Pisa is right in the heart of Tuscany and definitely worth a visit! I even recommend staying there instead of Florence (much more affordable lodging and only a small train ticket away).
I adore the little city of Pisa. It's cute, it's quaint, and it's well-connected to the rest of Italy too. When I lived with an Italian host family in Pisa, I really got to spend a lot of time here exploring all the little streets of the city.
My friend Kate and I both stayed with host families in Pisa in the summer of 2011
I wouldn't say Pisa is the best for tons of sight-seeing, but I do think it's one of the best cities just to get a good feeling of what Italian life is like. The atmosphere (especially not around the Leaning Tower) is just a really special one of a true Italian city and lifestyle.
The most recent time I went to Pisa was with my husband and 3.5 kids in September of 2022. (If you want to travel with kids, I've got your back.) For your convenience, here's a map of all the best stuff! It's color coded too đ¤
I adore the little city of Pisa. It's cute, it's quaint, and it's well-connected to the rest of Italy too. When I lived with an Italian host family in Pisa, I really got to spend a lot of time here exploring all the little streets of the city.
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| My friend Kate and I both stayed with host families in Pisa in the summer of 2011 |
I wouldn't say Pisa is the best for tons of sight-seeing, but I do think it's one of the best cities just to get a good feeling of what Italian life is like. The atmosphere (especially not around the Leaning Tower) is just a really special one of a true Italian city and lifestyle.
The most recent time I went to Pisa was with my husband and 3.5 kids in September of 2022. (If you want to travel with kids, I've got your back.) For your convenience, here's a map of all the best stuff! It's color coded too đ¤
✨ Best of Pisa ✨
Yellow = To DoBlue = GelatoRed = EatsPink = PasticceriasGreen = MuseumsPurple = Extra Churches & ParksDark blue = BeachesOrange = Cities to visit
(If clicking the map doesn't work, copy and paste this in your browser to see the full thing: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1DP8kWYBGIT9h-P3RMFVcocxNwQsKnyg&ll=41.7235840152629%2C12.884463749999995&z=6)
Yellow = To Do
Blue = Gelato
Red = Eats
Pink = Pasticcerias
Green = Museums
Purple = Extra Churches & Parks
Dark blue = Beaches
Orange = Cities to visit
(If clicking the map doesn't work, copy and paste this in your browser to see the full thing: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1DP8kWYBGIT9h-P3RMFVcocxNwQsKnyg&ll=41.7235840152629%2C12.884463749999995&z=6)
You can use the map to guide your trip. Or pick your favorite things from the list. For detailed explanations, keep reading. Here are all of my favorite things to do in Florence.
1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Like most cathedral piazza set ups, the Leaning Tower is actually the bell tower for the cathedral and baptistery next door. I had no idea that this edifice was so old! Its construction started in 1173 (however, it was officially completed in 1370 due to some war delays). The reason it leans is because the ground beneath it is a dense mixture of sand, clay, and shells. The heavy white marble tower's foundation settled unevenly on this ground which caused the tilt. The slant was becoming more and more intense with time despite attempts to reinforce it. By the year 1990, it was leaning about 15 ft (5.5 degrees) from its intended angle. So engineers straightened it out a little and now it's estimated the tower should be stable for the next couple centuries.
I've always enjoyed this graphic!
You can get tickets to everything in Piazza del Duomo hereor copy and paste this link in your browser: https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/buy/
2. Pisa Cathedral (or Primatial Metropolitan of the Assumption of Mary) & the Baptistery
I love these buildings. The whole square is really fun. The grass is really nice for a picnic, which I did often when I lived with my host family in Pisa!
Like most cathedral piazza set ups, the Leaning Tower is actually the bell tower for the cathedral and baptistery next door. I had no idea that this edifice was so old! Its construction started in 1173 (however, it was officially completed in 1370 due to some war delays). The reason it leans is because the ground beneath it is a dense mixture of sand, clay, and shells. The heavy white marble tower's foundation settled unevenly on this ground which caused the tilt. The slant was becoming more and more intense with time despite attempts to reinforce it. By the year 1990, it was leaning about 15 ft (5.5 degrees) from its intended angle. So engineers straightened it out a little and now it's estimated the tower should be stable for the next couple centuries.
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| I've always enjoyed this graphic! |
You can get tickets to everything in Piazza del Duomo here
or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/buy/
2. Pisa Cathedral (or Primatial Metropolitan of the Assumption of Mary) & the Baptistery
I love these buildings. The whole square is really fun. The grass is really nice for a picnic, which I did often when I lived with my host family in Pisa!
You can get tickets to everything in Piazza del Duomo here or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/buy/
3. Piazza dei Cavalieri
You can get tickets to everything in Piazza del Duomo here or copy and paste this link in your browser: https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/buy/
3. Piazza dei Cavalieri
Pisa is actually a university town so there are lots of college students milling about. Piazza dei Cavalieri (the Knights' Square) is pretty central to the educational edificies such as the Scuola Normale di Pisa (part of the University of Pisa) so it's pretty busy. I learned that this square used to be the political center of Pisa in medieval times. Getting there is fun too as it takes you through some adorable Pisan streets!
Pisa is actually a university town so there are lots of college students milling about. Piazza dei Cavalieri (the Knights' Square) is pretty central to the educational edificies such as the Scuola Normale di Pisa (part of the University of Pisa) so it's pretty busy. I learned that this square used to be the political center of Pisa in medieval times. Getting there is fun too as it takes you through some adorable Pisan streets!
This is a public square so it is free :)
This is a public square so it is free :)
4. La Bottega del Gelato
This is one of my FAVORITE gelato places in all of Italy! The gelato itself is creamy and delicious and eating it by the Arno River with people going by is simply *chef's kiss*
Photo by Marko Pavlichenko on Unsplash
5. Chiesa di Santa Maria della SpinaIf you have extra time in Pisa, this is a really cute little Catholic church right on the side of the Arno river. The name "della Spina" means "of the thorn" and it's said that one of the thorns from the crown of thorns placed on Jesus Christ was brought to the church in 1333. Now the thorn is on display in Chiesa di Santa Chiara on Via Roma.
Entrance to the church is a couple of Euros and you can pay upon arrival.
6. Botanical Garden and MuseumI spent a lovely afternoon here and really enjoyed it. It's part of the University of Pisa and If you have extra time in Pisa, it can be a fun place to explore. It was founded in the 1500s and houses over 3,000 plants.
For tickets and pricing, you can check out the Botanical Garden's website (it's €4 per person, and they have lots of discounts and free fare for certain individuals. Plus every first Sunday of the month is free for everyone).
4. La Bottega del Gelato
This is one of my FAVORITE gelato places in all of Italy! The gelato itself is creamy and delicious and eating it by the Arno River with people going by is simply *chef's kiss*
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Photo by Marko Pavlichenko on Unsplash |
5. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
If you have extra time in Pisa, this is a really cute little Catholic church right on the side of the Arno river. The name "della Spina" means "of the thorn" and it's said that one of the thorns from the crown of thorns placed on Jesus Christ was brought to the church in 1333. Now the thorn is on display in Chiesa di Santa Chiara on Via Roma.
Entrance to the church is a couple of Euros and you can pay upon arrival.
6. Botanical Garden and Museum
I spent a lovely afternoon here and really enjoyed it. It's part of the University of Pisa and If you have extra time in Pisa, it can be a fun place to explore. It was founded in the 1500s and houses over 3,000 plants.
For tickets and pricing, you can check out the Botanical Garden's website (it's €4 per person, and they have lots of discounts and free fare for certain individuals. Plus every first Sunday of the month is free for everyone).
Other fun things to do when you go to Pisa:
Other fun things to do when you go to Pisa:
Free WiFi
One super cool thing about Pisa is that there are WiFi spots throughout the city! This was super helpful for us as we had a SIM card while we were traveling and I wanted to reserve our data :P
Eat Gelato
Seriously. At least once a day (if not more!), get some authentic (artiginale) gelato. It's true Italian, absolutely delicious and you're going to walk off the calories anyway.
Go exploring
Pisa's adorable cobblestone streets are so fun to wander around. Do yourself and just explore for a bit (I recommend away from the Tower though).
Eat Delicious Local Food
And this doesn't just mean at restaurants! Even just the fresh fruit and bread at the grocery stores is amazing. (Check out restaurants and cafes on the map too.)
Stay for Luminara
On June 16/17th, Pisans celebrate this holiday to honor the city's patron saint, St. Ranieri. Over 70,000 candles are lit and placed everywhere around the River Arno. I was lucky enough to be in Pisa one year during June 16, and it was an unforgettable night.
Well, that's a wrap! Hope you enjoy your exciting trip in Pisa. Did I miss something? What was your favorite thing to do in Italy? Leave me a comment!
Other fun things to do before you go to Pisa:
Watch these movies:
✨ Eat, Pray, Love (especially the part in Tuscany!)
Get this gear:
✨ Really good walking shoes (you'll walk a lot!)
✨ Clothes that support a good appetite :D
✨ A little fan (if you're going between May-October)
General tips about traveling in Italy:
Plan Out Your Trip
- Always buy tickets directly with the official sites (not third-party websites). Not only will you save money, but you'll also avoid scams.
- When you're there, you may want to check the metro/train/bus times the day before you plan to take that route.
- Consider seeing two places around the same time — for example, you can walk down La Rambla on your way to shop in Mercado de La Boqueria.
Transportation Methods
✈️ Cheap Little Flights
- You can find excellent deals with Ryanair (watch how much baggage you can bring!) or Google Flights
- Often they're just as cheap (or cheaper) than the train and can save you loads of travel time
đ´Electric Scooters đ˛ (or Bikes)
đ Trains
- Super easy and great way to travel! Highly recommend
- Cheap, frequent, and connect the whole country well
- Be sure to stamp your ticket before boarding or you may get fined (as I have)
đ The Metro / Tram
- Metros/trams are cheap and fast
- They connect the city really well
- They come very often (not long to wait!)
- They are easy to navigate if you pay attention well
đśWalking
- Italians (and Europeans in general) walk everywhere!
- Bring good walking shoes!
- It’s a wonderful way to get around and get a feel for the city
đ Uber
- Also a handy way to travel
đ Buses
- Buses are another great way to get around town
- If you're lucky and going in the off-season (September - May), they shouldn't be too crowded
- Be aware that around rush hour (5-6 pm), they can get quite busy
Other transportation helps
- Google maps is accurate and helpful
- If you're going to other cities, Rome 2 Rio is helpful to see ways to get from A to B, but be sure to double-check the bus and train schedules before you plan. It’s a good way to see multiple methods of travel and compare cost, times, etc
Great Resources
- Rick Steves — He has some great resources like free audio tours and other tips for exploring Italy!
- Italy’s Official Tourism Website - Places to see, things to do, etc.