Buy things made by someone you can meet: ceramics, mosaics, prints or jewellery from a workshop, leather where you can check the maker, and food: pecorino romano, olive oil, pasta, coffee, wine. Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps streets cover high street to luxury; Monti and Trastevere for independent shops. Check your home country’s import rules for food before you buy. Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT on purchases over €70.01 in one shop — ask for the tax-free form at the till. For bigger savings, plan a separate outlet day (Castel Romano).
Checked 2026-09-24 · Rome · Shopping
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Worth it | Workshop crafts · leather · food & wine |
| Where | Via del Corso · Spanish Steps · Monti · Trastevere |
| Tax-free | Non-EU · over €70.01 in one shop |
| Food home | Check your country’s import rules |
| Outlets | Castel Romano · shuttle from Termini (€18 return) |
What to buy
Crafts from a workshop
Edible gifts
Leather
Customs at home
Where to shop
| Area | For |
|---|---|
| Via del Corso · Via del Tritone | High street between sights |
| Via Condotti · Spanish Steps | Luxury brands |
| Monti | Independent boutiques, vintage, design |
| Trastevere | Crafts, small shops, markets |
| Castel Romano Designer Outlet | Discounted brands — a half- to full-day trip |
From the EmweGo Rome and Shopping guides · checked Sep 2026
Tax-free
VAT refund
Sunday shopping
Quick answers
What is Rome famous for buying?
Leather goods, workshop ceramics and mosaics, and food like pecorino romano, olive oil and wine.
Can I get tax back on shopping in Rome?
Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT on purchases over €70.01 in one shop; ask for the tax-free form.
Are shops open on Sunday in Rome?
Many in the centre are, but hours vary by shop.
Go deeper in our guides
Related answers
Sources: Turismo Roma · shopping streets ↗ · ADM · tax-free procedure ↗ · ADM · VAT refund ↗ · VATupdate · OTELLO 2.0 (Jul 2026) ↗