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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

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.

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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

Ancient Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome by Train with Guide

Ancient Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome by Train with Guide

Rome

Escape to Ostia Antica and see why experts are calling it "The Better Pompeii". It is just a step away from Rome and you'll travel...

€49 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [422 ratings]

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Ostia Antica Tour from Rome - Semi Private

Ostia Antica Tour from Rome - Semi Private

Rome

Discover the most important, ancient Roman city in Europe. Explore this once-busy port town with a small group (10 people or less) led by an...

€65 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [83 ratings]

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All-included Guided Tour of Ancient Ostia from Rome with Hotel Pickup & Drop Off

All-included Guided Tour of Ancient Ostia from Rome with Hotel Pickup & Drop Off

Rome

Walk around the old structures, similar to shops, showers, eateries, houses, and the theater. Your guide will set aside you back in opportun...

€259 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli

Rome, Lazio, Italy[20.7 miles]

A restored 16th-century convent at the foot of Gianicolo Hill, on the edge of trendy Trastevere.

Official star rating:

Hotel San Anselmo

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.

Official star rating:

Hotel Santa Maria

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.

Official star rating:

Mama Shelter

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

The Vatican

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

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Capitoline Museums

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

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Centrale Montemartini

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Knights of Malta Monastery keyhole
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Ponte Fabricio

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Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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