Rome: Side Trips

Some of the best Roman ruins are just outside the city of Rome. Though locals go to Ostia Antica for its beaches, you are better off stopping before hitting the shore. In town, you will roll into the best rubble this side of Pompei. You can get a sense of how people lived their daily lives in the remains of ancient apartments, while the amphitheater from Augustus' time lets you test out acoustics good enough for an emperor. The best way to get to there is by a local train, which leaves from Rome's Piramide station, and takes about 30 minutes. After getting off at Ostia Antica's station, use the blue footbridge to cross the road and walk down Via della Stazione di Ostia Antica until you see an entrance on your left.

• 1. Ostia Antica
  Rome, Italy 41.76347912.301621 ostia-antica.org