6 hours in Rome: A rich, divine & memorable dive into the heart of the eternal city

After months of anticipation, my friend Karolina and I were finally setting off on a journey to experience the magic of Umbria. We were heading to Il Fornello, a place that was about to serve a week filled with inspiration, new encounters, and countless hours of creativity. As part of our travel plan, we added a stop in Rome. We knew that our time in such a grand city would be brief, but it was time well spent, as we immersed ourselves in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere and captivating charm. Follow along our 6 hours in Rome.

Getting to Rome – starting the journey

Our journey began with a flight from Copenhagen to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. From there, a short train ride took us straight into the heart of the city to Rome Termini, the city's main train station. To keep things easy, we checked in our luggage at KiBag’s luggage storage service, a quick and convenient option for those looking to explore Rome before heading onward. (Tip: Pre-booking your spot can save you time as it often allows for faster access.)

First stop: Monti – Rome’s hidden gem

Only a 10-minute walk from Termini, Monti is a district that feels worlds away from the busy train station. Known for its cobbled streets, vintage boutiques, and quaint cafés, Monti exudes a charm unlike anywhere else in Rome. Walking through its narrow alleyways, we encountered both locals and travelers drawn to its unique mix of history and modernity.

Lunch with a view in Monti’s Piazza

We found the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere at a small café on Monti’s main square. From our table, we could see the everyday spectacle of Roman life unfold around us. The timing was ideal—just after a church service ended—bringing together locals for a Sunday ritual of laughter, conversation, and clinking glasses. The scene was beautifully set against Monti's faded, pastel-hued buildings, capturing a serene moment in the heart of the city.

Gelato at Fatamorgana – A taste of Rome

A walk through Monti wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Fatamorgana Gelato, known for its creative flavors and unique approach to Italian classics. With every bite, we immersed ourselves in Rome’s vibrant Sunday spirit, watching families, friends, and tourists alike enjoy the mild autumn day.

Charming shops and LOL Boutique

Monti is brimming with charming little shops, and one of our favorites was LOL Roma. Its stylish interiors and warm, welcoming staff made for an unforgettable shopping experience. Beautifully located in the heart of Monti, the store is surrounded by lush cacti that add a delightful Mediterranean touch. Browsing through the unique, curated items was a highlight of our time here, and we highly recommend a stop!

When in Roma…another gelato stop

Of course, one gelato is rarely enough when in Rome! Before we headed our way back to Termini, we couldn’t resist a final indulgence at Gelati Flor. This second scoop was the perfect sweet ending to a leisurely afternoon in Monti, and it fueled us just enough to make our way back to Termini for the next step of our journey.

Next Destination: Onward to Umbria

As the afternoon sun began to dip, we returned to Termini to catch our next train. The journey ahead would lead us to the scenic countryside of Umbria and our workcation retreat at Il Fornello—a chance to disconnect, create, and soak in the Italian landscape.

Let's wrap it up! 6 tips for a perfect 6 hour pitstop in Rome

Book train tickets in Omio app

If you’re traveling onward from Rome, save time and stress by booking your train tickets in advance. We used the Omio app, which made planning easy and convenient. Just remember to check in your ticket before boarding to avoid any surprises!, you do it directly in the app!

Pre-book luggage storage at Termini

With limited time to explore, make things easier by booking luggage storage at Termini Station in advance. This lets you explore hands-free and can speed up the check-in process at the storage facility.

Explore Monti’s unique charm

Monti is just a 10-minute walk from Termini and is one of Rome’s hidden gems. Wander its cobbled streets, discover vintage boutiques, and enjoy a more local vibe away from the main tourist attractions.

Soak up Rome’s cafe culture

Find a seat in one of Monti’s cozy piazza cafés, where you can watch everyday Roman life unfold. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the charm of the Eternal City, especially after a Sunday church service when the area fills with locals.

Indulge in gelato!

Rome’s gelato is a must, and with flavors as unique as those at Fatamorgana and Gelati Flor, one stop is simply not enough. Treat yourself to multiple tastings as you stroll through the city.

Discover local boutiques

Don’t miss the beautiful boutique LOL Roma for curated finds and warm service. Many shops in Monti have a unique touch, from lovely decor to Mediterranean plants, making even a short shopping stop a memorable experience.

A presto!