Between two visits to the Colosseum and a cappuccino break, the question keeps coming up: what to bring back from Rome? To save time, here are the 9 souvenirs to prioritize packing in your suitcase ⬇️
- 🍝 Multicolored artisanal pasta
- 🫒 Olive oil from the hills of Latium
- 👜 Custom engraved leather goods
- 💍 Hand-carved cameos
- 🏛️ Mini marble busts of the Colosseum
- ⛪ Rosaries blessed at the Vatican
- 🎨 Painted ceramics from Trastevere
- 🚗 Vintage Lamborghini or Fiat keychains
- 🍷 Red wine from the Castelli Romani region
Must-have gastronomic souvenirs from Rome 🍇
Impossible to leave the Eternal City without a few culinary gems. The historic markets reveal products not found in supermarkets, perfect for impressing family.
| Product | Where to buy? | Average price | 📦 Transport tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOP Olive Oil | Emporio delle Spezie, Via Chiavari 34 (Campo de’ Fiori) | €13 / 500 ml | Wrap in an insulated bag 🧊 |
| 12-year Balsamic Vinegar | La Tradizione, Via Cipro 8 | €18 / 100 ml | Place between clothes 👕 |
| Artisanal pasta | Antico Pastificio, Via della Scrofa 41 | €4 / 500 g | Slip into shoes 👟 |
| Pistachio cream | Eataly Roma, Piazzale 12 Ottobre 1492 | €7 / 180 g | Seal with cling film 🌀 |
| Frascati DOCG wine | Enoteca Costantini, Piazza Cavour 16 | €9 / bottle | Use an inflatable bottle protector 🍾 |
- 🌟 Tip: combine oil and vinegar for a homemade gift box.
- 🛒 For more gourmet ideas, the guide Bonjour Rome lists the specialties not to miss.
These products highlight Roman culinary tradition and keep for several months: a major advantage for long-haul travelers.
Craftsmanship, ceramics and cameos: Italian elegance 🖌️
The Trastevere district is full of workshops where Etruscan techniques endure. Giving a handmade piece is telling 2,700 years of history in one object.
- 🎨 Centro Ceramica ceramics, Via della Lungaretta 98 — typical floral motifs.
- 👩🎨 Cameos at Cameo Italiano, Via Francesco Crispi 47 — engraving demonstration on shell.
- 🖼️ Original watercolors under the arches of the Ponte Sisto.
Looking for inspiration for other destinations? Browse suggestions for Cape Verde souvenirs or Marrakech.
| Decor item | Production time | Personalization | 💶 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faience tile | 2 h | Painted initials | €15 |
| Silver cameo | 3 days | Portrait on order | €120 |
| Mini mosaic | 4 h | Colosseum motif | €35 |
Each piece carries the patina of the hand that shaped it: the guarantee of a unique gift.
Leather goods and luxury brands: shopping Roman style 👜
Via dei Condotti lines up iconic brands: Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Ferragamo, Armani… A paradise for those who want a branded accessory or a belt in Cuoio Romano.
- 👜 La Sella, Via della Scrofa 102: custom bags since 1964.
- 👡 Fendi Flagship, Largo Goldoni 420: exclusive “Selleria” leather.
- 📝 Bound notebooks, Castelvecchi boutique, Via del Corso 525.
Good deal: ask for free initial engraving, a common service in these houses.
For a complete overview of Italian souvenirs, also check our Italy file or the list by Go City Rome.
Spiritual souvenirs from the Vatican ✝️
Whether about faith or heritage, blessed Vatican objects hold strong sentimental value.
- ⛪ Saint Peter’s Gallery, Piazza Pio XII 12 — Murano glass rosaries.
- 📚 Vatican Museums Boutique, Viale Vaticano — multilingual art books.
- 💎 Savelli Gallery, Piazza Pio XII 22 — 18-carat gold crosses already blessed.
Tip: a priest blesses your purchases for free every day (7 am–6 pm) in the side chapels of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Before boarding, take a look at the customs procedures explained in this VAT guide. It avoids any unpleasant surprises at security.
FAQ – Your most frequently asked questions 🧐
What is the cheapest souvenir to buy in Rome?
Vintage illustrated cards sold at €1 on Via dei Fori Imperiali remain the most economical option; they fit into any envelope.
Can you carry olive oil in the cabin?
No; above 100 ml, it must travel in the hold. Pack each bottle in a hermetic bag.
Where to find official Fiat or Lamborghini gadgets?
The Motor Passion store, Via Cavour 233, offers licensed miniatures and keychains.
How to verify the authenticity of a leather bag?
Start with the smell: real leather has a richer scent. Then, look for the “Made in Italy” label and observe the irregular stitching, a sign of handmade work.
Are there guided tours focused on shopping?
Yes: the agency Walks Inside Rome offers a 3-hour “Craftsmanship & Fashion” route with stops in six partner workshops.
For other shopping getaways, explore our files: Milan, Venice, or even this detailed selection. Happy treasure hunting! 🎁
