City break, rucksack only: what would you take?

[OMGitsnotgood]

City break, 3 nights but flight times mean we’ll have several hours of first and last days when we need to carry our baggage with us. We don’t really want to be spending time travelling backwards and forwards to left luggage lockers, so are taking rucksack only (the size that fits under your seat).

Looks like temperatures will be low 20s.
I already have a plan of what to take, but thought I would ask on here to see how you would make the limited luggage work best for you, I’m sure I can pick up some great tips.

We will largely be sight seeing, and won’t be going to fancy restaurants but want to look half way decent.

What would you pack in this situation?
thanks

I'd wear walking shoes to travel.
I'd take a pair of sandals
I always take a cagoul, whatever the forecast.
Washbag would have the obvious (the t-paste would be between us, so t-brush, deodorant, h-brush, paracetamol, shampoo sachets or a small amount decanted into a 100ml bottle, flannel, some plasters)
couple of tops and a hoodie
I'd wear trousers and pack a pair of shorts or a skirt
clean pants for each day and clean trainer socks for each day
sun cream
Charger
Convertor for whatever country you are in (more than one or with an extn cable)
water bottle
Sun hat

Thanks @CarpetKnees, this is almost exactly my packing list! I don’t bother with a flannel though. Re toothpaste: our dentist usually has samples, the tubes are enough for a few days, are free, and don’t take up much space.

One pair of comfortable walking shoes, wear them so no need to carry. Merino wool t-shirts. One on and one in bag. Light, don't smell if worn for several days and will dry overnight on a hanger in hotel room if you need to wash it. One spare pair of trousers. Fleece and light waterproof. Folding sun hat. Toothbrush and toothpaste and a comb or hairbrush. Make do with hotel toiletries for everything else. Passport, credit card, phone. Have fun!

Thank you @Cyclistmumgrandma. I’ve not heard of merino wool t-shirts, tbey sound ideal and the sort of info I was after when I started this thread. They sound warm though?

I am always happy to make do with hotel toiletries, but always take a small amount of conditioner as that isn’t always provided.

Book
Water bottle
Wallet
Keys
Charger
Phone
Sunhat
Suncream
Toothpaste and brush
Hairbrush
Moisturiser
Cleanser
Deodorant
Medication
Minimal make up
Change of underwear
Two bottom half options (skirt, trousers, shorts whatever you like)
Three tops
Light jumper
Light waterproof
I would wear my heaviest shoes (walking boots or trainers) and take a pair of sandals
Swimming costume if needed

I'm the one in my group of friends who took a small rucksack for 2 nights away when the others all took wheelie suitcases with hairdryers, full bags of makeup, several options for outfits... they couldn't believe all I needed was in my little bag.

I’d wear lightweight trousers or skirt, and pack whichever I don’t wear. Comfortable sandals (trainers if you prefer though), no other shoes. Pack two T-shirts, undies and a sweatshirt or very light jacket. Tiny umbrella if rain forecast. I wouldn’t bother with nightwear unless sharing with someone I don’t want to be naked with (but could sleep in the day’s tshirt anyway). If I’m carrying the bag around, I’d use a decent backpack. If not carrying it around (using those apps for storing luggage in shops etc) I’d use a backpack that is designed to fit under Ryanair etc seats, as those make better use of the space so you can fit more in (but IME not to ergonomic for carrying for long periods). Sunhat, sunglasses, skincare in tiny containers, makeup, charger, toothbrush, hairbrush. Small bag that fits in backpack, to use as a handbag.

Pack a small bar of soap and a small bottle of shampoo. Toiletries aren't always supplied. Take a swimsuit, you never know when you might need it as emergency undies/top.

I take a bikini as one of my underwear options (proper large bosom bra-type!), then it can do for swimming or underwear.

I find dresses easier, so I'd wear one and pack another 2, preferably with pockets. Then trainers and a pair of flat sandals, chub rub shorts ( Wirapa) a change of bra and 2 pairs of pants, trainer socks. A light jacket, eg denim to go over the dress I'm travelling in, and a large lightweight patterned scarf that folds up small. A big tshirt to sleep in or lounge around in. A swimming costume if a swim is likely.
Lipstick, pencil eyeliner, toothbrush etc. No shampoo or shower gel - almost everywhere supplies that. Book, phone, charger, sunglasses, small backpack or crossbody bag for days out. A pen and tiny notebook. Sunglasses and a spare pair of reading glasses - I'm lost without them.

2x Jeans/trousers to travel in and wear in evening with a selection of nice tops to mix and match

On a recent backpack only stay I confess to taking my oldest holiest knickers and throwing them away

But yea, a pair of trainers to wear and a spare, as rain was forecast. Couple of pairs of leggings several t-shirts, packamac, old bras. Bought shampoo and conditioner at the airport and left behind

Merino t-shirts aren’t at all warm in hot weather but cope well with cooler weather too. Wool is naturally temperature regulating, I’ve worn them in Africa and in Iceland! They are the holy grail of travel shirts but can be expensive! I’ve just discovered a brand called Wool& (order through their Europe arm - https://eu.wooland.com/ ) but also look for tops from Icebreaker or Smartwool. If you can find stuff in their sales they become much more affordable. I love them for travelling. Just got back from a few days away where I dropped some greasy garlic mushrooms down my shirt on the first night away. Typical! I rubbed liquid soap into the mark, rinsed the shirt well, rolled in a towel and squeezed, then hung it on a hanger overnight. Perfectly dry and stain free by morning!

@Cyclistmumgrandmathank you so much for taking the time to provide so much information, really appreciated.

Packing cubes with compression!
Peak design or aer. When using a backpack they are vital imo.