Ostiense often stands out as one of the more residential districts of
Rome. It's not exactly a suburb, per se, but it's the closest thing to one near the city center. Don't mistake it as a quiet and boring neighborhood, though, because it's far from it. Ostiense still boasts its fair share of tourist attractions and noteworthy landmarks. including St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Centrale Montemartini Museum, and more. They're not as famous as those in Centro Storico, but they're still fascinating just the same. They add a touch of liveliness to Ostiense, which is already an interesting destination on its own.
Where is Ostiense in Rome?
Ostiense is one of
Rome's central neighborhoods, located only 6.1 kilometers away from the city center, Centro Storico. Though it's right smack in the middle of the city, surrounded by the busiest districts, Ostiense stands out as one of the more peaceful and largely residential parts of town. Many even consider it as part of the suburbs of Rome even though it's still a central district. Nevertheless, it's the quiet atmosphere
and its proximity to the city's most popular areas that make it a popular place to live. Ostiense borders neighborhoods like Monteverde, Trastevere, and Appio-Latino, among many others.
Is it Safe in Ostiense, Rome?
Yes, but the truth is more complicated than that. Overall, Ostiense is considered a safe part of the city. Since
Rome's crime rates are only mid-range and are some of the lowest among the world's capital cities, this makes many of its neighborhoods generally safe too. With that said, this doesn't mean that Ostiense is crime-free. Much like many of Rome's central districts, Ostiense is still plagued with petty crimes, namely pickpocketing & thievery. Fortunately, the situation here isn't as intense as those in other areas, so it's still a good and safe place to live in the Italian capital.
What's The Vibe in Ostiense, Rome?
As already mentioned, Ostiense is one of the more residential neighborhoods in Rome. It's the closest thing to a
Rome suburb at the heart of the city, though it doesn't mean it's boring here either. Ostiense may be largely residential, but it's still pretty lively with its fair share of trendy hotspots and even a few tourist attractions. Though it doesn't have any of Rome's most famous landmarks, Ostiense remains as local as ever, further evoking the suburban-like vibe that it's known for. If you want to see a less touristy and more underrated side of the Italian capital, this is the best place for you.
Is it Expensive in Ostiense in Rome?
Ostiense is a typical Roman neighborhood in that it's fairly pricey here without being too expensive. The
living costs in Rome are already quite high, but some areas are far from what you'd consider expensive. Ostiense is one such district. You can never say that it's cheap here, but it's still more budget-friendly than, say, Prati or Centro Storico. If you eat out here, for example, you can expect to usually pay about €15.00 to €25.00 per meal in an affordable or mid-range restaurant. Want to go shopping in Ostiense, Rome? The malls here have famous brands but they're not exclusively luxurious or designer.
What to See in Ostiense, Rome
If Ostiense doesn't have the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and all the other iconic landmarks in Rome, then is there anything worth seeing here at all? Yes, there is! Though largely underrated, Ostiense's many attractions still provide the history, grandiosity, and even a bit of the creativity that the “Eternal City” is known for. The majestic Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura is here, for example, which is one of Rome's major papal basilicas. Its distinctly Roman architecture is a refreshing contrast to the more baroque churches in other parts of the city. You can't miss the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, which is a slice of Ancient Egypt in the middle of the Italian capital. How's that for interesting?
What to Do in Ostiense, Rome
Though there's a lot to do in Ostiense in Rome, perhaps the best thing to do here is to take a break. Rome is the “Eternal City” for a reason! There's so much to see and do in the rest of the metropolis that a place like Ostiense would feel like a godsend! Finally, there's a place where you can slow down, relax, and simply enjoy the warmth and romance of the Italian capital. While there's still a lot to see in Ostiense too, you should take advantage of the area's slow pace and just relax!
Ostiense, Rome's Best Restaurants
Another way to truly enjoy Ostiense is to let out your inner foodie. While Centro Storico or Trastevere are more popular for their culinary scenes, Ostiense is not one to be overlooked. The area still offers a treasure trove of great places to eat, including some of the city's finest pizza places, traditional trattorias, and of course, a few of
Rome's best Michelin-starred restaurants. Pizzeria Ostiense on Via Ostiense is a standout, for example, since it's widely considered one of the best of its kind in the city. Tanuki Izakaya on Via del Gazometro, on the other hand, is a fairly rare Japanese restaurant that you simply shouldn't miss!
- Pizzeria Ostiense on Via Ostiense
- Bacetto Bistrot on Via Ostiense
- Hostaria da Enzo Roma on Via Ostiense
- Il Nido Gusto E Miscele on Via Ostiense
- Modo Ristorante Caffè on Via Ostiense
- Trattoria Zampagna on Via Ostiense
- Trattoria Pennestri on Via Giovanni da Empoli
- Osteria Fratelli Mori on Via dei Conciatori
- La Piccola Trattoria da Me on Via Rocco da Cesinale
- Tanuki Izakaya on Via del Gazometro
- Eataly Roma Ostiense on Piazzale 12 Ottobre 1492
What to Know About Ostiense, Rome Apartments
Since Ostiense is one of the more residential parts of Rome, it's no surprise that it's one of the best places to live in the city. Beyond the peaceful atmosphere, the area also boasts a diverse and surprisingly affordable real estate market. The average rent in Ostiense ranges from about €1,200.00 to €2,500.00 per month, depending on how big the property is and where it's located. And speaking of properties, Ostiense has many different kinds too. From cozy studio rentals to multi-bedroom
luxury apartments in Rome, it's relatively easy to get a place that you can afford here.
With its quiet atmosphere, chill vibe, and lovely homes, Ostiense is the closest thing to a full-on suburb in Rome. If you're looking for one of the best places to live in the city, look no further than Ostiense in Rome.
