Why city tours need the right kit
A day of sightseeing in a European city often means several kilometres on cobbles, stone steps and uneven pavements. Your shoes matter more than your outfit, so start there. Choose footwear you have already worn for a few hours at home, with a firm sole and enough room across the toes.
Weather is the second thing to plan for. Spring and autumn days in cities such as Lisbon, Prague or Vienna can start cool and turn warm by lunchtime, and a shower can arrive without much warning. A light layer that rolls into a bag, a compact umbrella and a small daypack will cover most situations without weighing you down.
How to choose the right items
Start with comfort and fit, then consider grip on wet stone, weight and breathability. For shoes, look for a cushioned insole, a firm heel and a sole that gives you traction on smooth surfaces. For a daypack, a capacity of around 15 to 20 litres is usually enough for a day out, and a padded back and a zipped inner pocket for your phone and passport copy make a real difference. Check the bag's weight when empty, because it will feel heavier after a morning of sightseeing.
Every choice involves a trade-off. Leather trainers look smart at dinner but can be stiff on long walks, while sandals breathe well yet offer less support and little protection on wet cobbles. A fully waterproof jacket keeps out heavy rain but is warmer and less breathable than a water-resistant shell. A compact folding umbrella fits neatly in a bag, while a larger model handles wind better on open squares. Consider also what you will carry and whether your luggage fits within the limits set by your airline or train operator.
Pick shoes you have already walked in for hours; comfort on the second day of sightseeing matters more than any extra gadget.
From the editors
Common mistakes are easy to avoid. Buying new shoes just before departure is a frequent error, as is packing too much. Blisters are usually caused by shoe fit and repeated friction rather than damp feet alone, so a snug heel and a smooth lining matter more than any single fabric. Wearing a thin liner sock under a cushioned walking sock can reduce rubbing, and it is worth testing your combination on a long walk at home. Finally, remember that some churches and religious sites expect shoulders and knees to be covered, so pack a light scarf.
What to pack first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Comfortable walking shoes
Choose a closed shoe with a cushioned insole, a firm sole and a snug heel. Wear the pair at home for several hours before you travel.
Search termswalking shoes · cushioned insole · good grip
Our recommendationclarks.comBest for walking shoesDaypack
A small bag of roughly 15 to 20 litres is enough for water, a layer, a power bank and a copy of your passport. Look for a padded back and a zipped inner pocket.
Search termsdaypack · backpack · zip pocket
Our recommendationberghaus.comBest for daypacksLightweight waterproof jacket
A jacket that packs into its own pocket covers showers and wind without needing a heavy coat. It works well as a layer for cool mornings and changeable spring or autumn days.
Search termspackable jacket · waterproof · layers
Our recommendationberghaus.comBest for daypacksCompact umbrella
A small folding umbrella fits easily in a daypack and handles sudden showers. A slightly larger model copes better with wind on exposed squares.
Search termscompact umbrella · travel umbrella
Our recommendationtotes.co.ukWeather essentialsWalking socks
Cushioned socks with a seamless toe reduce friction on long walks. Pack a spare pair so you can change during the day.
Search termswalking socks · cushioned socks · seamless toe
Our recommendationtotes.co.ukWeather essentialsCrossbody bag
A bag that sits across the body keeps your hands free and makes it harder to lose your phone or wallet in crowds. Choose one with a secure zip.
Search termscrossbody bag · hands free · secure zip
Our recommendationthehut.comWidest range
Where to start shopping
Begin with footwear at clarks.com, where you can compare closed walking shoes and boots with cushioned soles. Once you have a pair you trust, move on to berghaus.com for a daypack and a packable waterproof jacket that suit changeable weather. Then head to totes.co.uk for a compact umbrella, gloves and walking socks to cover the basics. If you want a bag that keeps your hands free, thehut.com brings together several brands of bags and shoes in one place, which makes side-by-side comparison easier. Test everything at home before you pack it.
Before you order
- Wear your walking shoes for at least a few hours at home before you travel.
- Check the heel and toe room of each shoe, especially if you plan to walk downhill.
- Measure the space in your daypack and confirm it fits your intended items.
- Pack a compact umbrella or packable waterproof layer for changeable weather.
- Carry a spare pair of socks to change into during long days.
- Check whether the churches or sites you plan to visit have dress requirements.
- Confirm your luggage size limits with your airline or train operator before you buy a bag.
The stores at a glance
clarks.com
Best for walking shoesCovers shoes and boots suited to long days on foot, a sensible place to start when you need a closed, supportive pair for cobbled streets.
Recommended for Comfortable walking shoes
berghaus.com
Best for daypacksThis outdoor specialist stocks backpacks and lightweight jackets that suit changeable city weather without adding bulk.
Recommended for Daypack and Lightweight waterproof jacket
totes.co.uk
Weather essentialsUmbrellas, gloves and socks in one place, useful for covering the basic weather items you may need on a sightseeing day.
Recommended for Compact umbrella and Walking socks
thehut.com
Widest rangeA multi-brand range of shoes, bags and clothing, handy for comparing a hands-free crossbody bag with a practical sole.
Recommended for Crossbody bag
mahabis.com
Comfort for eveningsSlippers, sandals and casual footwear for relaxed evenings after a full day of sightseeing.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I buy new walking shoes for a city break?
It is better to wear shoes you already own for several hours before the trip. New pairs can rub and need time to soften, so only take them if you have broken them in.
How big should a daypack be for sightseeing?
A bag of roughly 15 to 20 litres usually holds water, a layer, a power bank and a few essentials without becoming awkward on crowded trams or trains.
Is an umbrella or a waterproof jacket more useful?
Many travellers carry both. An umbrella keeps your hands free and suits short showers, while a packable jacket works better in wind and longer rain.
Do I need to dress differently for churches?
Many churches and religious sites ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees. A light scarf or thin layer you can carry in your daypack is usually enough.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
