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Rome in a Day: How We Spent 14 Hours on a Layover from Fiumicino Airport
- Jenn & Leon
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Ever wondered if it’s possible to see Rome in just one day?
We did too — until a 14-hour layover at Fiumicino Airport gave us the perfect excuse to try.
With suitcases stashed, legs stretched, and a plan set by Jenn on our phones, we set off to explore as much of the Eternal City as humanly possible before sundown.
From ancient ruins to Vatican views, pizza to piazzas, we crammed centuries of history and culture into a single unforgettable day.
Here’s exactly how we did it — and how you can too, even if you’re passing through.
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Travel Resources
Why Visit Italy — Even If It’s Just for a Day?
Italy isn’t just one of Europe’s most visited countries — it’s a living museum of art, architecture, and soul-stirring food.
From Renaissance masterpieces to Roman ruins, every corner offers something worth pausing for.
While most people dream of weeks in Italy, even a short layover can give you a taste of its timeless charm.
Whether you’re drawn to the history of ancient Rome, the flavors of Italian cuisine, or the buzz of lively piazzas, Italy delivers, even in 14 hours.
And if Rome is your first stop, trust us: it won’t be your last.
First Things First: Arriving in Rome & Storing Luggage
Landing at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) with just 14 hours to explore Rome? We did it, and so can you.
We hopped aboard the Leonardo Express — a non-stop train that gets you to Termini Station in Rome in 32 minutes. Easy, efficient, and worth the €14 ticket.
👉 Book your airport transfer via 12Go to lock in your ride and save time.
⪢ Luggage Storage in Rome
You can store your luggage in a secure and convenient spot while you explore Rome. The storage facility is situated at Termini Railway Station, near the airport bus terminal, public bus terminal, and Metro lines A/B.
You can access your luggage storage at any time during opening hours; multilingual staff will be present on-site.
It’s secure, straightforward, and leaves your hands (and feet) free to roam.
Optional First Stop: St. Mary Major Basilica (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)
If you arrive at Termini Station and want to ease into the day, consider a quick detour to St. Mary Major — just a short walk away.
Built in the 5th century, it’s one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and a breathtaking example of early Christian architecture. From its golden ceiling to ancient mosaics and Bernini’s final resting place, this church is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
💡 Travel Tip: It’s free to enter, usually quiet in the mornings, and open every day. It’s a great spot to collect your thoughts before plunging into the chaos of Rome.
📍Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore — 7 minutes from Termini.
⪢ Want to Follow Our Route?
We’ve pinned everything on a handy Wanderlog map to make your own layover smoother:
First Stop: The Colosseum — Rome's Timeless Icon
No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at the Colosseum — the massive amphitheater where gladiators once battled before 50,000 roaring spectators.
Opened in 80 AD, it’s one of the greatest surviving symbols of Ancient Rome.
Even if you don’t have time to enter, standing outside its massive stone arches is an experience in itself. But if you're quick and want the full story...
⪢ Skip the line with a fast-track guided tour
Visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the Roman world, the Palatine Hill, the oldest part of the city, and the Roman Forum, the beating heart of ancient Rome, with an expert guide.
💡 Travel Tip: Go early to beat the crowds and soak in the morning light for the best photos.
📍Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1 — about 15 minutes from Termini Station
Trajan’s Forum: Where Empire Meets Architecture
On our way from the Colosseum toward Piazza Venezia, we passed the impressive remains of Trajan’s Forum, once the largest and most elaborate of all imperial forums in Ancient Rome.
Completed in 112 AD under Emperor Trajan, it housed administrative offices, libraries, and a massive basilica.
Today, what remains is still striking: tall marble columns, carved reliefs, and the towering Trajan’s Column, wrapped in detailed carvings narrating Roman conquests.
💡 Travel Tip: It’s free to view from the street level, and the best vantage point is along Via dei Fori Imperiali, between the Colosseum and the Vittoriano.
📍Location: Via dei Fori Imperiali — directly adjacent to the Vittoriano and Roman Forum, about 5 minutes from the Colosseum
⪢ Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing
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Wandering the Monti District
From the Colosseum, we wandered into Monti, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, but it doesn't feel touristy at all.
With ivy-covered walls, artisan boutiques, and laid-back cafés, Monti offers a welcome break from the city's bustle.
📍Location: Centered around Via dei Serpenti — 5–10 minute walk from the Colosseum
We stopped for a relaxed meal at Ristorante Pizzeria Imperiale. Authentic Roman pizza, no fuss, and friendly service — just what we needed to refuel.
📍Location: Via del Colosseo, 31 — 3 minutes from the Colosseum
⪢ Want to Follow Our Route?
We’ve pinned everything on a handy Wanderlog map to make your own layover smoother:
Trevi Fountain: Toss a Coin, Make a Wish
No visit to Rome is complete without stopping at the Fontana di Trevi. This 18th-century Baroque masterpiece is not just a fountain — it’s a tradition.
Legend says if you toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, you’re guaranteed to return to Rome.
Even with the crowds, it’s magical. The scale, the sound of rushing water, the marble carvings — it all hits differently in person.
💡 Travel Tip: Go early or late to avoid the crush of tourists. Pickpockets love this area, so keep your belongings close.
📍Location: Piazza di Trevi — about 10 minutes from Monti, 8 minutes to the Altar of the Fatherland
Altar of the Fatherland: A Monument to Modern Italy
A short walk brings you to the grand white marble monument towering over Piazza Venezia: the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, also called the Altar of the Fatherland (or jokingly, the “wedding cake”).
It’s dedicated to the first king of unified Italy and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The steps are steep, but the views are worth it.
💡 Pro Tip: The panoramic elevator ride to the very top costs €10 and offers sweeping views over the Roman Forum and beyond.
📍Location: Piazza Venezia — 10 minutes from Monti
⪢ Want to Follow Our Route?
We’ve pinned everything on a handy Wanderlog map to make your own layover smoother:
The Pantheon: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
If there's one place that stopped us in our tracks, it was the Pantheon.
Originally built in 27 BC and then rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD, the Pantheon is a former Roman temple converted into a church, and the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome.
Its massive dome, with a perfect circular oculus at the center, remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
It’s a rare moment when architecture leaves you speechless. Inside, the light spills through the oculus, illuminating marble floors and tombs of Italian royalty and artists, including Raphael.
💡 Travel Tip: Entry is now ticketed (around €5), so it’s wise to book in advance if it’s a must-see.
📍Location: Piazza della Rotonda — about 10 minutes on foot from the Altar of the Fatherland
⪢ Book Tickets in Advance
Save time with a fast-line ticket and learn about its captivating history. Skip the line through a separate entrance, and also get the official audio guide.
Palace of Justice (Supreme Court of Cassation): Beauty by the Tiber
We made our way across the river, catching a glimpse of the ornate Palace of Justice, also known as the Palazzaccio. Built in the late 1800s, it's as photogenic as it is imposing.
While you can’t go inside, it makes for a dramatic photo stop on your way toward the Vatican.
📍Location: Piazza dei Tribunali — about 15 minutes from the Vittoriano
Castel Sant’Angelo: From Emperor to Fortress
Next up, the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built in 139 AD as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum.
Over the centuries, it’s been a papal refuge, a fortress, a prison, and even a film location.
Even if you’re just passing by like we did, it’s an unforgettable sight beside the Tiber.
📍Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50 — 5 minutes from the Palace of Justice
⪢ Want to go inside? Book Castel Sant’Angelo Entry
Save time on your trip to Rome with this skip-the-line ticket to Castel Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Hadrian. Enjoy city views from the rooftop and opt for an audio guide for a better experience.
The Vatican: Tiny Country, Epic Sights
We reached St. Peter’s Square, the heart of Vatican City, just in time for golden hour.
The square was buzzing, and though we didn’t have time to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, we were awed by its grandeur.
💡 Travel Tip: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter any religious site.
📍Location: Piazza San Pietro — 10–12 minutes from Castel Sant’Angelo
Skip the Line & Save Time
The Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel are worth reserving if you’ve got more time.
Skip the line, save time, and make the most of it with a guided tour. With free cancellation (cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund).
With GetYourGuide, you can even reserve now and pay later. Keep your travel plans flexible; Book your spot and pay nothing today.
Getting Back to the Airport
Our final leg was a quick walk to Ottaviano Metro Station, where we took Line A back to Termini Station, and then caught the Leonardo Express to the airport.
📍Location: Viale Giulio Cesare — 7 minutes from St. Peter’s Square
We arrived back at Fiumicino with time to spare, thankfully. We were exhausted, exhilarated, and amazed at how much we saw. Over 20k steps was a small price to pay, however. Rome was totally worth it.
Want the Full Visual Tour?
Watch our YouTube video: 14 Hours in Rome.
After watching this video, you'll be able to see Rome in a day - and who knows, maybe even have some fun along the way! But be prepared to WALK a LOT!
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Where to Stay or Start a Tour
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Rome and Beyond
Even if you’re visiting for a day, booking ahead helps. And if you have more than just 14 hours and are looking for a place to stay in Rome, you'll find great rates on top hotel stays.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
⪢ Popular Rome Tours Worth Booking Ahead
If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss out, booking a guided tour can make all the difference.
Rome’s most iconic attractions often come with long lines and limited same-day access, but sites like GetYourGuide offer fast-track entry, small group experiences, and expert-led walks through the city's ancient and artistic treasures.
From skip-the-line Colosseum tours to Vatican Museum passes, even food tours and walking routes through Trastevere, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
It's one of the best ways to explore Rome and Italy’s highlights stress-free, especially if you're on a tight schedule like we were.
Planning Your Own Rome Stopover?
● Stay online with seamless connection as soon as you land at the airport with Gigsky eSIM. Save 10% with our code CLOSERLIVES10.
● Stash your luggage at FCO
● Get the Leonardo Express to Termini
● Start at the Colosseum and end at the Vatican
● Wear comfy shoes – seriously
● Book transport with 12Go
● Watch our journey on YouTube
⪢ Want to Follow Our Route?
We’ve pinned everything on a handy Wanderlog map to make your own layover smoother:
FAQ: Rome in a Day – What to Know for a Layover from Fiumicino
Is it possible to see Rome in just one day from the airport?
Yes! With efficient planning, you can visit Rome’s major landmarks during a long layover (6+ hours).
Trains and express shuttles make it easy to reach the city in under 40 minutes from Fiumicino (FCO).
How do I get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome quickly?
What landmarks can I realistically see in a day?
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for any attractions?
Can I store my luggage during a layover?
Will I have enough time to return and catch my flight?
Is there Wi-Fi or SIM card access in the city?
What should I wear for a full day in Rome?
Is Rome safe for solo travelers on a layover?
Can I join a guided tour from the airport?
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It is amazing how much you can achieve in such a short space of time! Of course, you need your walking boots on, but know it can be done, and you can see the best Rome has to offer on a layover! A great way to see a city without the accommodation costs!