New York City Packing List: A Local's Guide to What to Bring!

If you know your phone battery is likely to die, and don’t want to worry about stopping somewhere to charge (like a cafe or bar) a power bank is a must have! Even as a local, I will usually have one when I commute to and from the city so I know I always have a functional phone.

The tap water in NYC is actually some of the best in the country, so bringing a reusable bottle is a great way to save money and reduce plastic waste while you’re exploring the city. You can easily refill it at your hotel or at public water points in parks.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages and pain relievers in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for a pharmacy when you have a minor scrape or blister from all that pavement pounding.

A dedicated wash pouch keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your favorite travel clothes. I love the ones that hang up for easy access in those compact NYC hotel bathrooms.

Whether you’re staying in the heart of Midtown or a lively neighborhood in Brooklyn, a pair of ear plugs is absolute gold for ensuring you get some quiet rest between all those days of exploring the ‘City That Never Sleeps’.

Separating your laundry from your clean clothes is a simple way to stay organized, especially when you’re dealing with damp gear after a quick city rain shower.

I honestly can’t travel without these anymore because they make organizing varied climate gear so easy. They’re perfect for keeping your t-shirts separate from your evening outfits in your bag.

You’ll want a bag that can handle being dragged through busy subway stations and along the historical sidewalks of New York City. We found that a sturdy suitcase with multi-directional wheels is the most comfortable way to navigate.

If you’re planning on doing some serious shopping, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bag’s weight. A quick check with a scale can save you from those annoying fees at the airport.

A lightweight daypack is perfect for carrying your water, sunscreen and an extra layer while you’re out exploring. You’ll want something comfortable that will keep your gear secure even in those more crowded tourist areas.

I find a sling bag to be one of the most versatile things I pack because it works for city walks and keeps my most important things right across my chest where they’re easy to reach.

I always pack at least one warm sweater or fleece for those cooler transition periods or for layering under my coat. It’s an easy piece that provides so much extra comfort when the temperature drops.

A few long-sleeve shirts are perfect for layering as the temperature changes throughout the day. They take up almost no space in your bag and are ideal for those cooler mornings by the water.

While the days can be mild, those coastal evenings and city winds can get surprisingly cool. A pair of long pants or nice jeans is essential for staying comfortable throughout the day.

I find leggings to be one of the most versatile things I pack because they work for both travel days and as an extra layer under my pants. You’ll definitely want a pair for those long walks through Central Park.

Protecting your extremities from those biting city winds is absolute key for staying comfortable while you’re out exploring. A good hat and pair of gloves will keep you warm even during those long winter days.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves in a city where you’ll be walking for miles. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even during those long city tours.

In a city known for its winter snow and slush, a sturdy pair of waterproof shoes is essential for staying comfortable while you’re out exploring. Look for something that offers both protection and style.

You’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual after those long days of walking and exploring. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair throughout your trip.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long days of walking and visiting museums. You might want to pack an extra one or two for the trip just in case.

A light jacket is perfect for those transition periods when the city breeze picks up or for staying comfortable during your evening dinner plans. It’s an easy layer to throw in your daypack just in case.

A light sweater or cardigan is a versatile accessory that can work for both extra warmth in air-conditioned museums and as a stylish addition to your evening outfit.

A few long-sleeve shirts are absolute key for layering as the temperature changes throughout the day. They take up almost no space in your bag and are ideal for those cooler mornings in the city.

I always pack a few breathable short-sleeve shirts for those beautiful sunny moments when the clouds clear in the afternoon. They’re also perfect for layering under a light jacket if the breeze picks up.

Tank tops are perfect for those warmer afternoons when the sun is out. They take up almost no space in your bag and are ideal for layering under a light sweater if the temperature starts to drop.

While the days can be mild, those coastal evenings and city winds can get surprisingly cool. A pair of long pants or nice jeans is essential for staying comfortable throughout the day.

I find lightweight joggers to be some of the most versatile things I pack because they work for both travel days and active excursions. You’ll want a pair for those long walks through the city libraries and parks.

Don’t be surprised if some of those fall days are still quite warm! A pair of comfortable shorts is a smart thing to have in your bag for those moments when you’re out exploring in the sun.

A light scarf is a versatile accessory that can work for both extra warmth and as a stylish addition to your evening outfit. It’s also handy for protecting your neck from the wind while you’re sightseeing.

Spring in NYC definitely brings its fair share of showers. A compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket is a total lifesaver for those moments when you’re caught in a sudden downpour between subway stops.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic streets of Greenwich Village all the way to the Upper East Side. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

You’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual after those long days of walking and exploring. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair throughout your trip.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long days of walking and visiting museums. You might want to pack an extra one or two for the trip just in case.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves in a city where you’ll be walking for miles. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even during those long city tours.

I always pack a few breathable short-sleeve shirts for those beautiful sunny moments when the clouds clear. They’re also perfect for layering under a light jacket if the maritime breeze picks up, though those subway platforms can be incredibly hot!

Tank tops are perfect for those warmer afternoons when the sun is out. They take up almost no space in your bag and are ideal for layering under a light sweater if the temperature starts to drop in air-conditioned spaces.

Don’t be surprised if some of those summer days are still quite warm! A pair of comfortable shorts is a smart thing to have in your bag for those moments when you’re out exploring the parks or taking a stroll along the High Line.

I find lightweight joggers to be some of the most versatile things I pack because they work for both travel days and as an extra layer when the city breeze picks up. You’ll definitely want a pair for those long walks through the botanical gardens.

I honestly can’t travel without these anymore because they make organizing active gear and layers so easy. They’re perfect for keeping you comfortable while you’re tackling those long city walks or an early morning workout.

A light sweater or cardigan is a versatile accessory that can work for both extra warmth in air-conditioned spaces and as a stylish addition to your evening outfit. It’s an easy layer to throw in your daypack just in case.

A light jacket is perfect for those transition periods when the city breeze picks up or for staying comfortable during your evening dinner plans. It’s an easy piece that provides so much extra comfort when the temperature drops.

NYC summers definitely bring their fair share of sudden storms. A compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket is a total lifesaver for those moments when you’re caught in a sudden downpour mid-tour.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic streets of the West Village all the way to the Upper East Side. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

If you’re planning on spending any time in the city parks or just relaxing by the pool, a reliable pair of sandals or flip-flops is a must. They’re an easy thing to throw in your bag for those moments when you’re taking a break from sightseeing.

You’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual after those long days of walking and exploring in the humidity. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair throughout your trip.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long days of walking and visiting museums. You might want to pack an extra one or two for the trip just in case.

I’ve learned the hard way that good socks are just as important as the shoes themselves in a city where you’ll be walking for miles. Quality moisture-wicking pairs will keep your feet dry and comfy even during those long city tours.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic streets of Brooklyn all the way to the Upper West Side. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

In a city known for its winter snow and slush, a sturdy pair of waterproof shoes is essential for staying comfortable while you’re out exploring. Look for something that offers both protection and style.

If you’re planning on spending any time in the city parks or just relaxing by the pool, a reliable pair of sandals or flip-flops is absolute gold. They’re an easy thing to throw in your bag for those moments when you’re out sightseeing.

I always pack at least one pair of warmer socks for those cooler transition periods or for layering under my boots. It’s an easy piece that provides so much extra comfort when the temperature drops in winter.

A small crossbody bag or fanny pack is the perfect way to keep your most important things right at your fingertips while you’re out exploring. It keeps your valuables secure and your hands free for taking photos.

While cell service is generally good in the city, having offline maps or a dedicated GPS can be a lifesaver in those more narrow backstreets. It’s an easy way to stay on track even when you lose your signal.

The sun can be surprisingly bright as it reflects off the glass buildings and the surrounding stone streets. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes and keep you comfortable while you’re out sightseeing.

A good hat is a versatile accessory that works for both sun protection during brighter moments and keeping your head dry during quick city rain showers. Just be sure it’s secure so it doesn’t blow away!

Staying hydrated is key when you’re walking miles between historic towns and neighborhoods. Bringing your own bottle is a great way to save money and reduce plastic waste while you’re out exploring.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from the historic downtown all the way to the parks. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

NYC weather can definitely be unpredictable, so having a compact umbrella ready is a smart move. It’s an easy thing to throw in your daypack for those moments when you’re caught in a sudden downpour.

A small crossbody bag or purse is the perfect way to keep your most important things right at your fingertips while you’re out enjoying the evening activities. It keeps your valuables secure and your hands free for taking photos.

For those nicer restaurants or bars, a well-tailored blazer or a smart button-down shirt is a great choice for a slightly more polished look. It’s a versatile piece that can even work for more casual evening plans.

A versatile dress or a nice top is perfect for those transition periods between sightseeing and dinner. It’s an easy way to elevate your look while staying comfortable throughout the evening.

A light sweater or cardigan is a versatile accessory that can work for both extra warmth during those cooler evenings and as a stylish addition to your outfit. It’s an easy layer to throw in your bag just in case.

Believe me when I say you’ll be doing a lot of walking as you transition between dinner and different evening venues. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing support and comfort over style.

I honestly can’t emphasize this enough: you’ll be navigating a LOT of stairs and walking through long tunnels in the subway. Your feet will definitely thank you for choosing supportive and comfortable shoes over anything else!

A compact and lightweight bag is much easier to manage on crowded trains and busy platforms. Look for something that you can easily keep close to your body for extra security while you’re in transit.