Neighbourhood Spotlight on Ostiense

For those who are keen to strike a balance between escaping the tourist crowds and still having plenty to see and do, Ostiense is the answer. Catch the metro to Piramide Station and explore a more urban side of Rome in an unrecognizable but ever-growing area with ancient relics, innumerable Instagram-worthy street corners, and a wide array of international eateries. Welcome to Ostiense – a fresh, new take on “picturesque Rome”.

Go Sightseeing to Discover Rome’s Most Iconic Monuments

You’ll be astounded by the number of important monuments this city has to offer!

From ancient ruins and historical basilicas to victory columns and arches, Rome is overflowing with monuments just waiting to be discovered. The most famous monument that makes its way across nearly every souvenir from the city is the Colosseum, the massive amphitheater that once housed the gladiatorial games nearly 2,000 years ago. Today, you are able to explore all of the tiers of the Colosseum including the arena floor, and even see the mechanisms and cages that remain underground to this day.

Right next door to the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, two important archaeological sites turned tourist attractions that house ruins from the heart of ancient Roman society. To get the best understanding of these amazing monuments, we recommend you join one of our skip-the-line Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum tours. Or for a completely unique experience, uncover the Colosseum at night on our Colosseum Under the Moon Night Tour!

Another breathtaking monument located in Rome’s historic city center is the Pantheon. This nearly 2,000-year-old building was once a temple dedicated to all gods but was later converted into a Catholic church that still functions today. Once you enter inside for free, you’ll find a massive unreinforced concrete dome complete with an opening in its center called the oculus. Besides being a beautiful sight to see, the Pantheon also contains the graves of many important historical figures such as Raphael, the great Renaissance painter, and Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.

What to See & Do in Ostiense

Street Art

Public Transport "Museum"

Pyramid of Cestius

Protestant Cemetary

Centrale Montemartini

Eataly

 

Before you exit Piramide Station, step over for a quick look at the public transport museum – for free! Three vintage tramcars are open to explore and provide stellar photo opportunities!

Pyramid of Cestius

The only ancient Egyptian-style pyramid in Europe offers an unexpected greeting at the exit of Piramide Metro Station. It was originally built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius in 12 BC, making it one of the most well-preserved ancient structures in the city. Entry to visit the interior burial chamber should be booked in advance but, to be honest, the sheer site of a pyramid in Rome is enough to “wow” anyone!

Protestant Cemetery

A stunning cemetery spans in the shadow of the Pyramid. Walking amongst the graves is less morbid than it seems, as the walled perimeter and lush greenery offer a serene escape from the buzzing city. Angelic sculptures and poetic inscriptions mark the gravestones of Rome’s non-Catholics, including John Keats and the son of Goethe. Even Percy Shelley wrote “It might make one in love with death, to think that one should be buried in so sweet a place” before he died and was also put to rest here.

Centrale Montemartini

Ancient Roman sculpture on display in an old power plant just screams modern-day-hipster! Whether you’re a novelty-seeking millennial or not, classical art has an undeniable allure that this quirky, industrial gallery does not fail to highlight.

Eataly

Grocery shopping has never been so exciting! Stock up on authentic Italian specialties like Calabrian salami, handmade pasta, and artisanal cheeses in addition to coffee, biscotti, and, of course, wine! This place has it all. Try free samples or sit down for lunch at one of the Eataly restaurants before making a stop at the pasticceria for dessert!

Street Art

Ostiense has a lot to offer, but its street art can’t go unnoticed nor un-noted. International artists have decked the neighborhood with colorful murals of epic proportions. Big-hitting artists like Sten & Lex, Blu, Axel Void, and C215 have all got in on the action. Lace-up your walking boots or hop on a Vespa and let the explorations begin!

Eat & Drink

Porto Fluviale Ristorante Pizzeria

Pizza Ostiense

Ramen Bar Akira

Redrum

Romeow Cat Bistrot

Pasticceria Andreotti

La Romana Gelateria

 

Romeow Cat Bistrot

Via Francesco Negri 15. This vegan bistro not only serves up amazing international creations made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, but they also let you play with their feline friends. Reservations are required!

Ramen Bar Akira

Via Ostiense 73f. Tired of Italian food? Treat yourself to some soul-soothing ramen!

Redrum

Via Ostiense 73. Kick back with a classic burger, fried snacks, and a refreshing variety of beer.

La Romana Gelateria

Via Ostiense 48. Rome’s favorite ice cream! Ask them to fill your cone from the chocolate fountain before topping it off with their authentic, homemade gelato.

Pasticceria Andreotti

Via Ostiense 54. Italians tend to eat sweets for breakfast, but this bakery is open all day long so you can come back for dessert, too. The hard part is deciding which sweets to try!

Where to Drink

Tram Depot

Doppiozeroo

L'Alchemista

Makai Surf and Tiki Bar

 

Doppiozeroo

Via Ostiense 68. Our favorite aperitivo AKA “Happy Hour” spot in Ostiense! For 10 euros you get a drink and access to a well-stocked buffet. Can’t beat it.

L’Alchemista

Via Bartolomeo Bossi 6. Night-owls can enjoy impressive cocktails in this esoteric-themed haunt late into the evening.

Makai Surf and Tiki Bar

Rome’s first tiki bar is like an exotic getaway with a Hawaiian-themed atmosphere fresh cocktails to boot!

Author: April Nicole

April is an American writer and photographer who has lived in Rome since 2013. She enjoys exploring the museums of the city, as well as indulging in authentic Italian cuisine!