Let’s be honest, pickpockets are a huge problem in a lot of Europe. We can’t get away from the endless Reels and TikToks of people shouting pickpocket in a crowded piazza over and over again. However, we can plan against it. So, here are the 13 best purses for travel around Europe.
Let’s dive in and find out more.
1. Zuevi Anti-Theft Sling Bag Crossbody Purse
This compact sling crossbody might seem small, but it can pack a whole lot into those various pockets. As you can wear it on your front without anyone batting an eyelid, it’s a stylish way to keep an eye on your gear and prevent pickpockets from thieving your stuff under your nose.
Top features:
- Multiple zipped pockets
- Thin enough to go under jackets
- Durable, waterproof material
I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!
2. Travelon Anti-Theft Essential Messenger Bag
If you’re looking for a more classic-shaped messenger bag in a range of colors, this Travelon option is great. It’s made with slash-proof material, including the strap which is fully adjustable for comfort and style while you’re exploring Europe.
Top features:
- Slash-proof material
- Locking compartments
- RFID-blocking card and passport slots
3. Diomo Anti Theft Small Sling Bag
This cute small sling bag is deceptively roomy, with so many pockets, making it one of the best purses for travel around Europe. Available in a range of colors and wearable on the front of your body as well as the back, it’s a versatile option.
Top features:
- RFID-blocking card slots
- Heavy duty zippers
- Anti-theft back pocket
4. Sukry Anti-Theft Nylon Crossbody Bag
If you’re looking for a classic slouchy bag design, this canvas purse is going to be ideal for you. The longer strap means that it can be worn as a crossbody for more security, and it has tons of space and pockets while feeling relatively compact on your body.
Top features:
- RFID-blocking pockets
- Heavy-duty canvas material to prevent slashing
- 10 functional pockets, including a hidden back pocket with a zipper
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Active Tour Bag, Teal
Don’t want to be weighed down by a big bag? This small, active, crossbody tour bag holds all the essentials and has a pocket for your water bottle while being lightweight and stacked with anti-theft features.
Top features:
- Slash-resistant material and straps
- RFID blocking pocket
- Lockable compartments
- Small tethered LED light for added night safety.
6. HKCLUF Anti-Theft Backpack Purse
If you’re more of a backpack person, this cute leather-look purse is going to be right up your street. It comes with a convertible shoulder strap for more of a crossbody vibe if you need it, and it’s big enough to fit a 13” laptop in the back compartment!
Top features:
- Several zipped anti-theft pockets on the front and back
- Convertible strap
- Reinforced seams to prevent slashing and tearing
7. Travelon Heritage Anti-Theft Crossbody
Looking for a Europe travel purse that’s small, sleek, and goes with every outfit? This heritage-style crossbody is compact but still keeps all the essentials organized with multiple sections and pockets. It also comes in a range of colors so you can get the shade that suits you.
Top features:
- RFID blocking pocket
- Slash-proof material
- Hidden steel cable in the strap to prevent slashing
- Lockable compartments
8. Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag
If you love a small crossbody purse and love having a choice of colors and prints, this memento purse is for you. Jam-packed with anti-theft features and plenty of pockets, this is a lightweight option that’s ideal for running around European tourist hotspots in the summer.
Top features:
- RFID blocking pockets
- Slash-proof material and strap
- Locking zippers
- Water-resistant
9. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Crossbody and Waist Pack
Are you looking for versatility in your next travel purse? This convertible bag transforms from a small crossbody into a super cute waist pack that leaves you hands-free – perfect for in crowds or at bars! They come in a range of colors and have all the anti-theft features you’d expect from a Travelon bag.
Top features:
- Slash-proof fabric and strap
- Lockable compartments
- RFID blocking compartments
10. BAGSMART Anto-Theft Crossbody Bag Shoulder Bag
Want a tote vibe but need something more secure and sturdy? This crossbody bag can also be worn as a shoulder bag and has all the space you want from a tote but with the added security and organization of a full purse. If you’re someone who needs a lot of stuff when you’re out and about, consider this eight-liter travel purse for around Europe!
Top features:
- Anti-theft zippers
- Slash-proof strap
- Multiple compartments and zippers
- Water-resistant
11. Joryin Anti Theft Crossbody Bag
Looking for a chic, compact crossbody for wandering the streets of Paris, Milan, and Berlin? With a sleek and timeless design, this crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for any outfit and has an added hand-held top strap for versatility.
Top features:
- RFID blocking pockets
- Lockable zipper compartments
- Lightweight
- Back zipped pockets
12. Travelon Anti-Theft Active Small Crossbody
If you want a small messenger-style bag that’s lightweight but secure, you can rest easy with this crossbody option. Available in an array of colors, this purse is surprisingly spacious and perfect for wandering around the sights of a new city. With a high-top zip that sits by your hip, it’s easy to rest your hand on the closure without drawing attention.
Top features:
- RFID blocking compartments
- Lockable zipper compartments
- Slash-proof material and straps
- Tethered key clip with LED light
13. Travelon Heritage Anti-theft Saddle Crossbody
Personally, I love a sleek, curved travel purse – it just adds an extra touch of timeless style to a look. So, this saddle crossbody is a perfect option for any European adventure. Available in a range of colors, you can choose the hue that works for you, and fit all your essentials day or night!
Top features:
- RFID blocking pockets
- Lockable zipped compartments
- Slash-proof material and straps
What Should You Look for in a Travel Purse?
Okay, what makes a good travel purse? Do you need to spend a fortune? Absolutely not. Great travel purses have a pretty small list of requirements.
Durable Material
Having a bag that’s made with durable material doesn’t mean having a hardy canvas that isn’t always cute. You can have thick leather or other durable materials that prevent thieves from slashing the material to get your stuff. The same goes for the strap – they can slash that, catch the bag, and run.
A Decent Size
If you’re out for the day, you need a decent-sized bag to carry your phone, money, keys, water, suncream, sunglasses, ID – there’s a lot going on there. However, you don’t want a giant bag that you can’t keep track of.
Great travel bags can be covered with just one hand in a crowd. Making sure you can cover the top of your bag easily deters pickpockets as it’s harder for them to get at it without being noticed.
Crossbody
This one is pretty simple. A crossbody is a great travel purse because a thief can’t just lightly tug on a shoulder strap or a wrist and escape with your bag – your literal body is in the way. This means they have to be very light-fingered or slash your bag which aren’t super easy or discreet options.
Easy Access
You don’t want to have to use a padlock, a key, or open 30 compartments every time you need your purse. Instead, you want a quick in and out to get your stuff. This means a shorter window of opportunity for nearby pickpockets. Although hard-to-access bags seem pickpocket-proof, you’re actually giving them longer to steal stuff once it’s open.
Zippers
Let’s be honest, zippers are the best closure for any bag. They’re secure, hard to cut, and easy to see if they’ve been compromised. Zippers are an extra level of security that your Europe travel purse needs. Even if the whole bag isn’t full of zippers, you need zipped compartments for your wallet, phone, keys, and good stuff!
FAQs About the Best Purses for Travel Around Europe
Not all travel purses are made equally. Now that you’ve seen a few different options for the best purses for travel around Europe, let’s round off this guide with a few frequently asked questions.
Is a Moneybelt a Travel Purse?
No, a moneybelt is not a travel purse. A moneybelt is a tiny kind of fanny pack that you can use for running or hiking, and a lot of people take them traveling with them. However, you can’t get a lot of things in a money belt.
Basically, it’s good for your keys and a credit card at best. If you need to bring a water bottle, your phone, a portable charger, and things like that with you, you’ll need a larger travel purse rather than a moneybelt.
Should I Bring a Backpack to Europe?
It’s a personal preference whether you bring a backpack to Europe. I personally wouldn’t bring a wheeled suitcase to Europe because of the stairs and cobblestones. In terms of travel purses and daypacks, it depends on what your vibe is. Backpacks are great for hiking or if you’re rushing around cities.
However, if you want a cute vibe in the cafes, there are plenty of anti-theft purses and crossbodies that might be more up your street.
Do I Need an Anti-theft Bag for Europe?
Yes, I would recommend an anti-theft bag for Europe. The pickpockets in the major Western European capitals are notorious and some of the sneakiest in the world! An anti-theft bag includes features like blocking card cloning technology and is often made from material that is slash-proof.
These are great features that can save your stuff and give you peace of mind while you explore the beauty of Europe!
Can Anti-theft Bags be Cute?
Yes, of course, anti-theft bags can be cute! There are plenty of cute anti-theft bags in this guide, so whether you want crossbodies, satchel bags, messengers, sling backpacks, or saddle bags, we have you covered!
Should I Hide My Valuables in Europe?
Yes, you should hide your valuables in Europe. You can dress nice without being flashy about it. If you’re wearing all your best jewelry with expensive watches and sunglasses, it can make you a target. I have a ton of budget-friendly pieces that still look cute for these pickpocket-heavy places.
Obviously, be reasonable, don’t wear your diamonds in the middle of the Trevi Fountain area, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Should I Hide My Bag in Europe?
No, you don’t need to hide your bag in Europe. Yes, there are pickpockets, but you don’t need to be hiding your backpack underneath your coat or keeping your phone in your bra. Just be aware of your surroundings and use some common sense.
What is an RFID Blocker?
An RFID blocker is a strip that messes with the electromagnetic field around your card or valuables. This means that someone can’t use an RFID scanner and steal your money or information when you’re on the move.
Unfortunately, since contactless payment has become a daily occurrence, this kind of theft has been on the rise – and you won’t know about it until your money has been taken!
Related Posts:
- Most Affordable Places to Live in Portugal
- Essential Travel Items for Europe That You Can’t Travel Without
- How to Move to England from the USA
- How Can I Move to Europe as an American
- Top European Cities for Digital Nomads
- The Best Device That Translates Languages in Real Time
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.