London Packing List: Everything you need & nothing you don't

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When it comes to packing for London (and really any trip), we love packing light. We avoid excess baggage fees at all costs and we cheer when we’re able to get away with a carry on only trip.

Because we like to pack light, this isn’t going to be a packing list full of things that you need to buy. And we don’t like to waste money on things when we could be spending on our actual trip. But there are some things that you really should bring on your trip. And we’ve also included some things you don’t need to bring with you, to help you make room in your suitcase. This is the only London packing list you’ll need.

Check out these other great resources for the perfect London vacation:
Find out how much a trip to London costs plus get tips on how to save!
Check out our London Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you go.
Decide when to visit London based on the best and worst times to go.
Even if you are short on time, you can see so much in just one day!

We’ve made it super simple, grab the interactive download at the end of this article!

London Packing List for All Seasons (the Staples)

Nice outfit

The first thing we noticed when we moved to London was that they dress well. Quite well. While you don’t need to be dressed to the nines, you probably will want to bring a nice outfit or two. Whether it’s for a dinner out or to head to a show, take things up a notch and bring things that make you feel sharp.

Adapters

For all of your electronics that have 110/220 volt converters built in (like your computer and phone), you’ll need to bring along an adapter to fit your US plugs into UK sockets. These are cheap and easy to buy. But if you’re planning a trip to continental Europe, you’ll want to get a universal adapter. The sockets in the UK look different from the sockets on the continent and a universal adapter will provide the option to connect to the different shapes.

We always pack a few of these when we travel.

eSim

You’re going to want to stay connected while in London and while there is wifi easily accessible throughout the city, having data on your phone makes things so much easier. We use the Airalo eSim for our travels. It can be a little tricky the figure out the first time you use it, but now that we’ve gotten the hang of it, we can just swap a new eSim out for each country we go to. It’s cheap and easy to use.

International data for a great price!

INTERNATIONAL DATA PLANS FOR $5 OR LESS

Consider this a must for your packing list: When you land in any country, you can connect to the local wireless carrier (internet and calls).

Download the Airalo App to connect seamlessly for international data. Purchase data by how much you will use. We use Airalo for every country we visit. Use the code AIRALOJUNE15 for a 15% discount on purchases of $15+.

Learn more and download the Airalo App here.

Layers

You’ve probably heard that the weather in London (and the UK) can be a little bit hit or miss. And the weather can change pretty quickly throughout the day. So layers are your best bet for dressing for the weather. We wear a t-shirt, sweater, and light jacket when visiting outside of the very hot or very cold weeks.

Windbreaker/Waterproof Jacket

No matter when you’re visiting the UK (yes, even in the summer) a waterproof jacket will most likely come in handy. And most of them are light and easy to pack. So it’s a good idea to throw one in your bag because you probably will use it. Especially if you’re heading up to Scotland during your travels.

Great walking shoes

Public transportation is excellent in London, but you’re still going to walk miles each day. Embrace it! But make sure you have some very comfortable shoes.

Day bag

When traveling I almost always fail to remember to bring a bag that I want to take around for day to day use. I like to take a small backpack or tote bag that will fit a water bottle, an extra layer, and anything else my kids need.

Reusable water bottle

Stay hydrated while out and about without having to pay for (and waste) plastic water bottles.

Contactless payment card (and/or Apple Pay)

Much of the UK has moved to contactless payments, and that includes public transit! You no longer need to get separate cards for taking public transportation, you can pay your way with any contactless card.

London packing list have a contactless card

Winter Packing Items

Heavy coat

While it doesn’t snow often in London, it gets cold. So if you’re visiting in the winter months, a heavy winter coat is a must.

Hat, Scarf, Gloves

It gets very cold. And windy. And that chill can be a lot. Wrap yourself up and stay warm with these accessories.

Summer Packing items

Dresses and light t-shirts

London does have a great British summer! While it may be short, it can get pretty hot. So summer dresses and t-shirts need to definitely be on your packing list. But also, layers and a waterproof jacket from the list above because London weather is truly unpredictable.

Sunscreen and sunglasses

The sun really does shine, so if you’re coming in the summer, have a bit of this in your bag.

London Packing List Add-ons

Depending on what you do and where you’re planning to go, these add ons might be just what you need to round out your packing list.

Compact umbrella. Maybe.

I’ll be honest. When we lived in London we rarely used an umbrella. If it wasn’t pouring, we’d grab a waterproof jacket and head out the door. Umbrellas were more of a hassle than a help. But if you love an umbrella in the rain, add one to your packing list.

Water resistant shoes

If you are visiting in the wetter months (winter and spring), make sure you have some shoes that are going to keep your feet dry. My enjoyment of the city (and weather) increased immensely when I started wearing Chelsea boots that were mostly waterproof. No more wet, cold, soggy feet.

Be ready for all weather with your London Packing List

Hiking shoes

Add this to your list if you’re heading up hiking in the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, or traversing the Cotswolds Way.

Portable charger

I find that sometimes when I’m out and about all day, my phone battery won’t last for as long as I need it to. A portable charger helps keep me from being the person searching for an outlet at the pub.

Copies of key documents and bank/credit card numbers

Before I head out on a trip I always make a copy (usually just digitally by snapping a photo and saving it to the cloud) of my passport, ID, and any credit card numbers. In case these are lost, this is helpful to have.

Citymapper app

Navigating London would be much more challenging without the Citymapper app. Download this and have it ready on your phone before you land in London.

Prescriptions and Basic medicine

While there are plenty of pharmacies in London, they likely don’t have the over the counter medicine that you’re used to. If you have a headache and don’t want to spend the time deciphering what medicine is closest to ibuprofen, pack a bit of medicine that you’re used to taking.

What Not To Pack for London

While you have plenty of things to pack, here are some items we suggest leaving out of your suitcase.

Flip flops

You’re heading to a city and this is not the footwear you want to have walking around the streets.

Athleisure

If you live in athleisure, bring it. But you won’t find many people walking around it, unless they’re heading to or from the gym.

Cash

London is essentially a cashless city. So there’s no need to get cash before you arrive. If you really need cash while in the city, there are plenty of ATMs.

Heat styling tools

Your hair tools that use heat do not have a built in 110/220 volt converter like your phone and computer do. So if you try to use them with a basic adapter that we recommend bringing for your other electronics, you’ll ruin the tool. It’s best to leave your heat styling tools safely at home.

Download the London Packing List

London-Packing-List Download

Definitely Pack Our Free Itinerary

We’ve crafted a free one day itinerary to help you navigate the highlights on London like a pro. This downloadable pdf takes you on a walking tour of some of London’s most historic sites.