Three things will ruin your Italy trip if you get them wrong: shoes (cobblestones destroy anything without proper soles — those cute sandals will cripple you by day 2), dress code (Italian churches turn you away for bare shoulders/knees — including St. Peter's, the Florence Duomo, and every major basilica), and power adapters (Italy uses Type L plugs — NOT the same as the rest of Europe's Type C). Everything else is fixable on arrival. Italians are excellent at selling you things you forgot.
Plan my trip →Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes with real soles. You will walk 15-25,000 steps per day on cobblestones, marble, and uneven medieval paving. Running shoes or supportive walking shoes. NOT sandals, NOT new shoes, NOT fashion sneakers with flat soles.
Church cover-up: A light scarf or shawl (women) or a spare t-shirt (men) that covers shoulders and knees. Carry it always. You WILL encounter a church you want to enter when wearing a tank top. Every. Single. Day.
Power adapter: Italy = Type L (three round pins in a line). Type C (two round pins) also works in most outlets. USB chargers with Type C plug work 90% of the time. Bring at least 2 adapters.
Water bottle: Italy has nasoni (free public drinking fountains) in every city — especially Rome (2,500+ nasoni, cold fresh water, completely free). Bring a refillable bottle and never buy bottled water again.
Day bag: Crossbody or front-carry (NOT backpack in crowded areas — pickpocket prevention). Small enough for museums, big enough for water + camera + scarf.