What to Pack for New York City

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

See recent posts by The Editors

Uncertainty about what to pack for New York City leads many travelers to overpack, filling Gotham-sized luggage pieces even for short visits. Streamline your wardrobe with mix-and-match basics, punctuated with a few statement pieces and accessories.

Every New York packing list should include outerwear for cool evenings or rainy afternoons, plus essential gadgets like phone chargers and cameras. And remember—New York City is America’s shopping mecca. Leave space in your bag for a return home loaded with Big Apple scores.

What to Pack for New York City

Any New York packing list should include the following essentials.

Sunglasses

Whether you’re sitting in a park, enjoying a boozy brunch at a sidewalk cafe, or trying to hide dark circles compliments of the city that never sleeps, cool shades should top your list of what to pack for New York City. The right pair magically pulls outfits together while protecting your eyes.

A trip to NYC is a great excuse for investing in designer sunglasses with recognized UVA and UVB protection.

Rain Gear with Color

For New Yorkers, rain showers provide another opportunity for bold fashion statements. Though a sea of bland trenches flows along certain sidewalks in the Financial District, bright colors, jewel tones, army prints, and trendy transparent coats are the way to keep dry in style.

Active Wear

Every trip to New York should include time for enjoying the city’s incredible outdoor spaces. Get in on the action in Central Park, the High Line, and Hudson River Park while sporting athletic chic. For men, these jogger pants will do the trick.

Plan for layering, as the weather and temperature can change quickly in NYC. And don’t forget sunscreen.

Phone Battery Charger

A lightweight charger case or separate solar pack for your phone will ensure you can connect with friends, research hot spots, and take Instagram-worthy shots from early morning through late night.

More from SmarterTravel:

—Original reporting by Jess Simpson

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.