Travel Blog Post: Ostia, Italy

### Getting Around with Bird Scooters

Bird scooters, accessible through a downloadable app, provide an affordable and empowering transportation option, especially for those with chronic foot pain. These scooters are cheaper than taxis and available at all times. Using the Bird map, you can find available scooters, scan the bar code to start your ride, and leave the scooter at your destination for someone else to use.

### Beach Life in Ostia

Ostia is known for its beautiful beach, lined with beach clubs where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day. It's best to reserve your spot if you want to be close to the sea. Even if you're farther back, you still have access to washrooms, showers, and a snack bar with a full range of beverages.

### Exploring the Town

The town square in Ostia is bustling with restaurants and shops. There is a shopping area on Piazza Ancomarzio as well many side streets where men's stores are very fashionable, while the women's stores are less avant-garde. Mini markets make it easy to grab fresh fruits, veggies, eggs, and bread. In the mornings, locals often gather at coffee shops.

### Transportation

Ostia has a metro station that connects you to the airport and Rome Termini with one transfer, taking about an hour. During rush hour on weekdays, the metro is faster than taking a taxi. We tried a taxi once but had to switch to the metro due to heavy traffic.

### Day Trip to Florence

A day trip to Florence is highly recommended. It took a few hours to get there by metro and train, but the memorable sites, including Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, made it worth the journey. In Florence, we had an excellent meal at Mammamia.

### Dining in Ostia

In Ostia, the restaurant Zero Nodi is the absolute best. Located in a promenade near the beach at Piazza Ancomarzio, we went back a few times because of its excellent food and ambiance.