Table of Contents

27 Top NYC Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

New York City
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New York City receives over 60 million tourists every year, with each finding themselves in a full-on sensory and cultural experience! The Big Apple is one of the most amazing cities in the world, but it can also be a bit chaotic, strange, and unpredictable.

That’s why I created this New York City packing list with essentials like what to bring, what to wear in NYC, what NOT to take, and some FAQs for your trip. Make sure you bring a healthy dose of patience with you, and you’ll inevitably come home saying, “I ♥ NYC!”

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What to Pack for New York – 27 Essentials

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    Outsmart the big city pickpockets with a discreet neck wallet. The last time my friend and I were in New York City, she had her wallet stolen out of her purse while we were walking down a crowded street. It’s better not to keep your valuables in easy-to-reach places like purses, backpacks, or pockets and instead use a neck wallet. I’m able to fit my phone, bank cards, cash, and room key in this one and it still wears discreetly under my shirt or as a satchel purse.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Stylish Raincoat

    Fashion and style are pretty important in New York! So much so that you’ll probably feel uncomfortable in super casual clothing and outerwear. It’s precisely for occasions and trips like this that I keep a stylish raincoat around. I’ve used mine in Paris, London, NYC, and several other places where good taste and style are noticed. This coat is nice-looking and does a good job of keeping me warm and dry without overheating me.

    Stylish Raincoat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Don’t gamble with your cybersecurity. NYC is in the top 3 most vulnerable cities in the nation for online theft and data breaches. According to osc.ny.gov, cyberattacks have increased by 53% last year alone, costing the city more than 775 million dollars.

    Free Wi-Fi is great! Unfortunately, it comes with a substantial risk to your personal and financial information. Hackers like to “camp” in these unsecured networks at airports, coffee shops, hotels, etc. – to prey on unprotected users (trust me, we had this experience in Paris and will never risk it again after having to replace our credit card). We use NordVPN for our security and browsing safety, as well as to unlock censored websites. For a very affordable price on all devices, a VPN is a total no-brainer.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View options at NordVPN ➜

  • 4. Stylish Daybag

    You’ll probably want to opt for a nicer-looking daybag instead of your average dirty backpack. It’s always a good idea in fashionable cities like NYC, and it will help you feel like you fit in more, which is always ideal when traveling – nobody likes to stick out like a sore thumb!

    Stylish Daybag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Packing Cubes

    Packing cubes are a pretty universal obsession for frequent travelers, and for very good reason. They make organization an absolute breeze, compressing your items into neat cubes while at the same time compartmentalizing each type of clothing. So, for example, all of your t-shirts, pants, or essentials can be separated into individual cubes.

    Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

    packing cubes

    Or view on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for New York

    Frankly, if you can’t afford the low cost of travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It covers medical trouble, emergency trips home, flight delays, reservation cancellations, and damage or theft that would cost a fortune if paying out-of-pocket. Travel insurance is mandated in certain places because they know tourists would not recover from massive bills. Allow the insurance company to handle your trip cancelation, rescheduled flights, and refunds – these are not things you should have to worry about!

    We prefer Faye Travel Insurance for their low prices, great reputation for 24/7 customer support, and unique add-ons like ‘cancel for any reason.’ Everything is handled on their mobile app, from claims to reimbursements, you can even get real-time flight alerts to keep everything in one place.

    Travel Insurance for New York

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Lipstick-Sized Charger

    Having a portable charger with you can save you a ton of hassle. In a place like NYC, you don’t want to have to hoof it or pay for a cab back to your accommodations just to charge your devices if you can avoid it. This portable charger can fully recharge your devices if they run out or juice. You can recharge them on the go with your standard USB charger cables! I never travel without mine.

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Gorgeous Outfit

    The city that never sleeps is a place where you will want to dress up, at least a couple of times. Bring some fabulous outfits that make you feel like a million bucks! You’ll get a huge boost in confidence and energy when you feel great, and that always makes the night more fun. This jumpsuit is absolutely gorgeous and flattering on almost anyone.

    Gorgeous Outfit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    I can’t even count the number of times a travel towel has saved the day on a trip. I never pack my bag without two of these microfiber towels. They are extremely compact yet super-absorbent. In New York City, you’ll find them extremely useful when you need to dry off, wipe away sweat, cover a dirty seat on the subway, or anything else that needs rescuing! They dry 10x faster than cotton and are light as a feather.

    HERO Travel Towel - Blue

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Filtered Water Bottle

    Water in NYC is actually world-renowned for its drinkability, though the taste may not be the same as that of your hometown. Either way, I always recommend a bottle with a built-in filter, just to make the water taste better than it would straight out of the tap. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money instead of buying plastic bottles each day.

    Filtered Water Bottle

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  • 11. Pea Coat

    In the chillier months in New York, you will absolutely need a warm coat. Wearing a pea coat is elegant and upscale, helping you to not stick out as a tourist (always good to look like you “belong” while traveling), and it will keep you warm and even protect you if it starts misting or raining lightly, which is common in some months on the East Coast.

    Pea Coat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    A travel umbrella is a must for any trip to the City of Dreams. The weather in the city can turn on a dime and you don’t want to get caught outside in the rain unprepared. You’ll be doing a lot of walking between public transit routes and there is so much to see outside. With the right umbrella, not even the weather can rain on your parade. This one feels extremely well-made and better than any flimsy, over-priced umbrella you’ll find last minute in a gift shop.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Comfortable Flats

    Sneakers are not great in NYC – they will make you stick out like a sore thumb. My wife goes for cute flats when visiting fashionable places. These are absolute class, very comfortable to walk in, and her feet feel good all day.

    Comfortable Flats

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Discounted Tickets on NYC Attractions

    Get Your Guide is our trusted booking service for top-notch excursions. If you’re a first-time visitor to New York, the City Explorer Pass is a great way to save money since it gains you access to the top 90 attractions in the city.

    You may want to see Niagara Falls or the Empire State Building, but if you’re looking for the more authentic NYC experience (like we were), get away from the tourist traps and book things like a concert in Brooklyn, an immersive art tour in Greenwich Village, a free Shakespearean play in Central Park, and end the night watching the sunset from Vanderbilt Summit. There are also awesome day trips to Washington D.C. and the Hamptons.

    Discounted Tickets on NYC Attractions

    See all New York City attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 15. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

    For picnics in Central Park or beachy days near Coney Island, a waterproof pocket blanket is a smart addition to your packing list. This one is super compact so you won’t feel like you’re lugging along a giant, fluffy blanket. Water doesn’t seep through, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your clothes. If you plan to spend time outdoors, it’s a worthy investment.

    Waterproof Pocket Blanket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Fashionable Tote

    There may be times when a daybag won’t cut it, or you need an extra bag to carry your shopping haul. This large tote is cute, handy, and a splendid fashion accessory. My wife often uses this as a carry-on bag since it’s roomier than a standard satchel and can still abide by the airplane carry-on rules. Step up your bag fashion game – it’s necessary in a place like NYC.

    Fashionable Tote

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Pepper Spray

    New York City has a positive reputation for many things, but unfortunately, petty crime is not one of them. Although it’s unlikely that you’ll have any real trouble if you take basic precautions, it’s best not to risk it. This pepper spray is an easy and affordable way to keep yourself extra protected – just having it nearby will help you feel a little more at ease.

    Pepper Spray

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 18. Cashmere Poncho

    Ponchos never seem to go out of style. It’s probably because they’re universally chic and can be worn with all sorts of outfits, both casual and dressy. This cashmere one is especially nice because it’s incredibly soft and can be packed compactly and brought on daily outings.

    Cardigan-Poncho-Cape-Elegant-Sweater

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 19. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Don’t neglect to attach these to your suitcase. We’ve had items stolen out of our bags, so now we always attach these TSA-approved luggage locks on all of our bags, purses, lockers, etc. It has a four-digit code which is more secure than most locks, plus you can remember a birth year or date more easily, so you’ll never forget it.

    luggage locks

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  • 20. Rolling Suitcase

    Picture yourself toting around a suitcase that doesn’t have wheels while you’re en route to your accommodations or going back to the airport. It’s about as un-fun as it seems! I always use a rolling suitcase with a good handle so that I can navigate any situation, whether it be upward flat with no elevator or extra-long city blocks in NYC. This one has a hard outer shell that protects it from less-than-careful baggage handling.

    Rolling Suitcase

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 21. Cooling Towels

    If you’ve never seen The City during summertime, then let me tell you, it gets HOT! Something I’ve found that really helps me when exploring hot places is a self-cooling towel. It gets 20-30 degrees colder than the air temperature as soon as you get it wet and stays chilly for up to an hour. I like to drape it around my neck to keep cool and protect my skin from the sun.

    towel pink

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  • 22. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Some hotels and boutique resorts in NYC can lack storage, square footage, or countertop space. Bringing a hanging toiletry bag is a thoughtful precaution because it hooks on any door or pole, creating a built-in shelving system. It unfolds to expose 4 giant pockets to hold your skincare, haircare, first-aid kit, and personal hygiene products, helping you to maintain your routine (as well as your sanity!) even if there is no place to put your stuff.

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 23. Deodorant Wipes

    I remember a quote from a movie that describes New York with the word “soot,” and it’s pretty accurate. The city is absolutely beautiful and such a fun place to explore, but the combination of winds in the city along with vehicle exhaust, dirt, and dust can leave you feeling seriously grimy! I carry these deodorant wipes with me so that I can clean up on the fly if I need to or if I simply can’t deal with the grime. They’re gentle and safe on sensitive skin and have a light fragrance.

    Deodorant Wipes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 24. Universal Travel Adapter

    If you are visiting New York City from outside of North America, then you’ll likely need a power adapter to use and charge your electronics. Even if you are a U.S. citizen, I always recommend travelers buy a universal adapter from the get-go. This one is unique because you can charge multiple devices simultaneously thanks to the two built-in USB ports. You’ll be able to use it in NYC and almost anywhere else you go in the world.

    Adapter Plug Ports

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  • 25. Insulated Winter Gloves

    In the peak of winter and autumn, New York gets cold – literally freezing in fact! So bringing a pair of insulated gloves is not a bad idea. This set is a little pricey, but they’re such high quality with water-resistant material that makes them last longer than many cheap textiles. We add hand and foot warmers as a way to preserve the heat for 10+ hours.

    Insulated Winter Gloves

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 26. “Just in Case” Bag

    Let’s be real… some NYC souvenirs can be super tacky. But this is also the home of couture shopping, top-notch dining and cuisine, and a plethora of handmade artistry goods that you’ll want to bring back with you. Use this “just in case” bag for those inevitable purchases where you decorate your house and finish Christmas shopping for loved ones. Pro tip: This bag counts as your personal item on the return flight home.

    “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 27. Polarized Sunglasses

    Sunglasses are an essential part of the Manhattan dress code. Between the black concrete jungle and the higher UV index, the local rays are more powerful. A pair of sunglasses will help you explore the city for longer and protect your eyes. These are by Kate Spade with the New York collection, perfectly sophisticated, polarized, and coated in a UV light filter – they were made for the city.

    Polarized Sunglasses

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What Should I Wear in New York?

New York is a progressive and diverse place where you never know what you’ll see – so in that sense, you can wear almost anything. But if you don’t want to stick out as a tourist, opt for dark jeans and black or solid-color staple clothing items, and dress a bit nicer than you might at home.

Blouses, sweaters, and dresses are all good choices for women, and guys might choose polo-style shirts or button-downs and a sport coat. You’ll want lightweight, breathable clothes during the humid summer months, and a warm coat and gloves in the winter. No matter when you visit, an umbrella and some comfortable walking shoes are New York packing essentials.

NYC-What-to-Wear

Packing for the Seasons in New York

Spring – March, April, and May

Be sure to bring a rain jacket and umbrella because rain is frequent – but you’ll still need sunscreen and sunglasses for the many sunny days. Temperatures average between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C), starting around 50°F average in March and rising about 10°F on average each month.

Summer – June, July, and August

Choose clothes made from breathable, lightweight fabrics to stay comfortable in the hot, humid weather, and bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated.

New York hosts frequent parades, concerts, and festivals this time of year, so you’ll want to be comfortable spending lots of time outside in the heat. Temperatures average between 80°F and 85°F (27°C and 29°C).

NYC-Brooklyn-Bridge-PIcnis

Autumn – September, October, and November

Pack your sweaters and a light coat, and be prepared to dress in layers because the temperatures will be starting to drop, though snow is unlikely. Temperatures average between 55°F and 75°F (13°C and 24°C), starting around 75°F in September and dropping about 10°F on average per month.

Winter – December, January, and February

Be sure to bring a warm coat, warm but fashionable boots, gloves, and a hat because the temperatures frequently drop below freezing and you’ll most likely encounter snow.

If you’re planning to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, make sure you have appropriate clothes to keep you warm outside for several hours. Temperatures average between 35°F and 45°F (2°C and 7°C).

NYC-Winter

What NOT to Take to New York

  • 1.DON’T PACK heavy books

    You may want to get some reading done on your flight to New York, but physical books will really start to weigh you down. Fortunately, a Kindle takes up less space (and weighs less) than a single book.

  • 2.DON’T BRING too many clothes

    Most people tend to bring too many clothes when they travel and then only end up wearing half of them. Be choosy about what to bring, and you’ll end up with a much lighter bag.

  • 3.DON’T TAKE a bath towel

    Any hotel you stay at in New York will most likely have a towel, but if you do want to bring your own, opt for a quick-drying travel towel instead of the regular kind. They’re much lighter weight and take up almost no space.

  • 4.DON’T PACK unnecessary valuables

    You’ll probably want to bring some electronics to use during your trip and some nicer jewelry to wear on nights out, but leave anything you won’t actually use at home. There’s always a chance that things could get lost or stolen while traveling, and there’s no reason to risk it.

  • 5.DON’T TAKE overly-casual clothes

    Compared to the rest of the U.S., New York is a relatively formal place. If you want to blend in with the locals and avoid sticking out as an unwary tourist, dress up a bit.

  • 6.DON’T BRING uncomfortable shoes

    You’ll be doing a lot of walking during your trip, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes. Otherwise, your feet will be killing you the whole time, and it could end up ruining your trip.

FAQs about Traveling to New York City – NYC

  • 1. What is the best time of year to visit New York?

    What is the best time of year to visit New York?

    Due to the frigid, snowy winters and the hot, humid summers, the best months for visiting New York, weather-wise, are April, May, September, and October. But if you can brave the cold, prices for everything from hotels to Broadway tickets drop in January and February, and the city is much less crowded. And while prices are still high in December, there’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York.

    At the other end of the spectrum, the city comes alive in the summer, despite the heat and humidity. Prices are high then, but it’s also a season of free concerts, movie screenings, outdoor activities, and more.

  • 2. What is the best neighborhood to stay in?

    What is the best neighborhood to stay in?

    The best area to stay in during your trip to New York depends on your interests – and your budget. There are far too many interesting neighborhoods in New York to list, but these are a few to get you started. In Manhattan, art lovers will be delighted by all the galleries in Chelsea, while Chinatown is the best bet if cheap, tasty food is your top priority.

    The bohemian past of Greenwich Village is still evident today, and Harlem is more vibrant than ever. And of course, Midtown is home to most of the things that make you think of New York. Or, if you prefer to stay in one of the other boroughs, you’ll have plenty more amazing neighborhoods to choose from.

  • 3. How can I take public transportation?

    Public transportation is easily the cheapest and most convenient way to get around New York, but the system is so extensive, it can be confusing for visitors.

    The city’s subways are color-coded by line and identified by number or letter, while buses are identified by a route number following a letter that denotes the borough.

    Apps like MyTransit NYC will make using the buses and subways much easier.

  • 4. Where can I go to avoid the crowds in New York?

    New York has some of the country’s most famous tourist attractions – and they draw some of the biggest crowds. If you want to avoid the crowds, skip the city’s biggest sites, namely Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Met. If you can, visit during the off-season (like in January or February), and plan to spend time outside Manhattan.

  • 5. How can I save money in New York?

    How can I save money in New York?

    New York is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., making it hard to travel there on a shoestring. Still, there are plenty of ways to cut costs while you’re visiting. If you don’t mind sharing a room with strangers, New York is one of the few cities in the country with hostels, which is probably the cheapest option if you’re traveling alone. Otherwise, consider using a home-sharing service, which can be significantly cheaper than hotels.

    For saving money on food, skip the five-star restaurants and any place that caters to tourists, and eat instead where the locals eat. New York’s abundance of hole-in-the-wall spots have some of the best food and at reasonable prices. Don’t forget you can always pick up groceries at a supermarket for some of your meals, which will save you a bundle.

    When it comes to seeing the sights, check to see if any of the attractions you want to visit have reduced-admission hours, or if it makes sense to get a city pass. Don’t forget about things like Groupon and LivingSocial, which have literally thousands of deals in the area. There are also lots of free walking tours and free events you can attend in New York, especially during summer. And simply strolling through the city, which might be the best way to experience it, costs nothing.

  • 6. What should I know about seeing a Broadway show?

    What should I know about seeing a Broadway show?

    Tickets to Broadway shows can be incredibly expensive and often sell out far in advance – but there are many ways to find discounted and last-minute seats, so don’t give up. Traditionally, people seeking cheaper tickets have gone in-person to a TKTS Booth, which usually has most tickets available at 50 percent off. Of course, now you can buy tickets online, and TodayTix and NY Tix both sell them at a discount. You can also find discount codes online at BroadwayBox or Broadway Insider. Some shows sell a limited number of day-of tickets at steep discounts as well – but the only way to get them is to be at the box office when it opens.

    Once you’ve got your tickets secured, double-check the time of the show (curtain times can be all over the place on Broadway), and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Make sure you know how to get to the theater and allow enough time after dinner or other pre-show plans. After the show, you might be able to meet some of the performers in person and have them sign your Playbill – just ask an usher where to go.

  • 7. What are the best museums in New York?

    What are the best museums in New York?

    New York has over 100 museums, so you’ll have to be choosy when deciding which ones to visit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as The Met, is one of the largest and most-visited art museums in the world, housing nearly two million works. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is as well known for its iconic architecture and unique layout as it is for the artwork, mostly Impressionist and modern, on display there. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the world’s leading modern art museums, even if many visitors question whether some of its works really constitute “art.”

    If art isn’t really your thing, the American Museum of Natural History has exhibits covering virtually all periods of known human and animal history, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater. The Museum of the City of New York aims to celebrate the city and preserve its heritage, housing objects representing the city’s culture and illustrating its history. The New-York Historical Society also contains artifacts from throughout New York’s history, and it’s home to the Center for Women’s History, the country’s first initiative of its kind. Finally, the Tenement Museum is located in a former apartment building in the Lower East Side and tells the stories of the immigrants who once lived there.

  • 8. What are the top foods to try in New York?

    What are the top foods to try in New York?

    New York is so diverse and such a cultural hotspot, it’s a food lover’s paradise. Some of the foods the city is most known for come from its Jewish community, including pastrami sandwiches on rye and the go-to breakfast of bagels with lox. Of course, since New York was home to the country’s first pizzeria, New York-style pizza is another must-eat, distinguished by its thin, hand-tossed crust. For a sweeter choice, the iconic options are New York cheesecake or a cronut – or authentic Italian cannoli!

  • 9. What are the best walking tours?

    What are the best walking tours?

    There are dozens of walking tours available in New York, covering all five boroughs. Both Free Tours By Foot and New Europe Tours run several tours per day in Manhattan and elsewhere, all offered on a pay-what-you-wish basis. The Grand Central Partnership’s tours of the Grand Central neighborhood (including the train station) are free and led by historians, and the Central Park Conservancy runs several different tours in and around Central Park, some of which are free.

    Big Onion Walking Tours is another popular company; their tours cost $25, and each one is themed around architecture, culture, food, or history. Lastly, Foods of NY runs food tours in Chinatown, Greenwich Village, and elsewhere, most of which are $54.

  • 10. Which New York City pass is the most useful?

    There are numerous city passes available in New York, and each one works slightly differently and offers its own list of attractions. To choose the best one for your trip, decide which attractions you want to visit first, so you can be sure to get a pass that includes them. Some also include line-skipping privileges, use of a hop-on/hop-off bus, and other perks. Before you choose your pass, consider which extras you’ll actually use and what they’re worth to you.

    The FreeStyle Pass from CitySights NY starts at $129 and includes admission to any three of the attractions on their list. For $122, CityPASS gets you entrance to six attractions, but there are some restrictions – for example, if you choose to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, you cannot also use your CityPASS at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The New York Explorer Pass starts at $84 for three attractions, and can be used at any of the 74 spots on their list. Unlike most passes, it’s valid for 30 days after the first visit.

    There are also two unlimited passes – the New York Pass and the New York Sightseeing Pass – both of which are available as 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-day passes. The prices are almost the same, but the list of attractions differs slightly, so check what’s included on each one.