ITALY
Pisa is a city that effortlessly blends in a rich medieval past with a vibrant present. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, is a city that charms visitors with iconic landmarks, and lively ambience. While the leaning tower remains the star attraction, the city offers so much more with its Renaissance piazzas, medieval buildings, scenic riversides, enhanced by the energy of its student population from they prestigious University of Pisa. Whether you visit for a day trip or longer, Pisa promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany. In this guide we show you the best things to do, where to stay, amazing pictures, where to eat, and how to get here.
Plan Your Adventure
These are our favourite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here.
TRAINLINE – this site is very reliable and easy to use.
ROME2RIO – the website allows you to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way.
FLIXBUS – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries, with usually the best deals.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or RentalCars.com to compare rates
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
ARC’TERYX– is a go-to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes lightweight, durable, easy to clean travel gear.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS – Get Your Guide is our favourite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – WorldNomads.com offer some of the most competitive prices online. World Nomads will let you purchase insurance when you’re already travelling.
General information about Pisa.
It’s one sight above all others that puts Pisa on the map, but the city’s iconic leaning tower, probably the world’s most famous architectural blunder, is just part of the appeal of this town at the western edge of Tuscany.
Once a thriving maritime republic in the Middle Ages, Pisa was a powerful and wealthy city that rivalled Genoa and Venice. It’s position along the Arno River made it a key trading hub, and finally a lucrative Florentine possession under the thumb of the Medicis. Today, Pisa is a blend of historical significance and modern history.
While the Leaning Tower draws millions of tourists every year, the city boasts a UNESCO world heritage site, the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), which is home to several architectural masterpieces. Beyond this, Pisa’s cobblestone streets, scenic riverfronts, boutique stores and hip cafés make it most appealing, and often under-appreciated city.
PHOTO Phone Arno River or Piazza dei Miracoli
Best things to do
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The leaning tower, an unintended architectural blunder caused by unstable ground during its construction in the 12th century, has become a symbol of Pisa. It is certainly one of the most famous attractions in Italy, and a visit should be on your list to any trip to Tuscany. Located in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, the so-called Square of Miracles, where, in addition to the famous bell tower, there is a whole range of monuments and sights. The leaning Tower of Pisa, about 55 metres high, is not only a must have selfie, during a visit, you also have the opportunity to climb the 294 steps to the top.
The construction of this tower took almost 200 years, from 1173 to 1372, during which time it already began to lean. Initially, it tilted to the north, then during construction in 1272 it began to lean to the south. Finally, for safety reasons, it was renovated from 1990 to 2001 and straightened 4 degrees. Nowadays, together with the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Cemetery, the leaning tower is on the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Handy Tip: You can save time by buying an ‘online ticket’ because the queue to climb the tower can be quite long. Especially in high season, tickets can be sold out days in advance.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The Pisa Cathedral, is one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. It is located in the gigantic Piazza Dei Miracoli and, together with the Leaning Tower and the Baptistery, have been on the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1987. Like the Campanile, this imposing cathedral took over 200 years to build. Not only impressive on the outside, but also the interior of the Pisa Cathedral is worth seeing.
Handy Tip. If you ‘book a ticket’ for a visit to the tower, the entrance fee of 7 euro to the cathedral of Pisa is already included.
Phone Photo
The Battistero
In keeping with its position on the sandy soil of the Piazza dei Miracoli, the largest baptistery in Italy leans distinctly, though less precipitously than its most famous neighbour. A hexagonal, 13th-century pulpits by Nicola Pisano, sculpted with scenes from the life of Christ and resting atop pillars rising from the back of three lions, is said to be one of the first works of Renaissance.
Guards will periodically demonstrate the perfect acoustics of the round structure by breaking into song, producing a melodic phenomenon.
PIAZZA Dei CAVALIERI
The Piazza Dei Cavalier, also known as knights square, is one of the best places to see in the old town and a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Pisa. Today, it is home to Scuola Normale Superiore, one of Italy’s most prestigious universities, and the church of Santo Stefano Dei Cavalieri, which boasts a striking façade.
Take a stroll through the city.
Borgo Stretto, a lively shopping street lined with historic arcades, shops, and cafes. It’s a great spot for shopping and people watching. In addition, medieval and Renaissance palaces, lead through the old city. An especially colourful spot is Piazza Delle Vettovaglie. The name means provisions and a 16th- century loggia still shelters a morning fish and vegetable market.
The Graceville Ponte di Mezzo crosses the Arno and provides a good view of one of the city’s most elegant churches. The Gothic style Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Spina, wedged onto the south bank.
Orto Botanico Di Pisa
The first university botanical garden in Europe, founded in 1544, Is a delightful oasis in the city centre, full of fountains, ponds , and flowers and plants from around the world that flourish in greenhouses and 148 well-tendered beds. Various species of cacti, agave, an evergreen magnolia, date palms, bamboo and the two oldest trees in the park, a ginkgo biloba and the magnolia grandiflora, both dating back to1787, are just a few of the highlights.
Day trip to Lucca
THE WALLS OF LUCCA
The charming town of “Lucca” works its magic on just about everyone who visits. A stroll through the romantic alleyways and squares can be followed up with a walk along the city walls-a walk of about 4km.
The trip by train from Pisa takes about half an hour.
Day Trip to Volterra
Getting to ‘Volterra’ from Pisa can be a challenge by public transport, but by car this beautiful hilltop town is only an hour away and well worth the trip. Volterra is one of the highest of the Tuscan hill towns, set at the edge of a bluff 540m (1,772 ft.) above the valley below, and you’ll see it long before you arrive.
Where to eat in Pisa
Top Traditional Restaurants
Osteria dei Cavalieri
Located near Piazza dei Cavalieri,this restaurant is a favorite for traditional Tuscan dishes like pici pasta, ribollita, and wild boar stew.
Ristorante la Buca
This cosy eatery near Piazza dei Miracoli serves classic Italian fare, including fresh seafood and handmade pasta.
Casual and Street Food Options
Pizzeria ll Montino
Famous for its thin-crust pizzas and Cecina, a chickpea flatbread that’s a local speciality.
La Tana dei Grilli
A casual spot known for its delicious panini and craft beers.
For Desserts and Coffee
Gelateria De’ Coltelli
This Gelateria is known for its natural ingredients and unique Flavours.
A historic pastry shop offering Italian desserts like cantucci, almond cookies often paired with vin santo.
Where to stay in Pisa
Luxury stays
“Relais dell’Orologio”
This boutique hotel near the leaning tower combines historic charm with modern comforts, offering elegant rooms and a tranquil garden.
A 5 star hotel offering stunning views of the Leaning Tower, a pool, and spa, perfect for relaxation.
Mid-Range
Located in the city centre, this charming hotel provides spacious rooms and easy access to Pisa’s main attractions.
A cosy hotel just steps from the Piazza dei Miracoli, offering clean rooms and excellent service.
Budget
A lively, social hostel ideal for budget-conscious travellers, located near Pisa Centrale station.
A modest comfortable option with basic amenities and a central location.
How to get to Pisa
By Plane
Pisa is served by Galileo Galilei Airport, one of Tuscany’s primary airports, it connects Pisa to major European cities.
*Pisa Mover Shuttle. A quick and efficient service linking the airport to Pisa Centrale train station in just 5 minutes.
* Taxis and buses also operate between the airport and the city centre.
Compare “FLIGHT PRICES HERE’
By Train
The Pisa Centrale station is a major rail hub offering connections to most Italian cities.
Book your “train online in advance,” cheaper if booked in advance.
By Car
Driving to Pisa is convenient, with the A11 and A12 motorways providing easy access. However, parking can be limited near the city. Designated parking lots like the Piazza Dei Miracoli Parking Area.
Compare prices and book, I recommend using “Discover Cars” or “Rentalcars.com”
By Bus
Local and intercity buses connect to Pisa to nearby towns and cities, including Florence, Lucca and Siena.
Pisa; Guided tours, Tickets and More.
If you don’t want to explore Pisa on your own, you have the option of joining a guided tour. Online, at “Get your Guide” you can find recommended city tours, also cheap entrance tickets for the leaning Tower, cooking classes, day trips in the region and much more.
GYG LINK
More places to see in Tuscany
Please email us with any questions to Gary and Sally at [email protected]
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