Bucket list experience:
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Located where the River Tiber meets the sea, Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome, and is one of Italy’s best-preserved archaeological sites.
As a port, it was naturally cosmopolitan: Persian, Phrygian and Egyptian gods were all worshipped in its shrines. Beautiful mosaic pavements (notably in the Forum of the Corporations), warehouses, apartment buildings (insulae), merchant’s houses, taverns, baths and a theatre, recall Ostia’s old prosperity on silent streets under the parasol pines.
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Destination Guide >Ostia is about a 45-minute metro/train journey from Rome. Take the metro (line B) to Piramide, and catch the Roma Lido commuter train to Ostia Antica (about 30 minutes). If you want to drive, take Via del Mare, running parallel to Via Ostiense, and follow the signs to scavi (ruins).
On Sundays (Sept-Oct & Mar-Jun), Cooperativa IL SOGNO runs a cruise to Ostia Antica. Boats depart at around 9.45am from Ponte Marconi and return at 3pm.
After visiting the ruins, hop back on the train and head for a dip at Lido di Ostia, the last stop on the train (P.Le Stazione Del Lido). Perfect to wash off the dust from those ruins.
The site is open all year round, Tuesday through Sundays (closed Mondays). It’s generally less crowded after lunch. In the spring, it’s especially lovely and lush.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Rome, Lazio, Italy[20.7 miles]
A restored 16th-century convent at the foot of Gianicolo Hill, on the edge of trendy Trastevere.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[20.9 miles]
A romantic, affordable hotel in a villa on the Aventine hill – central Rome’s haven of serenity. Within walking distance of many city sights.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[20.9 miles]
A peaceful, family-oriented hotel in a 17th-century convent, close to the main sights of Rome, and in the heart of buzzing Trastevere.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[21.2 miles]
An inspired new-wave vibe, pampering spa and hip on-site eateries, the energetic 212-room Mama Shelter is a modern bolthole in Rome’s starchy Prati neighbourhood.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Lazio, Italy
The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Vatican City, Lazio, Italy[21 miles]
The sublime, world-famous basilica built over St. Peter’s tomb and crowned by Michelangelo’s heavenly dome.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[21.1 miles]
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign nation-state and Holy See of the Roman Catholic Church. Within its borders are St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and Apostolic Palace, home to the Pope.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Vatican City, Lazio, Italy[21.3 miles]
A mind-bogglingly opulent complex of museums, home to one of the greatest hoards of treasure, antiquities and art anywhere.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Rome, Lazio, Italy[21.9 miles]
Three museums on one complex, founded in 1471, packed with ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian statues. Look out for the Capitoline Wolf and the statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Rome, Lazio, Italy[19.7 miles]
The Centrale was the first electric power plant in Rome and the industrial building now houses a superb collection of Hellenic statues from the Capitoline Museums.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Rome, Lazio, Italy[20.9 miles]
Peer through the keyhole on Aventine Hill to admire the perfectly framed vista of the dome of St. Peter’s. The view encompasses three nations: the Italian State, the Priory and the Vatican.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[21 miles]
Sumptuous 16th-century Roman villa designed by Baldassare Peruzzi and beautifully frescoed by Raphael, in particular the Triumph of Galatea featuring a nymph driving a scallop-shell chariot pulled by dolphins.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Rome, Lazio, Italy[21.5 miles]
Spanning the Tiber from Campus Martius to Tiber Island, this is the oldest bridge in Rome. Commissioned by Lucius Fabricius, then curator of roads, it has been in constant use since its construction in 62 BC.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Throughout human history vast empires have risen and fallen into ruin, their culture and customs lost to the sands of time. Thankfully, some outstanding examples remain. Here’s our round-up of the best.
Multiple countries
Leading European travel writer Dana Facaros, with a passionate interest in archaeological sites, round-ups the best ruins and remnants of arguably the world’s greatest empire.
