If you’re planing a trip to see the leaning tower but aren’t sure whether the city of Pisa is worth more of your time, this guide has you covered. We’ve shared all the best things to do in Pisa, where to stay and some essential travel tips.

We, like many others, visited Pisa on a day trip.

Setting off early from our rather-longer-than-expected base of Lucca, we hopped on a train heading south west, bound for the world’s most famous of leaning towers.

A twenty-five minute walk from Pisa Centrale, we hurried along streets filled with workers, not tourists, in search of a cornetto al cioccolato and cappuccino to sustain us for a long day of sightseeing.

Not knowing what to expect (or perhaps not expecting very much at all) of this city whose reputation precedes it, it was a chance crossing of Ponte Solferino which first made us aware that Pisa is a city that can offer so much more than the beautiful sum parts of its Campo dei Miracoli parts.

Standing upon the bridge, and gazing eastwards towards the just risen sun, our eyes were met with a view that stole our breath; a golden hue that saturated and illuminated the grand historic buildings and turned the calm waters of the Arno River into velvet.

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Pisa’s finest treasures are not hidden away, they stand proudly in a nearly thousand year old Piazza. Yet ironically, in a place that attracts millions each year, it is surprisingly easy to escape the crowds.

A vibrant university city with a well-connected international airport, it’s a fantastic destination for a city break, a place where you can wander centuries old streets, enjoy languid lunches in hidden squares and sample aperitivos across countless bars full of life.

Indeed, for those who are willing to spend a little longer here, it has much more to reveal if you are only willing to look.

Within this guide you will find a selection of the best things to do in Pisa (before and after the Leaning Tower), some foodie recommendations, our tips on where to stay, and how to get here from elsewhere in Italy for a day trip or a weekend.

Pisa Essentials

// Home to the Leaning Tower
// Easy day trip from Florence and Lucca
// University city with vibrant social scene
// Easy to escape the crowds if exploring

The Best Things to Do in Pisa, Italy | A City Guide

Things to Do in Pisa

Visit the the leaning tower and Campo Dei Miracoli

This UNESCO World Heritage site is visited by millions each year, but it’s the 800-year old crooked tower which is undeniably the star attraction and principal reason that Pisa features on so many Italian itineraries in the first place.

However, the marble treasures of Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) and the tower itself deserve more than just a passing glimpse on your way to take the quasi-obligatory photo holding up one of Italy’s most famous mistakes. Indeed, the reason why so many day-trippers to Pisa end up leaving underwhelmed is because they arrive here and leave without factoring in the history, the ingenuity, and the reasons for the tower becoming so iconic.

Please don’t make the same mistake.

After our own experience last summer, we've shared all the essential advice for you to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with tips on the convoluted ticketing system, avoiding the crowds, the surprising reason it will never be straight, and why you really should go inside it. Our guide isn't about stopping people taking those photos or being a party pooper, but rather making sure you're perfectly prepared to make the most of your time at one of Italy's most popular attractions - and ensuring that you don't miss out on some of its most fascinating, underappreciated aspects.

You can find the article here.

THE BAPTISTERY

Built in the 12th century, the round Battistero di San Giovanni was the second building to be erected within the Campo dei Miracoli. The largest baptistery in Italy, whilst beautifully intricate externally, once inside it offers a much more austere, sparse and somewhat sombre design.

Its acoustics are famed, and during our visit we felt incredibly lucky that one of the guardians sang for a few minutes to showcase this - it’s a sound and moment we’ll never forget. As it transpires, this is an event that happens every 30 minutes, and we’d highly recommend making an effort to hear it, ideally from the upper gallery

On the second floor you’ll find a window looking out onto the Cathedral facade and Piazza dei Miracoli; it’s an incredible view and one that should not be missed.

PISA CATHEDRAL

Built in 1092, the Duomo di Pisa is as glorious on the inside as it is on the outside.

Crane your neck to appreciate the golden ceiling, admire the wonderfully intricate carvings of Giovanni Pisano’s seminal pulpit, and spend more than just a passing moment to study the delicate threading together of thin pillars and the sharp angles of the facade facing the baptistery.

CAMPOSANTO

The fourth and final building of Campo dei Miracoli, we also left the Camposanto Monumentale (old cemetery) until last. Filled with frescoes, sarcophagi, arches, and sculptures, the site is beautiful, especially when the light sits just right. It’s said to have been built on sacred soil brought back to Pisa from Golgotha and the Third Crusade, and it served as the final resting place for various holy men.

Indulge in Gelato

A quick google search or a flick through the Lonely Planet, and you’ll soon come across Gelateria De' Coltelli, said to be the home of Pisa’s best ice cream.

Famed for its sensational artisanal gelato, it has for years attracted locals, day trippers on their way back to the station and everything in between. Indeed, it has proven so popular, that they now have a second shop in Lucca - which is where we sampled a couple of scoops earlier that week.

For the purposes of ‘research’ therefore, we chose to seek out an alternative gelato spot in Pisa, and happily stumbled upon Gelateria Tuffo 13, an absolute gem just across the bridge.

Run by a delightful Italian chap with a passion for authentic recipes, organic ingredients and natural flavours, he offers up exquisite traditional flavours alongside vegan alternatives and the best granita we’ve had outside of Sicily. Oh, and he’s plastic-free with biodegradable, sugar cane, cups and spoons - a rarity in Italy and something we hope more places will adopt.

Find it here on Google Maps.

Top tip | Just a couple of minutes walk from Tuffo is the spectacular Santa Maria della Spina, a small 13th century gothic style church that sits right at the edge of the River Arno. Allegedly built to house a spina (thorn) from Christ’s crown, it is very sparse inside but the facade - and curious position - is more than worth a gander.

Admire Piazza Dei Cavalieri

Known in English as the ‘Knights’ Square’, Piazza dei Cavalieri - a wide elegant space dominated by the Palazzo della Caronava - was once the political heart of Pisa, believed to have been the site of the ancient Roman Forum. Re-adapted by Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century, the majority of the buildings were given over to the Knights of the Order of Saint Stephen - you can even see the Maltese Cross on the facades of some of the buildings.

Since 1846 however, this spectacular piazza been the seat of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. Founded by none other than Napoleon (and modelled on the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris), and specialising science and the humanities, it’s recognised as one of the most prominent universities in Italy.

things to do in pisa - piazza dei cavalieri

Up Your Cultural Game

In addition to the open-air living museum that is the Campo dei Miracoli, there are a number of indoor exhibits and hidden treasures for those that choose to pass more than a night or two in Pisa, including:

Palazzo Blu | Arguably the most famous art gallery of Pisa, the 14th century Palazzo Blu (so-named for its spectacular facade) hosts a permanent collection of 300 works of art as well as frequent temporary exhibits which have seen the works of Dalì, Picasso, Magritte, Duchamp, Kandinsky and Warhol pass through its doors.

Entry is €3 per person, and the gallery is open Monday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm, and until 8pm on the weekends.

Teatro Verdi | Whilst not quite a museum or gallery, a night at the opulent Teatro Verdi, enjoying a world-class opera performance (or something a little more alternative if you so wish) is a truly marvellous cultural activity. You can find out the upcoming schedule and book tickets here.

National Museum of Saint Mathew | Whilst not quite our cup of tea, this collection of paintings and sculptures and archaeological pieces from the early Medieval age is widely recognised to be one of the most important museums in Pisa.

the facade of chiesa di san stefano dei cavalieri pisa

Visit a Very Special Mural

In an ancient city of famed old buildings, we did not expect to find a large-scale, renowned piece of modern art. And yet here, painted on the back wall of Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate, is the last public work of the critically acclaimed artist, Keith Haring, who passed away just a few months after its completion.

A street artist before street art became, well art, he was a legendary part of the 1980s New York scene, using his murals to both entertain (in an accessible manner) and educate, particularly upon the AIDS epidemic and drug use.

Said to be as a result of a chance encounter with an Italian art student in New York, quite how he ended up in Pisa in 1989 is somewhat of an urban legend. Nevertheless, it was here, over he space of a week (he usually completed his works in a day or two) that a 180 sqm mural entitled ‘Tuttomondo’ became a modern addition to Pisa’s artistic canon.

Said to represent the good and bad of human existence, harmony and world peace, this vast piece of art is thought to be the largest open-air public mural in Europe - and a visit to appreciate the culmination of Haring’s relatively short life is almost as essential all those photos taken at the tower.

Further information | Whilst painting the mural, Haring stayed in a hotel directly opposite which has now been converted into an art themed cafe where you can purchase prints of his work or grab a drink whilst you admire the his work. Whilst we didn’t eat there, they did have a lunch menu which sounded pretty good!

The cafe is open Monday - Saturday 7 am to 9pm and Sunday 12pm to 8pm.

The mural is open 24/7 and can be found here on Google Maps - it makes sense to stop by on your way to or from Pisa Centrale station.

Explore the Markets

One of the elements we most enjoy when exploring a new destination are the locals markets. Not only do you get a chance to gain an insight in local culture and characters, these are often the best places to pick up local fruits and vegetables should you be renting an apartment, as well as antique or artisan goods that make excellent souvenirs of your travels.

Pisa has a number of markets, many of which happen on weekends which is something to bear in mind if you’re yet to book your flight or are choosing between a day-trip on a Thursday or a Saturday.

Mercato delle Vettovaglie | Held in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, Pisa’s main produce market overspills into the surrounding streets. A wonderful place to stock up on local ingredients, we were particularly drawn to it for its photogenic nature; nonnas stocking up on fresh veg to create family recipes, multi-generational market stall holders with bellowing voices and characterful faces and the kaleidoscopic colours of fresh produce (and the boxes from which they came).

Mercato delle Vettovaglie is open daily (except Sundays) from 7 am to 3 pm, and can be found here.

market stall seller and produce at mercato delle vettovaglie

Antique Market in Piazza dei Cavalieri | Every second weekend of the month (all day, both Saturday and Sunday), Piazza dei Cavalieri is transformed from historical beauty into a fantastic antique and flea market.

Antique Market in Ponte di Mezzo | Another antique market held every second weekend of the month, this one is along Ponte di Mezzo, near Palazzo Blu.

Flea Market in Via San Martino | Held every Wednesday and Saturday morning along Via San Martino, this is the spot to search for vintage clothing - very much a local affair!

Market in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele | A once-yearly event (usually in April), Piazza Vittorio Emanuele plays host to a European food market where you can indulge in all manner of gastronomic delicacies from across the continent, as well as craft beers and specialist drinks. Definitely one for the foodies!

Top Tip | Piazza delle Vettovaglie transforms in the early evening from bustling market to hangout spot for the local university crowd, who gather at the many small bars that surround the square (Bar La Volta and Cecco Rivolta are particularly well-loved). Alternatively, consider Piazza Chiara Gambacorti (south of the river), for a similar vibe. Both make excellent, relaxed aperitivo spots - ideal for those less keen on fancy, upmarket bars.

people dining outside ristorante vineria di piazza in piazza delle vettovaglie

Grab a Slice at Pizzeria Il Montino

We have a confession to make; we didn’t actually love the pizza at Pizzeria Montino.

Having gotten used to the Neapolitan style of thin bases and chewy crusts, when confronted with a thicker altogether crispier offering, we questioned whether they’d just got a new chef in.

It took a conversation with an Instagram follower whose father ate here regularly growing up to understand that, it is this very different base (and very cheesy topping) that makes Il Montino so famous.

Turns out, this pizzeria is a bit of an icon among Pisans - students and sophisticates alike - who have flocked here for years for both the pizzas, as well as their cecina, a thin chickpea crepe with a variety of stuffings.

You can opt to takeaway or dine in at one of their many outside tables on a photogenic backstreet - find it here on Google Maps.

Top Tip | For those looking for tasty vegan lunch, don’t miss Vegan Come Koala, on Via l'Arancio (Google Maps). We had alternative lunch plans so didn’t try it ourselves but popped in for a little nosey - it looked goooood!

Wander Along the River Arno

Tracing a river on foot is the ultimate form of slow-travel, but in Pisa it comes with a drink on the side - especially in summer, when the banks of the Arno swell with locals, students and tourists in the know. The are countless bars along here (with many staying open until late) - we’ve shared a selection of the most popular:

La Stafetta | Pisa’s foremost craft brewery, La Stafetta was created by three local students out of love for the emerging beers scene. Small but funky.

Bazeel | A Pisan hotspot from morning til late, they’re known for their generous aperitivo, live music and a buzzing terrace.

Baribaldi | A small bar that opens at 6pm in the evening on the dot, Baribaldi is unpretentious with a wide selection of drinks and - apparently- excellent meat platters.

Top tip | For a truly special experience of Pisa, be sure to time your visit with Luminara of di San Ranieri (The Illumination of Saint Ranieri), when the path traced by the Arno River is lit by more than 70,000 candles attached to architectural details of palaces, churches, towers and bridges - even floating atop the water itself.

Taking place on the evening of June 16, we’re certain that this would be a truly remarkable sight.

Where to Stay In Pisa

To cater to all budgets and accommodation choices, this section has been broken down into hotels and B&Bs, plus Airbnbs/apartments.

Do note that the prices quoted are for the summer season, and should you be visiting during the quieter months, you’ll likely make significant savings on accommodation.

Hotels and B&Bs

B&B Di Camilla | If we were to pick a B&B in Pisa, this would likely be it. Situated in the historic centre, it offers a fantastic location, traditional decor with a contemporary edge and a touch of luxury, plus a large garden. Doubles from €106 per night (which includes a superb breakfast). Check availability and find out more here.

Villa Noemi B&B | Around a half mile walk north of the tower, this little B&B is just fabulous. The rooms have great decor, there is a good sized outdoors area, breakfast is include and a host that will go out of her way to help! With doubles from €78, it’s also a really great budget-friendly option. Find out more here.

Located around a 10 minute walk south of the train station, B&B ALEX is another really great budget option (doubles from €72). Super cute interiors and outdoor space, with a lovely homely vibe and great hosts.

Rinascimento B&B | Starting from €150 a night, this is one of the pricier options in Pisa but for that you get a sumptuous B&B with traditional Italian flourishes, large rooms and an incredible location in the heart of Pisa. The reviews really are wonderful! Check availability and prices here.

Airbnbs

Because we’re well aware of how difficult it can be to sift through hundreds of Airbnb lisitings, we’ve done the hard work for you, and put together a curated selection of our favourite apartments and houses for rent in Pisa (catering to all budgets) in this post: 16 Wonderful Airbnbs in Pisa.

Find a selection below:

The budget option | Located in the heart of the historic centre, this large open plan studio has a delightful mix of modern and traditional features, high ceilings, and is full of light. It’s available from £38 a night - check availability and find out more here.

The mid-range option | A large one-bedroom property situated within a historical tower house, just four minutes walk from Campo dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. A huge bonus is the wonderful private garden. £69 a night, based on two people. Check availability and find out more here.

The fancy option | A beautiful three bedroom penthouse in the heart of Pisa, along the Lungomare. Situated in an historic building, this has recently been completely remodelled to a high standard with lots of quirky touches and big rooms. Would suit a large group of friends perfectly! Just five minutes from the city centre and ten from the leaning Tower. £212 a night. Check availability and find out more here.

How to Get To Pisa

You can make your way to Pisa by plane, train, and rental car, and we have covered each of these options below.

Train

Pisa Centrale (the main train station) is located south of the Arno River, towards the more modern section of the city - find it here on Google Maps. The fact is that most visitors to Pisa only arrive on a day-trip from elsewhere in Tuscany or northern Italy, and this station will be your natural start point.

From the station it’s around a 1km (12 minute) walk into the historic centre, or a 2km (25 minute walk) to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Campo dei Miracoli. Should you have mobility issues, there are two alternatives to the 25 minute walk to the Leaning Tower, and we’ve include the essential information in our Leaning Tower of Pisa guide.

Typical travel times and single-ticket costs for the most popular routes to Pisa Centrale from elsewhere in northern Italy are:

Florence | 50 - 80 minutes, €8.70 - €9.90 per person one-way

There are two or three departures every hour from Florence Santa Maria Novella station (Google Maps), with some services a little quicker than others. Make sure you don’t jump on a 2+ hour service by mistake though!

Lucca | 30 - 40 minutes, €3.60

The option we took, as we were based in Lucca for a week and it made sense to hop on the train for a day wandering around Pisa. Two to three departures every hour from the station outside the city walls (Google Maps).

Bologna | 2 hours, €30+

Home to its own famous leaning tower, as well as the home of ragu, we adore Bologna and hope to spend longer in the city. It’s not the ideal departure point for a Pisa day trip and usually requires a connection in Florence; if you do it, make double sure you go on the quick service, not the 4+ hour one!

Cinque Terre (inc. La Spezia) | 50 - 90 minutes, €7.90 - €9.90 /

We don’t recommend using the Cinque Terre as a base for further explorations in northern Italy - it’s simply too expensive for that, and you should savour all the time you’re paying for accommodation there by exploring the five beautiful villages and the hiking trails. However, we do appreciate that for some of you it may prove a logistically sensible option.

To view schedules and buy train tickets, check out Italiarail and Trenitalia.

Read Later | Train Travel in Italy for First-Timers

Plane

Pisa’s international airport, also called Galileo Galilei Airport (Google Maps) is a really popular entry point for many Italy holidays and road trips given the number of budget airlines flying in/out.

If you’re arriving in the city by plane and planning on visiting the tower, then it makes sense to base yourself in Pisa for a night or longer rather than simply visiting on a day trip.

Alternatively, you can use the paid luggage storage at Pisa Centrale.

To travel from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale train station, simply hop on the PisaMover (€2.70 per person), which runs every 5-10 minutes from 6 am to midnight. Journey’s take under 10 minutes.

Rental Car

If you’re visiting Pisa as a day trip, there are a number of car park options, both paid-for within the city walls (including just behind Campo de Miracoli), or alternatively you can opt for one of the large park-and-ride facilities a little further outside of the city.

You can find full details on these here.

If you are planning a longer stay in Pisa however, we’d highly recommend speaking with your accommodation provider (be that a hotel or Airbnb host) first. Many smaller streets within the historic centre are not open to non-residents - these are known as ZTLs - and accidental entry comes with a hefty fine, so it’s best confirm with them whether parking (paid or otherwise) is possible, included or at least nearby before making a reservation.

Before renting though, we highly recommend you read ‘9 Car Rental Tips for Travellers’, which is guaranteed to save you money.