What is worth bringing back
Roman local produce
- Pecorino romano DOP: a dry, salty sheep's cheese, the ingredient of carbonara, gricia and cacio e pepe. Ask for it vacuum-packed for the journey.
- Guanciale: cured pork cheek, the base of the same recipes. Mind the regulations of your country of arrival (see below).
- Dried pasta and kits: food shops sell good-quality packets of spaghetti, tonnarelli and rigatoni, and "carbonara" or "cacio e pepe" kits that are easy to give as gifts.
- Olive oil from Lazio, canned artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and jams.
- Wine: the whites of Frascati and the Castelli Romani are sold in Rome's wine shops; the excursion to Frascati lets you taste them at the source.
- Coffee: several roasters in the historic centre, around the Pantheon, sell their coffee in packets or beans.
Crafts and objects
- Antique prints and engravings: the galleries of Via Margutta, Via del Babuino and Via dei Coronari offer views of Rome, plans and maps. The antique dealers of Via dei Coronari are also a good address for old objects; ask for a document for any old piece that would leave Italy.
- Handmade ceramics and jewellery: the workshops of Monti, on Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti, sell unique pieces, often cheaper than in the luxury streets.
- Fashion and shoes: Via Condotti and Via del Corso concentrate the big brands, with sales in January–February and July–August.
- Religious objects: rosaries, medals and cards are sold near St Peter's. Prices vary a lot from shop to shop: compare.
- For vintage: see our guide to vintage shops and craftspeople in Rome.
Where to buy
- Campo de' Fiori: a morning market from Monday to Saturday, with spices, coloured pasta and dried herbs; compare prices with those of the neighbouring food shops.
- Mercato Centrale, near Termini station: a food hall of Italian produce, with tasting counters.
- Trionfale market, in the Prati district: a covered neighbourhood market used by Romans, for cheese, cured meats and fresh produce.
- Porta Portese market: on Sunday mornings, a huge flea market for vintage, records and curiosities; watch your pockets.
- Neighbourhood food shops and wine shops: a good cheesemonger or wine seller will advise you and vacuum-pack your purchase.
What to avoid
- Souvenir shops near the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Spanish Steps: plastic gladiators, snow globes and magnets cost more than in the neighbouring streets and almost always come from abroad.
- Fake brands sold by street vendors: buying counterfeits is punishable by a fine in Italy, including for the buyer.
- "Free bracelets" and roses held out in the street: the offer is followed by a request for money.
- Archaeological pieces: you cannot take an antique out of Italy without permission, and you never take away a fragment picked up on an archaeological site.
Carrying your purchases
- Cabin or hold: put oil, wine and jams in the hold; in the cabin, liquids are limited to 100 ml per container at most airports.
- Cheese and cured meats: vacuum-packed, they travel well within the European Union. To a non-EU country, meat products are often banned or must be declared: check your country's rules before buying guanciale or cured meats.
- Tax refund: travellers resident outside the European Union can claim back VAT above a purchase threshold per shop; ask for the form at the till and have it validated at departure customs.
- Breakage: wrap bottles and ceramics in your clothes; most shops offer packing or shipping.
Hours and planning
Many small shops close between 1pm and 3:30 or 4pm, and on Sundays; some also close on Monday morning. Food markets close in the early afternoon. Keep some time for shopping in your itinerary: see what to do in Rome in one day and the budget for a trip to Rome to know how much to set aside for purchases.
Going further
The Tridente district concentrates fashion and antiques: read our Tridente guide. To eat in the same districts, see what to eat in Rome.
