Hello to all! I wil be traveling to Siena in a couple of weeks with my husband and 2 adult children, 19 & 23. We have all been to Europe before, appreciate the rich local experiences ala RS, but this is a first time in Italy for the kids. We purposely selected a hotel near Il Campo in case the kids would like to go out & explore on their own a bit. They are comfortable travelers, hipster-ish (!), love good music, the arts, and wine. My question is this: any nightspots recommended? I'm thinking near Il Campo, college age or older, drinks, music, fun, good people?? Thank you!!
Posted by
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
26 posts
Hi Leslie, I am an American living in Siena (although at this moment I am in Oregon for my daughter's college graduation). I am old (51) so I'm not so much in the know, but I have observed things. Siena is a big college town, 20,000 students and also a collector for all of the surrounding communities. On a weekend night, you will see parents dropping there teens and tweens off at the gates to the, pedestrian-only old town (la citta`) about 7 pm. It isn't about 8:30 or so until the older ones make their appearances, usually meeting at Il Palio bar on Il Campo before they proceed to bars and private parties. My boyfriend and I like to sit at Il Palio and talk cattily about the short dresses, which he secretly enjoys of course. Siena has a great night life because it is a walking town. It's so safe that sometimes I take a walk before bedtime and the liveliest bars are: (1) La Piazzetta (the little plaza) on Via Montanini. Ask for Andrea because he's cute and funny and speaks English. He forces me to speak Italian to him, though, so I'll learn it faster than my current snail's pace. (2) The one opposite Nannini pastry shop on Banchi di Sopra (this is on the same street, actually, about three blocks down from La Piazzetta; the street name changes every few blocks) with the bartender with "breasts of gold" (sometimes literally). (3) There are a couple on Via del Porrione, right off of Il Campo, that really get hopping around midnight. (4) Really, just walk around town and you will find something. Tell your kids to just be friendly and they will have fun. (Or maybe you don't want to tell them this.) Beth Young
Siena
Posted by
OP
Geneva, IL, United States
33 posts
Hi Beth! Well, I'm older than you- but you certainly sound " in the know" to me! This is great- I love your suggestions and how you put them in the context of the whole experience. I'll definitely share the news with my kids- we so look forward to our trip. Thank you for your terrific reply!!
Posted by
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
26 posts
Hi Leslie, here's more! I just got off Skype with my boyfriend's daughter who is 23. She said that the dancing place in Siena is Il Cambio. Also, you will be hitting Siena in Palio time, it appears (The Palio horse races are June 2 and August 16 each year), which is a great party time. Each night during the preceding week or two, there will be a contrada (neighborhood social club) or two having a big outdoor dinner that you can partake in. Long tables are set up in the streets and hundreds of people attend. Sorry, I was at one with my boyfriend so I don't recall if he paid before or after, and how much it cost. It wasn't a lot, I'm sure. The food is good, but they are speaking rapidfire Italian (so I was a bit bored). You might find someone who speaks English and there you have it, a friend. A lot of senese (Sienese) like to practice their English. Tell your kids just to show interest in--and respect for--Siena and its traditions, to be attentive and appreciative and they will probably make some good friends. (This is probably good advice for any visitors to Siena.) Beth Young
Siena