Planning to travel to New York City soon? You’re probably wondering what to pack for a trip to one of the most mesmerizing cities in the world. This NYC travel and packing guide includes the best things to know before you visit the Big Apple, what to pack, and what to wear for every season in the City of Dreams.

10 Things to Know Before Visiting New York City

1. Visit During Spring or Fall

Spring and fall are considered the best seasons to visit New York City if you want to enjoy pleasant temperatures, lower prices, and fewer crowds. However, any season is special and offers its main reasons to visit – winter is cool, but this means cheaper accommodation rates, summer is hot but there are so many activities to do, fall enchants visitors with colorful foliage, and spring is the best time to see the city bloom and enjoy seasonal street markets.

2. Take Your Time

Wondering how many days would be enough to explore what New York City has to offer? Home to hundreds of museums, restaurants, and fascinating attractions, NYC has something to offer to any type of traveler. Five days would be enough to discover its most important attractions without being rushed.

3. Travel With Public Transportation

Renting a car is not a good idea when visiting the Capital of the World – the cost of the bridge tolls is not cheap at all and finding parking will consume your precious time. Opt for public transportation instead – it is the most convenient, cheapest, and environmentally friendly option to get around the city. New York City has the biggest subway system in the whole world, with 472 stations so the subway will take you everywhere you want to go.

4. Bring A Comfortable Pair of Shoes

Walking is the best way to explore NYC and comfort is key when it comes to packing for your trip. You’ll be walking a lot so make sure you pack your most comfortable pair of shoes to keep your feet happy. You also want your shoes to be stylish and fit your New York City vacation outfits. The Nordace UrbanFlex All Weather Sneakers are a great option for all your city adventures.

5. New York Means More Than Manhattan

Most visitors associate New York City with Manhattan, even though there are four other unique boroughs ready to offers you amazing experiences – these are Queens (a definitely must-see), Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

6. Be Aware of the “Taking Photos Etiquette”

Traveling is about creating and capturing new memories, isn’t it? But, when in New York City, tourists stopping in the middle of the crowded sidewalk to take photos is what annoys New Yorkers the most. However, NYC is one of the most amazing places in the world to take photos, the popular spots being Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Time Square, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.

7. Eat At Local Restaurants

There’s more to eat in New York City than pizza, bagels, and hot dogs. Local and street food restaurants are such a great way to treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience. And talking about pizza, it’s good to know that the first pizzeria in USA opened in 1905 in New York so you should definitely try it.

8. Visit the Public Parks

Concrete jungle? Think twice. With more than 1,700 parks and recreation facilities scattered across its five boroughs, New York City provides endless oases of relaxation when you want to escape the bustling city. All for free.

9. Save Money with An Attraction Pass

The best way to save time and money when visiting NYC for the first time is by choosing a sightseeing pass and getting discounts on various must-see attractions. There are many other things you could spend money on.

10. Be Street Smart

Safety is key to any successful trip. Ney York is a safe city to visit, but pickpocketing might happen here, too. The best ways to avoid such incidents is by blending in with the locals, keeping valuables tucked away, avoiding unpopulated areas at night, and paying maximum attention at the subway.

NYC Packing List – What to Bring

Packing for New York City depends a lot on the season you’re visiting. But there are a few things you should always pack, no matter what the season.

Backpack

Few places on Earth can surpass New York City’s greatness and beauty. Backpacking is the best way to explore and discover one of the most dynamic cities in the world. And that’s why you need a good and reliable backpack to take from one spontaneous adventure to another.

A great backpack option for a New York City trip is Nordace Laval. It weighs only 0.97kg so, even when packed to the brim, it won’t weigh you down. An innovative packing system and the 90-degree opening allow you to easily organize your stuff and access your items on the go without slowing you down, either. With a spacious interior and a capacity of 23L, it holds an impressive number of items, including a few changes of clothes, toiletries, accessories, and gadgets. And talking about gadgets, the dedicated laptop slot keeps your device protected. Crafted from water-resistant material, it handles anything and keep your gear protected no matter the weather. And because comfort is essential when exploring, it features a stabilizing sternum strap to distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on the back and shoulders.

Reusable Water Bottle

Probably the best tap water in the world is in New York City so, grab your reusable bottle, fill it, and enjoy fresh, clean water throughout your trip.

Cash

Even though credit cards are accepted anywhere in New York and ATMs are readily available, cash might come in handy for tips. Keep in mind that in New York it’s customary to tip waiters, bartenders, or taxi drivers 15-20% off your bill.

Umbrella

It’s always better to stay prepared for the unexpected so, don’t forget to bring a lightweight, travel umbrella to keep you dry in a downpour.

What to Wear In New York In All the Seasons

New York City has four seasons – hot summers, freezing winters, spring and fall with pleasant temperatures. However, before going on your trip, check the temperatures no matter the season.

To blend in with the locals, wear casual clothes. Dress like you’re commuting, and you’ll feel super comfortable and look like a New Yorker. Stylish functionality is what should define your NYC outfits.

What to Pack for New York In Spring

Springtime is the best time to be in NYC and enjoy the first sunny, warm days. Remember that the weather can be unpredictable so, versatile pieces that you can easily layer and combine are essential for your NYC spring outfits.

Checklist:

• Long-sleeve shirt/top
• Wind/rain jacket
• Stylish, light coat/jacket
• Casual outfit
• Long pants/jeans
• Comfortable shoes
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Socks

What to Pack for New York In Summer

Hot. The Best word to describe the summer in NYC. But it also rains a lot so, you need to pack for the unexpected. However, comfort is the main ingredient when preparing your New York City outfits for summer. Opt for lightweight clothes crafted from natural materials, denim shorts, T-shirts, tops, and flowy dresses for women are essential.

Checklist:

• T-shirt
• Tank top
• Summer dress
• Denim shorts
• Summer pants
• Casual outfit
• Bathing suit/pants
• Comfortable shoes
• Sandals
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Beach cover-up
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Sunglasses
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Socks

What to Pack for New York During Fall

Fall is also a wonderful season to be in New York. Nothing can beat the magic of fall foliage and the relaxing feeling when stepping on colourful, crunchy leaves. While enjoying a sweet hot chocolate on a chilly afternoon, of course. Remember that layering is the key to a comfortable trip to NYC during the cold season.

Checklist:

• Jeans/Long pants
• Sweatshirt
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Casual outfit
• Scarf
• Cardigan
• Warm jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Socks

What to Pack for New York In Winter

If you plan on visiting NYC during the winter, you need to layer up and bring a warm jacket to withstand freezing days. Opt for black clothes (by the way, New Yorkers love black when it comes to their outfits) that are perfect for winter. Plus, you can easily mix and match dark color pieces and create multiple outfits.

Checklist:

• Winter jacket
• Thermal pieces
• Pants/Jeans
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Comfortable boots
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Sweater
• Casual outfit for evenings out
• Pajamas
• Underwear
• Socks

We hope our NYC travel and packing guide will help you make the most of your trip. Once you’ve packed your backpack let the adventure begin!