While many tourists head to Pompeii to see an ancient Roman city, the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port, makes an excellent alternative and is easily accessible from Rome. Although more compact than Pompeii, the complex is still huge and you can easily spend several hours wandering around the many old streets and alleys, shops, and houses.

Unlike Pompeii, Ostia Antica was not buried by a volcano but suffered from more gradual decay when it was abandoned around the 5th century due to the harbor silting up and other ports being built. Another difference is that ancient Pompeii was more of a resort city for wealthy Romans whereas Ostia Antica gives you a look at a typical Roman city.