{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 7 Days in Europe

Packing for a week in Europe? Wondering what to bring? Your favorite European travel guide has rounded-up her tips for making the most of your limited suitcase space (and hotel room storage space) and ensuring you have everything you need for your trip to Europe! So let's dive right in - the ultimate guide to packing for 7 days in Europe!

SPC

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Packing for a Week in Europe?

Paris, France (SPC)

A week in Europe. What could be better? Plenty of time to settle in, adjust to the time change, take a day trip or two, and soak in that enviable European history, mystery, lifestyle and...wine. Lots of wine. And lots of walking. Even more walking.


Packing for a Europe trip can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time "across the pond," your first time in a new city, or the first long trip you've taken in a while. 


But never fear. 


With plenty of travel experience under my belt, I've learned that having specific items isn't what matters. It's bringing the right collection of pieces for you and the sort of trip you have planned, not to mention to your favorite things that you'll want to wear again and again.


So, to steer you in the right direction, I've composed a blog post that I've been working on for a long time. A packing guide for a week in Europe, summarizing my best tips to build your perfect travel wardrobe. And while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I've created over my years of blogging, to help Americans plan their trips to Europe! And sign-up for my newsletter to get free, downloadable packing resources delivered straight to your inbox!

• Italy Packing Essentials: What to Wear Right Now
• What to Wear in Europe: 20+ Tips Every Tourist Needs to Know
• 6+ Easy Tips for Surviving a Long Flight to Europe in Economy
• 9+ Surprising Things You Should Never Wear on a Flight to Europe
• 8+ Embarrassing Things You Should Never Wear in Europe

Packing for 7 Days in Europe:
Frequently Asked Questions

Carry-On Suitcase (SPC)

FAQ: Can I pack everything I need for a week in Europe in a carry-on?

Yes, you definitely can, and many people do, pack all of your Europe travel clothes for a week in a carry-on. Personally, I like to bring a checked bag. The larger bag allows me to have space for purchases I make on my trip, and I don't have to pay extra, since it's included in the (high) cost of my international ticket (not always the case - check your ticket!). I also don't have to deal with the bag in the airport or when we change planes. It's not very common for European hotels to have a washing machine, especially in a big city. If you're planning to use one, be sure to confirm it exists.

FAQ: Where can I find the best luggage for a trip to Europe?

The most important thing to remember when shopping for luggage for a trip to Europe is how small European hotel rooms are. There's limited floor space and often limited closet space. I generally recommend a soft-sided suitcase that just unzips at the top with a flap (example from TravelPro), rather than the trendy, hard-sided bag that unzips like a butterfly. The latter will take up too much valuable floor space when you have it open. I also find that inexpensive hard-sided luggage tends to crack. If this topic interests you, I encourage you to check out the full post: 6+ Easy Tips: How to Find the Best Luggage for Europe.

FAQ: Do I need my winter coat in Europe?

Generally, for a week in Europe, almost any time of year, it will not be cold enough for your American winter coat, unless you are going to Northern Europe in the depths of winter/for the holidays. Check the weather. It may surprise you. I have taken the same winter coat to Europe not once, but twice, in spring and not worn it once...

FAQ: How many outfits should I pack for a 7-day trip to Europe?

Given the unpredictable nature of travel, I always try to pack clothes that can mix and match with each other, rather than specific outfits. Stick to neutral, darker colors. Be sure to bring jeans and a few shirts that can be worn multiple times. Remember that the clothes you wear on the airplane to begin your journey may be so dirty/sweaty/stale that you do not wish to wear them again. I generally wear leggings on the plane, since they don't take up my space in my suitcase for the rest of the trip.

Want to know more? Check out a few posts I've written on "rules to dress by" for a trip to Europe:

• 8+ Embarrassing Items You Should NEVER Wear in Europe
• What to Wear in Europe: 20+ Tips Every American Tourist Needs to Know
• How to Dress Like a Local in Europe

{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for 7 Days in Europe

Rome, Italy (SPC)

Alright, it's time to dive in! I will walk you through 7 essential categories of items you'll need for week-long your trip to Europe, including a few more FAQ's along the way. If you want to purchase new items in anticipation of your trip, great! If not, I'm certain you have the vast majority of these items in your closet and ready to roll, without adding extra expense to an already astonishingly pricey trip.

One or Two Pairs of Your Best, Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

The twisting, turning, winding, cobblestone streets may form the backdrops of some of my fondest memories of our very romantic week in Rome, but they also really took a toll on my poor feet. Preparing for a week in Europe should start with taking a good, hard look at the footwear you intend to bring and making sure that each and every pair is up to the task.

FAQ: Can I wear sneakers in Europe?

Absolutely! Stylish sneakers are acceptable in Europe and you'll see many Europeans wearing them as they go about their daily lives. Even a decade ago, half of this post would have been devoted to me lecturing you about not wearing "tennis shoes" in Europe. But those days are thankfully gone. (With my arthritis, it's such a blessing!) Just remember a few guidelines: keep the logos to a minimum and the color palette more muted than we wear here in the States. Think white canvas, or a darker leather sneaker, not the neon, logo-emblazoned shoes you'd wear to the gym.

I generally recommend bringing two or three pairs of shoes for a week in Europe. This gives you an extra pair to slip into the rotation to make sure you don't get too sore.

• Sneakers. The best shoes for a trip to Europe are sneakers. As we've discussed, with certain restrictions, they're acceptable in Europe these days, so consider yourself lucky that these comfortable shoes have gone from massive faux pas to must-have item.
• Boots/Booties. On every trip I've taken to Europe, since my very first, I've included a pair of water resistant Blondo boots or booties. Either black or brown. They look good, are just as comfortable as sneakers, and especially for colder months or any trip to the UK, they won't get trashed if they get wet. You can also wear them with tights and a skirt for evening.
• Loafers. For evening, or days with lighter walking plans, a pair of *broken in* loafers are a great pair of shoes to throw in your bag.

It's worth reiterating, just one more time: it's a good idea to make sure all of your shoes are thoroughly broken in, well before your trip. I will not have you missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of easily avoidable blisters. One great way to save space in your return suitcase is to consider bringing a pair of shoes that have served you well and can be left behind at the end of your trip. I've done their a few time, particularly at the end of an especially rainy spring-in-London trip.


And please, please, please leave that pair of flip flops at home unless you'll be spending time at the actual beach. And if you are planning a beach trip, remember to bring non flip-flops as well, as they aren't as prevalent in Europe as in the US. You should really only wear them when you are actively at the pool/beach. 

A note on dress codes in Europe

It is almost certain that during your time in Europe, you will encounter at least one dress code. Dress codes in Europe tend to come in two types: posh restaurants and religious sites. First, fancy restaurants will often have a light dress code that bans sweatsuits, athletic gear, torn up jeans, and sneakers. As most readers of my blog aren't wearing most of these things, the only thing to keep in mind is to bring a dress or non-denim pants, and at least one pair of shoes that aren't tennis shoes. For me, that's usually loafers or boots/booties.


Religious sites will sometimes have dress codes requesting essentially 'basic modesty' - covered shoulders, longer shorts/skirts. Extremely conservative churches may offer shawls, but I've only seen that once. This tends to be more common in southern Europe, which is also where it's hotter/more likely to be an issue. So, just be sure to wear longer shorts in summer (which you should do anyway because Europeans don't show as much skin as Americans), and bring a jacket or sweater if you must wear a tank top (better to just wear something with shoulder coverage to avoid sunburn anyway).

The Quintessential, Stylish & Practical Jacket for Europe

After those walking shoes, selecting the right light jacket is the most important decision you'll make as you pack for your week in Europe. EVEN FOR SUMMER TRAVEL, you will want a light jacket, both for style and for temperature/rain.


On our first trip to Europe, London in August, I was so sure I didn't need a jacket. I packed only a very light 'topper'/blazer (this was a while ago) that I used to wear to work at my law firm. But I felt half-naked in the clothes I had packed (including GASP a few sleeveless tops). I wore that topper everyday and learned my lesson. Regardless of season, bring a light jacket or trench coat.


I generally only bring one coat, while I use for style, warmth, and rain protection, as needed. In Continental Europe, that's a classic trench coat. In England & Scotland, it's a waxed Barbour. Neither has served me wrong yet. For the UK, I also bring a tiny travel umbrella small enough to fit into my Barbour coat's massive pockets.

The Right Purse for Exploring Europe

Alrighty! Let's talk purses for a week in Europe. It's actually one of my favorite topics (I'm considering giving it its own blog post). I think our natural instinct when going somewhere new and different is to cling to as much of our "normal" life as possible. On a trip to Europe, that seems to translate into lugging around all of your possessions. I strongly caution against this. And one of the easiest ways to limit how much you haul around with you is to bring only a small purse, and keep it tight, so you won't have much space to fill with junk. Your free hands and less exhausted legs will thank me at the end of a day walking 25,000 steps.


On a daily basis, I would bring only: credit card/debit card, a small amount of cash in the local currency, hotel key, ID (NOT your passport. Leave that in the hotel), hand sanitizer, your phone.


Your purse for your week in Europe should have a few attributes:

• Small
• Light-weight
• Hands-free
• Not easily taken/opened

I never want to make tourists paranoid about pickpockets. I've never been pickpocketed. But there risk is there. Especially in large tourist sites where lots of tourists congregate, such as around the base of the Eiffel Tower or outside the Colosseum). Just be smart. Don't talk to strangers or fill our random surveys they try to hand you to distract you. It's OK to be "rude." Just keep walking, don't leave your purse open, and you'll do just fine. That said, Don't carry tons of cash or you passport in your purse. Why risk it.


Personally, I opt for a leather crossbody bag. It's tasteful and neutral, so I can wear it with anything, and it leaves my hands free to do whatever I need to do (shop!)

FAQ: Can I wear a Lululemon belt bag during my week in Europe?

Ironically, "fanny packs" have come full circle in the European travel packing guidance world. They were popular 30 years ago for American tourists, but we were strongly cautioned not to wear them in Europe. We did anyway, and created the stereotype of a tourist. Now, the "crossbody" fanny pack ("belt bag") is all the rage in the US. You can wear one in Europe these days. It has the advantage of being very close to your body, and obviously hard to snatch away or steal from. That said, I'd go for a non-nylon material, if possible. Maybe leather (here's a Longchamp example). Just to elevate the look a bit, and make it less athletic.

FAQ: Should I buy a travel backpack for my trip to Europe?

Unless you are traveling with a child or backpacking, I would advise against a travel backpack. They very obviously mark you as a tourist, and many museums make you check large bags, including backpacks, in the coatcheck, or wear them on your front. The vast majority of tourists do not need to carry that quantity of items for daily tourism in Europe.

Jeans & 'Travel Pants'

People often wonder if they can wear jeans in Europe. You certainly can wear jeans in Europe, and for a week-long trip, a pair of jeans is, frankly, a must-have. Keep your jeans darker and avoid denim with holes or bleaching.

In addition to your jeans, I'd bring two pairs of pants that aren't denim. Either black pants or travel joggers (Eileen Fisher also makes some nice travel pants). In summer, feel free to wear chino shorts, as long as they're a little longer than the shorts you might usually wear in The States.

FAQ: How short is too short?

If you're asking this question, probably too short. Europeans show far less skin than Americans, in every season, but especially in summer. It is generally neither as hot nor as humid in Europe as in the US, and their culture is, at least in that regard, somewhat more conservative than ours. Chino shorts are fine. NO cut-off denim, no athletic shorts, and my goodness no bike shorts. Dress like you're going to grab lunch with your parents and you'll do just fine.

A note on athleisure in Europe

The mention of athletic shorts has me thinking: while the athleisure look has taken the US by storm and is clearly here to stay, the same cannot be said for Europe. Europeans do not walk around in gym clothes unless they are, you guessed it, going to the gym. If you, like me, wear a lot of Lululemon, I'm not saying you need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your week in Europe. But it's a good idea to tone down the athleisure by: not wearing leggings as pants, mixing in non-athletic materials (like a denim jacket), and keeping logos and bright colors to a bare minimum.

Layering: A Quick Guide

Regardless of season, layering is the name of the game for your trip to Europe. As we've discussed, most countries in Europe have significantly cooler weather than we do, and Europeans tend to wear an outer layer more often than us. And, of course, you want to be prepared for rain, temperature fluctuations, and the transition inside and outside. OH and of course, you want to be prepared to eat outside whenever possible.


So under that jacket, I bring a few long-sleeved shirts, a few short-sleeved shirts, and, in cooler months, a light sweater. I tend to avoid frilly blouses or shirts that must stand alone, as I find I wear my jacket more than I plan to.

FAQ: Do European hotel rooms have air conditioning?

It is not as hot in Europe as in most of the United States, so buildings in many European countries, which are far older than ours and less likely to be knocked down and modernized from the ground up, do not have air conditioning. That said, museums, large tourist attractions, many stores, lots of public spaces, and high-end hotels almost always have AC. With temps rising, and as a weak Yankee, I always select a hotel with central air (not a window unit). 

Makeup and Hairstyling in European Hotels

FAQ: What make-up should I bring to Europe?

For day-to-day tourism, I generally wear tinted moisturizer & blush, eyebrow pencil and mascara. I also bring eye liner and an eye shadow stick for evening events. I try to keep it as light as possible, on long days of lots of walking and often unpredictable weather. If you're going to put everything in a carry-on bag, don't forget to make sure all of your liquids are under the 3.4 ounce max size for TSA.

FAQ: How do I style my hair in a European hotel room?

Personally, I like to spend as little time as possible doing my hair when I'm on vacation. So I wash it every few days, curl it, and then just touch up the curl as needed during the trip. Most hotels will have a small, cheap, loud hair dryer provided for your use. Remember, if you are bringing your own devices, to bring a plug converter!

Perfect Europe Packing List {7 Days}

I thought it'd be helpful to include a Europe travel packing list for a week in Europe, before we wrap up:

• Outer layer: Waterproof Light Jacket/ Trench coat
• Small travel umbrella
• 1 scarf
• 2 pairs of shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 neutral belt
• 4 long-sleeved shirts/ blouses
• 1 or 2 light sweaters {or short-sleeved shirts in summer}
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers {longer shorts for summer}
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks for Stopping By!

There's nothing I love more than helping Americans plan their first (or fifth!!) trip to Europe. Exploring 'the Continent' is such a milestone in our lives and I know you'll be back again and again, just like us. While you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many other free resources I've created to help Americans plan their European vacations. It's all free and it's been an absolute pleasure to make, over my blogging career going all the way back to 2018.

• Italy Packing Essentials: What to Wear Right Now
• What to Wear in Europe: 20+ Tips Every Tourist Needs to Know
• 6+ Easy Tips for Surviving a Long Flight to Europe in Economy
• 9+ Surprising Things You Should Never Wear on a Flight to Europe
• 8+ Embarrassing Things You Should Never Wear in Europe

Grab all of my 2025 Europe Travel Essentials