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Nestled on the banks of the Arno River, about fifteen kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Pisa remains primarily famous for its Leaning Tower. But to reduce the city to this single bell tower would be to forget that it was one of the four Italian Maritime Republics, that it is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe (1343), and that it inspired Galileo, Keith Haring, and Vasari. Its graffiti-covered palaces, its recently reopened city walls, its arcaded alleyways, and its June festivals make it an ideal destination for a cultural weekend… or a Tuscan interlude of several days between Florence, Lucca, and the coast. In this article, we tell you what to do in Pisa, quite simply.
🗒️ Some tips before your trip to Pisa
Before we begin our list of things to do in Pisa, here are some tips for your next trip.
Where is Pisa?
Pisa occupies western Tuscany, 80 km from Florence, 20 km from the sea and 10 km from Galileo Galilei International Airport. The city stretches along both sides of the Arno River; this river-maritime location fostered its medieval prosperity by facilitating direct access to the Mediterranean.
What is the best time to visit Pisa?
The region enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate: mild winters (averaging 7°C in January) and hot summers (30°C in July). Rainfall is concentrated mainly between October and December. To enjoy pleasant weather with reasonable crowds, opt for April-June or mid-September to the end of October; the light is splendid, the queues at the Tower are shorter, and accommodation is cheaper than in the height of summer. July and August promise lively evenings (concerts on the Lungarni), but also heat and peak prices; winter offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a cultural city break.
How to get to Pisa?
By plane : Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) is connected to approximately 80 European destinations; the PisaMover , an automated shuttle, connects to the central train station in 5-6 minutes (€6 one way) from 6:00 AM to midnight.
By train : fast connections link Florence (1 hour), Lucca (25 minutes), and Rome (3 hours). By car , the A11 connects to Florence, and the A12 runs along the coast towards Genoa; use the San Giusto or Via di Pratale park-and-ride facilities and then take the bus to avoid the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone).
Is Pisa an expensive city?
Travelling here is quite affordable: a coffee costs €1.50 at the counter, a plate of cecina (chickpea pancake) €4-5, and a combined ticket for the Tower and Museums is €27. Expect to pay €65-80 for a double room in a B&B, €120-160 for a 3-4 star hotel in the city centre, and €250+ for a boutique hotel with a view of the Duomo. Off-season (January, February, and November) prices drop by about 25%.
What events should not be missed?
June is the most festive month :
- Luminara di San Ranieri (evening of June 16): 70,000 candles illuminate the facades along the Arno; a magical spectacle unique in Tuscany.
- Regata di San Ranieri (June 17): race of four boats representing the historic districts.
- Gioco del Ponte (last Saturday of June): spectacular contest where two teams in armor compete by pushing an iron chariot over the Ponte di Mezzo.
How to get around the city?
Pisa is compact: the historic centre is easily explored on foot. Renting a bicycle (€12/day) is a convenient way to reach the coast (Marina di Pisa) via the cycle path along the Arno River. The CPT city buses provide good coverage of the outer districts; a 70-minute ticket costs €1.50.
What do people eat in Pisa?
Pisan cuisine celebrates the sea and the surrounding countryside: bavette allo scoglio (seafood pasta), pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup), cinta senese (Tuscan black pork), pecorino cheese, and Montescudaio red wines. Try a dish of baccalà alla pisana (cod), pair it with a glass of Vermentino, and then indulge in artisanal gelato at Gelateria De’ Coltelli (south bank).
How many days should I plan for?
Two days are enough for the Piazza dei Miracoli, Borgo Stretto, and the city walls. Add a third day for the botanical garden and a trip to Lucca or the beach. Four days allow you to include Volterra, San Gimignano, or a wine tasting in Bolgheri.
Where to stay in Pisa?
- Santa Maria district (around the Tower): medieval atmosphere, charming hotels
- San Martino (south bank): student bars, affordable B&Bs and good bus service.
- Near the train station : budget hotels and early morning train departures.
- Marina di Pisa : Art Nouveau villas and sea air for those who want to alternate between culture and relaxation.
Among the top-rated accommodations in Pisa, three stand out: Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms, a refined boutique hotel located a 13-minute walk from Piazza dei Miracoli; its elegant rooms (some with private terraces) and breakfast served in the room earn it an excellent average rating on booking sites.
Very close to the Tower, The Rif – Boutique Hotel combines historic facades, a green garden and a breakfast terrace, with the added bonus of a beautiful location — five minutes walk from the bell tower — and a warm welcome.
Finally, for medieval charm right in the centre, the Relais dei Mercanti B&B & Suites occupies a 13th-century house ten minutes from the Tower, with spacious rooms and impeccable cleanliness.
🔝 The 8 must-see things to do in Pisa
So, those are a few tips. Shall we get to the heart of the matter? Here’s what you need to do in Pisa to make your stay a success.
Marvel at the Piazza dei Miracoli and climb to the top of the Tower
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) encompasses four Romanesque masterpieces: the cathedral, the baptistery, the Camposanto (village church), and the Leaning Tower. Standing 55.86 meters tall, the tower has leaned at a 3.97° angle since its stabilization (1993-2001); 294 steps lead to the top for an unparalleled view of the Apuan Alps and the river plain. Book your time slot (€20) online; the combined ticket (€27) includes museums and monuments.
Tip : Arrive at 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds, then settle down on the lawn to observe the variations of light on the marble.
Visit the Duomo and the Baptistery
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (1064) blends white marble, dark bands, and Byzantine influences. Its pulpit, sculpted by Giovanni Pisano (1302), is a masterpiece of virtuosity. Opposite, the Baptistery (1152-1363) is the largest in Italy (34 m in diameter); its perfect acoustics allows you to hear a chord resonate for 10 seconds: listen to the guardian sing three notes every half hour. Climb to the upper gallery to admire the Tower from a unique perspective.
Walking on the medieval walls
Reopened in 2018, the ramparts of the Mura di Pisa stretch for 3 km at a height of 11 m. For €5, you can walk from the Torre Santa Maria to the Porta Calcesana, overlooking secret patios, a botanical garden, and ochre rooftops. Four access points equipped with elevators make the visit easy, even with a stroller. At dusk, the ramparts offer the best view of the Golden Tower bathed in the setting sun – without the crowds of the piazza.
Stroll through Borgo Stretto and Piazza delle Vettovaglie
Medieval arcades, elegant shop signs, historic cafes: Borgo Stretto is Pisa’s chic shopping street. Look for the plaque commemorating Galileo‘s birthplace, then wander your way to Piazza delle Vettovaglie . In the morning, a fruit and cheese market animates the Renaissance square; in the evening, it becomes the kingdom of aperitivo: order a glass of Chianti Classico and share a platter of cured meats from Cinta Senese.
Discover the Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Palazzo della Carovana
Continuing our list of things to do in Pisa. Once the political heart of the Republic of Pisa, the Piazza dei Cavalieri was redesigned by Vasari (1562-1564) for the Order of Saint Stephen. The spectacular Palazzo della Carovana boasts a façade adorned with zodiac sgraffito; it houses the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore, whose alumni include Fermi, Rubbia, and Montalcini. Surrounding it are the Palazzo dell’Orologio, the statue of Cosimo I, and the Church of Santo Stefano, creating a Renaissance setting worthy of an opera.
Admire Santa Maria della Spina
On the south bank of the Arno stands Santa Maria della Spina, a small Gothic church (circa 1230) named after a thorn from Christ’s crown. Completely dismantled and then rebuilt stone by stone in 1871 to protect it from flooding, it captivates visitors with its sculpted pinnacles, openwork rose windows, and statues that shimmer in the sunlight. Inside, temporary exhibitions blend contemporary art with heritage. Admission is free, but opening hours vary.
Search for Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural
Just steps from the train station, the south wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate is covered with a 180-square-meter mural by Keith Haring (1989). Entitled Tuttomondo (“Everyone”), it features thirty interlocking figures promoting peace and solidarity. Restored in 2012, it is one of the pop artist’s last public works and a rare example of Tuscan street art. Take a colorful photo before catching your train!
8. Breathe in the Orto Botanico di Pisa
Founded in 1544 at the behest of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Orto Botanico is the oldest working university garden in Europe. Nineteenth-century greenhouses, an iron hothouse, a botanical library, and a pond with giant water lilies tell the story of five centuries of scientific history. It boasts over 5,000 species, from the camellia tea plant to succulents from Southern Africa. Sit on a bench in the shade of a ginkgo biloba tree, listen to the bells of the nearby tower, and savour the tranquillity.
So, we hope you now know what to do in Pisa during your trip. Feel free to share this article if you liked it.