When It Comes to Rome Souvenirs, This Is It! We Introduce 4 Recommended Classics
The long-admired city of Rome is overflowing with places to see and delicious food to try—you could spend all the time in the world there and still not get enough. But souvenirs are a must, right? Since you’ve come all this way, you’ll want to pick up something uniquely Roman.
To answer that need, here are 4 carefully selected, highly recommended souvenirs from Rome.
Be sure to use this as a reference!
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When It Comes to Rome Souvenirs, This Is It! We Introduce 4 Recommended Classics
1. Sneakers from Italian Brands
For a gift to yourself or a present for a close friend, how about stylish sneakers from Italian brands?
Currently the most popular among young Italians is Superga. Its secret lies in its refined design: basic canvas sneakers with a thick white sole that suit even adults.
Other notable brands include the comfort-shoe line Stonefly, the chic women’s brand LIU•JO, leather sneakers from Lotto, and low-tech sneakers from Diadora. As you’d expect from Italian brands, they are both stylish and functional.
Our top recommendation is still Superga sneakers, which come in designs that match any style regardless of age—and the reasonable prices are a bonus.
2. Cheese
After enjoying delicious Italian cuisine, you might want to share that joy. Food products from Italy make wonderful souvenirs for food lovers. While Italian pasta and olive oil are easy to find, cheese is another story—there’s less variety and the prices are much higher. That’s why cheese makes such a great souvenir.
Eataly, a large Italian food store with branches in Rome, Milan, and Florence, is a great place to start. The store is vast—you could easily spend hours there—and the cheese section is especially impressive, with tastings available for certain types. For souvenirs, hard cheeses are best, and they can vacuum-pack them for you upon request.
A safe choice that is widely recognized and suits tastes is Parmigiano Reggiano. Many long-established food stores in central Rome also carry cheese, so stop by during sightseeing and find your favorite.
3. KIKO Cosmetics
KIKO is a hugely popular Italian cosmetics brand known for its affordable yet high-quality products. Already a staple across Europe, it has over 600 stores worldwide, including in Europe and the U.S.
The main store is on Corso Dante in Milan, making it a true “Made in Italy” brand. Of course, there are branches in Rome too!
The popularity comes from its wide range of colors, stylish packaging, and—most importantly—its prices. Best-selling mascaras, eyeliners, and nail polishes can be bought for under €10. Even though it’s budget-friendly, KIKO offers chic products, and its heart-shaped lipsticks and nail polishes make perfect souvenirs.
4. Pocket Coffee
Produced by the Italian confectionery maker Ferrero since 1968, Pocket Coffee is a seasonal winter treat: exquisite chocolates filled with rich, slightly bitter espresso.
They are sold from late October to early April at bars and supermarkets, often in small packs by the cash register. They also come in boxes of 18 or 24 pieces, but you might want to try a 5-piece pack first before deciding how many to bring home.
Why are they sold only in winter? Because even a little melting would cause the chocolate to mix with the espresso. The harmony of sweet chocolate and strong, bitter espresso is addictive after just one bite. They’ve gained popularity through word of mouth, with some available online. Since they’re seasonal, pick them up if your timing is right.
◎ Summary
These days you can get almost anything, but while in Rome, why not choose items that aren’t yet available there or that are rare to find?
Though it’s a bit of a ladies-only recommendation, KIKO cosmetics are especially worth bringing back. Affordable, cute, and hugely popular among European women—they’re sure to be a hit!
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