Packing for London is deceptively tricky. There are a few London essentials that just don’t occur to some people to pack.
As an American living here since 2013, I’ve had countless friends and family arrive unprepared. They didn’t realise what they needed, couldn’t find the right items locally or simply learned the hard way that some things aren’t the same in the UK.
Whether it’s navigating the Underground with ease, managing the unpredictable weather or avoiding the telltale signs of a tourist packing these London essentials will help you feel at home while blending in as a foreigner. Trust me!
(And if you’d like 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 London Trip
London essentials go beyond the basics. These items account for the city’s uniqueness, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
1. UK Plug Adapter
The UK’s Type G plugs are incompatible with American and European devices without an adapter. Save yourself the stress of a last-minute purchase at the airport, where prices are inflated. Instead, grab a reliable universal adapter on Amazon before you travel. Look for one with USB ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Many more modern hotels will have multiple USB ports in the rooms to charge your gear. However, let’s be honest and recognise that London is OLD compared to the US and a lot of hotels won’t have these updates.
2. Bar Soap
Many British hotels provide liquid soap instead of bar soap. While it’s not necessarily disappointing, the unfamiliarity can feel inconvenient. If you prefer using a bar, pack one to stick to your routine. It’s a small comfort that can make your stay easier.
3. Bungee Cord
Navigating the Underground with luggage can be chaotic. A small bungee cord secures your bag to an end seat, preventing it from sliding down the carriage as the train moves. I always keep mine in the outside pocket of my carry-on luggage so it’s ready to go when I hit the Tube after a red-eye to London. It helps to have one that is coloured so you can find it quickly.
4. Phone Case with Ring Holder
Mobile phone theft is one of the most common crimes tourists (and Londoners) face. A ring holder on your phone case serves as a subtle deterrent and reduces the chance of accidental drops while taking photos. Or you can a phone case with strap. Crowded areas like Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Southbank are particularly busy, so keep your phone secure.
5. Washcloths
Washcloths are not always provided in British hotels. If they’re part of your daily routine, pack your own to avoid frustration. They are light and don’t take up much space but can make a big difference. Again, you can find some cheap wash cloths on Amazon.
6. PORTABLE FAN
If you’ve been watching London weather in the summer, you’ve seen we get some serious heatwaves. Temperatures can hit 90°F and higher for days. Most of London (including hotels and underground trains) do not have air-conditioning. You’ll want a portable fan to survive.
7. Over-the-Counter Medications
If you rely on brands like Tylenol, Aleve or melatonin, bring them with you. These staples aren’t available at British chemists. That term is interchangeable with the American phrase ‘pharmacy’.
You’ll find Boots, the closest equivalent to Walgreens for Americans, can stock ‘alternatives’. Be aware that local brands might not work the same way or have different active ingredients. In fact, the one time I took Paracetamol here (the ‘Tylenol’ equivalent), I got nauseous.
I always bring Aleve back with me when I visit the US so I have a full supply for my life in London.
8. Rubbing Alcohol Wipes
Handy for sanitising or cleaning small cuts, rubbing alcohol wipes are invaluable. I’ve never been able to find a bottle of rubbing alcohol as it’s sold in the US. In fact, when I first tried to buy some in London, no one even knew what I was asking for! Bring these wipes 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 pavements and Tube station gaps aren’t forgiving. Flip-flops or open-toe shoes will only slow you down and make your feet miserable.
One of my friends who went to the Paris Olympics and then came to London shared her flip flop in France disaster story with me. She didn’t realise that she would have to climb the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower and mistakenly wore flip flops that day. It was not an easy ascent.
Wear shoes that have a strong sole. Pun intended.
10. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Layers are your best friend in London’s unpredictable weather. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential. Remember, most Underground trains don’t have air conditioning, so lightweight clothing is helpful even in cooler months. For an added tip: Londoners tend to wear black. Bright colours or white will immediately label you as a tourist.
11. Handbag with Zip-Close Inside Pockets
Tourist hotspots can attract pickpockets. A handbag with zip-close compartments offers an extra layer of security for your wallet and other valuables. Keep everything organised and avoid becoming an easy target. While I often circulate around London with a backpack, I always make sure the outside compartments contain only cheap items.
These are things like pens, hand sanitiser, kleenex, paper and hand cream. Inside buried deep are things like my Oyster card, credit cards, etc.
London Essentials: Packing Basics for a London Trip
Beyond these unique London essentials, ensure you pack the basics for a well-rounded wardrobe.
Clothing– Stick to neutral tones like black, navy or grey. This not only helps you blend in but also makes it easier to mix and match outfits. A nice outfit for a theatre night or upscale dining is also worth bringing. Black pants (or trousers) work for everything!
Toiletries: British pharmacies stock most items, but bring travel-sized versions of your favourites in case they aren’t available.
Travel Documents: Include your passport, travel insurance and accommodation details. Consider a money belt or secure pouch for added protection. I also make sure that these items are in coloured covers. Once in a cab, my black Prada wallet fell out as we were exiting. It was only due to the cabby’s honesty that it was recovered.
Since then, I have always purchased brightly coloured wallets so I can find them quickly in my handbag or- near me if they find their way out.
You can get more tips for visiting London, including done for you itineraries in my London Travel Planners. Aside from the iconic 3-day planner, you can get a Christmas Guide to London and Restaurant Guide. Bundles are the best deal!
London Travel Planners
1:1 Trip Consultations
2026 3-day Iconic London Travel Planner
Ultimate Christmas in London Guide
London Restaurant Guide
Packing Cubes: Your Non-negotiable London Essential
Packing cubes are a game-changer for any trip, especially if you plan to visit other cities in England or go on to Paris. I love them because my outfits are together and coordinated in cubes by activity and location. I don’t spend needless time packing and unpacking when arriving in new hotels and cities. Plus, they maximise space, which is essential if you’re packing layers for London’s unpredictable weather.
If you’re travelling on the Eurostar to Paris, packing cubes become even more useful. You’ll have different things to do in London verse Paris and want to look ready for everything. For my top 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—is smooth and stress-free. It’s one of the best travel investments I’ve made.
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Why Packing London Essentials Matters
Having these essentials on hand will make London feel more familiar in a foreign environment. You’ll blend in better, which makes you less receptive to the hassles that tourists often face. Those who stand out in bright colours, holding their phones carelessly in the street, are prime targets for everything not legit.
You can’t fairly claim you’re here to explore “hidden gems” when you look like you’ve just stepped off a tour bus to Stonehenge. Packing smartly is an easy way to start your trip on the right foot, avoiding unnecessary stress and literally headaches!
What’s the most unexpected item you’ve found useful when travelling? Share your tips in the comments and please ask me any questions you have about visiting London and Things to Do in London!
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