What To Buy In Rome – Souvenirs to buy in Italy

The ancient city of Rome is full of so many wonderful experiences from visiting the Colosseum to eating mouth-watering traditional Roman foods and more. But no trip to Rome is complete without coming back with a bag load of souvenirs.

But what should you buy in Rome for yourself or for friends and family? What Roman souvenirs should you buy to bring back home? What are the best souvenirs and gifts to buy in Rome to make the best memories of your trip?

If you’re wondering this, here are the best Rome souvenirs and where to find them!

1. Limoncello

A lemon-flavored liquer of Italian origin, this delicious drink is made in Southern Italy. Coming in a close second to Campari, it’s usually in chilled glasses served as a digestivo or after-dinner drink.

We had the chance to taste some along with some creme brulee for dessert, and it was simply heavenly.

The drink is made by storing the zest of Sorrento lemons in spirit and simple sugars allowing it to turn into the elixir that’s famously yellow in color.

There are many stores selling both commercial and homemade limoncello in bottles or ceramic jars. Just take your pick.

Some of the popular limoncello to buy in Rome are Luxardo Limoncello, Caravella Limoncello, Pallini Limoncello, Villa Massa Limoncello, Tosolini’s Liquore al Limone ed Erbe Amari, Limoncello di Capri, Limoncello di Sorrento from Gioia Luisa, Volare Limoncello, and Limoncello di Sicilia from Russo.

2. Olive oil

From the time of the Roman empire to today olive oil has been a key part of the Italian diet and a great souvenir to bring back from Rome.

Most people use it for dressings or salads but it also makes great hair and face masks. The Romans even sometimes used it instead of soap!

There are 1,000 varieties of olives all with a different taste but essentially there are three different types of oil – extra virgin olive oil, regular olive oil, and light or extra light olive oil.

They are all made through a different production process and therefore have different tastes. Extra-virgin olive oil is the most expensive, but also the healthiest and the best to use for cooking and salads.

By Kristin Krogh Dahlstrom from Scotland Less Explored

3. Pieta statue

The only piece that Michelangelo ever signed, the pieta statue or La Pieta (The Pity) as it’s called depicts the body of Jesus on Mother Mary’s lap after he’s taken down from the cross.

The work of art was vandalised back in 1972, and has since then been kept safe by a panel of acrylic bulletproof glass.

Originally made for a funeral monument, this piece of Carrara marble is said to ‘balance the Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with naturalism’.

It is said that Michelangelo’s intricate treatment of the folds of Mary’s robes, and attention to detail for hair and skin give the Pieta texture and substance. The tenderness and sorrow with which Mary holds her son are almost life-like.

You could spend hours in St. Peter’s Basilica just staring at the statue, but since you can’t, there are many souvenirs of the Pieta that you can buy at stalls and stores around Rome.

4. Roman Gladiator Costume

If you’re looking for a fun souvenir to buy in Rome then it has to be a Roman Gladiator outfit – perfect for your next fancy dress party!

A Roman gladiator outfit is definitely a unique souvenir to buy from Rome because it represents a significant part of the city’s history and culture.

Gladiators entertained crowds in Ancient Rome by fighting against each other in amphitheaters such as The Colosseum – one of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome! Gladiator battles were a popular form of entertainment that drew large crowds and became an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire.

By purchasing a gladiator outfit as a souvenir, you can connect with this rich history and culture of Rome, and it can serve as a fun reminder of your visit to this beautiful city!

By Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

5. Fedora

Fedoras are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. They have been a popular fashion accessory in Italy for over one hundred years.

Wearing a fedora will instantly elevate your outfit and add a touch of sophistication to your look.

Fedoras are versatile and can be worn in different ways, depending on your personal style, making them practical souvenirs.

Speaking of practicality, if you are traveling to Rome during the summertime, it will be hot! Your fedora will keep you feeling cool and also protect your skin from the sun.
Once you return home, every time you wear your fedora it will remind you of your amazing trip to Rome for years to come.

By Dawn Robson from Culturefeasting

6. Italian moped magnet

Choosing a souvenir for your trip to Italy is easy, especially when it reminds of you a unique and memorable experience, like riding a Vespa through the streets of Rome.

We found this moped magnet in one of the tourism gift shops for less than 2 euros. It’s made of ceramic and has the colors of the Italian flag, plus all the top attractions in the Eternal City — the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia (or as some jokingly call, the “Typewriter”).

If you are looking for something that is easy to carry or want to bring mementos to family and friends without breaking the bank, this magnet is a great choice because it symbolizes the heartbeat of Rome.

By Tanya Taylor from Travels and Treasures

7. Send yourself / your loved ones a postcard from Vatican City through Poste Vaticane

No Rome trip is complete without a visit to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City.

But what unique souvenir can you bring back from the spiritual capital of Rome (as well as one of the handful of the world), that isn’t rosaries, religious art, or papal memorabilia? The answer may surprise you…

If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable way to commemorate your trip to Rome, you can consider sending yourself or your friends and family a postcard from Vatican City through Poste Vaticane, the tiny nation’s very own postal service.

You can purchase postcards at many souvenir shops, and then take them to the Poste Vaticane office to have them stamped with a Vatican City postmark.

A postcard with a Vatican stamp would not only make a valuable keepsake from your time in Rome but can also be a thoughtful gift for loved ones back home.

Plus, you won’t even have to make space for it in your carry-on!

By Goya Galeotta from Goya Galeotta

8. Artisanal chocolate

There’s no shortage of delicious treats in Rome and you cannot leave the city without indulging in some artisan chocolate.

They not only taste good, but also make for the perfect gift to bring back home as a souvenir. The makers of this artisan chocolate put their heart and soul into creating delectable and decadent pieces of art using the best quality ingredients.

Sourced from different parts of the world, these ingredients consist of cocoa beans, dairy products, fresh fruits, and nuts. You can expect to find a wide range of flavours to satisfy just about every kind of taste bud.

Top-rated flavours include dark chocolate with honey, milk chocolate with nuts, and white chocolate with raspberry. Artisan chocolate is definitely worth trying out when traveling in Rome.

By Rai from A Rai of Light

9. Mini Colosseum

One of the best souvenirs to buy in Rome is a mini Colosseum model. It’s completely unique to Rome and is the perfect symbol to represent a trip to the city.

It’s also not too expensive, for a small one it would be €3-5, so it’s great even if you are visiting Rome on a budget.

The Colosseum is a key highlight of any trip to Rome and bringing home a miniature version is pretty neat and allows there to always be a part of Rome near you at any stage.

You can display it anywhere from a desk or shelf to a bedside table or coffee table or even on a mantelpiece. If you want a nice souvenir to remember your time in Rome, a small ornament of the Colosseum is the souvenir to buy.

By Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World

10. Spices of Rome

If you have tried some delicious traditional dishes in Rome and you would like to reproduce them at home, then you should definitely go to Campo dei Fiori market and buy some spices.

The sellers here have prepared all you need to cook typical dishes such as cacio e pepe, amatriciana, minestrone, or puttanesca.

You can also buy different mixes of peperoncino, the typical chili pepper in Italy that makes pasta arrabiata and pizza diavola taste so good.

You can buy peperoncino as a whole (it’s a very small pepper), flakes, or grounded in powder form.

The mixes for risotto are great as well, as they contain the rice and the spices. All you have to add is chicken or vegetable stock, and let the mix flavour the dish.

By Joanna from The World in My Pocket

11. Roma Kit

We visited Rome last summer to watch our daughter compete as part of Team GB in the European Aquatics Championships. Although we watched a lot of action in the pool, we still managed to do a fair bit of sightseeing.

When we visit different cities, we try to collect football memorabilia. As well as the usual touristy spots, like the Vatican, we also were lucky enough to go and watch the first football match of the season at the Stadium Olympico. And it was fantastic!

It felt only right that the souvenirs we collected were football related so we bought a couple of football kits – The Roma Kit was much more expensive than the Lazio kit that one of our daughters, Tara, is sporting in the picture.

Of course, we also had to buy a Lazio flag to wave during the match. The flag is still proudly displayed in Tara’s bedroom at home.

By buying clothing souvenirs, we find that we get much more use out of them than if we bought say, a statue.

By Helen Costello from 2 Adults and 3 Children

12. Photo Collage of Rome

When traveling to Rome, one of the most important things, visitors are always looking to get are the best pictures of the sites they see.

But many times, when they return home, they see that their pictures didn’t turn out as great as they thought.

Buying small photos, the kind that are in color and are ready to hang is a great way to capture the essence of this ancient city.

With its stunning architecture, colorful streets, and bustling piazzas, Rome offers a wealth of photo opportunities, but having hundreds of photos doesn’t do much.

A photo collage of all the places in Rome is the perfect souvenir. It will show you dozens of images of all the top sites and even unique places you hadn’t seen. All in one place. It’s the perfect gift to capture the essence of Rome in one small souvenir.

By Diana from Travels in Poland

13. Universita Roma Sweatshirt

When visiting Rome, purchasing a University of Rome sweatshirt is a wonderful souvenir choice for many reasons.
First and foremost, a sweatshirt is one of the most practical and versatile souvenirs you can buy.

Whether you find yourself in unexpectedly chilly weather or simply want a cozy piece of clothing to wear on your travels, a University of Rome sweatshirt will keep you warm and stylish.

The University of Rome sweatshirt is a souvenir from one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in Europe. Owning a sweatshirt from here connects you to this renowned institution with rich culture and historical significance of the “Eternal City”.

Lastly, this sweater holds up over time. Lasting over a decade in this photograph here!

By Joanna Neander from Plan Before Land

14. Italian Wine

Italy is known for its wine culture and is one of the well-known producers of the world’s finest wines. If you are looking for what souvenirs to buy from Rome, wine is one of the best souvenirs you can buy.

There are some popular Italian wines that you can consider buying as souvenirs from Rome, and there are many different varieties that you can choose from. From Prosecco Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, and Pinot Grigio, each has its unique style and favors character.

When buying wine as a souvenir, look for reputable wine shops or markets specializing in Italian wines. Ask for recommendations from the staff and consider trying a few samples before making your purchase. Remember to check your country’s import regulations before bringing wine home as a souvenir.

Overall, buying Italian wine as a souvenir is a great way to experience Italy’s wine culture’s unique flavors and character. With a little research and planning, you can ensure that you bring home a bottle of wine that’s both delicious and steeped in the Italian tradition.

By Imee Magbag from Guide To Day Trips

15. Italian Ceramics

There’s so much wonderful handicrafts that you can purchase and take home for a souvenir in Rome and almost every tourist venue will have fantastic finds for you.

I tend to go for more utilitarian souvenirs and gravitate towards ceramics and pottery since that is what I love to have around my kitchen.

One of my favorite finds are the small pitchers that you can find in these shops and made in many regions around Rome. Very inexpensive and hand-painted, they can be used for oils, salad dressing, milk or anything in general that you can pour any type of liquids.

Packing this is fairly easy and most stores will have bubble wrap or newspapers and typically I wrap it around t shirts for extra protection. Then I place in my hand carry so it doesn’t get jostled like a typical suitcase.

Now when I see it on display or use it for a meal, I’m always brought back to Rome to the place I was exploring and even the shop I purchased it. This brings such wonderful memories of my trip to Rome and the good times visiting this wonderful city.

By Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

16. Pecorino Romano

Italian cheeses, like all traditional dishes in Italy, are Regional. So, if you’re a cheese lover visiting Rome, bring home a certified DOP (Protected Designation of Origin in English) block of the number one cheese of the region, Pecorino Romano.

This sheep’s milk cheese is hard and salty, somewhat similar to Parmigiana Romagna from Emilia-Romagna.
Pecorino Romana melts well in sauces and it’s the key ingredient in the regional pasta specialties like Spaghetti Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe.

Since you’re probably not bringing prepared meals on a plane with you, buy the cheese and make some when you return home. If that sounds too ambitious, Pecorino Romana will complement any cheese and charcuterie board too.

By Denise from Chef Denise

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