Packing list for a city break

What should be on your packing list for a city break?

Documents and money

Proper preparation when it comes to documents and finances can make the difference between an enjoyable holiday and unexpected problems. With a well-planned selection of documents and payment methods, you can focus entirely on exploring the city. Whether it’s a city break or an outdoor adventure – with a well-planned selection of documents and payment methods, you can focus entirely on your experience. Whilst safety equipment is also important on a hiking packing list, a compact wallet containing a credit card and some cash is often all you need for a city break.

Passport / ID card

Flight tickets / Train tickets / Hotel bookings

Cash / Foreign currency

Travel insurance documents

Passport / ID card

Driving licence (if you plan to hire a car)

Swiss Bankers Travel credit card – for secure and convenient payments worldwide

Clothing

Packing smartly makes sense, especially if you’re travelling light. For example, choose versatile items of clothing that can be easily mixed and matched and worn both during the day and in the evening. This saves space in your suitcase whilst still giving you a variety of outfit options. It can also be helpful to use so-called packing bags to organise and compress your clothes and toiletries. This not only makes it easier to find items in your luggage but also saves space. Furthermore, there are now numerous guides online on how to pack specific items of clothing to save as much space as possible.

T-shirts / Blouses

Trousers / Skirts

Underwear

Socks

Jumpers / jackets (depending on the season)

Comfortable shoes for lots of walking

Evening wear (if you’re going to a smart restaurant or an event)

Pyjamas / nightwear

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella (depending on the weather)

Toiletries

Please bear in mind that if you are travelling by plane with hand luggage only, there are usually restrictions on carrying liquids. As a general rule, individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml may be carried, provided they are placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. Furthermore, certain items such as scissors or razors are not permitted in hand luggage.

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Hairbrush / comb

Shampoo and conditioner

Shower gel / soap

Deodorant

Razor (omit if travelling by plane)

Nail scissors or nail file (omit if travelling by plane)

Make-up and make-up remover (if required)

Medicines / first-aid kit (Discover our detailed checklist for your first-aid kit)

Contact lenses / glasses and accessories

Tampons / feminine hygiene products

Hand sanitiser

Clear zip-lock bag (if required for air travel)

Electronics

In this section, you’ll find out which essential electronic items you should pack to charge your devices, capture unforgettable moments and ensure you always have access to important information whilst on the move. Choosing the right electronic devices and accessories can help you make the most of your city break and ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Smartphone and charger

Camera and accessories (optional)

Power bank

Headphones / earplugs

Travel adaptor (if you’re travelling to a country with different plug types)

Miscellaneous

As well as essential travel essentials such as a water bottle, snacks and something to read, it might be worth using travel apps. From map apps to restaurant guides and public transport information, there are plenty of apps that can help you find your way around the city and make the most of your trip. 

Travel guides / Maps

Download any useful apps

Water bottle

Snacks / travel provisions

Travel diary or notebook and pen

Small travel bag / rucksack for day trips

Small umbrella or rain poncho

Sunglasses

Small torch or mobile phone torch

Books / e-reader for entertainment whilst travelling

Reusable shopping bag

A well-planned city break starts with careful preparation and a well-organised holiday packing list. By following the tips above and ticking off the list, you can ensure that your city break runs smoothly and that you make the most of your time in the city of your choice. It’s just as important to plan carefully for open-air events – with our packing list for open-air festivals, you’re guaranteed not to forget a thing and can enjoy the event to the full!

Planning a city break
A city break requires a different approach to a beach holiday or a walking holiday, as you’ll be focusing on exploring sights, museums and restaurants, and enjoying city life. It is therefore important to adapt your packing list accordingly to ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.

  The right
luggage
for every city Every city has its own unique characteristics and climatic conditions that can influence your packing list. If, for example, you’re travelling to Rome in summer, you should pack light, breathable clothing to cope with the high temperatures. For a winter trip to Paris, on the other hand, warm clothing and weatherproof shoes are essential. Also bear in mind the cultural nuances of your destination. In some cities, it may be appropriate to dress a little more formally, particularly if you plan to visit upmarket restaurants or cultural events.

 
Organising your luggage
Another important aspect is organising your luggage. As you’ll be on the move a lot during a city break, it’s advisable to pack light and take only the essentials. Use packing cubes or bags to sort your clothes and accessories. This not only helps to save space in your suitcase but also makes it easier to find items whilst travelling. A well-organised bag can make the difference between a stress-free and a chaotic holiday. In addition, you should always carry a small bag or rucksack for day trips. This can be useful for carrying water bottles, snacks, sun cream and other essentials whilst you’re out and about. A foldable rucksack that takes up little space in your suitcase can be a practical solution here.

 
The importance of the right packing list for your safety on a city break
Last but not least, you should also think about your safety. Always keep important documents such as your passport, flight tickets and hotel bookings in a safe place. A copy of these documents can also be helpful in case the originals are lost. A money belt or a secure bag for your valuables can also help prevent theft. Remember to tailor your packing list to your individual needs and your destination. Good preparation ensures that you can enjoy your holiday to the full without having to worry about forgetting anything important.

Enjoy
a relaxed city break with the right packing list A well-thought-out packing list and a few extra considerations can help make your city break stress-free and enjoyable. By tailoring your packing list to your individual needs and your destination, you’ll ensure you’re fully prepared and can enjoy your holiday to the full.