Shall we make time to see Ostia Antica if seeing Pompeii?

Ostia Antica is so very different from Pompeii, and so is Herculeum. If you have the time, and you have the interest I say: go ahead and do both, or all three. Ostia and Herculeum will be much less crowded. I like Ostia especially for the wide expanse of the site and the beautiful mosaics. There's also a two-story building (think it was a house) that gives you a beautiful view of the layout. Now that I think over the past visits, Ostia is probably my favorite.

Robert and I are in total agreement regarding Ostia Antica but if you have time, visit both. For a guide in the Amalfi area, Rick recommends MondoGuide. They e received very favorable reviews on tjis site and offer special Rick deals.

Read about it and look at plenty of photos beforehand. Ruins are not for everyone, even the famous ones. I loved Ostia Antica, had it nearly all to myself on a misty day in November. For the most part my wife sat on a bench near the entrance reading a novel. She may well have finished it at the time. No tour guide for me.

All three places are very different from each other.

Some people will have had enough after one, some want 2 or all 3 plus the museum in Naples.

You should chat among yourselves before and after each visit, honestly, and see how both (all?) of you feel about visiting the next one....

Personally I'd do all three as they are all totally different. Pompeii and Herculaneum can both be done in one day. Get an early start and do Pompeii and then take the afternoon for Herculaneum. Ostia Antica will only take a half to three quarters of a day and is easily accessible by public transit. As Nigel stated, everyone's curiosity and capacity are different so try to stay flexible.

Thank you so much for all your advice! We do love history and old ruins - so now I will definitely make time for Ostia Antica as well - if not all 3. Ive been trying to do a lot of research for this trip and reading a lot - I’m having a hard time trying to research everything I need to know - so I appreciate the help and advice.. Two more questions - on the day we do Ostia Antica - is the coast nearby and is it worth stopping by the coastline? Is there a nice place to go to eat for lunch outside of Ostia Antica ruins that anyone can recommend ? Doesn’t have to be anything fancy ! Grazie...

Not sure about the beach as we didn't go there. If memory serves correctly there is an ok little café on the grounds for sandwiches, soups, and such. Ostia Antica does not require a guide -- the RS Rome guide book should be sufficient.

Thank you !

Yes, the small cafe on the grounds of Ostia Antica is just fine. Same with the one at Herculaneum. Don't know about Pompeii.

The beach is two more stops down the line (I think, could be one) but some distance from OA. OA is surrounded more by housing than business. There is a cafe on the back side by the river. It is very shady as compared to no shade at Pompeii. It is a nice, relaxing park like escape from the rush of Rome. A half day is sufficient.

Other than seeing the beach and the water, March is off season and most places at the shore would be closed. I made the mistake of visiting in early October and thought it to be a waste of time. You’ll see beautiful sea views on your stay in Sorrento.

Thanks, again ! You all have been very helpful in my planning !

Used the RS audio for both Ostia Antica and Pompeii. Found both very good and had no sense I would have done significantly better with a live guide.

If there were live guides at Ostia Antica I dd not see them.