The Perfect 10 Days in Europe Packing List (First-Time Traveler Friendly!)

Planning your first-ever trip to Europe? Whether you’re dreaming of Parisian cafes, Tuscan countryside, or cobbled streets in Prague, packing well can make or break your experience. This 10 days in Europe packing list will help you feel confident, prepared, and stylish without overpacking.

This list is built from my own trips around Europe (and a few hard-earned mistakes). It’s designed for comfort, ease of travel, and versatility. Most items can be found on Amazon, and you can adapt the suggestions depending on the time of year.

This 10 day Europe trip packing list works for every season and balances comfort with style, whether you’re city-hopping or staying in one place.

For a longer trip, check out what we packed for 3 months backpacking Europe.

What to Pack for Europe in 10 Days: The Essentials

Lightweight Carry-On or Checked Luggage

If you pack light it is probably possible to skillfully [ack a carry on especially if you are travelling a lot between places. I do not pack light so this would never work for me.

I always pack a medium checked suitcase and I advise you look into sized for the airlines you are travelling. The US to Europe flight is bound to have a bigger allowance than the European flights and you don’t want to find yourself paying for extra baggage. Look for wheels that spin and durable handles. I tend to also pick neutral colors as they don’t show war as easily.

If you are travelling by trains between countries you might want to opt for a more rucksack style scenario but make sure the dimensions are still correct for the international flight.

Use a Portable Luggage Scale to avoid surprise fees at the airport.

Daypack or Crossbody Bag

You’ll be walking a lot, so bring a comfortable day bag. Crossbody bags with anti-theft features are great for cities like Rome or Barcelona. Look for one with RFID protection and multiple compartments.

You will be in and out this bad a lot s make sure it’s robust and will last.

I find this Crossbody Bag really useful.

Packing Cubes

If you taking a suitcase or carry one bag these are essential. You will be surprised how much more you can fit in a case with packing cubes.

They are also essential for keeping everything organized and compact. Use different cubes for tops, bottoms, underwear, and toiletries. Compression cubes can also help you fit more while staying neat.

These travel organizers compress your clothes and keep everything neat

Refillable Water Bottle

Most European cities have safe tap water and refill stations, especially in airports and train stations. Staying hydrated is especially important when sightseeing all day.

Take a collapsible water bottle and you will save yourself a ton of money buying unnecessary bottled water.

I find this Collapsible Bottles were brilliant.

Universal Power Adapter

Europe uses different plug types and voltages and to make it more difficult each European country is different. Make sure you have an adapter that works in multiple countries. A multi-port USB charger is also a great idea.

This Power Adapter works really well.

Passport & Travel Documents Organizer

Keep your passport, itinerary, insurance info, and boarding passes in one zip pouch. It’ll make airport security and hotel check-ins easier.

You will thank me for this one later. Tuck your passport and money in a Travel Pouch for added security in busy cities.

These essentials should be on every Europe travel checklist, especially for first-time visitors.

Clothing: Europe Outfit Ideas for 10 Days

Now obviously I can’t cover every eventually here and every season. I’ve gone with a smart casual vibe with a few smarter outfits. I have stuck to a capsule wardrobe which will work with additions and take-aways for each season.

Everything here mixes and matched well and will be perfect for most types of occasions. This is essentially a Europe capsule wardrobe: everything mixes and matches, keeping your suitcase light and your outfits stylish.

Europeans tend to dress smart casual so skip the yoga pants and opt for timeless staples. They also tend to have less of a ‘uniform’ than the States so you can be a bit adventurous.

Layering is key especially if you are going in winter and fall and comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket are a must.

What To Pack For Europe

Tops:

• 3–4 shirts, blouses or tops.

Pick the types of shirts you would normally wear and feel comfortable in. For some that’s button up shirts for others it’s more Bretton type style. Most will tell you to but neutral colors I would say buy the colors that most for the rest of your wardrobe. You will need to get at least two wears out of every top so ensure they go with your wardrobe.

In summer these tops may be more of the t-shirt kind in spring and fall more long sleeved options and in winter they might be of the thermal variety.

When planning your outfits, stick to pieces that can be layered and dressed up or down. These Europe outfit ideas work well across different weather and locations.

• 1 dressy top for evenings

If you wear dressy tops then pack at least one that will go with a lot of items in your wardrobe. In summer this might be a short sleeve blouse, in spring and fall it might be more of a long sleeve shirt and in winter it might be a wool top.

• 1 lightweight sweater or cardigan

A sweater, cardigan or sweatshirt that goes with most of your other clothes will save you form any chilly evenings.

In winter a chunky sweater is a good option and a classic sweatshirt works well for autumn and spring. In summer a lightweight cardigan will ensure you aren’t cold on the chillier/windy days.

• 1 basic tee for layering or casual days

I always take a basic neutral tee everywhere I go. I can layer it up on colder days, fling in on when lounging in the accommodation or pull it on when I can’t think of what else to wear. Mine always tends to be navy blue as that goes with my pallet.

Need inspiration? Here are some stylish Europe outfit ideas for summer.

Bottoms:

• 2 pairs of pants

So what pants you take will depend a lot on when you travel and your style. I would suggest good jeans are always a good option whenever you go. In the summer you might opt for a linen pair of trousers, in spring and fall maybe dungarees are your go to and in winter you might choose good quality wool trousers.

Just make sure they pair great with the tops you have taken and the color matches other things in your wardrobe.

• 1 skirt or dress (great for dinner or photos!)

If you are not a skirt or dress person then add a smarter pair of trousers to your case. I would be more likely to add a dress and skirt and remove a pair of trousers.

What I do is always pack one amazing dress at least that will work for the expected weather at that time of year. I also make sure that it is a dress that can be dressed up for a smart night out or dressed down for a casual day sightseeing. This way it has more than on outing.

For the skirt I would choose one that matches my style and again can be dressed up or down. I personally like layered midi skirts as they work with sandals or boots and work for most seasons.

• 1 pair of leggings or travel-friendly trousers

Those hectic days travelling or lazy night lunging will require some comfortable bottoms. I tend to like yoga pants but you do you and take what works best in your situation.

or a Europe capsule wardrobe, choose 2–3 bottoms that can be dressed up or down and worn with all your top.

Outerwear:

• Light jacket or trench coat in spring and fall

You can not go wrong with a trench coat. They are perfect for spring and fall and if you choose well will go with most outfits. I like to buy mine of the bigger size so they can work well over a sweater for winter.

• Packable puffer in winter or waterproof coat

I know some people loves these and some not so much but believe me in the middle of winter you will be thankful you took it. In the spring and summer swap this with a packable waterproof jacket you will need it.

• Linen blazer or denim jacket in summer

I always love a good denim jacket as it goes with most things and is very versatile. If you like something a little more tailored then a linen jacket is also a great choice. Make sure whatever you take it will work with most of your clothes.

Shoes:

• 1 pair of comfy walking shoes (sneakers or waterproof flats)

I can not emphasis this enough you will need shoes that you can walk for hours in. What those shoes are will probably depend on the season you travel. Sneakers, boots, sturdy shoes are all perfect bt please make sue you have broken them in.

• 1 pair of sandals or loafers (weather dependent)

I love a good pair of loafers as they can see you through fall, winter and spring quite well and look good with skirts, dresses and sandals. In the summer substitute these are sandals of your choice, I tend to like low wedge heel ones as they work for day or night.

• Optional: low-profile ankle boots or longer boots (fall/winter)

If you are travelling in fall or winter some good boots will be well worth taking. Choose boots you can walk in for hours and suit your style. For me I love Dr Martens but each to their own 🙂

Other clothing musts:

• 1 sleep set – choose one that fits the season
• 7 pairs of underwear, this assumes you’re washing, if it was me packing I would take 12.
• 2–3 bras
• 1–2 pairs of socks per day (especially if walking)
• Swimsuit (even if you’re not going to a beach, you never know!)
• Light scarf or shawl (for layering or modesty in churches)

Don’t miss these 10 essential Europe packing list items people often forget.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Most of this can be bought in Europe if you forget something, but it’s nice to have your favorites with you. Things will be different in Europe and you often wont recognize a lot of the brands so if that is important to you buy before you go.

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Hairbrush/comb
• Travel-size shampoo/conditioner/soap
• Razor + small shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Makeup + travel makeup remover
• Moisturizer and SPF
• Lip balm
• Any medications (bring in original packaging)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hand sanitizer
• Face wipes (for plane or train travel)
• Nail clippers and tweezers (TSA-approved)

Electronics & Travel Tech

Again this will be personal depending on what you need and want with you.

• Universal adapter (again, it’s vital!)
• Phone + charger
• Portable power bank (for all-day exploring)
• Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones if like me noise overwhelm you
• Travel-size hair straightener if you use
• Kindle or e-reader (books get heavy)
• Lightweight camera if you want (your phone might be enough!)
• Travel-size Bluetooth speaker (optional, for hotel rooms)

Amazon Must-Haves for Europe Travel

These are the game-changers I wish I had on my first trip.

• Compression packing cubes – Save space and stay organized
• Neck wallet or hidden pouch – For cities with pickpocket warnings
• Quick-dry travel towel – Great for Airbnb stays or beaches
• Foldable tote bag – For shopping or beach days
• Mini first-aid kit – Blister plasters, band-aids, painkillers, you might not be familiar with European equivalents.
• TSA-compliant toiletry bag – Speeds up airport security
• Travel umbrella – Compact but strong (weather is unpredictable!)
• Portable luggage scale -Avoid overweight fees when flying home or between cities.
• Airplane foot hammock or travel pillow – Increases comfort on long flights

These Amazon travel items for Europe are lightweight, useful, and take up hardly any room in your bag.

Optional But Nice to Have

• Travel journal- I really admire people who travel journal.
• Sleep mask and ear plugs if you need them. It gets light very early in the morning in Europe.
• Small laundry detergent packets if you are going to wash.
• Snack bars or trail mix (especially with kids or dietary needs)
• Reusable shopping bag (required in many European stores)
• Printed copies of documents (in case of phone battery issues)

These things will be a great addition to your 10 days in Europe packing list.

Travel Tips for Packing Light in Europe

• Layers are your friend. Weather changes fast, and buildings in Europe often aren’t air-conditioned. Pack clothes’ you can layer.
• Do laundry halfway through if you can (pack detergent or use hotel sink).
• Avoid large suitcases unless you’re staying in one place. Cobblestones and staircases are everywhere.
• Pack in outfits, not items. If you can make 10 outfits out of 8 pieces, you’re golden.
• Check local dress codes. Some churches and historic sites require shoulders and knees to be covered.
• Bring clothes you’ve already worn. Unfamiliar clothes may not be as comfortable when you’re walking 10,000+ steps a day.

These Europe packing tips for first-time travelers are based on experience, mishaps, and plenty of trial and error.

This packing list for Europe is designed to keep you light, stylish, and ready for anything. Europe is full of beautiful surprises, but you’ll enjoy them more if you’re not lugging around an overstuffed suitcase.

Whether you’re heading to castles in Germany, the beaches in Greece, or the streets of Paris, this guide will help you feel prepared, not panicked.

This Europe packing list for 10 days has been my go-to on multiple trips, and I hope it helps you pack with confidence too. And remember: when in doubt, pack less. You’ll thank yourself on those cobblestone hills.

This 10 day Europe trip packing list has been my go-to on multiple trips, and I hope it helps you pack with confidence too. Safe travels!