We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Rhea, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Rhea lives in the United States, and submitted the following report about Siena. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Italian, English
An overview of Siena.
Reasons to go to Siena
Siena is a sweet little gem of a village. It is walled and wonderful. I stayed in a few hotels, two outside the wall. All were equally convenient for getting around. I always felt safe by myself, even at night. My favorite accommodation was Hotel Italia, where the staff were extremely nice and made my visit very comfortable. Breakfast was delightful. I especially loved the espresso machine and the comfortable breakfast room where I hung out on a few rainy mornings.
Siena is a wonderful place for walking. You could easily walk the entire city in one day if you didn't stop to see anything! You really don't need a car. The train station is in a good location and if you know Europe the train is a great way to travel. There are also plenty of locations that are an easy day trip from Siena. One of my favorite day trips was to San Gimignano. There is a bus trip that goes out every day.
English speakers are a rare find, but locals are willing to help if you at least try a little Italian. There are also a number of English-speaking students who are always willing to help if they think you might need it.
The locals are incredibly friendly and seemed to recognize me after a few days. My favorite eats were pastries, pizza, and gelato. I dined at so many different places and would recommend every one of them. So eat anywhere you like in Siena – it will be great!
Duomo di Siena.
Lots of little alleys and pathways.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
