Packing For Summer In Europe: BEST Packing List (2024)
Is your summer vacation approaching and you’re starting to worry about packing for summer in Europe?
I’ve got you covered!
I’m a European and I’ve spent the last 20 years traveling around Europe every summer.
I’m an expert at packing light, and I don’t think I ever paid for checked luggage – most times I can get away with free personal item!
However, we’re not doing extreme minimalism this time. I’ll give you the ultimate list of all the clothes, shoes, and accessories you’ll need to bring when traveling to Europe in the summer!
Sure, trends change, but the classic European summer packing list stays the same.
Let’s get started with what to pack for Europe in summer!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Packing Tips For Europe In Summer
Before we get into individual items you should pack, let’s go over some general packing tips.
Ideally, you should be packing for summer in Europe in a carry-on only.
If you’re planning to bring 2 large suitcases this might not be an article for you.
1. Pack versatile clothing
You want to take items you can mix and match.
I’m not saying that your whole wardrobe should be beige. Au contaire!
I love fun patterns in the summer, but I make sure I also pack enough neutrals that go with colorful items.
2. You don’t need more than 3 pairs of shoes
I don’t know who needs to hear this but put those heels back into your closet.
I’d say with 99% confidence that you don’t need heels in Europe. Even if you’re going to some of the best party locations in Europe this summer, flats will do!
For most travelers, 3 pairs of shoes are more than enough.
3. You can buy everything once you’re here
Unless you’re going to a remote destination, you can buy everything once you’re there.
You can find all the most popular high street shops in Europe to buy essentials that you might have forgotten to pack.
It can even be fun to do some shopping in Europe, prices in Europe are not that expensive in most places!
So don’t stress too much about packing, clothes are not the most important part of your trip.
4. Nobody cares if you repeat outfits
I’ve been guilty of this one for years!
I thought I had to pack a different outfit for every day of my vacation because it was completely unacceptable to have 2 Instagram photos wearing the same outfit.
The truth is, unless you’re a big Instagram influencer, nobody cares. In fact, nobody cares even if you are a big Instagram influencer!
Nowadays I pack only one outfit for beach days. It is usually a comfortable dress or a thin shirtdress if I catch too much sun.
5. Use packing cubes
I never thought much about packing cubes until I finally bought them.
I’m the biggest packing cube fan now!
They are especially useful if you’re packing for backpacking Europe and you’ll be on the road for a long time with a backpack.
I use them to separate my outfits so I don’t have to go through my whole bag when looking for something.
To be fair I don’t think they save you space, but they are organizational gold!
6. Adapt for the weather
Europe has several different climates, and summer doesn’t look the same on Greek islands and in Norway.
Check the weather forecast to make sure you’re packing appropriate clothing.
7. You’ll have to carry your bags
Finally, one thing to remember when packing is that you’ll have to carry those bags around for your entire trip.
Now, do you want to lug around a 20kg suitcase on cobblestone streets and staircases in Europe?
I don’t think you do.
That doesn’t mean you should pack in a personal item backpack only, but you should pack light.
I think of this as a backpacking Europe packing list, but you can also take a carry-on suitcase if you prefer it.
Wear your bulkiest items to make sure you fit more in your bags!
Packing List For Europe Summer
Now that we have a general idea of how you should pack, let’s get into individual items.
I’ll also show you how these items worked for me on my backpacking Europe trips.
You’ll see I love some of them so much that I’ve been packing them again and again for over 5 years!
I know I’m certainly not the most fashionable girl out there, so you can adapt the items to your style.
Clothes
✅ 2-3 Dresses
I think dresses are the easiest thing to wear in the summer.
Take 2-3 dresses, depending on other items you pack.
If you’re visiting cities, midi dresses are a casual but elegant way to blend in. Midi dresses are super popular in Europe and lots of locals wear them!
I usually bring 1 midi dress and 2 short dresses.
My linen midi dress takes up a lot of space, so I usually wear it when traveling.
✅ 1-2 Pairs Of Linen Pants
Light linen pants are a great alternative to shorts. They are a fantastic option if you don’t want to have your legs out!
If you’re taking shorts, I would pack one pair. But you can take two if you prefer longer pants.
I usually take my black or beige ones, as my midi skirt is already colorful.
✅ 1-2 Skirts or shorts
If you are a skirt person, bring one short skirt and one midi skirt.
I love midi skirts, they are just the best and the most versatile bottoms you can get.
I wear my colorful midi skirt during the day with light-colored tops and at night with a black top. It is definitely my most worn item.
If you are a short person, then you should go for 1-2 pairs of shorts.
I suggest one pair of jean shorts and one paper bag style of shorts.
✅ 5-10 Tops
I like to take 2 white cropped tops, several patterned cropped tops, and 2-3 darker tops for going out at night.
While you can certainly get away with tiny shorts on the beach, I’d go for a more casual, longer pair if you’ll be in the cities.
Most tops are very compact so you can pack quite a few.
That is not to say that you should bring 20 tops if you’re only traveling for 2 weeks!
Make sure to bring at least one T-shirt that covers your shoulders. You’ll be glad you have it if you get sunburnt.
✅ 1 Cardigan
Summers are hot in Europe, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a cardigan in case of unexpected cold weather.
If you’re not a cardigan girl, a light long sleeve linen shirt works as well!
✅ Jeans and a light jacket
You won’t need jeans and a jacket in most cases.
However, you should take them if you’re going to a place where it still gets cold in the summer.
For example, I visited Nantes in late July and I still had to wear a blazer and jeans at night because it was cold and rainy.
✅ 1-2 Bikini
If you’re going to one of Europe’s beach destinations you’ll need a bikini.
However, you don’t need more than 2 bikinis. I don’t understand why people would pack 5 or more bikinis.
You wear one and change into the other one.
I grew up on the beach and trust me, most of us wear 1-2 bikinis the whole summer season! Let alone a 2 weeks holiday.
✅ PJs
Finally, don’t forget to pack PJs. A simple PJ set of shorts and a T-shirt works perfectly.
✅ Basics
Depending on how many days you’re traveling for, don’t forget the basics!
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks (you’ll wear sandals most days)
- 2 bras/bralettes
- 1 travel towel
✅ Shoes
You don’t need more than 3 pairs of shoes.
If you’re staying in hostels you’ll also want shower shoes. Flip flops are so small they don’t take up any space, so I don’t count them 🙂
Comfortable flats
Comfortable walking shoes are the most important item you should pack for Europe. You’ll walk so much that you need your shoes to be comfortable.
So, what are the best shoes for traveling in Europe?
Honestly, any shoes you find comfortable. I usually take any sandals I’m wearing that summer.
Birkenstocks are very popular in Europe and most people find them very comfortable.
To be fair, sports sandals like Tevas are not very common in Europe like when you’re packing for Cambodia.
You will look like a tourist if you opt for them.
However, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with looking like a tourist if you’re feet are comfortable!
White sneakers
Your sneakers don’t have to be white, but any casual sneaker will work.
European girls wear sneakers with their summer outfits all the time.
I’d go for Converse or even running shoes if you plan on hiking.
Nice sandals
If you want to dress up for a special occasion, nice sandals will work in 99% of the cases.
Sandals can look very elegant when paired with a nice dress or linen pants.
✅ Cosmetics
If you’re flying carry on only keep in mind that all of your cosmetics need to be under 100ml.
- Face cream
- Face sunscreen (!!)
- Facewash
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
+
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties + a hair claw for simple travel hairstyles
- Nail file
Apart from the cosmetics, I also like to take a minimal make-up routine.
I know it is very personal what different women consider minimal, but remember that summers in Europe are hot. You don’t want your make-up melting off your face while sightseeing.
- Concealer
- Powder foundation + brush
- Bronzer or blush
- Eyebrow gel + pencil
- Mascara
- Black liquid eyeliner
- Lipstick
✅ Other Essentials
Travel Essentials
I talk a lot about the clothes, but don’t leave your house without these:
- ID/passport
- phone + charger
- 2 cards (debit or credit)
- Emergency cash
- Visa documents
Sunglasses
Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses. To be quite honest, they also replace make-up for me during most of my trips!
Crossbody bag or bumbag
I love my Uniqlo bum bag. It is the best day bag to take traveling as it fits so much!
Alternatively, you can also go for a casual crossbody bag.
You want to keep your things nearby in a bag you can close to deter pickpocketers.
Water bottle
Tap water is drinkable almost everywhere in Europe so make sure you bring a reusable water bottle to limit plastic pollution.
Canvas tote bag
Canvas tote bags are so useful when traveling!
They fold up super small and you can take one when you need to carry more things along.
You can use it as a beach bag, as a shopping bag, or as a laundry bag!
Travel Insurance
You won’t pack your travel insurance in your bag, but you should not travel without it.
I use Safetywing as they are quite affordable and you can get insurance with them even if you’re already on the road!
Things You Don’t Need To Pack
As I said, I’ve been traveling around Europe for decades and I’ve packed items I regretted bringing along.
Some of these might be controversial, but I really think you don’t need them when packing for summer in Europe.
❌ High Heels
Unless you’re on a romantic getaway where you’ll be going to Michelin-star restaurants, you don’t need high heels for summer in Europe.
If you want some additional height, wedges are a good compromise.
❌ Raincoat
I know you probably saw raincoats on many European packing lists, but I’d argue you don’t need it in 99% of cases.
I took a raincoat with me two times when backpacking Europe in summer and didn’t need it at all.
In the unlikely event it rains, you’re better off just buying a small umbrella on the spot.
❌ Full-Size Towel
You don’t need to bring a large bath towel. It will take up way too much space, and it is highly unlikely you’ll need it.
If you’re staying in hostels – bring a microfibre towel.
If you’re not backpacking and you’re staying in hotels and Aibnbs, they will have towels there that you can use.
Final Thoughts: Packing For Summer In Europe
Versatility should be the main idea to remember when packing for your trip to Europe this summer.
Try to pack in a carry-on only, as you don’t want to lug around a huge and heavy suitcase, especially if you’re moving around a lot.
My general rule is to wear clothes I like to wear at home without worrying too much about being the trendiest person out there.
The most important is to enjoy your trip and you can only do that if you wear clothes that you’re comfortable in.
Now that you know what to wear in Europe – summer 2024 edition, do you already know where you’re going or you’re still working on your itinerary?
Here are the best European summer destinations that you should visit this year!
