Backpacks in Rome

Due to damaging of art work large backpacks are not allowed. If you wear a backpack in Rome or anywhere in Europe, wear it on your FRONT to prevent thievery, keep it as small a day pack as possible and take it off or sling it to one side and tuck under arm when approaching lines, make it look as small as possible.

In general backpacks take up too much cubic space...that means less room for people...so whenever one is indoors, on a bus or metro it should be held in your hand to A. create space B. keep valuable or whatever you have safe.

Enjoy!

Hi Pab. I often use a small backpack when traveling; it works well. I don't keep anything valuable in it, so not concerned about theft from it. Good advice from previous poster to be aware so it doesn't bother others in tight spaces. Enjoy your trip!

I would take a crossbody messenger bag instead (not too big).

Some museums require you to check them others will require you wear in front of you. you can't take or check one for the Colosseum. Better without it. Water available everywhere from street sellers. It's been hot for several weeks.

Why do you need to carry around a change of clothes during the day?

I would leave the change of clothes in the room and go back if needed. Try to carry as little as possible. It will make it more comfortable and make you a less likely target. You also won't need to worry about checking any bags when you enter sites.

donna

I had no problem using a backpack in Rome. I use a small Merrell Rouge - 15 liter size. Helpful with water bottles, camera, travel guide, tissues, etc.. The only place in Rome where I did NOT and would NOT take a backpack is the Vatican Museum. Much too difficult to retrieve when checked. Other places did not require me to check the bag. Borghese has an easy check bag place. Most churches do not require bag check. Safety Tip - I used a small luggage combination lock on my main compartment. Never had anything stolen. My husband and I use the travel precautions of under clothing money belts and neck pouches for important stuff. He believes a group of younger people tried to pickpocket him on a bus. They didn't get anything because we are careful. Just don't leave your bag hanging off the back of a chair.

When we visited the Palazzo Massimo (part of the National Museum of Rome and a fantastic place) my wife had to check her purse size-cross-body bag. This wasn't a problem in so far as you exit the same place you come in but it is worth noting.

Thanks everyone for responding. Need to cover shoulders and knees for churches; temps in high 80's.