12 Hours in Rome
 

Hi Everyone!
These forums have been so helpful, we're hoping to get some more advice for a layover we have in Rome, from 11 am to 11pm on Friday, October 31st. The perfect amount of hours for a layover.

Both my husband and I, separately, have been to Rome once before, many years ago, so we don't need to be cramming in every major tourist site, obviously. Instead we would love some suggestions for maybe a great restaurant for lunch/dinner ($$-lunch, $$$-dinner?). And then maybe one museum/site to visit.

Taking into consideration the time we'll have (more like 1pm to 8pm) is there a certain neighborhood or part of town that we should head to and plan on spending all our time there, that you would recommend?

Lastly, since it's the main Rome International airport, do you suggest taking a taxi to the city center, or is there great public transportation from the airport to the city?

Thanks!

Have you been to Trastevere? I would catch the local train (about 5€) at the Rome airport (not the Leonardo Express train) to Trastevere. From the Trastevere station you can catch the tram or it's possible to walk. Find a restaurant in Trastevere (don't wait too late because most Rome restaurants quit serving at 3) and tour around the area after lunch. Later you can catch the tram/train back.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Rome/Trastevere

Have you been to Ostia Antica?

If not, it is kind of like a little Pompeii. You could go there for about 4-5 hours. Never crowded, actually almost vacant. Then take the train to Rome, the station is right across the main highway from the ruins. Spend a few hours in the city and return to the airport after supper.

You can take a cab to Ostia from FCO. You could take the Leonardo Express from Termini station back to the airport.

dave

We just returned from Rome and my only caution is that if you go into the city by taxi leave plenty of time to get back to the airport -- rush hour is most of the evening and you need at least two hours at before your flight to make sure you get through security. The train to Le Termini might be a better bet.

Ostia Antica is extremely interesting and would have my vote. I don't know if it still exists, but there used to be a service with a shuttle bus from the terminal to Ostia and back with a brief guided tour. You might also consider going into Ostia itself and walking along the sea front and having a meal. Don't forget to have an ice cream!

I had the same opportunity and checked my bags into the Left Luggage and took the train in and just walked around for the day, had lunch and just enjoyed being there.

I would not go to Ostia Antica but rather spend a day just wondering around. The area near Via Veneto is very elegant , Villa Borghese is right near - a huge park housing two great museums : Borghese and the National gallery of Modern Art ( a very nice restaurant right there).
You may wish to book a car ahead of time to take you to the city and back \( cheaper than taxi). We used

http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com

Whatever you do ask a car and chofer to be waiting for you, i highly recommend the service of
Gianni Lucarino and Sons
they picked up last year at Fiumicino ( and my daughter's family last Sep )and took us to Trastevere. Very nice people. I have nothing to do with them but to me they are a small family business that is what Italy is all about.
""""Business Car Service
by Gianni LUcarino . 24 hs
Cell +39 340 4123621
Cell +39 349 5979551
[email protected]"""""
Rates are the most reasonable .
You can email if you have anyquestion [email protected] Good luck

Their e mail is the whole thing


[email protected]

Here is another thought...

Train into Termini. Across the street is the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, part of the Rome Museum (not always open) and the Michelangelo designed Santa Maria degli Angeli.

From there you can walk up Via Vittorio Emanuelle to Santa Maria della Vittoria, the home of Bernini's Ecstacy of St. Teresa. One of the master's most beautiful sculptures.

From there, walk down Via XX Septembre to see Boromini and Bernini's two beautiful churches.

You can then walk over to Via Veneto and grab a nice meal and maybe see some Italian movie stars or TV personalities at one of the restaurants.

From there, an easy metro ride back to Termini.

dave