Wandering the streets of Barcelona, browsing a bustling Parisian market, or catching a late‑night train across Italy; these are the moments travellers remember most fondly. Yet they’re also the very situations where pickpockets thrive.
If you’re wondering how to avoid pickpockets in Europe, there’s no need to travel in fear. After all, these are cities locals call home, and millions visit safely every year. The trick is combining small, realistic habits with smart gear, so you can explore with confidence rather than worry. Here’s how.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travelling in Europe: Smart Ways to Explore for Less
City strolls: Choose a smarter day bag

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Nothing says “easy target” like an open tote swinging behind you. Instead, go for a slim, cross‑body bag with lockable zips or hidden compartments. Choose one that sits snugly in front of you and looks like something a local might carry rather than a tourist‑specific backpack.
A neutral style helps you blend in, while anti‑slash straps make it harder for thieves on scooters to cut and grab. And here’s a simple but effective hack if you don’t want to buy a whole new bag: clip the two main zips of your bag together with a small carabiner or S‑clip. It costs pennies, yet stops opportunistic hands in crowded streets or on escalators.
When thinking about how to avoid pickpockets in Europe, it’s not about making your bag invincible, it’s about making it just fiddly enough that a thief moves on to an easier mark.
Crowded metros: Keep essentials under your clothes

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European metros, especially in big cities like Rome or Paris, can get packed tight during rush hour. This is prime pickpocket territory. Rather than keeping everything in one bag, tuck your passport, spare credit card and emergency cash into a flat money belt or hidden neck pouch under your shirt.
If traditional money belts feel bulky, try lighter fabric pouches that sit on your hip or cross‑body under a shirt. The goal is to separate your most important items from your daily spending cash.
Another old‑school trick? Pinning inside pockets shut with safety pins. It won’t stop a determined thief, but it adds an extra layer of hassle.
Also read: 13 Travel Packing Hacks Every Traveller Should Know
Markets and festivals: Block scanners and carry a decoy

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Markets and street festivals are half the fun of travelling in Europe, but they also draw skilled pickpockets and, occasionally, scammers with RFID scanners looking for contactless cards. Slip your bank cards into an RFID‑blocking wallet or card sleeve. It’s slim, lightweight and gives peace of mind, even if the real risk is fairly low.

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Alongside that, carry a decoy wallet: keep small cash and perhaps an expired card inside. Should you face a situation where someone demands your wallet, it’s far better to hand over the decoy than your real one. Even better, keep your real wallet in a zipped internal pocket or deep in your cross‑body bag, making it awkward to reach quickly.
Relaxing at cafés: Anchor your bag

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One of Europe’s great pleasures is sitting at an outdoor café, watching the world go by. But those relaxed moments are exactly when many travellers get caught off guard.

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A lightweight retractable cable lock, the sort climbers use, but smaller, can secure your bag to your chair leg or table. Even simpler, loop your bag strap around your chair leg or your arm. It makes a grab‑and‑run far less likely.
Keep your valuables zipped inside, and avoid hanging your bag on the chair back where it’s easy to lift off unnoticed. These precautions help you avoid pickpockets in Europe while enjoying a break.
Trains and hostels: Lock it or lose it

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Overnight trains, budget hotels and shared hostel dorms often mean your luggage isn’t always within sight. Even a cheap travel padlock can deter casual theft, especially for bags with double zips.
For smaller items (passports, spare cards, cash and jewellery), consider a portable travel safe. These are slash‑resistant pouches that can be locked around a fixed item like a bed frame or radiator. They’re lightweight yet surprisingly tough. This kind of layered security is key to thwarting pickpockets.
Beach days and boat trips: Keep it on you

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It’s tempting to leave your bag on your towel “just for a quick swim”. But beaches and pool decks are classic spots where valuables vanish the fastest. A waterproof waist pouch or neck pouch keeps your phone, cards and some cash on you while you’re in the water.
To reduce temptation further, wrap any remaining valuables in an old toiletry bag or faded cloth inside your day bag — it looks uninteresting compared to a shiny new pouch that screams “valuables”.
Also read: 10 Unconventional Beach & Island Honeymoon Destinations in Asia
Photo stops: Secure your phone

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Most of us keep our phones in hand all day snapping photos, checking maps or sharing updates, and thieves know it. A phone leash or wrist strap can help keep your device from being snatched mid‑photo, especially in crowded squares or on busy steps.
That said, be aware that straps can sometimes be used against you if someone pulls sharply, risking injury or breaking the strap. Another good option is to carry your phone in a zipped pocket, taking it out only when you’re ready to use it. Whichever method you choose, the key is to just stay alert!
Hotel check‑ins and paperwork: Back up digitally

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At check‑ins or border crossings, you’ll have to pull out your passports and cards. Scan them beforehand and keep copies in secure cloud storage or a password‑protected app to prepare for the worst case scenario.
If your documents are lost or stolen, having backups speeds up consulate visits or replacements. It’s a small step, but one that can save days of hassle. Also consider emailing copies to yourself or a trusted friend, just in case.
You’re all set
Pickpockets exist, but so do millions of locals and travellers who walk these same streets daily without incident. The best defence isn’t fear, but awareness: a mix of low‑cost gear, small habits and calm confidence.
Clip your zips, keep backups, blend in, and carry a decoy wallet if it helps you feel at ease. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to travel anxious, but to travel smart, so you can focus on the sights and not your stuff.