What to Pack & Bring: Perugia

Spring & Autumn Attire

These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures but can have unpredictable weather. Layering is a smart approach.

What to Pack

Daytime: Lightweight Long-sleeved shirts, blouses, light sweaters, jeans, or comfortable trousers.
Evenings: A medium-weight Jacket or cardigan.
Layering: A t-shirt base, a sweater or light jacket, and a Waterproof jacket or Sturdy umbrella for rain.

Summer & Winter Attire

Summer brings warm to hot and dry weather, while winter has cool to cold conditions.

Seasonal Guidance

Summer: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton/linen. Shorts, skirts, light dresses, t-shirts. A light long-sleeved shirt for evenings. Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses.
Winter: Warm layers: Thermal base layers, sweaters, fleece, Insulated winter coat. Warm hat, Gloves, scarf. Waterproof outer layer.
Cultural Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches/religious sites. Carry a Light scarf or shawl.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Your most important item. Choose comfortable, Supportive shoes with good cushioning and grip for cobblestones and steep inclines.

Ideal for daily sightseeing.

Sandals

In summer, Comfortable walking sandals work for lighter strolls. Closed-toe shoes give more protection for extensive walking.

For casual strolls.

Dress & Winter Shoes

Pack dressier shoes for fine dining. Waterproof and warm Winter boots are a recommendation for winter travel.

For special occasions or winter.

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Careful organization of your travel documents prevents problems and ensures smooth entry and exit from Italy. Keep copies of everything.

Passport & Visa: Carry originals, plus digital and physical copies stored separately.
Travel Insurance: Print and digital copies of your policy, with emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit: For non-EU citizens renting a car, with your national license.
Health Docs: Vaccination records, doctor's note for chronic conditions/medications.

Reservations: Printed and digital copies of accommodation, flight, train, and tour bookings.
Emergency Contacts: A list of family, doctor, and embassy/consulate contacts.
Discount IDs: Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts at attractions.
Always store digital copies on your phone, cloud, and email for backup.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up is simple with the right gear. Perugia, like the rest of Italy, uses specific power standards.

Essentials

Power Adapter: Italy uses Type F (Schuko) and Type L. A Universal adapter is highly recommended.
Voltage: Italy operates on 230V, 50Hz. Ensure devices are dual-voltage; otherwise, a Voltage converter is necessary.
Mobile Phone: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Consider a local Italian SIM card or eSIM for affordable data/calls.

Camera & Charging

Capture your memories and maintain device power with these items.

Recommendations

Camera: A modern Smartphone camera often suffices. Enthusiasts consider a mirrorless/DSLR and a versatile zoom lens.
Portable Chargers: A Power bank (at least 10,000mAh) keeps devices charged while exploring.
Backup Solutions: Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud storage or a Small external hard drive.

Essential Apps & Data Management

Navigation Apps

Google Maps for walking, public transport, and driving. Download offline maps.

Translation & Communication

Google Translate (offline mode) or DeepL Translate for language barriers. WhatsApp for messaging.

Booking & Security

Booking.com/Airbnb for accommodation, Trainline EU for trains. Consider an RFID blocking wallet for cards.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit addresses minor issues quickly, allowing you to enjoy your trip without interruption.

Kit Contents

Band-aids, Antiseptic wipes, Pain relievers (Ibuprofen).
Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, small scissors, tweezers.
Blister plasters are highly recommended due to extensive walking on cobblestones.

Medications & Protection

Pack all necessary medications and protection specific to the climate.

Items

Prescription Meds: Carry in original labeled containers. Bring a doctor's note for documentation.
OTC Meds: Remedies for colds, flu, indigestion, or motion sickness (if needed for winding roads).
Insect Repellent: DEET-based repellent for summer evenings.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Concerns

Perugia itself is not at high altitude; altitude sickness is not a concern.
If you plan excursions into higher parts of the Apennine mountains, consider remedies.
Check specific elevations for mountain activities.

Motion Sickness

If prone to motion sickness on winding roads (e.g., in Umbrian countryside), pack appropriate remedies.
Longer bus journeys on winding roads can trigger motion sickness.
Over-the-counter remedies are available in pharmacies, but bringing your preferred brand is smart.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For serious hikes in the Umbrian countryside, specific gear is beneficial.

Proper Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes.
Moisture-wicking Socks.
A Small backpack for water and snacks.
Layered clothing suitable for varying terrain and weather.

Photography Equipment

Capture Perugia's beauty with adequate camera support.

Extra camera batteries.
Plenty of memory cards.
A versatile zoom lens for various shots.
A Compact travel tripod for low-light shots.

Rent vs. Bring

Consider renting certain items to save luggage space and hassle.

Bicycles are easily rentable in Perugia and nearby towns, especially e-bikes for hills.
Hiking poles are often available for rent or purchase locally.
Specialized items unique to Perugia are not typically necessary.
Good walking shoes remain the most important item to bring.

Equipment Considerations: Renting vs. Owning

Benefits of Renting

Avoids hassle of transporting bulky gear, especially for flights.
More flexibility for spontaneous activity decisions upon arrival.
Access to well-maintained and current equipment.
Often more cost-effective for short-term use.

Considerations for Owning/Bringing

Potentially higher baggage fees for specialized equipment on flights.
Risk of damage or loss during transit.
Requires research into specific airline baggage policies for oversized items.
Personal equipment fit and familiarity can be a benefit.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items greatly improve your comfort and security while traveling.

Travel Comfort

A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys or noisy accommodations.
A Small padlock for hostel lockers or luggage security.
An RFID blocking wallet to protect credit cards and passport.
A Money belt or discreet pouch for important documents and cash.

Reusable Items & Essentials

Embrace sustainability and convenience with these everyday items.

Eco-Friendly & Practical

A Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe and readily available).
A Reusable shopping bag for groceries or market visits.
A Reusable cutlery set for picnics or street food.
Consider packing a small amount of laundry detergent if you plan to do hand washing.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

Reduce waste from disposable cups.

Filter Water Bottle

For hiking in remote areas (not necessary for city tap water).

Foldable Shopping Bag

Handy for markets and daily purchases.

Travel Cutlery Set

For picnics and street food, avoiding single-use plastics.

Perugia-Specific Essentials

Important Footwear

The most important unique item is comfortable walking shoes.
The city's topography calls for footwear handling steep inclines.
Uneven cobblestone surfaces also necessitate good support.

Layering for Climate

Due to distinct seasons, layering is always a smart packing strategy.
Be prepared for temperature changes throughout the day.
Include a waterproof outer layer for unexpected rain.

Packing Pro Tip: Less is More

Perugia's hilly streets and many stairs mean lighter luggage is always a benefit. Pack only what you truly need and can comfortably carry.

Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization.

What to Pack & Bring