Are you not entertained?
Seriously though… if you’re not, lmk.
Welcome to Rome, a city that has kept its ancient heritage through the centuries. Rome offers an electric cultural experience accompanied by a world-class food scene.
In honor of the upcoming release of Gladiator II, there’s no better time to visit the Colosseum.
The best way to explore this city (if able) is on foot. Grab your favorite pair of Roman sandals and walk, WITH ME.
(The Colosseum photo by @Andrew Ebner)
Activity Recs
Colosseum - A wonder of the world that has stood for thousands of years. As you enter this arena, take a moment to appreciate what the ancient Romans achieved by building the structure. Don’t pander to the many gimmicky salespeople telling you to buy Colosseum tickets at their shop or on the street. They are not your friends. Book on the website I linked or go directly to the box office.
And remember, what we do in life echoes in eternity.
Arch of Constantino - Stop by on your way to the Colosseum, snap a picture, and google Constantine The Great. Also, swing by the Domus Aurea. I wasn’t aware of this museum until I arrived, but I enjoyed the structures and greenery open to visitors.
Trevi Fountain - The fountain marks the location of an aqueduct that fed water to ancient Rome. It’s cool, but touristy. Be mindful like the stoics and appreciate the quality of architecture, and blue water. Snap a pic, toss a penny, and move on!
Pantheon - Home of an Oculus and the place I decided to Tebow in front of. Visit for FREE on the first Sunday of each month. The Pantheon is one the most well-kept ancient structures as it’s stayed in use for thousands of years as a church.
Old-school elevators - My lodging in the city included an old-school elevator I learned to love. Turns out seeing how the sausage is made with a skeleton elevator makes one feel at ease.
(Honorable mention - Castel Sant’ Angelo)
Food Recs
The Sanctuary / Voodoo bar ($$) - Epic spot to end a day in Rome. A local waitress recommended this bar to grab a drink. It’s a fun walk through a dark park into an outdoor bar with bungalows, pools, jungle vibes, and a DJ. Whether you’re looking for a party or an NA cocktail - this is the spot.
Coilline Emiliane ($$) - Spotted by my mate in a Rome alley. We locked eyes with a Michelin sign and the rest is history. Their homemade pasta offerings and local wine are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the local flair. Best to make a reservation.
Barnum Coffee ($) - Grab a pistachio pastry and a cappuccino. Or, if you’re trying to blend in as a local (you won’t), have an espresso.
The Roman Guy Recs ($-$$$)- Additional vetted resource for local Rome food options.
Dissuasions
Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums - Unless visiting in the off-season, I do not recommend booking a general tour of the chapel or the museums. It’s one of the busiest and sweatiest walks I’ve done through beautiful history that was lost to human frustrations.
If you choose to visit despite this dissuasion, I get it. I recommend booking a ticket directly and avoiding 3rd party local salesfolk.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
(Entree from Coilline Emiliane photo by @Andrew Ebner)
Song Rec:
Recognise - Sons Of The East. This band got me with an Instagram ad - innovative?
Enjoying this tune and the rest of their music the past couple of weeks.
Movie Rec:
Gladiator II - Already released in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. America is up next with our release date set for November, 22nd. If you haven’t seen the first movie, the time is now.
Reading Rec:
The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday. Holiday has become the modern voice of ancient stoics. He shares daily stoic quotes and interpretations that are helpful to ponder as one starts the day. Memento Mori.
Quote to consider:
“The jungle at night is the greatest freak show on earth. When the sun goes down the landscape welcomes a churning nightshift of murdering, slithering, creeping, fornicating, stalking, swimming, glowing life. To walk the Amazon by night is to enter a world where you are gravely disadvantaged compared to millions of sensory savants.”
― Paul Rosolie, Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon