Are you planning a city trip and wondering what to pack? A well thought out Packing list for the city trip is the key to a relaxed holiday without annoying "If only I had..." Finding the perfect balance isn’t always easy – after all, you want to be prepared for everything without having to drag an oversized suitcase through narrow old town alleys.
Unlike beach or hiking holidays, city breaks require a mix of practical everyday items, stylish outfits for restaurants or cultural events, and comfortable shoes for extended exploration. In the following packing lists find seasonal tips and practical ChecklistsWhich you can easily print and tick off. So you do not forget anything important for your City adventures!
Table of contents
Packing list City trip: PDF download now
Here is the detailed packing list for the city trip
Documents and identification documents
- Identity card or passport
- Health insurance card
- Medical insurance abroad
- Copies of important documents
- Cash and debit/credit card
Finance
- Euros in small bills
- Eggs in the travel pharmacy
- Money card with PIN
- Document folder
Travel pharmacies
- Plasters and bladder patches
- Personal medications
- Pain pills
- Gastrointestinal products
- Disinfectants
Cosmetic and hygiene products
- Culture bag with basics
- Toothbrush and pasta
- Shampoo, shower gel (100 ml)
- Female hygiene products
- Deodorant and sunscreen
Clothing
- Comfortable shoes to walk (run in!)
- Sneakers for the evening
- Flip-flops for accommodation
- Clothing for combining
- Rain jacket/screen depending on the season
Technology and accessories
- Charger and Powerbank
- Camera and memory cards
- Laptops if necessary
- Adapters for international travel
- Zip bag for electrical appliances
Other
- Sleep mask and earplugs
- Small daypack
- Water bottle
- Umbrella
- City plan/guide
Are you planning a city trip with the motorhome? Then here is the perfect packing list: Packing List Motorhome: This is what you have to pack for your road trip.
Packing list for the city trip in winter
- Thermal underwear for particularly cold days
- Wool socks (at least 3 pairs)
- Water-repellent, fed winter boots with non-slip sole
- Warm winter jacket with hood
- Light down jacket to pull under (can be folded small)
- Thick winter gloves plus thin gloves with touchscreen function
- Warm hat that also covers the ears
- Thick shell or hose shell
- Lip balm with cold protection
- Thermo bottle for hot tea on the go
- Hand warmers for especially cold days
- Moisturizer for wind and cold
- Sunglasses (also important in winter in snow)
- Small flashlight or headlamp (early darkness)
- Portable power bank (discharge batteries faster in the cold)
Packing list for the city trip in spring
- Rain jacket or lighter, foldable rain poncho
- Waterproof footwear or overshoes
- Small, stable umbrella
- Light cardigan for cooler evenings
- Sunglasses and sun hat or cap
- Day cream with sun protection factor
- Antihistamines for pollen allergy
- Thin scarf for changeable weather
- Waterproof bag for smartphone and documents
- Lightweight, fast-drying outerwear
- Breathable socks (2-3 pairs)
- Folding shopping bag for spontaneous shopping trips
- Small notebook for impressions (spring weather invites you to stay in parks)
- Light gloves for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable casual shoes for longer walks through parks
Packing list for the city trip in autumn
- Water repellent jacket with removable lining
- Lightweight, compact umbrella
- Waterproof footwear with non-slip sole
- Multiple layers of clothing for wearing and taking off
- Thin hat and gloves for cool mornings
- Shawl or scarf
- Portable power bank (longer evenings in the hotel/cafe)
- Pocket warmers for cold hands
- Moisturizer for dry heating air
- Lip balm against brittle lips
- Small flashlight (early twilight)
- Travel wage (not in every hotel standard)
- Vitamin C tablets or immunoboosters
- Thermos for warm drinks on the go
- Waterproof bag for electronic devices
Packing list for the city trip in summer
- Light sun hat or cap with neck protection
- High-quality sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen with high sun protection factor (LSF 30+)
- After-Sun Lotion or Aloe Vera Gel
- Light airy clothing of natural fibres
- Thin air conditioning cloth or scarf
- Folding umbrella for long waiting times
- Small spray bottle with water for refreshment
- Sweat-absorbing powder
- Electrolyte tablets for heavy sweating
- Lightweight, breathable hiking shoes for city tours
- Flip-flops or sandals for hot days
- Folding water bottle for refilling
- Mini fan (battery powered or USB)
- Wet wipes for refreshment on the way
A detailed packing list for the summer holiday can be found here: Packing list summer holidays: That should definitely go with it!
Packing list for the city trip: 3 days on the way
- 3 Underpants
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 T-shirts/tops for the day
- 1 chic upper for the evening
- 1 trousers/skirt for the day
- 1 chic pants/skirt for restaurant/bar
- 1 light sweater or cardigan
- 1 jacket (adjusted to the weather)
- Pajamas/Nightdress
- 1 pair of comfortable running shoes
- 1 pair of more elegant shoes
- Small daypack or crossbody bag
- Mini culture bags with travel sizes
- Smartphone + charging cable
- Compact camera (if desired)
- Small town plan/travel guide
- Emergency medication for 3 days
- Small Notebook + Pen
A further supplementary packing list can be found here: Packing List Short trip: Clever pack for 3-5 days on the go.
Packing list for the city trip: 4 days on the way
- 4-5 Underpants
- 4-5 pairs of socks
- 3 T-shirts/tops for the day
- 2 chic tops for the evening
- 2 trousers/skirts for the day
- 1 chic pants/skirt for restaurant/bar
- 1-2 light sweaters or cardigans
- 1 jacket (adjusted to the weather)
- Pajamas/Nightdress
- 1 pair of comfortable running shoes
- 1 pair of more elegant shoes
- Daypack or Crossbody Bag
- Culture bags with travel sizes
- Smartphone + Charging cable + Powerbank
- Camera (if desired)
- Travel guide/city plan
- Travel adapter (for international city trips)
- Small first aid kit
- Emergency medication
- Travel diary + pen
- Book or e-reader for travel breaks
For a short trip, you are usually only traveling with hand luggage. In this article you will find a suitable packing list: Travel only with hand luggage: Packing list for small holidays.
Packing list for a city trip with children
- Favourite stuffed animal or handkerchief
- Children’s sunscreen with high LSF
- Sun hat with neck protection
- Children's rain jackets and trousers
- Multiple change outfits (expect dirt)
- Emergency travel detergents
- Folding buggy or towel/wearing system
- Snack box with child-friendly snacks
- Drainproof drinking bottle
- Wet wipes (also practical for older children)
- Small first aid kit with child-friendly patches
- Fever thermometer and child-appropriate medication
- Small games or work equipment for restaurants
- Tablet with downloaded movies/games
- Headphones for children
- Night light for foreign hotel rooms
- Travel cot or bed grid (as required)
- Travel potty or toilet attachment for toilet training
- Children’s sunglasses with UV protection
- Child friendly city plan or travel guide
- Emergency information card with contact details and allergies of the child
A detailed packing list for holidays with children can be found here: Packing list for holidays with children + checklist for babies.
Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the city trip
What do I pack for a short trip?
For an extended weekend, hand luggage is usually enough. Pack less and wash when needed. Plan your outfits and combine them together.
How much luggage do you need for 4 days?
A small trolley or backpack is enough. Plan one outfit per day plus one replacement set. Also consider the maximum weight in air travel.
What needs to be in the handbag for the city trip?
Everything you want to have quickly at hand on the way: wallet, mobile phone, water bottle, city map and a small snack for in between.
How do I pack space-saving for a city trip?
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Use packing bags to organize and fill every gap. Less is more – you can wash or buy locally.
