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There’s a lot extra to Pisa than the Leaning Tower. There are such a lot of cool issues to do in Pisa — this can be a large, bustling metropolis with a thoughts and perspective of its personal!
So many vacationers swoop in on a day journey from Florence to take images with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And sure, I’ve been certainly one of them. However on my most up-to-date journey to Pisa, I made a decision to discover town in additional depth.
Like all different Italian cities, Pisa has elegant piazzas and buzzing native streets to discover. Unbelievable church buildings showcase Pisan Romanesque structure and the 2 Lungarni areas alongside the riverfront are charming at sundown.
The town of Pisa is extraordinarily walkable — I did all of my Pisa exploration on foot — and my expertise was all the higher as practically all neighborhoods are for locals moderately than vacationers. Plus, foods and drinks costs are shockingly low, particularly in comparison with expensive Florence, when you tread past the neighborhood of the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
In the event you’re heading to Florence from inside Europe, you could lower your expenses by flying into Pisa’s worldwide airport. That is what I did from my dwelling in Prague. You may fly into Galileo Galilei, retailer your baggage on the practice station, discover Pisa for a number of hours, and hop on one of many very frequent trains to Florence.
It’s simple — one may say Pisa-ey (oh God, I’m so sorry) — to go to this underrated Italian metropolis.
This submit was printed in November 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Issues to do in Pisa
See the Leaning Tower of Pisa (in fact)
Come on, you’re in Pisa, are you actually NOT going to get a photograph of your self holding up the Leaning Tower?! This isn’t a spot to fret about wanting cool. Give it your cheesiest pose!
Situated within the Sq. of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), the Torre di Pisa is the campanile of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It reaches a bit over 56 meters on the “excessive aspect” and slightly below that on the “low aspect.”
Enjoyable truth: the lean wasn’t intentional. It was brought on by unstable foundations and efforts have been made to straighten it out. Regardless of its crooked look, the bell tower is completely secure at the moment and people 251 steps are protected to climb.
(And sure, they might straighten it out in the event that they needed to, however why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?)
Admission to the tower, cathedral, and short-term exhibition prices €20 ($22). It’s €27 ($29) for entry all areas within the Area of Miracles. It’s price the additional value to go to the baptistery and the museums you probably have the time. Tickets can be found on the Opera della Primaziale Pisana web site.
Until you’re prepared to attend in a protracted line, I like to recommend you guide a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets from spring by fall and on weekends year-round.
This Leaning Tower of Pisa Guided Tour means that you can skip the road and has full commentary. You’ll get to benefit from the views whereas studying all of the titillating particulars and kooky anecdotes behind Tuscany’s completely distinctive UNESCO World Heritage Website!
Discover the remainder of the Piazza dei Miracoli
Previously the Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza dei Miracoli is the setting of different cool landmarks apart from the cathedral and bell tower.
Though the tower is the primary attraction right here, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the primary construction on the piazza. The white marble-clad cathedral was constructed within the Latin cross design and was later topped with an elliptical dome impressed by Moorish structure.
Standing on the rear, the Battistero di San Giovanni completes the expertise. Second enjoyable truth: this domed baptistery additionally leans ever so barely!
Development started in response to Romanesque ideas, and Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni Pisano accomplished the higher ranges within the Gothic model. They sculpted the pulpit whereas Guido Bigarelli da Como takes credit score for the baptismal font.
The Camposanto marks the northern boundary of the Piazza dei Miracoli. This monumental cemetery dates from the thirteenth century and its identify derives from the Italian for holy land.
You’ll get one of the best views of the entire compound from the Mura di Pisa, the previous metropolis partitions. It’s a fantastic place for images and nicely price a climb up there you probably have the time.
You may simply wander the piazza by yourself, or join the Pisa Baptistery, Cathedral, and Leaning Tower guided tour to be taught instantly from a information.
Wander the College of Pisa Campus
Historians consider that the College of Pisa dates again to the twelfth century, however it could be a century or two older, making it certainly one of Europe’s earliest universities. Exploring the historic buildings of town middle campus is among the greatest free issues to do in Pisa.
And never solely that — these buildings are only a quick stroll from the Leaning Tower!
The Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knight’s Sq.) is the beating coronary heart of the college. It’s free from cafes and shops – and surprisingly, folks! – however richly appointed with palaces and statues.
Then make sure to take a look at the Palazzo della Carovana (Palace of the Elders) to see probably the most elaborate sgraffito facade in the entire of Italy. Sadly, the interiors are off-limits.
And you probably have time — the Orto Botanico is a real spotlight! This is among the oldest botanical gardens on this planet and incorporates medicinal crops. Admission prices €4 (round $4.30) and contains the backyard exhibition, herbarium, and museum.
Stroll alongside the Borgo Stretto
Borgo Stretto is among the most distinguished streets in Pisa, connects Through San Francesco with the riverside Piazza Garibaldi. It’s a slim avenue lined with ornate buildings containing stylish boutiques and jewellery shops, and one of the best place for images of avenue life in Pisa.
There are porticoes alongside the road that remind me a lot of Bologna and different cities in close by Emilia-Romagna!
Galileo Galilei was born proper right here on this avenue and also you’ll clock a bronze statue commemorating his work.
There’s additionally a beautiful church of observe, the Chiesa di San Michele in Borgo, constructed within the tenth century over a Roman temple.
Go to the Santa Maria della Spina
The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is among the most stunning buildings on Pisa’s Lungarno, the street alongside the Arno River (sure, identical to the street alongside the Arno River in Florence!). It’s located on the south financial institution of the River Arno and exemplifies the Pisan Gothic model.
It’s now not used as a church. As a substitute, the house is used for particular occasions and short-term exhibitions. On the time of my go to, there was an fascinating artwork exhibit that includes intense, emotional work.
It’s price visiting this tiny church purely to see the decorative exterior (I obtained this photograph above from the bridge subsequent to it), and you may at all times drop in to see if there’s an artwork exhibition.
Seize a deal with on the Gelateria de’ Coltelli
You may’t go to an Italian metropolis and never pattern the native gelato! Every time I am going to a brand new Italian metropolis, I prefer to look on Google Maps for the very best gelato on the town, the artisanal and award-winning stuff.
And the place to go in Pisa is Gelateria de’ Coltelli — on the Pisa Lungarno close to Borgo Stretto.
Gelati are bought in cups, cones, and sandwich type, wedged between two crumbly biscotti cookies. The ice cream is as thick and creamy as you’d anticipate from a correct Tuscan gelateria (the Florentines like to say they invented it!).
Flavors embrace the usuals — hazelnut, salted caramel, and lemon — in addition to experimental choices similar to salted macadamia nuts, licorice, and dragonfruit. The menu modifications periodically and caters to vegans and gluten-free gelato lovers.
See Keith Haring’s “Tuttomondo” mural
The American pop artwork and graffiti artist Keith Haring traveled to Italy within the Eighties and painted his “Tuttomondo” mural on the partitions of the Sant’Antonio Abate Church.
It took Haring one week to create these 30 interlinked figures, representing concord and peace amongst mankind and nature. It was painted in 1989, and Haring handed away the next 12 months following his AIDS analysis.
The mural is a super-quick stroll from the practice station, so this is among the greatest issues to do in Pisa after you arrive or on the way in which out.
Go on a meals tour
Get your tooth into the Pisa culinary scene with a meals tour! This Do Eat Higher Expertise in Pisa is a wonderful selection and can present you one of the best of Tuscan meals — with a distinctly Pisan twist.
If you wish to eat just like the locals do, this can be a nice tour for that — all the locations are well-liked spots for Pisa’s, and sustainability is among the enterprise’s prime priorities.
Typical dishes may embrace crostini toscani, porchetta sandwiches, and lampredotto (stew made with cow’s abdomen — no, you don’t HAVE to eat it, however Tuscans adore it a lot, it’s price a strive!!).
The strolling tour lasts for 3 hours and contains roughly 5 stops. It’s capped at 12 individuals and contains meals and wine tastings. Plus, in case you spend longer than sooner or later in Pisa, you’ll have intel on the place to go for dinner.
Cease by Parco Don Bosco
In the event you’re craving a little bit of greenery and a neighborhood ambiance, head to Parco Don Bosco. Recognized interchangeably as Parco Alfredo Solarino, you will discover this mellow spot east of the historic middle.
The playground and open-air gymnasium make it a well-liked hangout for native households. Look out for the aqueduct crossing by town park. It was constructed within the sixteenth century on the bequest of Ferdinando de Medici and modeled on a Roman aqueduct.
Stretching round 4 miles from the Valle delle Fonti nature protect, the Acquedotto Mediceo finishes on the Piazza delle Gondole. Preserve a watch out for a basin of water there.
Individuals watch at Piazza dei Cavalieri
You’ll have handed by Knight’s Sq., only a stone’s throw from the Leaning Tower, whereas exploring the college campus. This monumental plaza deserves nearer inspection and is a enjoyable spot for people-watching.
In the event you’d prefer to dive deeper into Pisa, this off-the-beaten-path strolling tour of Pisa passes the Piazza dei Cavalieri. This two-hour tour takes you down secret alleyways and factors out sights you may miss.
You’ll hear tales concerning the college, and historic anecdotes, and scratch beneath the floor. After a tour filled with hidden gems, you’ll end on the reverse of a hidden gem, the Leaning Tower.
Discover the Palazzo Blu
The Palazzo Blu stands a few minutes east of Santa Maria della Spina. It’s named for its sapphire-colored medieval facade, standing out wildly in opposition to the yellows and reds of town, and is greatest appreciated up shut and from throughout the river for a special perspective.
The palace is now an artwork gallery with a everlasting assortment and short-term exhibitions specified by the aristocratic rooms. It’s a enjoyable place to hint the event of Italian artwork by to the trendy day.
It’s open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM-7:00 PM and till 8:00 PM on weekends. Admission prices €5 ($5.30).
Try the museums
In the event you spend longer than a day in Pisa, these museums are price visiting.
Head to the Sinopie Museum (Museo delle Sinopie) to view draft etchings, blueprints, and recovered frescoes all regarding the Camposanto.
The Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo is a brief exhibition of work, reliefs, sculptures, and holy trinkets amassed from the cathedral and baptistery.
Admission to those two museums is included while you purchase the €27 “completa and torre” bundle on the Pisa Cathedral ticket workplace.
Elsewhere, the Museum of Human Anatomy (Museo di Anatomia) is a part of the college. Exhibitions of mummies, plaster casts, and skeletons skim the macabre and medicinal historical past. It’s open Monday to Friday and reservations are advisable. Admission is €2.50 (simply over $2.50).
Contained in an historical Benedictine monastery, the Nationwide Museum of San Matteo is a bit additional afield. It incorporates work and sculptures from the late Center Ages, the Romanesque interval, and the sixteenth century. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday and prices €5 ($5.30).
The Nationwide Museum of the Royal Palace displays regal tapestries, oil work, and regal armor in a lavish setting. This one is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings and Friday afternoons. Admission is €5 ($5.30).
Meander the banks of the Arno River
The Arno River flows from the Tuscan Apennines by Florence and different Tuscan cities earlier than assembly the ocean on the Port of Pisa. It’s a tall order to walk the whole 150-mile size, however you possibly can squeeze in a mile or two!
There are two strolling paths on both financial institution of the Arno referred to as the Lungarni. These grant photogenic views of the colourful historic buildings on both sides and from the Ponte di Mezzo.
Proceed east and you may comply with the Mediceo Lungarno all the way in which to the previous palace of the Medici household in Pisa. Simply over the bridge, the Giardino Scotto incorporates the remnants of Pisa’s metropolis partitions and a Medici fortress.
That is simply one of many prime issues to do in Pisa at sundown. Assuming you might have a day that wasn’t as cloudy as mine!
Discover Pisa by bike
In the event you keep greater than a day in Pisa, you possibly can hire a motorbike and cycle to the Ligurian Sea. Sure, it’s that shut!
This firm rents bikes and supplies entry to a GPS-based app that guides you to the Marina di Pisa by way of a community of biking lanes referred to as the Trammino. These simple bike paths take you thru farmland and open fields with minimal hills.
You may hire both an everyday street bike or an e-bike and tackle the “Street to the Sea.” Helmets are offered and also you’ll need to dedicate an entire day to this exercise.
Take a day journey to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is among the most visually putting locations I’ve ever visited in Italy — and it’s truly fairly simple to go to from Pisa! Whereas plenty of folks like to go to for a number of nights, you possibly can completely make a day journey work right here in case you begin early.
These 5 villages are linked by a practice and mountaineering trails. As a day journey, it is sensible to hitch a tour. Native guides and drivers are greatest positioned to steer you to probably the most astonishing viewpoints.
This Cinque Terre small group tour from Pisa features a minivan switch to the city of La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. From there, you’ll take within the cliffside hamlets from both the boat (seasonal) or practice (all 12 months).
The tour usually calls at three or 4 cities decided by the climate and different situations.
Wish to do it by yourself? You may. Take the practice to La Spezia (one hour), then get the Cinque Terre move and you may take the practice between the cities of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Learn Extra: Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
Go wine tasting in Tuscany
Each area in Italy produces its personal distinctive wines and by no means you’re distant out of your subsequent cellar door! Within the case of Pisa, you’re very shut the Chianti area.
Chianti wines are deep and wealthy, created from wealthy Sangiovese grapes, the proper companion for an enormous bistecca fiorentina. The idyllic hills fill the house between Pisa, Florence, Lucca, and San Gimignano.
I strongly advocate selecting a tour for wine tasting within the Chianti Hills — it’s near-impossible to do by public transport, and also you received’t want to fret about intoxicated driving. This half-day Chianti wine tour means there’s no want to carry again as you’ll be within the protected arms of a neighborhood designated driver.
It features a winery and cellar tour and tasting of wine and Tuscan olive oil with regional cheeses.
How A lot Time to Spend in Pisa, Italy
Lots of vacationers spend an hour or two in Pisa and transfer on. However there actually is much more to Pisa than simply the Piazza dei Miracoli, and in case you’re decided to sightsee comprehensively, you possibly can simply pad out an entire day with issues to do in Pisa past the tower.
Pisa is a well-liked day journey from Florence — it’s so shut by. In the event you resolve to do a day journey to Pisa from Florence, my tip is to divide your time between Pisa and the medieval metropolis of Lucca. Lucca is situated on a practice line between Pisa and Florence (although a special line from the direct Florence-Pisa line), and I feel it’s one of many nicest cities in Tuscany.
If you wish to guide a guided tour, I like to recommend the Pisa and Lucca Day Journey from Florence. In any other case, in case you solely have half a day to spare, stick to simply Pisa with the Half Day Pisa Journey from Florence.
You may dedicate your entire morning to exploring Pisa, after which spend the afternoon within the medieval capital of Tuscany. It’s tremendous simple to seize the practice, so it’s a “pisa” cake! (Once more, I’m so sorry.)
As a result of Pisa is dwelling to an airport serving primarily price range airways in Europe, it may also be the place the place you begin or finish your journey. I did this on my most up-to-date journey — I flew from Prague to Pisa on an early flight, took the Pisa Mover to the practice station, saved my baggage within the practice station, spent a number of hours exploring town, then picked up my bag, purchased a ticket, and hopped on the practice to Florence.
Pisa can also be price contemplating as a base in Tuscany. It’s far more inexpensive than Florence, but well-connected by public transportation, and useful for exploring the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre, and Tuscan wine areas. Pisa is certainly a greater place to remain in summer time throughout peak season.
Learn how to Get to Pisa, Italy
First off, in case you’d like to go to Pisa on a guided day journey from Florence, there are two that I like to recommend. If in case you have a full day to spare and need to go to a cool, underrated Tuscan metropolis as nicely, I like to recommend the Pisa and Lucca Day Journey from Florence. If in case you have solely half a day to spare, stick to simply Pisa with the Half Day Pisa Journey from Florence.
Pisa has its personal worldwide airport, typically generally known as the Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA). It’s well-connected to regional airports and different European cities, although there are not any direct transcontinental flights. Attempt to get a window seat — you’ll see the well-known tower because the aircraft prepares to land!
The Pisa-Mover shuttle service connects the airport and Pisa Centrale Practice Station in 5 minutes flat. (Actually, that is one thing I want all airports had!) It operates between 6:00 AM-12:00 AM and prices €6.50 ($7) every approach.
There’s a baggage storage place within the practice station the place your baggage will probably be securely saved whereas spending a day in Pisa. It’s manned 8:00 AM-9:00 PM and prices €5 ($5.30) per bag. It’s set a bit deep contained in the station, however search for indicators saying Deposito Bagagli.
Pisa can also be very nicely related utilizing Italy’s excellent rail community. Excessive-speed trains take an hour between Pisa Centrale and Florence Santa Maria Novella. Pisa can also be an hourlong journey from La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, and simply 17 minutes from Livorno, the regional cruise ship hub.
The place To Keep in Pisa, Italy
Pisa is a comparatively small metropolis. You may stroll from Pisa Centrale to the Campo dei Miracoli in lower than half-hour. There are many buses that may take you throughout town for cheaper. Trains to San Rossore, Pisa’s second station, take 12 minutes.
- Greatest Prime-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Pisa: The Palazzo Cini Luxurious Rooms is a brief stroll from the practice station and town middle vacationer points of interest. Decor fuses previous and fashionable with sizzling tubs in one of the best rooms and there’s a shared backyard for visitors.
- Greatest Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Pisa Close to Pisa Centrale: Lodge Bologna is another choice close to the primary practice station. It’s historically outfitted with terracotta accents and many wall frescoes. There are rooms for solo vacationers.
- Greatest Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Pisa Close to the Leaning Tower: The Rif – Boutique Lodge is the best choice for the place to remain close to the primary points of interest and San Rossore. The palatial structure and landscaped backyard are romantic and choose rooms have spa tubs.
- Greatest Prime-Rated Funds Lodge in Pisa: Comply with the Corso Italia over the Ponte di Mezzo and voilà, the Royal Victoria Lodge has a stellar location on the banks of the River Arno. Rooms are furnished with beautiful antiques and riverside models have one of the best views in Pisa.
- Discover offers on locations to remain in Pisa right here.
Greatest Time To Go to Pisa, Italy
Pisa is a type of locations you possibly can go to at any time of 12 months and have a superb time. My private advice for all of Tuscany is to go to within the fall, particularly October. The summer time crowds filter, it’s a good time for meals festivals and wine, and the Tuscany area is every kind of golden hues at the moment of 12 months.
(Be mindful Florence will nonetheless be crazy-busy then, although — Florence, Rome, and Venice don’t have a lot of an low season except you go in January.)
The excessive season in Pisa lasts from spring by to fall. As the long-lasting leaning tower inevitably has a hoop of vacationers clicking their cameras at any time of 12 months, bumping into crowds is unavoidable across the Area of Miracles. In the event you’re a photographer trying to get good pictures, you’ll need to get right here early — suppose dawn — although even then, you received’t be alone.
Winter is one of the best time to go to Pisa for quiet. The climate is delicate throughout the day however topic to frosty nights and chilly snaps. Try January for a low-season deal — and keep in mind to wrap up heat and convey your umbrella!
Is Pisa Price It?
I feel it’s undoubtedly price stopping in Pisa in case you haven’t been earlier than — and it’s additionally price testing a number of cool websites past the Leaning Tower!
Whereas I solely spent a day right here most lately, I felt like I obtained a lot out of my journey, and it was the proper begin to my Italian journey earlier than heading to Florence.
I hope you might have one of the best time in Pisa!
Extra on Florence and Tuscany:
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
- Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
- 30+ Epic Issues to Do in Rome, Italy
- Information to the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
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Better of Southern Italy:
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Have you ever been to Pisa? Share your favourite issues to do!
