5 Best Places to Shop in The Vatican, Rome

Opening its flagship shop near the Vatican in 1932, this gastronomic paradise has long been Rome's port of call for decadent delicacies from around the globe; there are now 13 locations throughout the city. Jonesing expats and study-abroad students pop in for local sweets, 300 types of tea, and even good old-fashioned Betty Crocker red velvet cake mix. If you need a pick-me-up, try the house-roasted espresso, which is some of the best coffee in Rome.

At this upscale atelier, Polish designer Aleksandra Badura creates one-of-a-kind bags that have been featured in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Glamour, using sustainably sourced Italian leather and exotic skins. Make an appointment through the website to see the collection and you can choose from one of the exquisite bags on offer or customize any of the models, selecting from a wide range of colors and materials.

Department stores aren't the norm in Italy, but Coin comes close with its large selection of upscale accessories; cosmetics; and clothing for men, women, and children. Searching for a pressure-driven espresso machine, a simpler stove-top Bialetti model, or a pizza wheel? You can find these and other high-quality, stylish housewares, too. There are 10 branches of this store around Rome, including a smaller one at Termini station.

For more than 70 years, saddler artisan Ferruccio Serafini handmade some of Rome's best leather bags, shoes, and belts—accessories beloved by the likes of Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Kennedy brothers in the 1960s. Today, the family business is run by Francesca, Ferruccio Serafini's youngest daughter. Choose from the premade stock, or select your style and your leather and have something custom made. You can also bring vintage leather items in for repairs.

Here you'll find a fully stocked selection of religious gifts: everything from rosaries and crosses to religious artwork and Pope memorabilia. Founded in 1898, this family business provides a place for pilgrims to pick up a souvenir from the Holy See and also specializes in mosaics. There's another location at the Self-Service Restaurant in Piazza del Sant'Uffizio, 6/7. Both locations are closed on Sunday afternoon.