What is the best bag for Europe travel? Actually – that’s a trick question. The type of daypack or purse you take on your European trip will depend on your specific destinations and what kind of itinerary you have in mind.
Ultimately, the best purse for traveling Europe will be comfortable enough and roomy to see you through a whole day of sightseeing. It’s recommended to pick a bag with security elements to protect you from petty crime.
Seeing as residents of many European cities are known for dressing stylishly, you also want to choose a backpack or purse that helps you blend in.
If you have a mixed bag of activities, you’ll likely want to take one or two bags that are easy to pack. This guide will match you with your perfect travel purse for Europe.
What is the Best Bag for Europe Travel?
The season, climate, and weather conditions of your chosen destinations will play a big part when choosing your bag for daily wear. These are a couple of fundamentals that contribute to the best bag for Europe travel.
Lightweight material
All the best purses for traveling in Europe are made from light, breathable fabrics that are durable. Leather and faux leather are fine for city travel during the cooler seasons but summer calls for a canvas material or a woven textile. If you’re heading to a rainy place, such as London, consider a water-resistant bag or one large enough to stash an umbrella.
Not too small, not too large
The best purse for traveling Europe will be small enough to accompany you in a museum (most museums in places like Italy and France don’t let you bring larger bags inside) yet roomy enough to store your daily necessities. In some cases, you might have to check your bag and it’s useful to have a smaller purse inside.
Subject to where you are going and the season, you’ll want to consider carrying a spare sweater, sun hat, sunscreen, umbrella, notebook, camera, reusable bottle of water, and snacks.
Paris is a beautiful city, one of my favorites in the world, but you definitely want to make sure you have the right bag when traveling around the city. Both for pickpocketing protection and to have enough space to carry all of your baguettes 🥖.
Theft-resistant
While an anti-theft bag isn’t essential, the best bag for Europe travel will at least have zipped pockets and secure fastenings.
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome, especially on public transport. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid gaping handbags, purses that don’t close securely, or satchels that are easy to snatch from your shoulder.
What Luggage is Best for European Travel?
Before you decide on the best purse for travel in Europe, you’ll also need to consider your main luggage. Ah, the big debate: rolling suitcase or backpack?
If you are planning a multi-destination trip around Europe, you’ll want to travel as lightly as possible. The train is the best means of getting around Europe although sometimes flights are required. Single fares can be as little as $20 although budget airline providers may charge at least double that amount for a checked bag. Therefore, it’s worth sticking with a carry-on to keep costs low.
Honestly, there are pros and cons to both types of bag and ultimately it comes down to personal taste.
Best Carry-on Suitcase for Europe
A wheeled suitcase is far better in terms of packability and is more comfortable while transiting through airports and train terminals. However, they’re a hindrance on cobblestone streets, hills, and elevator-free accommodations – staples of many European towns.
Samsonite is the natural go-to for checked and carry-on suitcases. The Samsonite hardside spinner glides along the terminal floor with zero effort and only weighs 6.7 lbs (3 kg). It has a TSA-approved combination lock for security and is accepted as a carry-on by the majority of airlines. They also have a checked luggage spinner if you’re planning on checking a bag.
Suitcases aren’t always the best choice for traveling in Europe if you are going to be walking down lots of cobbled streets and taking public transportation. In that case, backpacks are a better choice.
Best Carry-on Backpack for Traveling Europe
Provided it fits right and isn’t overpacked, backpacks are more comfortable to carry around central neighborhoods. But it depends what you plan on carrying in your bag.
Photographers will want the best camera backpack for travel to protect their equipment. Meanwhile, minimalist travelers will want the best lightweight travel bag that fits the essentials and isn’t too large.
There are lots of pedestrianized areas in European cities and backpacks are usually easier to heave up the stairs to a penthouse apartment. But the downside is that they’re pretty irritating to organize your things in. Using packing cubes will streamline the process.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is adventure-ready, carry-on approved, and has a weight-distributing system. It packs more like a mini suitcase and has lots of zippered pouches and compartments. The 35L pack is ideal for up to two weeks of light travel in Europe during summer but it’s available in larger and smaller sizes too.
Best Hybrid Bag for Europe Travel
Any Osprey product is a splurge although these bags are designed to last. The Osprey Transporter 120L Wheeled Travel Duffel Bag has a neat pair of wheelers that tuck away when you fancy switching over to the stowable harness. Technically, it’s designed as a carry-on bag. However, you’ll need to double-check the size as per your airline as in some cases it will be sent as checked luggage.
Best Bag for Europe Travel
Covering a variety of styles and purposes, this guide will help you find the best purse for travel in Europe.
In Italy, France, and Spain there are tons of water fountains in the streets where you can refill your water bottle, so be sure to have enough space in your day bag.
1. Everyday Canvas Backpack – Best Bag for Europe Travel in Summer/Spring
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll always spot people sporting a nifty little Fjällräven backpack. These Scandinavian-designed bags were initially fashioned for Swedish schoolchildren and they do have a nostalgic feel. In terms of travel, they’re just the right size to carry your daily essentials.
The material is designed to be durable and water-resistant. As such, it’s one of the best overall purses for traveling in Europe across all destinations and seasons. However, it’s particularly appealing for summertime travel when you need something lightweight and large enough to store sunscreen and water.
As Fjällräven backpacks are quite costly, you can always shop around for a similar canvas bag. This Fjällräven knockoff is much cheaper but works like a charm.
A satchel backpack is an alternative design. This vintage canvas backpack is stylish and versatile to wear with your European travel outfits. There are two pouches under the main flap for storing your wallet and phone although you’ll want to swivel the bag to the front of your body while traveling on the metro or in crowded areas.
2. Chic Leather Backpack – Best Purse for Traveling Europe in Fall/Winter
It has to be said that some destinations in Europe require a fancier dress sense (we’re looking at you, Italy). When traveling in stylish capitals, a leather backpack might help you feel a little more stylish and less like a backpacker.
This Cole Haan backpack also converts into a crossbody bag or a tote bag. Therefore, it’s practical to carry during the day but you can opt to wear it like a classic handbag at night. It has lots of zippered pockets and compartments where you can stow away your valuables. As it has a laptop sleeve, it’ll get plenty of use back home as well. In terms of a cheaper option, this vegan leather travel backpack is an alternative. It’s not convertible but it does have plenty of pockets.
The only thing about leather is that it’s uncomfortable during hotter weather and isn’t ideal for hiking.
London is a fantastic city to explore as a tourist, but make sure your bag is zipped up for those busy tube rides.
3. Small Crossbody Bag – Best Purse for Europe Travel at Night
A small purse for evenings is a must when packing for Europe. The last thing you want to do is lug a backpack around tapas taverns and rooftop bars. Crossbody styles are generally safer as you’re less likely to fall victim to opportunistic bag snatchers and pickpockets.
Travelon’s anti-theft Heritage crossbody bag has a five-point security system. This includes a slash-resistant mesh barrier on all four sides plus a lock-down strap and locking compartments. The size is perfect for evenings but you can also use this as a day purse if you travel light while sightseeing.
But, if you literally just want something to keep your phone, debit card, and cash safe on nights out, this cell phone bag might suit you better. This way, you can sip your spritz without a care in the world. Either of these purses is an ideal addition to your packing list for Paris, Rome, London, and any other European capital.
On the other hand, a beach vacation in Southern Europe calls for a fun, beaded crossbody bag that’ll accompany you for golden hour sundowners and seafood platters.
4. Compact Sling Bag – Best Purse for Traveling Light in Europe
Herschel joins Fjällräven as another of the OG brands making travel-friendly bags for all destinations. This Herschel sling bag is a casual option that’ll work well for days when you’re not in the mood to cart a larger purse around. It’s also the best purse for Europe travel if you’re planning on taking tours as you can usually leave a larger daypack or tote on the bus and keep this one on your person. That said, while it looks small, this bag is large enough to carry a bottle of water and most 15″ laptops.
If the Herschel bag isn’t to your tastes, have a look at this Petunia Pickle Bottom sling bag. It was originally engineered for mums on the move but has become just as popular with vacationers and backpackers. The material is water-resistant and the design is super practical for city travel. It swings around to the front while you’re on the metro or perusing Christmas markets and has a zipped pocket for your passport and wallet.
Greece is a magical place and if you are simply planning to island hop, you won’t need too much luggage or a very large day bag. Just big enough for your hotel key and a beach towel.
5. Functional Hiking Rucksack – Best Bag for Hiking in Europe
If you’re planning on hiking in Europe then you’ll need a decent pack to take on the trails. The Jack Wolfskin Velocity Backpack is actually designed as a biking pack. It’s super lightweight and has an ACS TIGHT back system that avoids tugging your shoulder and keeps you cool.
As it’s a 12-liter capacity, it’s not a huge bag although you can just about fit a small laptop inside if necessary. You can easily squeeze it into your main luggage and use it for hiking in places like Scotland or Northern Itlay while sticking to a less athletic purse when you’re mooching around cities.
6. Packable Tote Bag – Best Bag for Souvenir Shopping
If you’re planning on picking up a couple of mementos in Europe, it’s handy to have a simple cotton tote bag. These pack down super small in the bottom of your regular purse until you need them. In addition to using your tote for any souvenirs and impulse purchases, you can use it when picking up groceries for your Airbnb.
Plus, they’re far kinder to the environment than plastic bags sometimes handed out in gift shops and markets. This corduroy tote bag packs nice and small and is sturdy enough to carry heavier items. It also doubles up as a personal item on the plane or a lunch bag for lengthy train rides.
On the other hand, the bags in this six-pack of washable totes are even lighter individually. Plus, they let you spread the load across multiple bags.
No trip to Paris is complete without a few souvenirs, even if it’s just the edible kind!
7. Beach Tote and Swimsuit Bag – Best Bag for Europe Travel near the Beach
You’ll only need a classic beach bag if your European itinerary is focused heavily on beach days and poolside R&R. Whether you are traveling to somewhere like the Costa del Sol, a beautiful Italian beach town, sunny Nice, or over to a Greek island like Paros or Naxos, there are tons of great beaches in Europe to enjoy during the hot summer months.
In general, you could just use the same tote bag you’ve packed for souvenirs when heading to the beach. However, it’s useful to take a waterproof wet bag where you can stash your damp swimsuit after a swim. It doubles up as a laundry bag too!
If you do want something simple for carrying your towel and book down to the sand, a mesh beach tote bag is all you need for Europe. The mesh design keeps odors at bay and is tear-resistant. It packs down super small in your luggage and is machine washable. It’s the perfect addition to your summer packing list for Italy and the Mediterranean.
8. Laptop-friendly Backpack – Best Bag for Digital Nomads Traveling in Europe
If you’re planning on working from the road in Europe, you might prefer to take a bag designed for tech gear. In fairness, the larger bags listed so far will work for carting your laptop down to the local co-working space. However, if you travel with extra gear such as a tablet, keyboard, and mouse, you’ll want something more pro.
This convertible laptop backpack is one of the best digital nomad purses for traveling in Europe. It has a padded laptop pouch for devices up to 15.6″ plus zipped pockets for cables and gizmos. The material is waterproof, breathable, and lightweight with double padded straps for comfort. Plus, you have the option of carrying it as a backpack, shoulder purse, or tote.
9. Discrete Belt Bag – Best Purse for Backpacking in Europe
A belt bag isn’t strictly necessary for European travel, especially if you’re planning on taking a crossbody bag for evenings out. However, if you’re backpacking and planning on spending a lot of time transiting through bus and train stations then it’s quite handy for hiding your passport and documents.
This four-zipper belt bag is designed to carry your smartphone, keys, cash, passport, lip balm, and other little essentials. It’s the best unisex, mini travel purse for Europe.