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The various things to buy in Italy include a mix of local crafts, quality fashion, and regional food items that reflect the country’s strong traditions. Each item shows Italy’s focus on detail and style, from handmade leather in Florence to ceramics from the Amalfi Coast. Food lovers will find pasta, cheese, and olive oil among the best buys, all rooted in local flavour. Whether shopping in small towns or big cities, these items are known for quality and meaning. This list highlights the most popular picks across Italy, making it easier to choose what to bring back.
10 Famous Things To Buy In Italy
Discover the best things to buy in Italy, each representing the country’s timeless style, regional pride, and love for quality craftsmanship.
1. Murano Glass
Photo: Vassil / Wikimedia Commons
Murano glass stands out for its bold colours, detailed shapes, and delicate craftsmanship. It is one of the most iconic things to buy in Italy Venice, and is especially known for its elegant beauty and unique patterns. These glass items are made using time-tested methods, creating decorative and functional pieces. There is a wide range, from small glass animals to fine jewellery and larger ornaments. Each piece is handmade and often shows slight variations, making it even more special. Its artistic value and detailed design make Murano glass a timeless choice for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Where To Find It: Fondamenta Venier shops, Murano workshops in Venice
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
2. Leather Bags
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Italian leather bags are admired for their quality, durability, and elegant design. These bags are often hand-stitched with fine materials, giving them a refined and timeless appeal. Whether it’s a handbag, briefcase, or shoulder bag, each piece is built to last while offering stylish practicality. The leather develops character over time, adding to its charm. These bags come in many colours and shapes, making it easy to find one that suits your personal style. As one of the best things to buy in Italy, a leather bag is both useful and fashionable, reflecting the craftsmanship Italy is known for.
Where To Find It: San Lorenzo Market in Florence, Via del Corso in Rome
Best Time To Buy: Off-Season, November to February
3. Balsamic Vinegar
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Balsamic vinegar from Italy is valued for its deep flavour and thick texture. It is made through a slow ageing process using grape must, which gives it a balance of sweet and tangy notes. It is often used in cooking, dressings, or simply drizzled over dishes and adds a rich and distinctive taste. Many bottles are beautifully packaged, making them ideal for taking home. Known for its versatility and quality, balsamic vinegar is one of the most appreciated things to buy in Italy, especially for those who love to cook or enjoy Italian cuisine.
Where To Find It: Markets in Modena, gourmet shops in Bologna
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
4. Limoncello
Photo: Stefan Oemisch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Limoncello is a refreshing lemon liqueur made from lemon zest, alcohol, and sugar. It is known for its bright yellow colour and smooth citrus flavour. Often served chilled, it is enjoyed after meals as a digestive drink. The best versions are made using fresh local lemons and traditional methods, producing a vibrant and natural taste. It is usually packaged in decorative bottles, making it easy to carry and share. As one of the most famous things to buy in Italy, Limoncello captures the essence of Italian summer and is loved for its simple yet bold flavour.
Where To Find It: Shops in Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
5. Ceramics
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Italian ceramics are known for their colourful designs, detailed paintings, and handmade charm. These ceramics often include plates, vases, tiles, and serving dishes decorated with floral or geometric patterns. They are decorative and functional, used in kitchens or as home décor. The techniques and styles vary across regions, but all focus on quality and detail. Each piece is slightly different, giving it a unique character. Among the best things to buy in Italy, ceramics are appreciated for their artistry and everyday usefulness, offering a cheerful and personal touch to any home.
Where To Find It: Deruta in Umbria, Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
6. Italian Pasta
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Italian pasta is one of the country’s rich food traditions and is one of its most recognised and loved products. It comes in many shapes and textures, each designed for different sauces and cooking methods. Every type has its purpose, whether it’s smooth penne, twisted fusilli, or wide tagliatelle. Traditional pasta is made using just durum wheat and water, which gives it a firm bite and excellent quality. Some versions are made with natural ingredients like spinach or squid ink for added colour and taste. It remains one of the most iconic things to buy in Italy.
Where To Find It: Food markets in Rome, Florence, and Milan
Best Time To Buy: Off-Season, November to February
7. Burano Lace
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Burano lace is a fine type of handmade lace known for its delicate detail and skilled making. It is crafted using thin threads and small needles, often turned into items like tablecloths, doilies, and napkins. Each piece is made slowly by hand, using traditional methods passed down for centuries. The lace is light and soft, with patterns that show great precision. Because it is handmade, every item is unique and carefully finished. As one of the most beautiful things to buy in Italy Venice, Burano lace represents the rich tradition of Italian needlework and adds a special touch to any home.
Where To Find It: Lace shops in Burano, Venice
Best Time To Buy: Off-Season, November to February
8. Olive Oil
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Italian olive oil is widely known for its rich flavour, deep colour, and smooth texture. It is made from carefully selected olives, cold-pressed to keep all the natural goodness. Olive oil is used in cooking, salad dressings, or as a fresh bread dip. Its taste can vary from fruity to peppery, depending on the region and olives used. Good-quality olive oil is packed in dark bottles to keep it fresh and full of nutrients. As one of the healthiest and most practical things to buy in Italy, it is appreciated by both chefs and home cooks alike.
Where To Find It: Olive farms in Tuscany, local shops in Puglia
Best Time To Buy: Off-Season, November to February
9. Parmigiano Reggiano
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Parmigiano Reggiano, often called the “king of cheeses”, is hard, aged, and flavoured. It is made using traditional methods and matured for over a year to achieve its rich taste. The cheese is crumbly in texture and sharp in flavour, often grated over pasta or eaten in small chunks. It is also used in soups, salads, or served with wine. Only cheese in specific regions can carry the name, ensuring its authenticity and quality. As one of the tastiest things to buy in Italy, Parmigiano Reggiano brings true Italian flavour into any kitchen.
Where To Find It: Markets in Parma, Bologna, and Modena
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
10. Italian Wine
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Italian wine is celebrated around the world for its variety and quality. With hundreds of grape types and wine styles, there is something for everyone—from bold reds to crisp whites and sparkling options. Regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Sicily are known for producing world-class wines. Many wines are sold in elegant bottles and carry protected labels showing their origin region. Whether enjoyed with meals or saved for a special moment, wine from Italy captures the country’s passion for flavour and tradition. It is among the best things to buy in Italy for wine lovers and collectors.
Where To Find It: Wineries in Tuscany, wine shops in Rome
Best Time To Buy: Tourist Season, May to September
The things to buy in Italy include a rich mix of crafts, fashion, and regional foods that offer lasting value and cultural charm. From handmade leather to fine wines, every item brings a touch of Italy’s unique character to home. Italy offers variety and tradition in every choice for quality shopping and meaningful souvenirs. Explore more and plan your ideal shopping journey today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Bakyt Kosjan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
