Top Things to See in Ostia Antica: A Self-Guided Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Rome, visiting Ostia Antica is a must. As someone who’s explored these ancient ruins firsthand, I can confidently say there are so many things to see in Ostia Antica. This well-preserved archaeological site allows you to walk through the remains of an ancient port city and get a true sense of daily life in ancient Rome.

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In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit and highlight the best spots not to miss.

Early Christian basilica ruins in Ostia Antica, showcasing religious diversity in Roman history. — Ostia Antica, Christian basilica, photo by Map And Camera

Table of Contents

How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome

To get to Ostia Antica from Rome, take the Metromare (Rome-Lido) train line from Porta San Paolo train station. It’s about a 30-minute ride and super easy to reach by public transport. Just hop off at the “Ostia Antica” stop and follow the signs for the archaeological park. It’s only a short 10-minute walk from the station to the ticket office.

Pro tip: The site is only 25 km from Rome, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day visit. This ancient city is an amazing alternative to Pompeii, especially if you’re tight on time.

Ancient inscription wall at Ostia Antica, offering insights into Roman history. — Ostia Antica, inscription wall, photo by Map And Camera

Exploring the Ruins of Ostia Antica

Once you enter the Ostia Antica archaeological park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1st century AD. The ruins of Ostia Antica are incredibly well-preserved, giving you a real glimpse into what an ancient Roman town looked like.

Start your tour of Ostia Antica at the Baths of Neptune. Built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD, these public baths are famous for their stunning black-and-white mosaics. You can still see intricate designs depicting Neptune riding sea creatures. The mosaics here are some of the best in the entire park.

Mosaic floors at the Baths of Neptune in Ostia Antica, an iconic Roman artistic site. — Ostia Antica, Baths of Neptune mosaic, photo by Map And Camera

Must-See Highlights in Ostia Antica

To fully experience the things to see in Ostia Antica, make sure to explore the following highlights:

The Roman Theater: This ancient structure was built in the late 1st century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It could hold up to 4,000 spectators and was used for various performances.

Ostia Antica amphitheater, a well-preserved Roman structure and a top thing to see in Ostia Antica. — Ostia Antica amphitheater, photo by Map And Camera

Climb to the top rows for a fantastic view of the surrounding ruins and the nearby ancient warehouses. The acoustics are so good that performances still take place here today.

The Forum of the Corporations: Just behind the theater, this was the commercial center of Ostia Antica. It housed offices of shipping companies and trade guilds, each identified by beautifully preserved floor mosaics depicting their specific trades—everything from ships to exotic animals. These mosaics date back to the 2nd century AD and still show remarkable detail.

Central forum area at Ostia Antica, a key landmark when visiting Ostia Antica ruins. — Ostia Antica, Forum area, photo by Map And Camera

Capitolium: This massive temple was dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva and was the religious heart of the ancient city. The Capitolium stands tall among the ruins, and you can still see fragments of its original marble decorations.

The Capitolium temple in Ostia Antica, reflecting ancient Roman religious structures. — Ostia Antica Capitolium, photo by Map And Camera

House of Diana: This multi-story Roman house is one of the best-preserved examples of residential architecture in the park. It dates back to the 2nd century AD and provides insight into how ancient Romans lived. You can explore the courtyards, staircases, and even the remnants of a small shrine.

Roman courtyard ruins in Ostia Antica, a peaceful and historic spot in the archaeological site. — Ostia Antica, courtyard view, photo by Map And Camera

Thermopolium (Ancient Roman Tavern): This was a popular spot for locals to grab a quick meal. The ancient marble countertops are still visible, and you can almost imagine ancient Romans leaning against them as they enjoyed a hot meal.

Marble-decorated walls in Ostia Antica, showcasing exquisite Roman craftsmanship. — Ostia Antica, marble mosaic walls, photo by Map And Camera

Public Latrines: One of the surprisingly well-preserved features is the communal latrines. These public toilets offer a glimpse into Roman social practices and hygiene.

Baths of Neptune: Besides the stunning mosaics, explore the bathing chambers and courtyards. The baths were a central part of Roman social life, and you can still see the clever system of underground heating.

Detailed mosaic floor at Ostia Antica ruins, a highlight for those exploring Roman artistry. — Ostia Antica mosaic floor, photo by Map And Camera

House of Amor and Psyche: This beautiful villa features some of the best-preserved frescoes and mosaics in the entire park. It’s tucked away from the main path, so be sure to seek it out for a quieter experience.

Temple of Rome and Augustus at Ostia Antica, a highlight when comparing Ostia Antica vs Pompeii. — Ostia Antica, Temple of Rome and Augustus, photo by Map And Camera

Hidden Gems in Ostia Antica

Take your time to explore the less crowded areas of the park.

Wander down side streets to find hidden ruins and quieter spots. You’ll discover remnants of ancient marble fragments, old Roman roads, and fascinating inscriptions that date back centuries. The archaeological site also includes several lesser-known public baths and residential areas.

Tomb of the Arches at Ostia Antica, one of the fascinating things to see in Ostia Antica. — Tomb of the Arches at Ostia Antica, photo by Map And Camera

In these quieter sections, you can still see original frescoes that transport you back to the time when this ancient city was thriving.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Opening times: The park usually opens at 8:30 AM and closes around sunset. Be sure to check the official website for current hours.
Tickets: You can buy tickets at the entrance or online in advance. An adult ticket costs €18. It is free to visit every first Sunday of the month. You can get an audioguide for €7 for the long route or €5 for the short route. If you’re interested in a deeper experience, consider an Ostia Antica tour.
What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes. The site is vast, so be prepared to walk a lot. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you’re visiting in summer.
Food: There’s a café in the archaeological park and vending machines for snacks and refreshments at the entrance. Eating or bringing a picnic inside the archaeological area is strictly prohibited.

Ostia Antica ruins of the School of Trajan, a fascinating historical landmark. — Ostia Antica school of Trajan, photo by Map And Camera

Why Choose Ostia Antica Over Pompeii?

Many travelers wonder whether to visit Ostia Antica or Pompeii. From my experience, Ostia Antica is just as fascinating but without the massive crowds.

It’s a more relaxed and immersive experience where you can explore at your own pace. You’ll get a genuine feel for the daily life of ancient Romans in this ancient port. Plus, it’s much closer to Rome, making it an easy and rewarding day trip.

Detailed carvings on a Roman arch at Ostia Antica, showcasing its rich historical significance. — Ostia Antica, Portico connecting the Basilica to the Forum square, photo by Map And Camera

Final Thoughts

Visiting Ostia Antica is like stepping into a time machine back to ancient Rome. There are so many things to see in Ostia Antica, from grand temples to humble taverns. Whether you’re a history affectionate or just looking for an easy day trip from Rome, the ruins of Ostia Antica are a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss. So, make sure to add it to your Rome itinerary!