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Rome souvenirs: The best things to buy in Rome, according to a local
Discover the best Rome souvenirs to bring home, from local food and wine to handmade crafts, with insider tips on what to buy in Rome.
Rome is full of many shops, souvenir stands, and selling points, especially around the city centre, the Colosseum, and Vatican City. But not everything you see is worth bringing home.
To help you decide what to buy in Rome, this guide is based on local insight from Riccardo Olmert, who was born and raised in Rome and still lives there today. His advice focuses on authenticity, quality, and items locals genuinely give as gifts, such as ciambelle al vino, Italian wines, handmade ceramics, and more.
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The best Rome souvenirs to bring home
The main thing is not to think about novelty items. Think about food, craftsmanship, and objects tied to everyday Italian life. The best souvenirs from Rome are useful, well-made, and connected to tradition.
Top tip: Many of the best markets and artisan shops aren’t right next to major monuments, so understanding Rome’s public transportation makes it much easier to shop beyond the city center without wasting time.
The items below cover different types of Rome souvenirs, from food and drink to art, fashion, and handmade items. All of them are easy to find and easy to bring home.
1. Guanciale and cured meats
Estimated price: $8-18 USD per piece
Guanciale is one of the most iconic Roman souvenirs you can buy. It’s a cured pork cheek and is an integral part of many Roman dishes like carbonara and amatriciana.
According to Riccardo, it’s one of the most authentically local items you can give to a friend. When vacuum-packed, it travels well and keeps its flavour.
Important: If you’re traveling back to the United States or Australia, most meat products are prohibited, and dairy restrictions vary. Always check official customs and biosecurity regulations before bringing food items home.
Where to buy:
- Mercato di Testaccio
- High-quality grocery stores
- Specialist butchers
2. Ciambelle al vino
Estimated price: $4-9 per bag
Riccardo explains that these are “hard cookies made with wine instead of milk”. These traditional biscuits are deeply rooted in Roman and Italian food traditions. They’re not widely known outside Italy, which gives them an exclusive and special touch.
They’re also a practical souvenir, easy to carry, and pair well with coffee and chocolate.
Where to buy:
- Bakeries near Campo de’ Fiori
- Local grocery stores
- Market stalls focused on food
3. Italian wines and local liqueurs
Estimated price: $10-30 per bottle
Wine is, undoubtedly, the most common universal gift in Italy. According to Riccardo, “Any good quality bottle will do, possibly from another region. Liqueurs like Limoncello.”
Rome isn’t a major wine-producing city, but it’s surrounded by regions like Tuscany and southern Italy, making it a great place to buy excellent Italian wines. Wine is a timeless souvenir and gift; it’s elegant and always appreciated.
Where to buy:
- Enotecas across the city
- Wine shops near Piazza Navona
- Specialized wine stores
4. Handmade ceramics
Estimated price: $12-45+
These can be some of the most visually striking souvenirs in Rome. You can choose from plates, bowls, cups, and jars featuring designs inspired by Ancient Rome and Italian art. For example, Creart Roma’s collection contains highly valuable decor pieces and intricate designs.
These pieces are very unique and slightly different, making them a personal souvenir/gift.
Where to buy:
- L’Artigianato in Piazza Navona
- Campo de’ Fiori market
- Creart Roma
- Small artisan workshops across the city
5. Italian pasta, sauces, and olive oil
Estimated price: $5-15 per item
Rome is an excellent place to buy artisan pasta, sauces, olive oil, and truffle oil. These items are among the most authentic food souvenirs in Rome and are easy to incorporate into everyday home cooking. Every time you reach for your pasta bought in Rome, you’ll be reminded of the great city.
Not to mention, these are practical and easy to pack, especially if you’re facing space issues.
Where to buy:
- Mercato di Testaccio
- Specialty grocery stores
- Food-focused shops outside tourist areas
6. Italian leather goods and accessories
Estimated price: $25+
Rome is a stronghold of Italian fashion. You’ll find both luxury brands and independent workshops with the most unique and chic designs. Italian leather goods, in particular, are some of the most popular Rome souvenirs. You can find bags, small leather accessories, shoes, clothing items, and journals.
Since Italian leather is known worldwide for its quality, it makes the best souvenir of Rome. Even smaller items feel elegant and long-lasting.
Where to buy:
- Via dei Condotti
- Del Corso
- Independent leather stores
7. Roman jewellery
Estimated price: $10+
Roman-inspired jewellery is one of the best souvenirs you can find in Rome. The ancient Roman coins attached to gold or silver necklaces, earrings, and rings make this jewellery all the more special.
There are a few notable places to seek Roman jewellery. Corrado Sacchi’s jewellery shop — near the Pantheon and Sant’Eustachio — has pieces that hold the true essence of Rome.
Take some time to look at the Roman-inspired coin rings, earrings, and bracelets. These are small and light pieces and make great souvenirs and gifts. Another alternative to gold/silver jewellery is Murano glass jewellery. These are earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made from vibrant glass beads.
Where to buy:
- Borghetto Flaminio market (Sunday)
- Artisan shops near Piazza Navona
- Independent boutiques
8. Vatican-themed souvenirs
Estimated price: $5-25
Near Vatican City, you’ll find many Vatican-themed souvenirs and Vatican memorabilia, including rosaries, crucifixes, religious art, and symbolic objects. Pieces tend to feature saints and iconic Vatican symbols, to replicas of famous artworks and mosaics.
For many, these items hold spiritual and emotional value, making them ideal gifts from Rome.
Where to buy:
- Religious stores near Vatican City
- Shops specializing in Vatican items
- Souvenir shop behind the Pantheon
Top tip: If you plan to visit museums and landmarks between shopping stops, a Rome tourist card can help you save time and money while moving around the city.
9. Vintage prints and Roman art pieces
Estimated price: $8+
Bringing home Roman art is a great way to capture the city’s beauty and have a memorable, tangible keepsake. Watercolor paintings by local artists are scattered across the city and would suit any home.
They connect directly to Rome’s rich history without feeling touristy or excessive. If you want something more personal, you can have a portrait sketched by one of the talented artists in Piazza Navona.
Where to buy:
- Mercato delle Stampe (mornings)
- Art stalls in Piazza Navona
- Independent print shops
10. Gourmet grocery finds
Estimated price: $3+
If you’re unsure what to buy in Rome at the end of your trip, head to a local grocery store. This is where you’ll find some of the most practical Rome souvenirs. Unlike fragile or bulky items, these are easy to carry, affordable, and guaranteed to be used.
What to look for:
- Olive oil from central and southern Italy
- Truffle oil for an elevated taste at home
- Cheese with a longer shelf life (always vacuum-packed)
- Chocolate and packaged sweets from Italian brands
Where to buy:
- Neighborhood grocery stores outside the city center
- Local markets like Mercato di Testaccio
- Food-focused shops near residential areas
Shop in Rome with Holafly’s unlimited data eSIM
Shopping in Rome means navigating markets, checking store hours, and finding the best spots beyond the city centre. Staying connected with Holafly’s eSIM for Rome helps you use maps and translate into your language.
With Holafly’s eSIMs, you can get:
- Unlimited data
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- A daily hotspot allowance
- The flexibility to choose your own eSIM plan
And most important, peace of mind. Whether you’re shopping near Vatican City or exploring quieter neighbourhoods, staying online makes souvenir hunting easier and more enjoyable.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
