what bags can you take into the Vatican/museums, etc?

Lisa, It's been a few years since I was last in the Vatican, but as I recall you may have to check all bags? When you enter the Vatican, you'll have to pass through an airport-style security point, including X-Ray Scanner (that's common at a lot of sights in Italy). If you're planning to visit the Borghese Gallery, you WILL have to check everything, including the Camera (I'm assuming it's an SLR or larger model?). You'll also have to check just about everything else (they're VERY strict). Hopefully someone in the group will have more specific information about the situation at the Vatican. Happy travels!

I don't think I had to check anything... I have my photos that I took in the Vatican...so I had a camera.

Usually backpack or rucksacks as they are called in Europe are not allowed in museums because people often don't know how much space they take up when wearing one. Many museums let you take a bag in if it looks like a purse and hangs at your front or side.

I'm also wondering the same thing. Is there any downside of checking the daybag in Vatican? Does it have long queues too? Thanks.

In my experience I generally expect to have to check any bags at Museums (theft, damage to exhibits etc- makes sense to me). Cameras about 50/50

If you have to check a bag.. is it safe? Do they have lockers or use like a coat check system where they give you a ticket?

Safe is a relative term. You can bring the camera with you. So what are you checking? Empty camera bag? coat? water bottle? snack? guidebook of Rome? map? bus schedule? umbrella? --- yeah, its safe enough. 1000 euros in cash? 30 oz of gold bullion? your passport? personal medication which if lost could be life or death? zoom lens that cost $2000 dollars? wedding ring?---not safe enough, keep those on your person.

my wife and i went on 12/28; we were able to take our personal sized bags with no problems at all. for my wife, that was a shoulder sling messenger type bag, and for me, the RS civita day bag. i think they just don't want people with big packs walking through bumping into people and things.

Last February I took a backpack with camera, bottled drinks and sandwiches to the Vatican museum. I scrunched up the backpack and carried it like a purse until I got into the museum proper. After that I wore it everywhere. No one said anything. I also carry a canvas tote bag in the backpack - very handy for impulse-shopping. Anyway, whenever I have had to check my backpack, I put my camera, binoculars (great for the Sistine Chapel BTW), and any other valuables in the tote and took it with me. As noted, that doesn't work in the Borghese, but the Borghese is different.