Packing for London seems complicated. There are some essentials in London that some people don’t think to pack.
As an American living here since 2013, I have had many friends and family come unprepared. They don’t realize what they need, can’t find the right items locally, or simply realize that some things aren’t the same in the UK.
Whether it’s navigating the Underground with ease, braving unpredictable weather, or dodging the tell-tale signs of tourists packing London essentials, this will help you feel at home while blending in as a stranger. Trust me!
(And if you want more of my London travel tips, this is just one section of my London Travel Guide. More on that at the end.)
Unique Things to Pack for Your Trip to London
The highlights of London are more than just the basics. These items reflect the city’s uniqueness, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
1. UK Plug Adapter
Type G plugs in the UK are not compatible with American and European devices without an adapter. Save yourself the stress of last-minute purchases at the airport, where prices soar. Instead, take what is reliable universal adapter on Amazon before you travel. Look for one that has a USB port to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Many modern hotels have several USB ports in the rooms for charging your equipment. However, let’s be honest and realize that London is OLD compared to the US and many hotels don’t have these updates.
2. Bar Soap
Many hotels in the UK provide liquid soap instead of bar soap. While not necessarily disappointing, not knowing can feel uncomfortable. If you prefer to use a bar, set one up to fit your routine. These are small comforts that can make your stay easier.
3. Bungee Cord
Navigating the Subway with luggage can be chaotic. A small bungee cord secures your bag to the end seat, preventing it from slipping under the carriage as the train moves. I always keep mine in the outer pocket of my carry-on bag so it’s ready to take when I get on the Tube after a trip to London. It’s good if you have a colored one so you can find it quickly.
4. Phone Case with Ring Holder
Mobile phone theft is one of the most common crimes that tourists (and Londoners) face. A Place the ring in your phone case serves as a subtle deterrent and reduces the chance of accidental falls while taking photos. Or you can use a phone case with a strap. Busy areas such as Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Southbank are very busy areas, so keep your phone safe.
5. Duster
Washcloths are not always provided in British hotels. If it’s part of your daily routine, prepare it yourself to avoid frustration. They are light and don’t take up much space but can make a big difference. Again, you can find it cheap rags on Amazon.
6. PORTABLE FAN
If you pay attention to London’s weather in the summer, you’ve definitely noticed a serious heatwave going on here. Temperatures can reach 90°F and higher for days. Most of London (including hotels and the underground) does not have air conditioning. You’ll want a portable fan for survival.
7. Treatment Without Drugs
If you rely on brands like Tylenol, tall or melatonintake them with you. This staple No available from UK chemists. The term is interchangeable with the American expression ‘pharmacy’.
You’ll find Boots, the American equivalent of Walgreens, can provide an ‘alternative’. Be aware that local brands may not work the same way or have different active ingredients. In fact, when I took Paracetamol here (the equivalent of ‘Tylenol’), I felt nauseous.
I always bring Aleve back when I visit the US so I have a full supply for my life in London.
8. Rubbing Alcohol Wipes
Useful for cleaning or cleaning small wounds, alcohol wipes very valuable. I can never find a bottle of alcohol because it is sold in the US. In fact, when I first tried to buy one in London, no one knew what I was asking for! Bring these tissues with you to avoid confusion. Oh- and they don’t sell Neosporin here either.
9. Sensible Walking Shoes
Walking is the best way to explore London, so bring durable and comfortable shoes. Cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and subway station gaps are unforgiving. Flip-flops or open-toed shoes will only slow you down and make your feet uncomfortable.
One of my friends who went to the Paris Olympics and then came to London told me the story of his flip-flop disaster in France. He didn’t realize he had to climb the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower and wore the wrong flip-flops that day. It was not an easy climb.
Wear shoes with strong soles. Pun intended.
10. Dress according to the weather
Layers are your best friend in the unpredictable London weather. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential. Remember, most subway trains do not have air conditioning, so light clothing is useful even in the colder months. As an additional tip: Londoners tend to wear black. Bright colors or white will immediately label you as a tourist.
11. Handbag with Zip-Close Inner Pocket
Tourist attractions can attract pickpockets. Handbags with zip-close compartments offer an extra layer of security for your wallet and other valuables. Keep everything organized and avoid becoming an easy target. Even though I often travel around London with a backpack, I always make sure the outer compartment only contains cheap items.
These items include pens, hand sanitizer, tissue, paper and hand cream. Buried deep inside are things like my Oyster card, credit cards, etc.
London Essentials: Packing Basics for a London Trip
Beyond these London essentials, make sure you pack the basics for a well-stocked wardrobe.
Clothes– Use neutral colors such as black, dark blue, or gray. This not only helps you blend in but also makes it easier to mix and match outfits. A nice outfit for a theater night or upscale dining is also worth bringing. Black trousers (or trousers) can be worn with anything!
Toiletries: UK pharmacies stock most products, but take your favorite version with you on the go if it’s not available.
Travel Documents: Include your passport, travel insurance and accommodation details. Consider a money belt or security pouch for added protection. I also make sure that these items are in color covers. Once in the taxi, my black Prada purse fell out as we were getting out. It was only because of the coachman’s honesty that the object was recovered.
Since then, I always buy brightly colored wallets so I can find them quickly in my handbag or nearby if they find their way out.
You can get more tips for visiting London, including a done-for-you itinerary in my London Travel Planner. As well as the iconic 3 day planner, you can get a Christmas Guide to London and a Restaurant Guide. Bundles are the best deals!
London Travel Planner
1:1 Travel Consultation
Iconic London Trip Planner 3 days 2026
The Ultimate Christmas Guide in London
London Restaurant Guide
Packing Cubes: Your Non-Negotiable London Essential
Packing cubes are a game changer for any trip, especially if you’re planning to visit another city in the UK or continue on to Paris. I love it because my outfits match and coordinate in cubes based on activity and location. I don’t spend unnecessary time packing and unpacking when arriving at a new hotel and city. Plus, they maximize space, which is important if you’re packing layers for the unpredictable London weather.
If you travel by Eurostar to Paris, cube packing become more useful. You’ll have more things to do in London than Paris and want to look ready for everything. For my best Eurostar travel tips, don’t miss my article on Taking the Eurostar: Your Ideal Train from London to Paris.
Investing in a set of durable packing cubes ensures your trip to London—and beyond—goes smoothly and stress-free. It’s one of the best travel investments I’ve ever made.
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked a hotel for your trip to London yet, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It is based on the most central location in the city.
Why Packing London Essentials is Important
Having these essential items will make London feel more familiar in an unfamiliar environment. You’ll blend in better, so you’ll be less prone to the hassles that tourists often face. Those who stand out in bright colors, holding their phones carelessly on the street, are the main targets of anything unauthorized.
You can’t claim you’re here to explore “hidden gems” when you look like you just got off a tour bus to Stonehenge. Packing smart is an easy way to start your trip off right, avoiding unnecessary stress and headaches!
What is the most unexpected item you have found useful when traveling? Share your tips in the comments and ask me any questions you have about visiting London and Things to Do in London!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost and helps support the Sunny blog in London. Thank You!
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