Why Thafael Is the Ideal Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing in Europe

I went to Europe this September—specifically to Italy (Florence, Siena, Venice) and Madrid in Spain. The weather was incredible: warm during the day, crisp and breezy in the evenings. And I brought my new Thafael  la Trotteuse crossbody anti-theft bag. Let me just say this upfront: this bag was amazing.

I’ve had my fair share of travel bags before, but none like this. It felt so light I forgot I was even wearing it. My shoulders never hurt. It matched beautifully with all my outfits—day sightseeing looks and night dinner outfits alike. I was walking the streets, people-watching, and I noticed something: crossbody bags were everywhere. But honestly? Most were bulky, overly sporty, or just not my vibe. Some felt a little too "oldy" for my taste.

That’s just my two cents, of course. Everyone has their own style. But mine leans more subtle, classy, and modern. I didn’t want a loud or tactical-looking bag. I wanted something that fit my aesthetic and kept me safe. Thafael was the perfect answer.

If you’re searching for the best crossbody bag for Europe — especially for cities like Rome, Florence, Paris, Madrid, or Barcelona — this is the bag I now swear by.

So here are the 5 (well, actually 6!) reasons why I believe Thafael is the best bag for sightseeing in Europe:

If you’re still deciding what type of travel purse to bring to Europe, make sure to read our complete guide: How to Choose the Perfect Crossbody Bags for Travel in 2026

1. Lockable Zippers = Total Peace of Mind

I’m the kind of person who used to constantly check my bag to make sure no one had opened it. Not anymore. Thafael has lockable zippers on the top and back pockets. Once I zip and lock it, I stop thinking about it. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re in a crowd or on public transport.

And the locks are so subtle. They don’t scream "safety gear," they just blend into the bag’s design.

2. Slash-Resistant Straps and Lining

This is such an underrated feature. The strap and the inner lining are slash-resistant, which is huge in places like crowded metro stations or busy piazzas. You never know who might be lurking with a blade or knife to slash a bag strap. I felt really secure knowing no one could just cut and grab my bag.

And again—the slash-proof material isn’t ugly or stiff. It just feels strong, durable, and discreet.

According to Euronews and multiple travel safety reports, crowded European cities are among the top locations for bag-slashing and pickpocketing. 

3. RFID-Blocking Everything

All the interior pockets are RFID-protected, which I love. Especially for travel, this is such a must. I kept my credit cards and passport in there, and never worried about digital pickpocketing. No extra pouches, no clutter.

This is the kind of feature you don’t notice until you don’t have it. But once you do? Total game changer.

4. No Wallet = No Extra Weight

Okay, here’s my favorite thing: I didn’t bring a wallet.

Yes, me. The woman who has always carried a wallet.

Why? Because the Thafael has 7 built-in card slots, one middle zippered pocket for cash plus 3 other interior pockets. I put my lipstick, ear pods, passport in those, and used the main compartments for my sunglasses and phone. That’s it.

And honestly? It felt like freedom. No digging around. No heavy zip-up clutch weighing me down. Just what I needed, exactly where I needed it.

It was the first time I felt fully comfortable carrying an anti-theft travel purse in Europe without compromising on style.

5. It Looks Like a Designer Bag

After walking miles in Florence and Venice, I realized the Thafael might honestly be the best crossbody bag for Europe sightseeing.

Let’s be real: most anti-theft bags look like travel gear. Thafael does not. This bag is chic, sleek, modern. The vegan leather has a luxury , buttery feel to it, the structure is beautiful, and I got compliments constantly.

From Florence to Madrid, it fit in everywhere. Whether I was at a museum or out for dinner, it matched my vibe perfectly. No one would ever guess it had all these hidden security features.

6. Lock It to a Chair (Yes, Really!)

This last feature is so good I had to include it: the strap is detachable and lockable, so you can lock your bag to a chair when you're at a café or restaurant. That doesn’t mean you leave it behind, of course, but it means that when you’re seated, no one can just grab it and run.

This anti-theft crossbody bag for Europe gave me an extra layer of peace every time I sat down somewhere. 

Why Thafael Was the Best Travel Decision I Made

I walked miles in this bag. From narrow alleyways in Venice to rooftop views in Florence to bustling streets in Madrid. I carried it all day, every day, and never once did I wish I had a different bag. 

Me, looking at the city view of Florence

This stylish travel bag for Europe is lightweight. It’s secure. It’s elegant. And it gave me freedom: freedom to travel, to feel stylish, and to not stress about my belongings. It’s not just a bag—it’s a travel essential.

Still Wondering If It’s Worth It?

Let me make it simple:

• Tired of travel bags that clash with your outfits? Thafael fits everything and looks beautiful: a great crossbody travel purse for Europe

• Hate lugging around a heavy wallet? This bag eliminates the need.

• Want real security that doesn’t look tactical? Lockable zips, RFID, and slash-resistant everything.

My Final Tip for Europe Sightseeing

The last thing you want is to worry about your bag.

Thafael lets you focus on the beauty around you — the art, the architecture, the people, the food — because it’s doing its job silently, securely, and stylishly.

Learn more about the Thafael  La Trotteuse Crossbody Here

Trust me, you’ll never want to travel with anything else again.

Arielle

Summary: Thafael combines security, comfort, and style — making it one of the best crossbody travel purses for Europe, especially for cities known for pickpocketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Thafael bag secure enough for travel in Europe?
A: Yes — it features slash-proof straps and lining, RFID-blocking pockets, lockable zippers, and even a lockable strap you can attach to a chair while dining. Perfect for travel security.

Q: Can I use Thafael for both day sightseeing and evening dinners?
A: Absolutely. The sleek design and premium vegan leather make it easy to dress up or down. It looks like a luxury handbag while offering anti-theft protection.

Q: Is the Thafael bag heavy when fully packed?
A: Not at all. Its smart internal design eliminates the need for a wallet. With 7 card slots and multiple compartments, it stays lightweight even when fully loaded.

Q: Will it fit my travel essentials?
A: Yes — it fits a phone, sunglasses, passport, ear pods, lipstick, and more without feeling bulky. Great for all-day wear in European cities. If you want to see the full interior layout, check the product photos here