This Pisa, Italy travel guide will tell you everything you need to do and see in the remarkable city.  Pisa is known for its world-famous leaning tower, but this city has much more to offer.  Piazza dei Miracol, the main square, is a complex that includes the tower, a beautiful cathedral, baptistery, and camposanto— all worth visiting.  The city also has the pretty Arno River, gorgeous terracotta buildings, old churches and squares, high end shopping, and more.

We took a day trip from Florence.  It was a one-hour train ride ($10 each way).  We think it is well worth a visit for one day or to spend a night and explore over two days.

PISA ITALY TRAVEL

Top Attractions

Piazza dei Miracoli

The Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is home to the city’s most famous landmarks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Camposanto.  It’s a lovely grass square making it a great place to lie down and relax for the afternoon!

Tickets can be purchased just outside the square, or skip the line and purchase in advance here.

😴  Check here for your hotel options in Pisa.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, notorious for its dramatic 5.5-degree tilt, seems to defy gravity! This eight-story bell tower, originally intended for the cathedral, hasn’t heard the chime of its bells for over a century.

Construction commenced in 1172, but soon it became evident that the foundation was unstable. Over two centuries, attempts were made to rectify the lean, all ultimately futile. Now, measures are in place to ensure its survival, though the pronounced tilt remains a quirky spectacle for tourists.

While many flock here for the quintessential Leaning Tower of Pisa photograph, it’s well worth appreciating the architectural marvel itself. A climb of 297 steps leads to breathtaking city views. This was not always allowed, fearing it might exacerbate the lean, but you’re free to climb now!

Cathedral of Pisa

Often overshadowed by its iconic neighbor, the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Pisa (Santa Maria Assunta) deserves some attention of its own. One of the largest and most beautiful churches in Italy, it is constructed from intricately carved white marble, stands majestically beside the tower. The interior is also impressive with its marble columns, stained glass windows, and frescoes.

🤓 Read >>  Best Things to do in Florence, Italy

Pisa Baptistery

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is a circular marvel standing 54 meters tall and boasts an impressive domed roof and an intricately adorned facade. And, like its iconic neighbor, the Baptisterium exhibits a slight lean, though less dramatic.

Explore the cylindrical structure, then venture inside to take in the architectural details. The interior, though simple, exudes an undeniable beauty. A highlight is the upper level, offering breathtaking panoramas of Pisa.

TIP!  Be sure to take a photo of the cathedral from up top through the small opening in the window!

Here are the best hotels in Pisa  🛌 💤

Pisa Camposanto

The Pisa Camposanto, a vast medieval cemetery adjacent to the Leaning Tower, was established in 1277 to enhance the aesthetic of the graves surrounding the cathedral, some of the most notable being Galileo Galilei and Enrico Fermi. 

Legend has it that the soil within this hallowed ground originates from the very site of Jesus’ crucifixion! This historical significance has attracted many notable figures, including the renowned mathematician Fibonacci, creator of the Fibonacci sequence.

The interior of Camposanto showcases magnificent frescoes, but the true spectacle lies in the courtyard, adorned with majestic columns and arches.

🥾  Book a guided tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and nearby attractions.

Palazzo della Carovana

Palazzo Della Carovana, or Knights’ Square, lies the heart of Pisa. This captivating square displays historical grandeur, boasting architectural gems like the majestic Palace of the Elders and the prestigious Normale di Pisa University.

The university was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte, while the library once served as the seat of medieval governance. Today, the square provides a charming backdrop for student life, offering a glimpse into the vibrant academic pulse of the city.

While access to many of these buildings may be restricted, a visit to Knights’ Square remains an essential experience for any traveler exploring Pisa.

😴  Check here for your hotel options in Pisa.

Borgo Stretto

Borgo Stretto is Pisa’s premier shopping destination, though its allure extends far beyond the shops. This street is a visual feast, showcasing the charm of Italian townhouses – terracotta and pink facades adorned with wooden shutters and laundry lines.

Running parallel to the river, Borgo Stretto unfolds with a series of alleyways leading to quaint piazzas. A leisurely stroll along this historic thoroughfare reveals many stone archways and colonnades, with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Shopping in Pisa and a leisurely stroll down Borgo Stretto a must-do during a visit to Pisa.

🤓 More >>  Top Things to do in Rome, Italy

Chiesa di San Michele

The Chiesa di San Michele is a Roman Catholic church located on Borgo Stretto.  It is one of the oldest churches in Pisa, built on the site of a pre-existing temple dedicated to Mars. Its facade, with its superimposed loggias, is a typical example of Pisan Romanesque architecture, a masterpiece of balance and proportion. Inside, you can admire frescoes and sculptures that tell the story of the city.

Here are the best experiences in and around Pisa 🤗

Walk Along the Arno River

Strolling along the riverbank is a nice way to take in views of colorful buildings, picturesque bridges, and the tranquility of the water.  You’ll find cute cafes, secluded gardens, and many narrow streets to explore. It is peaceful and relaxing, perfect for people-watching or simply enjoying the scenery.

😴  Check here for your hotel options in Pisa.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

Seated on the bank of the Arno River, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is a small, jewel-like church in Pisa, Italy. Known for its exquisite Gothic architecture and intricate marble sculptures, it’s a masterpiece of Pisan Gothic style. It was originally built to house a thorn from Christ’s crown.

Parco Don Bosco

The Parco Don Bosco is a large park located in the north of Pisa in the San Martino neighborhood. It is a lovely green space that features lush greenery, walking paths, and recreational areas, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

🤓 Also visit >>  Best things to see in Cinque Terre

Where to Stay

There are several good neighborhoods in Pisa.  If you want to stay near most of the main attractions, stay in Santa Maria or San Martino.  You’ll pay more in these areas but will have a short walk to most things.

To save a little money, the Sant’Antonio is a good option.  It is south of the Arno River with a more residential feel, but easy to get to other areas.   The San Francesco neighborhood has a lively atmosphere, popular with students and a lively nightlife.

Here are the best Pisa Italy Hotels  🛌 💤

Getting Around

Pisa is not a large city, so it is easy to walk to most things in the city.  It is our favorite way to get around when possible.  You get to see so much more of the city!  If you need to get a little further out you can always rent a bicycle or Vespa.

Pisa International Airport has flights from all around Europe and the world, and Pisa Centrale is the main train station with trains from all the major cities in Italy.  If you’d like to take a road trip throughout the Tuscany region, Pisa is a great place to arrive via plane or train and rent a car (from the airport or train station) to start your trip.

Book a train or flight here with Omio 🚊

Where to Eat in Pisa

Ristorante L’Europeo

Italian food is some of the best food in the world (our opinion and many others’! 😋), and Pisa is no exception!  Pizza, pasta, focaccia, cheeses, meats, and gelato are among the best!

Where to eat in Pisa–  some of the best restaurants:

• Ristorante L’Europeo (by the Tower)
• Peperoncino
• Ristoro Pecorino
• Branzo (seafood, international cuisine)
• Ristorante alle Bandierine

Tip: Restaurants near the Leaning Tower of Pisa will have great views but will be more expensive.  You can always go a few streets away and get delicious, authentic Italian food for less money.

🍝  We love food tours!  Book one here.

A Perfect Start For A Tuscany Road Trip

Florence, Italy

Pisa is a great starting point for a Tuscany road trip.  Because many flights and trains arrive in Pisa, it’s a great place to visit, rent a car, and embark on an unforgettable journey through this beautiful region.

The narrow, winding roads lead you through picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, vineyards, medieval villages, and cypress trees. You’ll find countless places to try authentic Tuscan cuisine and some of the best wineries in the world for wine tastings and tours.

Some of the most popular stops on a Tuscan road trip often include the Renaissance city of Florence, the medieval towns of Siena with its iconic Piazza del Campo, and San Gimignano and its medieval towers.  The Chianti Classico region is a must for true wine lovers, the village of Pienza is truly picturesque, and the breathtaking scenery around Montepulciano should not be missed.

Book a rental car here with Discover Cars  🚗💨