Hello Friends, we’re leaving soon for Italy and I’m not quite sure what is allowed or prohibited to take inside most museums and churches. When I travel I usually wear a small day backpack so I can stay hands free. And sometimes I wear a lightweight hobo purse that crosses your body. Are either of those acceptable in the museums and churches of Italy? Or would it be better to only wear an under clothing neck wallet or travel belt? Thank you in advance for your advice!
Posted by
Chicago
1326 posts
I think it will most likely differ by venue, and even then, the posted rules are often not
uniformly enforced.
A lot of time the backpack is OK if worn in front instead of in back, or carried using the
hand strap on top, so if your pack is easily handled that way, you're probably good.
In most museums, checking a bag in a locker is usually free (but you might want to
have coins for that).
But make sure your clothing going into a church is modest enough to meet their
standards (e.g., bring a wrap to cover your shoulders and no short shorts).
Posted by
Chicagoland
2319 posts
As previously mentioned, every venue has its own rules.
That said, IMO, unless you're super vigilant, Italy and a backpack are not compatible.
You need something besides any underclothing storage. A neck wallet/moneybelt is not meant for your card/cash that you will be using during the day.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden 🇸🇪
1785 posts
Hi Jenny, since you live in Chicago, I'm thinking you're pretty vigilant! There are a few museums that are quite strict, Galleria Borghese in Rome is one I can think of. I've never had a problem wearing a small backpack in churches, but won't comment on the Vatican Museum, it's been decades since I've been there. I think you need to look at individual websites for the museums. I always wear a small backpack in Italy, except on trains & subways, then it's a cross body bag, I've never had a problem.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
17117 posts
I agree with Sandancisco and will add is that the Borghese strictly controls the size of purse you can take in. I knew ahead of time and used the very small purse I wear on the airplane so I never have to leave my passport/money/CCs at my seat. It's about 5x7 and worked fine. Their official dimensions are 21 x 15 cm or 8 x 5 inches (rounded down). If you have a purse or day pack larger than this you have to check it in their cloakroom. I just hate to check my purse so I made sure I had an alternative for that afternoon.
Does your day pack lock? I would not wear it on my back in crowds in Italy.