly.
- Wear layers – if its hot you can take them off and if cold, you can put something on.
- Consider the different European cultures on your packing list for Europe. Some cultures require women to cover up before entering into cathedrals and mosques.
How to Carry Your Things around Europe? – Your Luggage Guide for Europe
Luggage is very important to carry all your items through Europe. And the type of luggage you take can make or break your trip. You probably think that is a big statement, and yes, it is, but it is true. Taking the wrong type of luggage on your European vacation can really hinder you.
To choose the right luggage for you, consider the type of travelling you will be doing. Are you backpacking through Europe or going on an organised tour? In general, you have two choices – Travel Backpack or a Suitcase with wheels.
Both of these luggage options have pros and cons. A travel backpack is far easier to carry around particularly if you are getting on and off transport often. Ensure you get the right size as there is nothing worse than having an uncomfortable backpack on your back. A wheeled suitcase is also a good option but difficult to pull along when you are on the move over the many cobblestoned roads and long-winded European staircases. Keep a look out for the hybrid backpack and suitcase – it is basically a backpack with wheels – best of both worlds. Check out this hybrid backpack.
Other luggage items that will help you pack appropriately include:
- Travel Wallet for your documents.
- Day Pack or Cross Body Bag – one of these will be useful for carrying things around for a day of sightseeing.
- Packing Cubes – these are great to sort your luggage. Read my review on packing cubes here.
- Hanging Toiletry Bag – one of these will help you keep all your toiletries in the one place
- Money Belt – these are useful to hide your valuables such as your passport and credit cards but I now use a more stylish messenger bag. Read my review on messenger bags here.
Let’s Pack Your Bag for Europe
I’ve divided the following into what to wear in Europe for ladies summer and what to wear in Europe for men summer for your convenience. Whether you are backpacking through Europe or going on an organised tour, my packing list for Europe in summer is adaptable for both types of travelling.
Europe Summer Packing List: Womens Clothes and Shoes
- Dresses and skirts – bring at least 2-3 dresses and/or skirts. Dresses that are casual that can be worn during the day, yet able to be warn at night. Maxi dresses are great for this.
- Lightweight pants – a pair of lightweight or linen pants for those days when it is a little cooler or for going out.
- Leggings – 2 pairs. Great for when you are travelling, exercising or relaxing for a day at the hostel or hotel
- Jeans – a pair will be useful for when the weather isn’t so stiflingly hot. Plus, if you like to wear them, wear them.
- Shorts – 1 or 2 pairs of shorts will come in handy for those days spent visiting beach areas. I suggest avoid wearing them around the European cities and wear dresses, skirts and lightweight pants. Avoid really short shorts as you may not be allowed entry into some religious buildings if you’re not covered up.
- Shirts/tops/t-shirts – I recommend bringing 3-4 tops to mix and match with skirts, pants and shorts.
- Sweater/Jumper/Hoodie – Pack at least 1 long sleeve sweater or hoodie for chilly summer nights and air-conditioned places.
- Waterproof lightweight Jacket – Bring a waterproof light jacket. Some parts of Europe (especially Northern Europe) might be cool in the summer even in the daytime. And it can rain anytime.
- Comfortable walking shoes – A must for sightseeing and continuous walking around streets. And for those hikes. Depending on your outfit you might want either casual sandals or comfortable flats or fashionable sneakers.
- Dressier sandals or shoes – 1 or 2 pairs for going out at night. Maybe a pair of platform shoes or stilettos if that’s what you like to wear out.
- Thongs/Flip-flops – I recommend taking one pair to wear to the beach or to the shower blocks. I suggest not wearing while sightseeing as they don’t provide much support for your feet and you will be walking on many cobblestoned streets. A more supportive sandal will be much better.
- Underwear and socks – depending on your length of time you are visiting Europe for I suggest bring at least 7 pairs of underwear, yes, one for every day, and 3-4 pairs of sox. Maybe 2-3 bras.
- Swimsuit – 1 pair unless your are spending many days at the beach and want to change outfits.
- Sarong – these are so versatile. You can wear it to the beach, to the shower blocks and to wrap around your clothes to cover up in a church.
- Nightwear – pyjamas
- Scarf – A lightweight scarf will keep you warm on chilly summer nights or places with too much air-conditioning. A scarf is also useful when visiting churches or cathedrals which require women to cover their heads and or shoulders.
Europe Summer Packing List: Mens Clothes and Shoes
- Lightweight pants – bring at least 2 pairs of lightweight pants for sightseeing and to wear out to restaurants or bars.
- Jeans – a pair will be useful for when the weather isn’t so stiflingly hot. Plus, if you like to wear them, wear them.
- Shorts – a pair or two of nice shorts for when visiting beach areas.
- Shirts/tops/t-shirts – I recommend men bring at least 4 short sleeve shirts, tops or t-shirts.
- Sweater/Jumper – Pack at least 1 long sleeve sweater or hoodie for chilly summer nights and air-conditioned places.
- Waterproof lightweight Jacket – Bring a waterproof light jacket. Some parts of Europe (especially Northern Europe) might be cool in the summer even in the daytime. And it can rain anytime.
- Comfortable walking shoes – A must for sightseeing and continuous walking around streets. And for any hikes. Depending on your outfit you might want either casual sandals or comfortable flats or fashionable sneakers.
- Dressier shoes or loafers – 1 or 2 pairs for going out at night.
- Thongs/Flip-flops – I recommend taking one pair to wear to the beach or to the shower blocks. I suggest not wearing while sightseeing as they don’t provide much support for your feet and you will be walking on many cobblestoned streets. A more supportive sandal will be much better.
- Underwear and socks – depending on your length of time you are visiting Europe for I suggest bring at least 7 pairs of underwear, yes, one for every day, and 3-4 pairs of sox.
- Swimsuit – 1 pair unless your are spending many days at the beach and want to change outfits.
- Nightwear – pyjamas
- Bandana – these are so versatile, you can use it to wipe off sweat or use as a scarf or mask
TIP: Don’t wear new shoes unless you have warn them in. You don’t want blisters on your first day! But if you do, I hope you have a first aid kit with plasters/band aids.
Packing for Europe: Toiletries and Medicines
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush
- Hair Brush and / or comb
- Cleanser and moisturiser
- Soap
- Shampoo and Conditioner – or shampoo bar
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Baby wipes – if you can’t shower, these will help keep you fresh
- Lip Balm
- Microfibre Travel Towel
- Medicines you require for the length of your trip.
Packing for Europe: Electronic Travel Essentials
- Mobile phone – one of these will not only allow you to keep in contact with peeps and take photos but you can download some very useful apps to help you travel. Apps for booking hostels or hotels or a table at a restaurant. Plus, a European eSim.
- Waterproof Smart Phone Bag.
- Dry Bag for wet clothes. I often use a plastic bag as my dry bag was stolen.
- European Travel Adaptor for your electronics.
- External Battery Charger or Power Bank – to charge your electronics while on the go.
- Camera/photography gear.
- Laptop Computer – if you are a digital nomad and working online as you travel Europe.
Europe Packing List: Other Useful Things to Pack for Europe
- Sunglasses – European countries are very sunny during the summer months so sunglasses are a must! Lucky, if your forget to take a pair you could buy a pair!
- Hat or cap – If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, don’t forget to bring a hat or cap.
- Sun Protection – Europe in summer is hot and sunny and if you are outside sightseeing most days ensure you have some sun protection. There is nothing worse being burnt to a cinder from sightseeing. You will be uncomfortable for a few days! Lucky if you forget to bring some, you can easily find sunscreen in Europe to buy.
- Reusable water bottle – one of these is a great way to save money on expensive bottled water. It will help you stay hydrated having access to water.
- Insect Repellent – yes, unfortunately, those pesky critters are even in Europe.
- First Aid kit
- Head Lamp or Torch – one of these is great for rummaging through your backpack at night and also for those times you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night!
- Sink Plug or Stopper
- Anti-theft locks – to keep your things safe in your accommodation and on your body
- Sealable Lunch Bags
- Laundry powder and travel clothes line
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
- Face Masks
- Antibacterial wipes and / or hand sanitizer
- Blanket – a small blanket will come in handy if you travelling through Europe in summer on overnight trains and buses. It can get a little cool sometimes overnight.
- A neck pillow will come in handy for those long train, bus and plane journeys.
- Fold up umbrella or raincoat for those unexpected showers.
- Travel Journal and pen – if you want to write about your European trip, which many of us do, add a travel journal to your summer Europe packing list or perhaps start a travel blog.
Packing List Essentials for European Travel: Paperwork and Financial Stuff
• Passport and visas. Ensure to have the appropriate visas in your passport. Read up on the European Shengen Visa here.
• Cash, debit and credit cards.
• Drivers license and international drivers license if planning on driving.
• COVID vaccine card and/or negative COVID test (if required).
* Travel Insurance.
* Have accommodation booking confirmations and entrance ticket confirmations printed out or in your electronic wallet.
READ MORE: What to Wear on a Plane
Do You Need to Bring all this?
No, you don’t need to bring everything on this packing list to Europe summer with you. There are plenty of stores in Europe where you can purchase things. I suggest you lay everything out on the floor and look at each item to ensure you will need it for your European travels. Packing light will help you travel better.
Now Get Packing for your summer in Europe
I have used this exact packing list for summer holiday European visits. If I discover I need anything else I just buy it along the way. Congrats on choosing Europe to travel through and I hope you have the best time! Knowing you have all the essentials in your Europe packing list I’m pretty sure you will! I’d love to hear from you if you have any other items you would include or have found useful while travelling Europe. Please leave comments below.
Great round-up of packing items. I agree shoes are everything when going to Europe. So definitely do not wear brand new shoes to avoid blisters.
I love your list. I never thought about bringing a close line before. I also end up doing laundry in the sink so that would be very helpful!
I’m glad you love my list. A clothes line definitely comes in handy when travelling.
I enjoyed your suggestions for the ultimate packing list for Europe. It will be useful when planning my summer vacation.
Yes, it is quite extensive and has all the things that I usually take on my travels in Europe.
This is so helpful, thanks for sharing. I’m heading to Italy this summer so will definitely save this guide
This is a pretty extensive list. I like that if you forget something, you can most likely find a replaement in Europe. (Makes a great souvenir, too!)