The *Essential* Packing List

I wrote about this subject earlier this year here.  Here is a follow-up with more specific ideas for packing for your trip to Florence, Italy.

Necessary items:

Mosquito repellent on those hot humid nights.  The tigre (tiger) mosquitoes are famously known here in Florence.  They are not easily killed either.  Even if you step on them or hit them with a magazine, they will keep on flying and biting you two or three more times.  Anti-bacterial lotion is a good item to pack as well.  Most public bathrooms usually run out of soap after a long day of tour groups.  It is a handy thing you can put in your backpack or purse.  Cardigans (for the ladies) should be worn when entering churches so to cover your shoulders.  Being respectful is one thing that Italians are adamant about.  A mobile phone would be essential for sure if you coming to Florence.  The SIM cards here are sold by the service providers Vodafone, TRE, WIND and TIM.  However these SIMS are only easily used if you are planning on calling numbers inside Italy or in Europe.  There are other providers through England that you could get a SIM card that would be less expensive when calling home.

Anti-bacterial lotion is a must. Flickr photo credit by sunshinejycc

Totally Unnecessary Items:

More than one pair of high heels (for the ladies, of course) are so unnecessary in a city like Florence.  You truly only need one pair for attending to a nice dinner.  After walking in them for about 10 minutes, you will be in pain.  After an hour or so, you will probably be numb from the pain.  The cobblestones also add another danger, getting the heel caught and falling flat on your face. (this has never happened to me, by the by).  A computer is not needed on your trip to Florence.  Why?  Because most hotels now offer a computer to use by the guests in the lobby.  Also there are a plethora of internet cafes’ in Florence.  No worries, your emails can be checked if need be.  A swimsuit is something that would be needed if you were planning a trip to the seaside or the public pool or your hotel had a pool.  But if none of these are available in your itinerary, then it would be best to leave that suit at home.

Highs heels are to be worn with caution in Florence. Photo credit by Markusram

Things you might not think to pack…but come in pretty handy.

What are things that you carry around and use on a daily basis?

I always carry tissues around with me.  You never know when a bathroom won’t have toilet paper.  I bring sunscreen with me sometimes when I know I will be out and about all day.  The sun is rather strong in the center and when you are walking around all day.  I always carry my sunglasses when I know it will a sunny day.

What does the typical Fiorentino(Florence) resident always have in their bag?

In the summer, they always have sunglasses.  You must protect your eyes and be stylish of course. :)

In the winter, scarves are always around their necks and umbrellas are found in their bags.  It rains sporadically in Florence.