Tourist Safety In Eastern Europe

You could get your pocket picked in those cities, just like you could in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, London, etc. The risk isn't any greater; it might even be less. A backpack is fine, just don't put anything in it you can't afford to lose, such as your passport, expensive camera, or credit/debit cards. Don't worry about looking like a tourist; the locals can tell you're a tourist from 100 yards away. All these cities are visited by thousands of tourists every day. Relax and enjoy.

Wherever tourists congregate, there will be thieves at work...anywhere in the world. As long as you use a money belt type device to store your extra cash, cards, and passport all is good;) http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/theft.htm http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneybelt.htm

Compared to Barcelona, Paris and Rome, the three cities that you named are relatively safe by comparison. Pick pockets and thieves who prey on tourists primarily concentrate on heavy tourist areas and since Eastern Europe is no where near as crowded with likely targets as a large west European city so my experience is that you are less likely to be a victim of theft in Eastern Europe. Backpacks are pretty obvious indicators that you are a tourist, but they would be anywhere. Don't flash money or valuables, watch yourself in crowds and be cautious of "unusual" distractions like people getting into fights or dropping over from heart attacks right in front of you. If anything like that happens simply exit as quickly as you can in the opposite direction and don't look back.

Husband, 2 teenagers and I went to those 3 cities 3 summers ago. Prague was so crowded we would not have felt a hand in our pocket. That crowded feeling could happen at Disneyland, too, and lets you know you need to use a moneybelt, hotel safe, mug money, etc. In spite of knowing about the Prague taxi scams, was still taken for too much AND the taxi driver broke the main handle on my suitcase. Only other negative thing in Prague was not being served some of the described items in a recommended restaurant but receiving the bill for the full order. ( like ordering the number one combo and not getting the tamale or the chalupa and there's a empty space on the plate...but the waiter brought it anyway). Husband's cousin had her rented van stolen in Prague minutes after arriving, but same happened to a fellow at our Amsterdam hotel last November. Did not worry a bit in Budapest or Krakow. It was very difficult to get a taxi in Budapest near the baths ( NONE would discuss price), and the restaurants called for them at our request. The nice people who owned a convenience store downstairs from our apartment called fopr taxis for us also in Budapest. Felt very safe in Krakow and Budapest. The most concerned I've been for safety in Europe was when the TomTom took us into some dark neighborhoods near CDG, and at a Grateful Dead concert in London some 30+ years ago.
Are you concerned about your backpack when you are in transit from the train to the hotel, or are you concerned about wearing a daypack? My thought is that half the guys there have backpacks, but they are daypack size; girls have huge purses.

Just be aware of your surroundings. Don't leave anything of value in your backpack. When I traveled to those cities I used a messenger bag, it was easier to keep your eyes on it!
I bought one of those pacsafe backpacks for my last trip and loved it! It has clips that you fasten the zipper to. Harder for thieves to do a quick rummage through your bag. I tried locking the zippers years ago and found it too much of a pain opening them up all the time. The pacsafe system is my happy medium :)

We have spent 3-4 weeks a year in Europe the last decade or so. There is no where I have felt any safer than in Krakow. However, Prague is another story.
Although, I've not had any trouble there personally know several others who have been pick-pocketed. Just be alert and cautious and you should be OK