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The Ultimate New York City Packing List

Here’s what to pack for a trip to New York City for every season.

By

Updated on August 28, 2024

Ultimate New York City Packing List — Photo:
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millán

Top-notch restaurants, world-class entertainment, and historic landmarks galore: find all this and more in New York City. A trip to the Big Apple truly does offer something special for everyone, making it well worth a spot on any traveler’s must-visit list. With so much to see and do here, visitors should expect to spend the majority of their trip out and about exploring — and on their feet — which means it’s key to pack accordingly.

That said, whether it’s your first or your 20th time visiting the city, you’ll want to keep reading. As a lifelong New Yorker, I’ve rounded up the top things to pack for a trip here, conveniently broken down by season. I also added some insider style and packing tips to use while visiting the city.

New York City Fall Outfit

If you’re planning on visiting New York City in the fall, be prepared to bring clothing that can be easily layered since the weather can vary dramatically depending on the time of day. For example, mornings and evenings are usually chillier compared to afternoons. A pair of trendy wide-leg jeans, such as the Paige Leenah jeans, can easily take you from day to night. The jeans get bonus points for the ultra-soft construction and slightly cropped silhouette, which pairs well with a pair of booties, such as these from Bos. & Co. The boots also feature a plush faux shearling lining for extra warmth.

A timeless crewneck, such as the Garnet Hill Pima Cotton Easy Sweater Tee, is another autumn staple. The lightweight sweater stands out for its supersoft cotton construction, slightly cropped silhouette, and relaxed fit sans being baggy. Layer it under a lightweight trench coat, like this water-repellent one from Mango that offers a flowy silhouette and a storm flap panel to prevent rain from seeping through to keep you dry and comfortable.

Keep the rest of the fall ‘fit simple with a Yankees baseball cap — oh so appropriate for a trip to the Big Apple — and a functional, albeit fashionable shoulder bag such as this MZ Wallace one made with ultradurable nylon.

New York City Winter Outfit

Winters in New York City are snowy and cold, which is why it’s important to pack warm clothing. You can’t go wrong with a pair of black pants like the Spanx Smooth Flare Pants. The flared silhouette adds an extra-fashionable touch, and the pants look good with boots or sneakers. Style the pants with a cozy sweater like this cotton-blend pullover from & Other Stories.

In terms of outerwear, opt for a packable jacket like the Halfdays Nellie Packable Puffer Jacket, which will keep you warm without taking up precious suitcase space. While the jacket is incredibly lightweight, it offers excellent insulation. For an extra layer of warmth, wrap yourself in Aritzia’s Wilfred Diamond Mosaic Blanket Scarf — a unique piece featuring a reversible design, original jacquard artwork, hand-finished fringed edits, and a supersoft merino wool construction. Similarly, it’s worth packing a pair of gloves or mittens — I especially love these ones from Hillhouse Home to keep my hands warm and toasty in the freezing (or below-freezing) temperatures.

Lastly, functional footwear is another must since the snow, rain, and sleet can cause slippery sidewalks. Enter Sorel’s Explorer Chelsea Boots, offering a waterproof construction and durable rubber outsole for optimal tread. Complete your look with a compact purse like Cuyana’s Easy Phone Tote. Constructed with supple Italian pebbled leather, this tiny but mighty bag is incredibly versatile since it can be worn in multiple different ways. The zippered compartment ensures your belongings are safely stowed away, so you need not worry about pickpockets.

New York City Spring Outfit

Between the blooming flora and fauna, (and the emerging pleasant temperatures) springtime in NYC is nothing short of spectacular. That said, rain should be expected, which is why you’ll want to come prepared by packing a rain jacket. The FP Movement Singin' In The Rain Packable Jacket is a favorite for its wind-resistant and waterproof properties, and it’s great for travel since it packs into itself for easy carrying.

Instead of a basic tee, tank, or bulky sweater, opt for a long-sleeve bodysuit, like this versatile pick from Abercrombie & Fitch. Depending on the occasion, it can be dressed up or down with accessories like a chunky necklace and oversized earrings or an edgy leather blazer. Style it with a pair of on-trend barrel pants, such as the Everlane Way-high Curve Jeans, that combine comfort and style.

In terms of shoes, you can’t go wrong with a pair of platform sneakers like these ones from Dr. Scholl’s that boasts a water-resistant finish for an extra layer of protection against rain. Speaking of the rain, stay shielded with the help of this ultra-compact Davek Mini Umbrella that clocks in at just 8 ounces and measures less than 7 inches when closed. Due to its small size, it easily fits inside any purse, including Rebecca Minkoff’s Convertible Mini Julian Backpack. This convertible pack can be worn as a backpack, crossbody bag, and shoulder bag, making it a prime pick for travel.

New York City Summer Outfit

Everlane The Muscle Tee Midi Dress

$78 at Everlane

Kizik Women's Prague

$109 at Amazon $109 at Kizik.com

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

View on Sezane.com

Quince Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag

Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag

View on Quince.com

New York City comes alive in the summer months when the warm weather draws out locals and travelers alike in search of fun in the sun in the form of outdoor events, festivals, and programming throughout the five boroughs. That said, it’s important to dress accordingly since the weather can get especially hot and humid. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or trekking across town, you can’t go wrong with a short-sleeve dress such as the oh-so-versatile Muscle Tee Midi Dress from Everlane, which features a lightweight cotton construction, an oversized fit for extra breathing room, and side slits for a cooling touch. Should the weather get a bit breezy, accessorize with the weightless Gaspard Cardigan from Sézane, which is just as buttery-soft as it is breathable.

Functional and supportive footwear, such as the Kizik Prague Slip-on Shoes, is also a must. These innovative sneakers are designed to be truly hands-free (read: no need to bend down to tie your laces or spend way too long wiggling your foot into the shoe) thanks to the brand’s Flex Arc technology, which pops the heel back into place once you slip into them and hugs your foot.

Complete the look with a fashion-forward bag to keep your belongings safely stowed away. The Quince Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag stands out for its on-trend.

Packing Tips for New York City

Bring clothes that can be work from day to night

The Big Apple is known as “the city that never sleeps,” which means visitors will likely be out of your hotel room for most of the day. As such, you should be prepared to go from daytime activities like strolling through Central Park or perusing the city’s many museums and going straight into evening activities like dinner or a Broadway show. With this in mind, it’s key to pack versatile clothes that can easily and effortlessly take you from day to night, plus or minus a few accessories to elevate your look.

Comfortable shoes are a non-negotiable

It’s no secret that New York is among the country’s most walkable cities, and it’s arguably best explored on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable footwear to prevent achy, sore feet after racking up several — if not tens of — thousands of steps each day of your trip. Supportive sneakers and comfortable flats are all great options; however, you may opt to leave the heels at home unless you need them for a specific event like, say, a business trip or a wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit NYC?

Put simply, there is no “bad” time to visit New York City. What’s more, the best time to visit the city ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. For example, the winter months of January to March coincide with the destination’s low season due to the cold, snowy weather; however, it also offers fewer crowds coupled with affordable lodging and airfare. If it’s warm, sunny weather you’re after, consider a summer sojourn here. Otherwise, take advantage of shoulder season offerings — and postcard-worthy scenery — by visiting the spring when the trees and flowers begin to bloom, and fall when the colorful foliage is on full display.

What should I bring for a day of sightseeing in NYC?

While this ultimately depends on the weather, comfortable shoes are a must-have all year since you’ll be walking so much. Additionally, ditch a bulky backpack in favor of a lightweight purse, such as a crossbody or belt bag, which offers hassle- and hands-free storage of your most important essentials such as a cell phone, keys, and wallet.

What should I not bring to NYC?

As previously mentioned, heels should be left at home unless you have a specific event you need them for. Supportive shoes are the name of the game for New York City. Instead of bringing full-sized toiletries, makeup, and skincare products — which can easily weigh down your suitcase and take up precious packing space — opt to bring travel-sized toiletries to save packing and small hotel counter space.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, travel, fashion, and commerce writer — and lifelong New Yorker — Lauren Dana Ellman relied on her own personal recommendations and expertise to narrow down the best things to pack for a trip to NYC. She also made sure to include picks that combined comfort, style, and versatility no matter the reason or season for visiting the Big Apple.

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Edited by

Anna Popp