Naick & Kim

experience

“Next up, the Trevi Fountain. Built in the 1700s, the Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, standing nearly 30 m or 100 ft tall. But here's what most tourists get wrong. They show up at noon... and hate it. The crowds are massive, and these days, the area around the fountain is roped off during the day. The solution is to go early, around 7 or 8:00 a.m.”

experience

“This might be the most mind-blowing building in all of Rome. A sacred temple built at the height of the Roman Empire as a gateway to the gods. Today, the Pantheon is nearly 2,000 years old, but unlike the Colosseum, it's not a ruin. It survived earthquakes, barbarian invasions, and is fully intact.”

restaurant

“One of our favorite pasta places is Da Fortunata. They've got ladies out front hand rolling fresh pasta, and their carbonara is to die for. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy guanchale. Also try the amatriciana here with a spicy tomato sauce.”

shopping

“Now for street food, you want to head to the Testaccio market. They've got suppli, which is a crispy risoto ball filled with mozzarella, super popular with the locals. Pizza by the slice, porchetta sandwiches.”

cafe

“And for dessert, Venchi was our favorite gelato, hands down. They've got a giant chocolate fountain that made me want to lick the wall.”

restaurant

“We had probably the best pizza of our lives at Ivo a Trastevere. You actually walk through the kitchen to get to your table, so you're watching the chefs fire pizzas into the oven as you pass. The place was packed with Italians. Crispy paper thin crust, gooey mozzarella. It's pizza that lives up to the hype.”

experience

“Next up, the Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world. This arena could hold 80,000 people, making it the size of a modern sports stadium. Except instead of football, the Romans watched gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and even mock naval battles here. We highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum.”

experience

“Number nine, the Roman Forum. The Colosseum had the spectacles, but the Forum held the power. This was the beating heart of ancient Rome, the center of politics, religion, and daily life. Today, the Forum is like an enormous open air museum filled with temples, arches, and government buildings that date back millennia.”

experience

“At the center is the towering church of Sant Agnese in Agone.”

experience

“Piazza Navona is located in the heart of Rome's historic city center and it's such a gorgeous square. At the center is the towering church of Sant Agnese in Agone. The energy on Piazza Navona is incredible. Street musicians, painters. There's cafes lining the square where you can sit down for aperitivo...”

experience

“If you skip this one, you'll miss the heart and soul of Rome. Trastevere is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, and it still feels like old school Italy.”

experience

“Start on St. Peter's Square. Bernini shaped the 284 columns like open arms welcoming the world. Here you'll see the Pope's Palace, his official residence.”

experience

“Next up, Castel Sant Angelo. Castel Sant Angelo started as Emperor Hadrian's tomb. Basically, it was a giant burial chamber for just one guy. Then, it became a medieval fortress and even an emergency bunker for the Pope himself.”

experience

“On the southern side of the gardens, you'll find number two, Piazza del Popolo. This might look like just another grand square, but Piazza del Popolo used to be the first thing travelers saw when they entered Rome.”

restaurant

“And what's even cooler is that this street is home to what many call the best sandwich shop in all of Italy, All'Antico Vinaio. We've eaten there five times in different cities and it never disappoints.”

experience

“Number one, the Altar of the Fatherland. It's bold, bright, unapologetically massive, and pretty much everyone in Rome hates it. You'll walk past this on your way to the Colosseum.”

day trip

“This morning we're going to the Vatican. We're gonna pay a visit to the Pope.”

experience

“Right now we're at the Spanish Steps, a beautiful, famous spot in Rome, and all of Rome has come out here to admire it.”

outdoor adventure

“So these are the grounds of Villa Borghese. This is actually the largest park in all of Rome, and it's considered the green lung of the city walking around here. You would never say that we're actually only a few steps away from the super busy Piazza. These gardens are totally free to enter. And it is super tranquil. Super peaceful, a totally different vibe. I absolutely love it here.”

restaurant

“We were just on our way to the Colosseum and we passed by Roscioli, which is supposed to be some of the best pizza Al Taglio, pizza by the slice, in all of Rome.”

restaurant

“We have come to Tonnarello, which is one of the most popular restaurants in Rome. It's over a hundred years old.”

restaurant

“This place right behind me is called Casa Manco. It's supposed to have some of the best pizza by the slice in all of the market. It's actually really famous.”

restaurant

“To me this is one of the shops that actually looks best. It's called Altro pasta e vino. And they have these massive trays with all sorts of Italian goodies, like pasta, but also meats, some very rich sauces. So we're gonna get something here. This place had a lot of people queuing up. These are ravioli. It's a type of pasta with a filling. So they take big sheets of pasta. And put a filling in there, it's filled with egg, ricotta and artichoke, and then with a buttery sauce on top. Smells good. Wow. And that sauce is so rich and creamy.”

cafe

“Pasticceria Regoli is famous for one thing in particular, this whipped cream dream called the maritozzo. A sweet, soft brioche bun sliced in half, and filled with about a gallons worth of whipped cream. Oh, the softness. Mm. And the sweetness of the cream. It's really popular for breakfast. You can have it for lunch or just as therapy. ... These wild strawberries have so much flavor, but actually the maritozzo to was even better. If you wanna try these, best to go quite early in the morning because by midday they often run out.”

experience

“So we're now in one of the most beautiful squares in all of Rome. This is Piazza della Rotonda, which has the Pantheon.”

shopping

“There's De Bijenkorf, which is a really fancy upscale department store.”

experience

“And also the Royal Palace, which dates back to the 17th century, the golden age of the Netherlands.”

shopping

“it's also only a short walk to the famous 9th Street area, which is one of the most beautiful parts of the Amsterdam Canal District... It is so cozy. There are so many beautiful places here to have a meal, to have a drink.”

experience

“Here you have the 15th century New Church, which is hardly new, but anyways.”

experience

“starting off at the Dam Square, which is the heart of the historic city center of Amsterdam. It's this really beautiful square surrounded by some of the best architecture in the city.”

restaurant

“These fries are from Fabel Friet. It's a very famous shop. They're really popular on Instagram or TikTok or something. We took one with parmesan and truffle with mayo. That is good.”

experience

“And as well as the Amsterdam Lookout Tower, where you can go up and have dinner there. In the tower that turns around 360 degrees... Take the elevator up to the lookout of the Adam Tower for a 360 panoramic view of the city. And if you dare, swing over the edge 100 meters above the city on Europe's highest swing.”

experience

“This is The Walletjes, which is the neighborhood that the red-light district, the sex district in Amsterdam, is a part of. Now, in any other city, I would probably tell you to avoid the red-light district, but not in Amsterdam. Here it is not a dirty or super seedy or dangerous neighborhood at all. It is actually a pretty big stop on any tourist itinerary of the city.”

experience

“There's the Anne Frank House.”

experience

“There's the Van Gogh Museum.”

cafe

“Winkel 43, which is really famous for one particular dish. Dutch apple pie... But this place sells hundreds of slices of this baby every single day... This is the best apple pie I've ever had.”

experience

“This is the Keizers Gracht. Called the Keizers Gracht. You'd think for that price they'd be straight, but...”

cafe

“We just came across this really famous bakery called Hans Egstorf. They have this koffiekoeken with chocolate inside. It's really good. No wonder they have 6,000 reviews on Google.”

experience

“Here you can admire the stunning Cuypers Library that most people miss.”

restaurant

“Alright, we have come to the Foodhallen, literally the food halls. They've got dozens and dozens of street food shops here. And of course, also some Dutch traditional classics.”

experience

“You also have the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum here.”

experience

“This one is the Rijksmuseum. It is to Amsterdam where the Louvre is to Paris. The Rijksmuseum is one of the finest museums in the world. Home to over 8,000 masterpieces... trust me, even if museums aren't your thing, the Rijksmuseum will blow you away.”

restaurant

“Now we have come to Febo, which is an experience that I've never seen anywhere in the world. Literally a wall full of hot snacks. And the cool thing is they have these all over Amsterdam, actually. And they're open until 3 or 4 am.”

shopping

“We have come to the Cuyp market here in Amsterdam, which has dozens of little stalls. You can try so many wonderful snacks here.”

bar

“It's not just a windmill. It actually houses one of the most famous breweries in all of Amsterdam. And they also have a bar there... All right, we took the tripel, which is the original beer which has been brewed here for over 50 years.”

restaurant

“This restaurant is actually called Stamppot Amsterdam. So they specialize in these kinds of dishes. They've got more really nice comfort dishes here.”

experience

“Casa Batllo is one of Gaudi's most spectacular buildings, but crowds really kill the magic here. We visited at 9:00 a.m., which is right when it opens, but it was already packed with tour groups. What we didn't know is that there's also an 8:30 a.m. ticket, the first entry ticket that lets you go in half an hour before the door is officially open to everybody else. So, you can actually see it in peace.”

day trip

“Day trip to Montserrat (including all transportation)”

hotel

“Where we stayed? Park Hotel in the El Born district”

restaurant

“Or you can walk to Cal Pep, a restaurant in the El Born district. Not only do they have amazing seafood tapas, but you can also sit at the bar and watch them cook right in front of you. And the staff are super kind and helpful here.”

experience

“One of my favorite things to do is just stroll the Passeig de Gracia. It has these grand buildings and on one side you find find this fairy tale towers and then you turn a corner and then you find tiny pedestrian alleyways that feel like secret.”

experience

“when you come to the beautiful famous Pont del Bisbe. Definitely take some pictures here.”

experience

“But our personal favorite is the El Born district because it has these beautiful narrow alleys that Barcelona is so famous for. It is low on crowds and high on really good restaurants.”

restaurant

“Instead, we're going to get off the street and walk 5 minutes to get to Bar Canete. This is the best tapas restaurant that we have been to in Barcelona. It's so good. I honestly don't want to share it. But you do want to make reservations in advance.”

experience

“Sagrada Familia entry ticket”

experience

“Do not visit Park Guell at 11:00 a.m. Park Guell is one of Gaudi's masterpieces. this incredible park with fairy tale architecture. But a lot of people actually end up really disappointed here because they come at the wrong time.”

bar

“We have come to Caza Alfonso. And when you walk in, you're immediately impressed by how beautiful this looks. Looks like an old school bar. It's kind of fancy. All the wood panneling. They have the jamons right behind me.”

restaurant

“We've come to El Quim, a tapas bar here in the middle of the Boqueria market. And what I love here is that we sit at the bar. So you have this amazing view into the kitchen and you can see all this food displayed in front of you.”

shopping

“the market we're going to next has been running since the 13th century. This is La Boqueria Market. Over 300 stalls, it has been running since the 13th century and it is pure sensory overload.”

restaurant

“our first stop is Pepita. I have done hours of research. Lots of locals that actually live here in the city recommend this place. So tapas are small plates to share.”

restaurant

“And now, get ready for our favorite place to eat in all of Barcelona. We're now going to reveal one of our hidden gems. We've actually been here before... It's called La Esquinica. It's been in business since 1972.”

restaurant

“So now we have come to Etxea Taberna. This is from the Basque region in the northwest of Spain. These are pinchos. Pinchos is actually the Basque word for toothpicks. And you can see each of them has a toothpick in there.”

experience

“Don't miss the Gothic Cathedral and this beautiful bridge, the Pont del Bisbe.”

outdoor adventure

“Okay, now we're on the famous La Rambla. This is a street 3/4 of a mile long in the heart of Barcelona. The locals both love it and avoid it. On one hand, it is iconic, it is super vibrant, but this is also where you're going to find the highest concentration of overpriced restaurants and pickpockets in all of Barcelona.”

experience

“This show, the Gran Gala Flamenco, takes place at the Palau de la Música Catalana. Look at this setting. But the setting is just the beginning.”

experience

“Now it is time for real Spanish flamenco. We're going to watch a show here in one of the most beautiful theaters in all of Spain. This here is supposed to be the real deal. The Gran Gala Flamenco is one of the biggest productions in the country. A proper show on a proper opera stage.”

experience

“Trinidad Square is one of the liveliest squares in Cartagena and is considered the heart of Getsemani. The streets around the square are always full of people making it the ideal spot to just sit back and watch the world go by around you.”

experience

“The area our hotel is located in is called Getsemani. It used to have a reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods... But now, it's gentrified and a hip and upcoming area known for its colorful street art and vibrant nightlife.”

shopping

“If you want to take a tour of the Bazurto market, we recommend this one.”

barPartnership likely

“You can go to the popular bar Café del Mar that's located on top of the city wall. It's really nice but it's also pretty expensive at $5 a beer. There are also local entrepreneurs selling beers for just a dollar and a half and you even get a discount when you buy several.”

cafe

“For breakfast, we went to a small cafe located inside one of these beautiful colonial homes Cafe de la Mañana, literally the morning cafe. Naick had a coffee and I had an Afogato which is something you see a lot in Colombia... That's the best coffee I have ever had.”

experience

“If you really want to see the best bit you need to go to the streets surrounding the cathedral. The closer you get to this... the more these cobblestone alleyways start looking like a movie scene. For example, you can visit the beautiful cathedral.”

experience

“And if you climb on top of the seven mile fortified wall that encircles the Old Town you even get a view of the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Not too shabby...”

experience

“This is Plaza de la Aduana. For the Spaniards who founded Cartagena this was the most important square in all of South America.”

outdoor adventure

“We went to the Parque Centenario across the road to eat the cheese thing but we were in for a surprise. They're saying there's a sloth here actually in this park. How crazy is that? Oh my god! In the middle of the city!”

experience

“If you're into museums, there are two really popular ones in the Old Town. There's the Museo de Oro, or the Gold Museum a free museum isn't just cool because of its gold it also has great AC.”

experience

“stop by the most famous statue in Cartagena. This is the statue of big Gertrudis. It is said she brings luck but only if you touch her in a certain spot.”

experience

“Number six, the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums weren't built as museums. They began as a private collection of Pope Julius II in the 1500s. Today, they're one of the greatest art museums in the world with an estimated value of ov...”

experience

“And at the back of the square stands the largest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica. Step inside and your jaw will drop. Gold ceilings everywhere, massive marble statues, and light streaming into a cathedral so big it could fit 10 normal-sized churches. The best part is that St. Peter's Square and the Basilica are completely free to enter.”

experience

“So right around the corner here is the Sistine Chapel, one of the most beautiful, famous spots in the Vatican. It was named after Pope Sixtus, built in the 15th century and it's world famous because Michelangelo spent four years of his life painting the ceiling here.”

experience

“This is St. Peter's Square, the heart of Vatican City. That right there is one of the most popular, one of the most famous buildings, probably in all of Rome, St. Peter's Basilica.”