Hi, I've noticed that some, maybe many, museums in Europe and other places do not allow you to carry in a backpack. What have you found to be a good alternative for carrying stuff you probably want with you for sightseeing, such as a camera and accessories, sweater, sun glasses, TP/clean-up lotion, nutrition or candy bar, maybe a water bottle, cap or hat, etc? I looked at the "Healthy Back Bag," which has a single strap, but it looks pretty insecure. I see that Rick is often shown with a shoulder bag, but I haven't been able to get a good look at it during his tv shows or views. What is it?
EB
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
agree with recs for Rick's Civita bag. Was able to take it into the Louvre, but not the Uffizi.
Posted by
Halifax, N.S.
211 posts
I usually bring a purse instead of a backpack, becuase I don't like the look of backpacks, but usually I find if they dont allow backpacks, there is usually a storage area for bags, often free of charge. It can be a great way to take the weight off for a while.
Posted by
XXX
1170 posts
Some don't even allow a handbag or camera! That's what happened to us in Brussels in 2006.
Posted by
Cartersville, GA, USA
55 posts
Check out L.L.Bean. I have a light bag from them that I carry across the body and put in it all those types of things [ water bottle,wet wipes,map , guide book,glasses etc].
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2091 posts
Many times when bags aren't allowed in museums, photography and liquids aren't allowed either. I make sure to have a pack lock on my Civita bag or Healthy Back bag (whichever I'm using for that trip).
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5542 posts
EB,
When the museum does not allow a bag or backpack, they typically have a place for you to check the bag. You won't need your sunglasses, water bottle, etc. while walking through the museum.
As long as you have a way to carry your valuables with you (e.g. money and credit cards), you can just check the bag. If the museum allows a camera, you can carry it with you.
Some museums (like the Borghese) don't even allow you to carry a small purse or camera. You have to check everything.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Most all museums I've been in (in Paris anyway) have check rooms where you can check coats, backpacks, shopping bags, etc., for free. Shouldn't be a problem. You don't need all those supplies while in the museum.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
I agree with just checking it. I know that the Borghese Gallery in Rome, for one, is very very strict about not bringing anything except maybe an audio player or camera. Frankly not having to carry that stuff for a while is kind of nice.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
In Madrid one museum too my little mini backpack, while one didn't. It depends on the museum.
The one that took my pack had a check in and when I was done, I reclaimed my pack.
You won't need the pack or purse while in the museum, and if you need a notebook or sketchbook you can hand carry.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
The Borghese Gallery has some of the strictest rules of all the locations I visited. They won't allow Backpacks, Purses or anything else of that nature (can't recall whether that included waist packs?). I was also required to check my dSLR Camera (however I did have a small P&S in a pocket, and they didn't seem to mind that).