How to Choose the Right Travel Purse for City Trips (Women’s Guide 2026)
There’s no one-size-fits-all travel purse. Everyone has their own style and way of functioning. Some travelers only carry the bare minimum, while others like to bring their entire house (you know who you are!).
Choosing the perfect travel purse for city trips also depends on the type of trip—whether it's a city sightseeing getaway or a rugged adventure. In this guide, we’ll focus on how to choose the right handbag for city travel.
If you're choosing between different crossbody styles, read our full guide: How to Choose the Perfect Crossbody Bags for Travel (2026 Guide).
Table of Contents
1. Why does your travel purse matter?
Your bag is your constant companion while traveling. It holds your phone, passport, cards, snacks—and let’s be real, sometimes your sanity. The right travel purse can:
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Make your day more comfortable
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Help prevent theft
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Keep you organized
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Add to your outfit, not weigh it down
Especially in cities where you’ll be walking a lot, riding public transit, or dining at outdoor cafés, your travel purse needs to be comfortable, secure, and versatile.
2. What size purse is best for city travel?
The perfect size depends on your style, but for most city trips, a medium-sized crossbody is the sweet spot. You want enough room for your essentials:
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Passport and documents
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Wallet and cards
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Phone and charger
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Sunglasses
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A few makeup or toiletry items
🚫 Avoid the temptation to carry a full water bottle in your bag—it adds weight and strain on your shoulder. A better alternative is a collapsible water bottle that you can refill as needed.
Check out 5 Must-Have Features in a Crossbody Travel Purse for Women
3. How can I keep my purse safe from pickpockets?
City travel often comes with a higher risk of theft. Places like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, and Prague are pickpocket hotspots, especially near:
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Metro stations and public transport
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Tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum
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Outdoor cafés and busy plazas
To protect your bag:
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Wear it crossbody and in front of you
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Never hang it on a café chair if it's not secured and locked to the chair
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Choose a bag with lockable zippers and hidden compartments
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Stay aware when in crowds, especially during boarding on metros
If you’re unsure which style is safest, read: Crossbody vs Backpack — What to Choose.
Read : How to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
4. What security features should I look for?
Your purse should help you relax—not stress. Look for:
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Lockable zippers: Makes quick grabs harder
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Slash-resistant straps and panels: Prevents someone from cutting the bag off your body
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RFID-blocking pockets: Protects your credit cards and IDs from digital theft
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Hidden compartments: Perfect for storing your emergency cash
These features offer peace of mind, especially when traveling solo or in crowded destinations.
Learn more about the best anti-theft crossbody purse for city travel here
5. What’s the best material for a city travel purse?
Material impacts weight, style, and durability.
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Nylon: Lightweight and water-resistant—but not always the most fashionable. Many nylon models look more sporty or outdated.
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Vegan leather: Sleek and modern. A great choice for stylish city travelers. See: The Best Leather-Look Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag for City Travel
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Canvas: Durable, but not always water-resistant or easy to clean.
Choose a material that matches your weather needs and outfit preferences.
6. Can I find a purse that’s both stylish and practical?
Yes—but you’ll need to look for brands that blend fashion with function. A good city purse doesn’t scream “tourist” and can work with both casual and slightly dressed-up outfits.
Neutral colors like black, beige, brown or navy pair well with anything. Some bags can convert from crossbody to shoulder or clutch, which is perfect for evenings out.
The purse below is a crossbody bag from Thafael that has all the security features while being sleek .
Explore The Travel Purse That Solo Women Travelers Swear By for more examples of stylish, anti-theft options.
7. What if I’m on a budget?
If you absolutely don’t care about style, you can find cheap travel bags with basic security features. But most budget options compromise on aesthetics, durability, or comfort.
For city travel, especially if you want to blend in or feel confident, investing in a well-made bag pays off.
See 5 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel This 2026
Conclusion
Choosing the right purse for city travel depends on how you move, what you carry, and how much you value style, security, and comfort. For most women, a mid-sized anti-theft crossbody bag offers the best balance.
Pack light, stay alert, and choose a bag that makes you feel good every step of the way.
For a deeper breakdown of features, see our main guide: How to Choose the Perfect Crossbody Bags for Travel (2026 Guide).
FAQs
Q: Is a crossbody bag better than a backpack for city travel?
A: Yes—crossbodies are more secure in crowded areas and easier to access.
Q: What color purse should I bring?
A: Neutral tones like black or beige go with everything and attract less attention.
Q: Should I bring a purse or just use a money belt?
A: A stylish anti-theft purse is more practical and fashionable than a money belt.
Q: How do I know if my purse is safe enough?
A: Look for lockable zippers, slash-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking pockets.
Q: Can I use my regular handbag?
A: You can, but it may not have the safety features or comfort you need for full-day travel.
