Lazio is Italy's most historically rich region, home to Rome — the Eternal City — as well as ancient ruins, medieval hilltowns, volcanic lakes, and a stunning Tyrrhenian coastline. From the Colosseum to the vineyards of the Castelli Romani and the thermal baths of Viterbo, Lazio offers an unparalleled blend of art, history, nature, and cuisine.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Pecorino Romano DOP
Aged sheep's milk cheese with PDO certification, one of Rome's signature ingredients. Available vacuum-packed for travelling.
Price: €8-25
Where: Roscioli deli, Testaccio Market, Salumeria Roscioli, Campo de' Fiori
Frascati DOC wine
The famous white wine from the Castelli Romani hills — crisp and easy-drinking. Buy directly from producers in Frascati or quality wine shops in Rome.
Price: €8-20/bottle
Where: Frascati town, Enoteca Corsi, wine shops throughout Rome
Guanciale
Cured pork cheek — the key ingredient in authentic carbonara and amatriciana. Vacuum-packed guanciale travels well.
Price: €8-15
Where: Roscioli deli, Testaccio Market, salumerias
Viterbo terracotta and ceramics
Traditional ceramics from the Viterbo area with distinctive Etruscan-influenced designs. Hand-painted plates, bowls and jugs.
Price: €15-80
Where: Viterbo artisan shops, Civita Castellana ceramic workshops
Antique maps and prints of Rome
Reproduction antique prints and maps of Rome, the Forum and ancient monuments — a tasteful and transportable souvenir.
Price: €10-50
Where: Porta Portese flea market, antique print shops near the Pantheon
Italian leather goods
Leather handbags, belts and wallets from Italian craftsmen — look for 'Made in Italy' certification and visit artisan workshops.
Price: €50-300
Where: Via Condotti, artisan workshops in Trastevere, Monti neighbourhood boutiques
Vatican and religious medals
Blessed papal medals, rosaries and religious icons available near the Vatican. Authentic items with Vatican certification.
Price: €5-50
Where: Vatican area shops, Piazza San Pietro market, authorised Vatican shops
Handmade paper and stationery
Italian artisan stationery, leather-bound notebooks and quality pens from Rome's traditional stationery shops.
Price: €10-40
Where: Il Papiro (Via del Cavallini area), stationery shops in Centro Storico
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Campo de' Fiori Market
Rome's most photographed outdoor market in a beautiful Renaissance piazza. Flowers, seasonal produce, herbs, spices and street food.
Where: Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-2PM
Testaccio Market (Mercato di Testaccio)
Rome's finest food market in a modern covered space in Testaccio. Local producers, excellent deli counters, cheese, charcuterie and brilliant street food stalls inside.
Where: Via Beniamino Franklin, 00153 Roma
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-3PM
Porta Portese Flea Market
Rome's massive Sunday flea market stretching for kilometres along the Trastevere riverfront. Antiques, clothing, books, vintage items and extraordinary finds.
Where: Via Portuense and Via Ippolito Nievo, Trastevere, Roma
Hours: Sundays 6AM-2PM
Mercato di Via Sannio
A budget market near San Giovanni in Laterano popular for affordable clothing, shoes and accessories. Less touristy than other markets.
Where: Via Sannio, near Lateran, 00182 Roma
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-1:30PM
Viterbo Thursday Market
A large weekly market in Viterbo selling local produce, ceramics, clothing and household goods — a genuine local market experience.
Where: Piazza della Rocca, 01100 Viterbo
Hours: Thursdays 7AM-2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Via Condotti and the Tridente
Rome's equivalent of Bond Street or 5th Avenue, lined with Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Bulgari and other luxury Italian brands at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
Best for: Luxury Italian fashion and jewellery
Via del Corso
Rome's main high street running between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia, lined with Zara, H&M, Mango and mid-range Italian chains. Always busy.
Best for: Mid-range fashion and high street brands
Monti neighbourhood
Rome's trendiest shopping neighbourhood with independent boutiques, vintage clothing shops, artisan workshops and design stores. Excellent for unique finds.
Best for: Vintage clothing, artisan goods, independent fashion
Via Cola di Rienzo (Prati)
The Prati neighbourhood's main shopping street near the Vatican, with department stores, mid-range fashion and excellent food shops.
Best for: Everyday shopping, food and wine
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Roma Est Shopping Centre
Large shopping mall in eastern Rome with major Italian and international brands, a cinema multiplex and food court.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Euroma2 (EUR district)
Modern mall in the EUR business district with Zara, H&M, Coin department store and food options.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not expected at regular shops or restaurants — fixed prices are standard in Italy
Bargaining is acceptable (gently) at Porta Portese flea market, especially for antiques and clothing
Artisan workshops may negotiate on price for larger purchases or multiple items
Tax-free shopping (VAT refund) is available for non-EU purchases over €155 — ask for a tax refund form
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques, artworks and archaeological objects over 50 years old require an export licence from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage — failure to declare can result in confiscation
Tax Refund: VAT refund (IVA reimbursement) available for non-EU visitors on purchases over €155 at shops displaying the Tax Free sign; claim at the airport before departure
Duty Free: EU visitors: no customs limits for personal use. Non-EU: usual EU allowances (1L spirits, 200 cigarettes, etc.)
Shipping: International shipping available at larger shops and post offices; the Vatican Philatelic Office offers special Vatican stamps and postal service