The Ultimate New York City Packing List

New York is an anything-goes type of town when it comes to style. But, when the matter is comfort, you’ll want to have a few specific pieces of easy-to-wear comfy travel clothes on hand. For example, if you plan on spending hours sightseeing, you may want to trade jeans or leather pants for a pair of leggings or slacks. Additionally, layers are key (and you’d be surprised how handy a sweatshirt or light jacket can be when you head from sweltering temperatures in Central Park to a heavily air-conditioned subway car). Our most important advice for clothing? Check the weather in New York before you pack for your trip, and throw a few emergency options in your suitcase just in case.

Best Long-sleeve Top for Women

Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve

View on Freeflyapparel.com

If your trip to the big city is taking place in autumn, winter, or early spring, you’ll want to layer up. New York is notorious for its cold winters, so a comfy long-sleeve top like this one from Free Fly is essential. It’s lightweight, breathable yet warm, and comfortable without feeling too loose, so it’s sure to regulate your body temperature whether it’s freezing outside or just slightly chilly. Thumb holes and 40+ UPF protection make this an even more versatile option. 

Best Long-sleeve Top for Men

Outerknown Blanket Shirt

View on Outerknown.com

This long-sleeve shirt is so smart and stylish, you’ll want to throw it on regardless of what the weather is doing. However, it’s especially useful on cold days thanks to its insulated construction, layerability, and ultra-soft feel (which the company even calls “the coziest damn shirt ever made”). Other interesting features include sustainable craftsmanship — its buttons are made from nuts — and wrinkle-resistance, which makes packing it a breeze.

Best Short-sleeve Top for Women

Athleta Speedlight Seamless Tee

View on Gap.com

Whether you’re headed to NYC in the summer or just looking for another layer, consider packing this extra-comfy T-shirt from Athleta. This stylish, nylon-spandex blend top is breathable and chafe-free — in other words, it’s made for outdoor exploration on a warm, humid day. It’s also seamless, odor-resistant, and designed with internal hem-grippers that keep the shirt in place.

Best Short-sleeve Top for Men

Fourlaps Smash Tee

View on Fourlaps.com

When it comes to travel, clothing that’s just as comfy and functional as it is stylish is key (and New York is one place you definitely don’t want to look drab). This simple tee from Fourlaps checks all the boxes and then some. The shirt boasts an athletic fit, sustainable construction, and moisture-wicking properties. It’s even available in eight colorways including river blue, crimson, and avocado.

Best Packable Winter Jacket for Women

Everlane The ReNew Long Liner

$198 at everlane.com

If there’s even a chance of low temps in New York during your stay, you’ll want to pack a winter coat. Our editors like Everlane The ReNew Long Liner for its warmth, style, and packability. Not only is it made of 100 percent recycled polyester (with a 100 percent recycled polyester filling), it's versatile enough to be worn solo or layered under a heavier coat when things get chillier than expected. The jacket’s lightweight, no-bulk build additionally makes it easy to fold down into a suitcase.

Best Packable Winter Jacker for Men

Rab Alpine Down Jacket

$295 at REI $148 at backcountry.com View on Rab.equipment

Similar to our winter jacket pick for women, this men’s coat by Rab is lightweight and bulk-free all while locking in heat and keeping water out. The slim-fit jacket is equipped with 700-fill-power (which is surprisingly warm for its size), an adjustable hood and hem, and packable fabrics that are 100 percent recycled. If temperatures rise and you’d rather carry the jacket, just roll it up and stick it in the included drawstring stuff sack.

Best Hoodie

lululemon Pullover Hoodie

$128 at Lululemon

A hoodie is such an easy thing to pull on and off for in-between weather, and we recommend this one from Lululemon. The soft and stretchy piece is made for movement, so you can bet it’ll last even on 20,000-step sightseeing days. We also love its sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and shape-retention capabilities, as well as its hidden pockets and variety of available colors.

Best Pants for Women

Everlane Pant

$88 at everlane.com

A trip to the Big Apple calls for a very specific type of pant. You want something you can move in, but joggers and athletic leggings don’t always cut it in such a cosmopolitan city. Instead, opt for these Everlane slacks. They’re casual without being too casual, and they’ll go with pretty much every outfit in your suitcase. Plus, they have a subtle, elastic waistband to keep you comfy all day long. Snag these in six colors and nine sizes.

Best Pants for Men

lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme

$128 at Lululemon

These Lululemon pants are ideal for all weather and style preferences. They’re stylish, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to move in. They also happen to be completely customizable; you can choose from 16 sizes, five lengths, and 15 neutral colors. And because they’re so versatile, you can wear them with a T-shirt for sightseeing, a sweater for dinner, or even a button-down shirt to catch a Broadway show.

Despite what movies and TV shows may have shown you, New York City is no place for strappy heels. If you’re planning a trip to the city, be prepared to do a lot of walking. In order to keep blisters, spasms, and general foot pain at bay, prioritize comfort over everything — that means extra-cushioned sneakers, sandals with arch support, and flats that don’t pinch or rub your skin. It’s also wise to break in any shoes you plan on packing beforehand to lessen your chances of blistering and to pinpoint any problem areas. That said, keep your kicks with hard, flat footbeds and flimsy straps at home, and consider these options instead.

Best Sneakers for Women

Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes

$61 at Amazon

Running shoes are pretty much the comfiest shoes you can buy. We like the Cloadfoams from Adidas for women — they’re slim, supportive, and efficiently cushioned. These kicks are even pretty stretchy and flexible, so you won't have to worry about them squeezing or pinching your foot. They’re also designed with a 3-inch heel and pull tabs on both the heel and tongue for easy on-off.

Best Sneakers for Men

Hoka One One Clifton 8

$70 at REI $140 at Nordstrom View on Backcountry.com

These men’s running shoes by Hoka One One have a thick, rugged heel, which makes them perfect for traversing everything from uneven Brooklyn sidewalks to grassy Central Park fields. They’re also super breathable thanks to open engineered mesh uppers and abrasion-free textile lining. A removable insole offers comfort and support, while rubber inserts provide optimal traction.

Best Boots for Women

Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie

View on Amazon $160 at Nordstrom $133 at Zappos

Traveling to the city during the rainy season? Keep these leather ankle boots by Blondo on hand. They’re super stylish due to their chunky heel and almond-shaped toe, but their cushioned insoles and waterproof construction also leave feet warm and dry all day long. To top it all off, the booties have pull tabs on the ankle to ensure getting into and out of them is always a snap. Choose from four styles including black leather and cognac nubuck.

Best Boots for Men

Blundstone Men’s Classic 550 Chelsea Boots

$230 at REI $230 at Nordstrom

These Blundstone boots might just be the most versatile men’s shoes on the market. They’ll stay stylish and comfy from fall to spring with their stretch paneling on each side, tongue and ankle pull tabs, rugged sole, and nubuck leather upper. And because they’re completely timeless, you can dub them your official New York City shoe for years' worth of trips to the city.

Best Nice Comfortable Shoes for Women

Osay Leather Slide Loafer

View on Maisonette.com

If you’re headed to the city for a business trip (or even if you simply plan on going to a Broadway show or fancy dinner), you’ll want a formal pair of shoes that are secretly comfy, too. These smart, lightweight flats offer plenty of cushioning and, as long as you buy them in your size, they won't rub or feel too tight. Our editors also love that the backs fold down, so you can choose to wear them as a loafer or a mule.

Best Nice Comfortable Shoes for Men

Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Derby

$110 at Amazon $170 at Nordstrom $150 at Zappos

They’re walkable, they’re supportive, and best of all, they’re more polished-looking than a pair of athletic sneakers. These Cole Haan derbies’ classic wingtip design and leather upper will have you looking like a dapper businessman, but the thick outsole and special comfort technology will allow you to walk for miles through the streets of Manhattan. The shoes’ upward-bent storm welts even help keep moisture out. They come in 22 colors including black, ironstone, and English blue.

No matter how you slice it, you’ll need some sort of bag to carry your essentials around the city. Our editors love hands-free options in a place like New York — because whether you’re shopping through Chinatown, grabbing a snack from a food cart, or steadying yourself using a grab rail on the subway, exploring NYC is easier when your hands aren’t full. Go for something like a fanny pack, belt bag, or sling bag for truly worry-free travel, or choose a crossbody bag or over-the-shoulder tote to elevate your style. As far as smaller accessories like wallets and card holders go, the more compact and lightweight, the better. 

Best Belt Bag

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

$90 at Nordstrom View on Babylist.com $95 at dagnedover.com

There’s nothing wrong with a quality fanny pack, especially when you’ve got a day of sightseeing ahead of you. Go hands-free with this sleek option from Dagne Dover — it’s spacious yet lightweight and packed with pockets. Not to mention, its adjustable strap allows you to wear it either around your waist or on your chest, crossbody style. It’s also 100 percent vegan and available in nine colors, so you can choose the perfect hue for all your big city ‘fits.

Best Crossbody

Clare V. Moyen Messenger

View on Clarev.com

If you ask us, crossbodies make the best all-around bags for city exploration. Not only are they lightweight and easy to carry, but they’re also the perfect stylish day-to-night bag you can bring along to all your stops. We love this one from Clare V. because it’s nearly completely flat — so storing it in luggage is a cinch — but it’s also large enough to hold plenty of essentials like your phone, room key, wallet, and sunglasses. The attractive handwoven exterior is just an added bonus.

Best Small Wallet

Falan Mule Small Wallet

$23 at Amazon

Trifold and zip-around wallets can be useful in your daily life, but when you’re in New York, compact wallets are key. This leather one by Falan Mule packs a powerful punch — though it’s just 4 by 5 inches, it has two cash compartments, four clear windows, one zipper pocket, and a whopping 14 card slots. It’s also made with RFID-blocking technology for an extra layer of protection. It comes in nearly 40 colors including bronze, coffee, and emerald green.

Best Backpack

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

$95 at everlane.com

You can use this versatile backpack for every part of your trip. Bring it on the plane as a personal item, use it as your daily bag while walking around the city, and then load it up with fresh produce from one of the city’s many summer farmer’s markets. Its sophisticated look paired with 7 pockets, a magnetic top closure, comfy shoulder straps, and a subtle trolley sleeve truly make it the do-everything bag you’ll be excited to show off.

Best Sling Bag

Monos Metro Sling Bag

$80 at Nordstrom View on Monos.com

The most experienced travelers swear by sling bags, and our editors’ favorite is this one from Monos. It looks a little nicer than a typical fanny pack or belt bag, but it feels slightly more secure than a crossbody bag. It’s also considerably roomy despite its compact appearance, and its adjustable strap provides a personalized fit. Grab the bag in vegan leather or nylon — either way, it comes equipped with multiple pockets, a keychain carabiner, and a finish that’s both scratch- and water-resistant.

Best Zippered Tote

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

$275 at Nordstrom $275 at Neiman Marcus View on Maisonette.com

An oversized tote bag can also come in handy on a trip to NYC. Whether you plan to use it as your purse throughout your stay or a bag to stash all your carry-on essentials while traveling, you’ll love the Metro Deluxe by MZ Wallace. It has comfy handles, a detachable shoulder strap, both interior and exterior pockets, a trolley sleeve, and even a removable pouch. The quilted nylon fabric on the bag’s exterior is soft to the touch and quite stylish, while leather and metal accents work to further elevate the look.

Best Foldable Shopping Bag

Peak Design Packable Tote

View on Peakdesign.com View on Moosejaw.com

A foldable bag is another essential for an on-the-go trip to New York. This lightweight tote stuffs into itself to become a compact package you can fit practically anywhere, but it's big and strong enough to haul plenty of items, from multiple bottles of wine to an entire shopping haul. Unlike some similar reusable bags, it has a zipped closure so you don't have to worry about anything slipping out.

Don’t underestimate the power of a few compact pieces of gear, even on a trip to a busy metropolis like New York City. While it’s best to keep accessories to a minimum to lighten your bag of choice, adding some easy-to-carry gear to the equation might actually help your travels run smoother. For instance, a portable power bank is infinitely useful when you're away from your hotel room for hours at a time. Similarly, a reusable water bottle ensures you’ll always have a drink, even when every nearby restaurant has a 40-minute wait. Make sure you have these streamlined gadgets on hand before heading into the city.

Best Portable Power Bank

Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Battery

$34 at Walmart

When much of your day is spent taking photos and videos (and posting to social media), and using various map apps to find your way around, it’s a good idea to keep a portable charger handy. The Anker PowerCore 13000 is our longtime favorite due to its versatility (it’s compatible with both Apple and Samsung devices), its sheer power (it can charge some devices up to five times), and its compact size. It also boasts two high-speed USB ports and comes with a micro USB cable.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$23 at Amazon $30 at Target View on Mythermoflask.com

If you’re looking to save a few bucks on your travels, especially during a sweltering New York summer, invest in a good reusable water bottle instead of buying a plastic one every time you’re thirsty. This bottle from Thermoflask keeps drinks chilled for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, so it's perfect to take with you whether you're packing for Hawaii or NYC. Also, it won’t sweat and soak everything else in your bag. Unlike other water bottles, it has two lids: a “chug” lid that prevents the bottle from leaking, and a straw lid for easy sipping. Snag it in six colors and four sizes ranging from 18 to 40 ounces.

Best Umbrella

Weatherman Travel Umbrella

$69 at Amazon View on Weathermanumbrella.com

It should come as no surprise that an umbrella is absolutely essential for travel so, to stay as dry as possible plus save space in your luggage, we recommend the Weatherman Travel Umbrella. Not only is it quick-drying, water-repellant, and less than 12 inches long when closed, it’s also built with industrial-strength fiberglass, making it more likely to hold up to wind and rain than other umbrellas. It additionally weighs less than a pound, so it’s perfect for throwing in a purse or backpack.

Best Portable Fan

JisuLife Handheld Mini Fan

$18 at Amazon $16 at Walmart View on Jisulife.com

New York City can get seriously scorching during the dog days of summer. And if you're traveling by subway, you'll likely encounter inferno-level temperatures while waiting on the platforms. This handheld fan can provide instant relief, and it also functions as a power bank for charging emergencies. It has a flashlight feature, too. The lightweight, compact design is perfect for slipping it into anything from a small purse to a tote bag.

Best Sunglasses

Smith Sway Sunglasses

$224 at backcountry.com View on Smithoptics.com View on Moosejaw.com

Protecting your eyes from UV rays is a must when you're out sightseeing all day. These polarized sunnies from Smith will keep you comfortable amid all that glare in the concrete jungle, and they're sleek enough to fit right in with your city style. We love their snug, just-right fit and soft rubber nose bridge. The frames are available in nine colors including a classic tortoiseshell brown and French navy, and you can opt for a pair with Smith's trademark color-enhancing lens technology, Chromapop.