The ultimate NYC packing list: packing for The Big Apple

From legendary food to epic sights, New York City is the ultimate destination for an impressive and entertaining getaway. But even once you’ve booked your flight and found a place to stay, there’s still one more thing to do before your escape: packing. 

Nothing puts a damper on your holiday like lugging around an overpacked bag or forgetting to bring the essentials. So, the right packing list is key to ensuring you can focus on having fun. Here are a few of the things to think about when getting ready for your New York adventure.

Before deciding what to bring to New York City, there are a few things to think about first. These considerations will help you decide what type of bag to bring, how many bags and what size.

Airline luggage allowance

If you’re flying, make sure to double-check your luggage allowance. Flights will often allow one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or small backpack), with the option of adding a checked bag. Be sure that your bag fits the size and weight requirements to avoid extra fees at the airport.

Length and type of trip

Of course, a quick weekend getaway will have very different packing needs than a two-week holiday. But you should also think about what kind of activities you have planned. 

If you’re planning on going to the theatre and trying out restaurants, then be sure to pack clothes that fit any dress code. Alternatively, if you’re planning a long bike ride through Central Park, you might want to leave room for some active wear. If you’re hoping to hit up some of New York’s legendary shopping, then bring an extra bag or leave space in your luggage for your haul.

Transport around New York City 

Don’t forget to think about how you’ll get from the airport or train station to your accommodation. If you’re planning to take public transport or do a lot of walking, then you should consider packing on the lighter side. But, if you hire a car or use an iconic New York taxi, then it won’t be a problem to bring an extra bag or two. 

Where you’re staying

Accommodation in a big city can vary – and it’s worth thinking about before you pack your bags. Hotels and holiday rentals may provide complementary basic toiletries such as shampoo, soap and lotion, as well as amenities like a hair dryer. Figure out which amenities are provided by the hotel to avoid bringing unnecessary things. 

Most accommodation will have an iron and ironing board for you to use, and some may have laundry facilities, allowing you to pack less and wash clothes part way through the trip. 

Time of year

The weather in New York City varies a lot from season to season. Summertime can be sweltering, but if you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve at Times Square, then you’ll probably want to pack plenty of warm clothing. Seasonal temperatures can change from year to year, so check the weather forecast close to your trip and think about bringing layers to give yourself lots of flexibility.

No matter where you’re staying or what the weather is, there are a few things that you should always bring on a trip to New York City. Some New York City travel essentials are listed below.

Personal ID

Whether you’re flying or driving to New York, you’ll likely need your ID – such as a driver’s license or passport. While you might not need it, it’s a good idea to keep your driver’s license or other ID on you as you travel around in case you ever need to verify your age or need it for other reasons. If you’re travelling with a passport, it’s recommended to lock it in your hotel safe. For extra security, you can also keep a photocopy of your ID back at the hotel, just in case. 

Additional travel documents

It may be helpful to have physical copies of your travel booking details. It’ll only take a couple of minutes to print out your flight information, hotel booking and tickets for any activities that you may have booked in advance. These physical copies can give you the peace of mind of a reliable backup plan.

Your carry-on bag is a great place to include any essentials that you'll need during your flight or right when you arrive. Unfortunately, checked baggage does get lost sometimes, so you should also keep anything valuable or sentimental in your carry-on bag so that you can keep an eye on it. Here’s a hold luggage packing list for New York. 

Electronics and travel comforts: 

• Books, magazines or other entertainment

• Travel pillow

• Phone charger

• Camera and any batteries or charger needed

• Power bank

• Headphones

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Soap or body wash

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush or comb

• Skincare products (moisturiser, sun cream etc.)

• Razor and shaving cream

• Personal hygiene products

• Prescription medications

• Hand sanitiser

Checked bag packing list

When packing a checked bag for your New York City adventure, think about items that you won't need immediate access to during your flight but will need for your trip. It’s a good place to put any bulkier items or any full-sized liquids and toiletries. Here's a packing list of what to put in your checked bag.

Clothing:

• Comfortable clothing for daytime

• Clothing for evening activities (if needed)

• Weather-appropriate outerwear (jacket, raincoat, scarves etc.)

• Pyjamas

• Underwear 

• Socks

• Swimwear (if needed)

• Comfortable shoes (walking shoes, sandals etc.)

Accessories and other essentials:

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Reusable water bottle

Packing the perfect bag is both an art and a science. Your unique travel needs may differ, so take note of things that you use on a regular basis to help decide what to bring on your holiday. And if you forget something? Well, New York City’s shopping is famous for a reason – you might just find the perfect excuse to pick up a souvenir.

What should I bring on a New York City day trip?

For a day trip to New York City, all you’ll likely need is a small backpack or crossbody bag with a few essentials such as your ID, wallet, phone and a portable charger. You may also want some simple toiletries like hand sanitiser, sun cream and lip balm. And of course, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes and bring any coats, sunglasses or seasonal wear you might need. 

What should I pack for New York City?

Your packing needs will depend on the season, type of trip and other factors. When making a packing list for New York City, you should bring toiletries, clothing, accessories and electronics and any other travel comforts you might want.