London packing list - the complete checklist for your city trip

London is a demanding city, which is precisely why it’s worth preparing well. Changeable weather, long walks and specific entry requirements mean that a well-thought-out packing list for London is more than just a simple checklist. Anyone travelling here unprepared will quickly realise that the wrong luggage or missing documents can make a city break unnecessarily complicated.

In the space of a single day, you might experience sun, wind and rain, whilst sights and neighbourhoods are usually explored on foot or by Underground. Comfortable clothing, suitable shoes and practical luggage are therefore essential. Along with your passport and ETA for the UK, this packing list for London will help ensure you don’t forget anything important and can focus entirely on your city break.

Documents & Entry – what you need to bring with you to London

Before you start packing your clothes and gadgets, your travel documents should be right at the top of your checklist. Since Brexit, different rules apply to entry into the UK than before. If you’re not well prepared, you risk unnecessary stress right from the airport. With the right documents, however, you’ll be on the safe side and can set off for London with peace of mind.

A valid passport – a requirement for entry

A valid passport is required for entry into London. Identity cards are no longer accepted since Brexit. It is important that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. There is currently no requirement for it to remain valid for a minimum period beyond the trip itself, but it is still worth checking the expiry date.

Electronic Entry Authorisation for London

In addition to a passport, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for the UK is being phased in. This is an electronic entry authorisation that must be applied for online or via the app of the UK Home Office before travelling.

Since 2025, the ETA has also been compulsory for EU citizens. Applying usually takes just a few minutes and costs 16 pounds (around 18 euros). The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Entry may be refused without an approved ETA, so this should be planned for well in advance.

Additional documents for your trip to London

In addition to your passport and ETA, you should also pack the following documents in your hand luggage:

This way, you’ll have all the important documents to hand and be fully prepared for your trip to London.

The right luggage for London

London is ideal for travelling light. Cramped Underground stations, lots of stairs and long walks mean that unnecessarily large or heavy luggage quickly becomes a burden. If you choose your luggage carefully, you’ll be much more flexible when getting around the city and save time when arriving and departing.

Hand luggage or a suitcase?

For a classic city break in London, a carry-on suitcase is often the best choice. Especially for weekend or short trips, a well-organised carry-on suitcase is usually more than enough. This saves time waiting at the baggage carousel and makes spontaneous travel easier.

Another advantage becomes apparent with airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet, where checked-in luggage incurs additional costs. Travelling with hand luggage keeps you flexible and makes it easier to get around the city.

Hand luggage rules for flights to London

The permitted hand luggage dimensions and weights vary depending on the airline. Common airlines flying to London include Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways, each of which has its own specifications. It is important that your suitcase not only fits within the size limits but also complies with the weight limit.

Before travelling, it’s worth checking the current hand luggage rules of the airline to avoid additional charges or stress at the gate.

Day rucksack for city tours

For sightseeing, museum visits and long days out in the city, a rucksack is the ideal complement to a suitcase. It should be lightweight, compact and well-organised so that everything you need is to hand. A slim design really comes in handy, particularly on the Underground and on crowded pavements.

A daypack offers space for water, a power bank, rainwear and personal valuables, without getting in the way whilst walking. Water bottles can be refilled for free in many places in London, such as museums, public buildings or cafés, which is handy when out and about and also saves space and weight.

Safety in London – what you should bear in mind

London is considered a safe city, but you should still be vigilant, particularly in busy areas. Protection against theft is especially important on the Underground, particularly during rush hour and on crowded trains.

In such situations, it’s advisable to carry your rucksack at the front and ensure it has lockable pockets. Valuables should be kept close to your body so you can keep an eye on them at all times. Mobile phone lanyards are also a good idea, both on the Underground and on the street. In London, there are occasional so-called phone snatchings, where smartphones are snatched from people’s hands by cyclists. With a secure attachment, your mobile remains protected and you can travel with peace of mind, even in large crowds.

Clothes for London – prepared for any weather

London is known for its changeable weather. Even on sunny days, it can suddenly turn chilly or rainy. Packing flexibly ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day and are able to react to sudden changes in the weather.

Wear layers to cope with changeable weather

The layering principle has proved particularly effective in London. You can put on or take off several thin layers depending on the temperature. A combination of a T-shirt, jumper and light jacket offers maximum flexibility and is suitable for almost any season. This way, you’ll be dressed appropriately in the morning, at midday and in the evening, without having to carry too much with you.

Protection from rain and wind

Rain is simply part and parcel of life in London. The question is really: rain jacket or umbrella? While a compact umbrella can be practical, London’s often strong winds make a lightweight, waterproof jacket the better choice. It provides reliable protection from the rain and remains comfortable to wear even in windy conditions, particularly on longer walks through the city.

Shoes for walking many kilometres

Comfortable trainers are an absolute must-have for London. Sights, shopping districts and parks are often several kilometres apart. You can easily clock up ten kilometres or more in a day. Well-cushioned, broken-in shoes ensure that even long days remain relaxed.

Clothing depending on the season

Depending on the time of year, it’s worth adjusting your packing list:

Tech for your trip to London

A few technical details can make your stay in London much more relaxed. Especially when you’re out and about, and using your smartphone for navigation, tickets and communication, you should be well equipped.

Plug adaptors for England

Type G sockets are used in the UK. Without a suitable adapter, electronic devices cannot be charged. An adapter is therefore an essential item on your packing list for London – ideally in your hand luggage.

A small but useful fun fact: due to legal regulations, sockets in British bathrooms are usually designed exclusively for electric razors. Standard sockets without a special transformer must be installed at a considerable distance from the bath or shower. Appliances such as hairdryers or straighteners therefore almost always only work in the bedroom and not in the bathroom.

Smartphone & Accessories

A smartphone is essential in London for navigation, tickets, finding restaurants, or taking photos. A power bank ensures your battery lasts even on long days. You should also make sure you have charging cables and headphones, especially on longer journeys on the Underground.

It is also advisable to use a mobile phone lanyard to carry your smartphone safely whilst out and about and to protect it from loss or theft.

Money & Transport in London

London has one of the most modern transport systems in Europe. If you know how to pay and get around, you’ll save time and money and have a much more relaxed time exploring the city.

How to pay in London

Contactless payment is available almost everywhere in London. Credit or debit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and on public transport. Cash is needed less and less and is now hardly relevant for everyday life.

The hassle of ordering pound notes from your own bank – which you often can’t exchange back after your trip – is now practically a thing of the past.

Oyster Card or contactless?

There are two options available for local transport: the Oyster Card or contactless payment by card or smartphone. For short journeys, contactless payment is usually sufficient, as there is no need to buy a separate card. The Oyster Card can be a good option if several people are travelling together or if you wish to use specific fare options.

The principle tap in, tap out makes it particularly quick and straightforward to use: simply hold your card or smartphone against the reader when entering and leaving the station. It’s important not to forget to tap out so that the correct fare is charged. If you do happen to forget to check out, the daily fare cap usually applies, so you won’t incur any excessive costs. Fares vary depending on the zones you’re travelling through.

Toiletries and medicines for London

Even on a short city break, it’s worth packing a few basics. Especially when you’re on the move a lot and the weather is changeable, these little helpers are worth their weight in gold and ensure you feel comfortable whilst out and about.

Toiletry basics for your trip

Essential toiletries include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and skincare products. For air travel with hand luggage, travel-size products are particularly handy and save space in your suitcase.

They are also required due to the 100 ml rule at airport security checks. In England, this limit still applies, even at airports with modern CT scanners, where the bag containing liquids may remain in your luggage. As the technical equipment at airports is not yet standardised, it is generally advisable to use travel-size products – regardless of your departure point.

First-aid kit for a city break

A compact first-aid kit is also a must. Blister plasters are particularly important when walking long distances. It’s also advisable to bring painkillers and any personal medication you need regularly. That way, you’ll be well prepared even for minor ailments.

London packing list to tick off

A clear checklist helps you keep track of everything and ensures you don’t forget anything important. Organised by category, the packing list is ideal for preparing at home and as a final check just before departure.

Documents & Finances

Luggage & Bags

Clothing

Technology

Hygiene & First aid

This way, you can tick off your London packing list step by step and ensure your travel preparations are stress-free.

Conclusion – travelling to London well prepared

FAQ – frequently asked questions about what to pack for London