Five items savvy travelers buy when in Rome

Forget the mass-produced souvenirs and tourist trinkets that sellers throw at you – quite literally – as you visit Rome! When traveling to Italy, real treasures lie hidden in neighborhood pharmacies, local supermarkets, and corner stores where locals do their daily shopping. These authentic finds are a step beyond the stylish souvenirs we talked about a while back! These offer superior quality and are a great alternative, and some of them also offer prices that will make you wonder why you ever bought similar items at home. So the time to do some clever shopping is now!

In the small list that follows, we suggest several items that you may want to turn your attention to when shopping in Rome… and all without breaking the bank.

Ariosto meat seasoning: The secret to Italian flavor

Walk into any Roman butcher shop (some of these prepare and sell their own condiments!) or supermarket, and you’ll spot the distinctive packaging of Ariosto seasoning blends. This mixture of herbs, spices, and sea salt transforms ordinary meat into something that tastes authentically Italian. Locals have been sprinkling this blend for decades on everything from grilled vegetables to barbecued meats. Unlike generic “Italian” seasoning sold abroad or in tourist shops here, Ariosto has actually been used by many generations of Italians.

Marvis toothpaste: Luxury oral care from Italian pharmacies

Italian pharmacies (although it is also sold in bigger supermarkets) stock Marvis toothpaste, a premium brand that turns daily brushing into a sophisticated ritual. Available in such flavors like rhubarb or liquorice, Marvis comes in vintage-inspired packaging that is also easy on the eye!

Superior sunscreen: Quality and value combined

European regulations for SPF testing are stricter than many other countries, ensuring better protection from the sun. You’ll find high-quality SPF 50+ formulations for under €10 in any Italian pharmacy or supermarket. These sunscreens typically have lighter textures and better skin compatibility than many international brands. Stock up during your visit – your future self will thank you during summer months.

“Nonna knives”: Traditional Italian kitchen wisdom

The so-called “nonna knife” represents generations of Italian kitchen wisdom condensed into a simple, perfectly balanced blade: they can pair, skin, peel, fillet… These traditional knives, often found in local kitchenware shops or markets, feature thin, flexible blades that in certain models can be both plain edge and serrated. Their inexpensive and ordinary-looking, but they are going to change your day-to-day kitchen activities!

Bialetti Moka accessories: The complete Italian coffee experience

While Bialetti products are available worldwide, coffee-related items, some intended for the after care of your moka machine, are not. Many people buy a moka coffee pot when they visit Italy, but they forget about spare seals and sieves, or specific descaler liquids that are safe to use around food and drinks. These maintenance accessories can be costly when bought from abroad, so make sure you stock up while you’re traveling to Rome!