- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Pisa
Beyond its tilt, Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli showcases remarkable Romanesque architecture, making it clear what is Pisa famous for. Explore the Duomo, Baptistery, and the unique Camposanto Monumentale. Discover medieval tower houses in Borgo Stretto, remnants of a powerful maritime republic.
For those visiting Pisa, the Arno River provides scenic views, leading to the nearby coast, Marina di Pisa, just 10 km away. Explore Giardino Scotto for greenery or Palazzo Blu's exhibitions. Evenings invite a passeggiata along the Lungarno, culminating in a local aperitivo in Piazza delle Vettovaglie.
Among the best reasons to visit Pisa is its distinct culinary scene. Try cecina, a savory chickpea pancake, a true street-food gem. Savor traditional bordatino soup or the sweet Torta co' Bischeri, a local chocolate and rice tart, perfect with a Vin Santo.
- PisaItaly
- PisaItaly
- PisaItaly
- PisaItaly
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer tourists
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightWeightClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #AdapterTypeC
- #RainJacket
- 2-3 days for highlights
- 4-5 days with side trips
- Euro (€)
- Italian
- English understood in tourist areas
- #LeaningTowerOfPisa
- #PisaCathedral
- #Baptistery
- #PiazzadeiMiracoli
- #PalazzoBlu
- #BotanicalGarden
- #PisaMuseums
- Climb the Leaning Tower
- Explore Piazza dei Miracoli
- Visit the Botanical Garden
- Enjoy gelato
- Take a river walk
- Try local pasta dishes
Recommended Hotels in Pisa by Experience
Things to do in Pisa
Discover
Marvel at the attractions of Pisa, like the Leaning Tower, the Piazza dei Miracoli, and the National Museum. These iconic Pisa attractions showcase stunning architecture and rich history while inviting exploration.
Experience
Enjoy things to experience in Pisa through cultural events such as festivals, or participate in outdoor activities like cycling and walking tours. Engaging with local culinary traditions adds more depth to your visit.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Famous tilted tower with architectural marvel.
Piazza dei Miracoli
Scenic square housing iconic architectural sites.
National Museum of San Matteo
Museum featuring medieval art and artifacts.
Botanical Garden of Pisa
Historic gardens with diverse plant species.
Pisa Baptistery
Largest baptistery in Italy with unique acoustics and echo chamber.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
Second main square; home to the Scuola Normale.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To reach Pisa, fly into Pisa International Airport. The Pisa Mover shuttle connects Pisa airport to city center in under 5 minutes (€5-6). For rail, take a train to Pisa Centrale, a hub for national and regional services. Taxis are also available.
Getting Around
For exploring the city, public transport in Pisa relies on CPT buses, useful for longer trips. Most central attractions are easily walkable. Consider renting a bike for scenic rides along the Arno.
Local Essentials
Be aware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) if driving in Pisa; fines are common. While cards are widespread, carry small cash for markets. Pisa travel tips for first-timers: visit the Tower early to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay in Pisa
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
In Pisa, savor delicious dishes like cecina (chickpea flatbread) and torta di Ceci (chickpea cake). Enjoy the late dining tradition; locals often share meals over leisurely evenings. Explore traditional food in Pisa at local eateries.
Enjoy
For vibrant experiences, try L'Ostellino for quick bites and lively atmosphere. Il Campano is a mid-range favorite for Tuscan dishes in a cozy setting. Visit Bar Gambrinus for cocktails, but arrive early to secure a spot. Discover where to eat in Pisa!
L'Ostellino
Famed for stuffed sandwiches and quick service, great for lunch.
Il Campano
Popular for Tuscan cuisine with a welcoming ambiance.
Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare
Cozy seafood restaurant with excellent traditional dishes.
Osteria I Santi
Offers classic local recipes, ideal for family dinners.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Experience Pisa's heritage through religious celebrations like the Palio di San Ranieri in June. Explore the Luminara, illuminating the Arno riverbanks. These events are central to exploring Pisa cultural activities.
Enjoy
Explore Pisa's modern side with events like the Pisa Jazz festival, bringing international artists. Discover contemporary art installations and the Trame Indipendenti Short Film Festival, which add a creative flair to the city's cultural landscape.
Luminara di San Ranieri
June 16 riverbank illuminations and fireworks in a historic spectacle.
Gioco del Ponte
June historic reenactment with a dramatic tug-of-war on the bridge.
Pisa Jazz Festival
Summer jazz performances across Pisa venues with diverse sounds.
Palio di San Ranieri
June 17 patron saint boat race between Pisa's four districts.
Mercato della Terra
Monthly market with local food, wine, and artisan products in Piazza.
Trame Indipendenti Short Film Festival
June fest showcasing independent short films in a modern setting.
A city that genuinely delivers
Pisa is so much more than the tower. The streets around Borgo Stretto are full of little cafes and local shops - really easy to just walk around and soak it all in. Food was great too, especially the cecina, a chickpea flatbread you find everywhere here.
Way more to see than I expected
The Piazza dei Miracoli is stunning in person - photos just don't do it justice. But what I liked most was how compact and walkable the whole city feels. Grabbed some local wine at a tiny enoteca near the river and it was one of the highlights of the whole trip.
Great city break with the family
Pisa worked really well for us as a family stop. Kids were amazed by the Leaning Tower up close and we spent a good chunk of time just wandering the riverside along the Lungarno. Prices were reasonable compared to Florence and the pace felt relaxed. Really enjoyed it.
Perfect short trip - loved every bit
Didn't have long in Pisa but it left a real impression. The Campo Santo near the tower is beautiful and often overlooked by people rushing through. Local pasta with truffles was something else entirely. Friendly people, easy to get around, and genuinely good food everywhere.
Lovely Italian city worth more than a day
Most people treat Pisa as a quick stop but it really deserves longer. The university gives the city a young, lively feel and the streets around Piazza dei Cavalieri are gorgeous. Tried ribollita at a small trattoria and it was proper homemade comfort food. Brilliant.
Charming city with real local character
Pisa in December felt magical - quiet, not overcrowded, and the Christmas lights along the main streets looked beautiful. The Baptistery acoustics blew my mind when one of the staff did a quick demo inside. Cecina from a street stall was delicious and dirt cheap.