THE ULTIMATE GUIDE: HOW TO BEST SPEND ONE DAY IN PISA

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Bejal

Pisa one of Italy’s well known cities is well placed in the region of Tuscany and has great access links via Galileo Galilei international airport as well as very reliable trains coming into Pisa Centrale. Spending one day in Pisa is enough for many however it is also a fantastic base to explore the surrounding medieval villages and towns of Tuscany.

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Many flock to Pisa to see the unforgettable leaning Tower of Pisa, however Pisa has a lot more than this Tower and the Campo die Miracoli that houses the tower. You only have to stand on the Ponte Solferino (which you’re bound to see if you’re walking from Pisa Central). Standing here at either sunset or golden hour will give you the most stunning ethereal light which show off the glistening waters and skies. Pisa in our pinion has such a real elevated level of beauty that in our opinion, is overlooked. Pisa should not just be defined only by its tower. Iy’s famous tower should share an equal place with the rest of the city, where there are many wonders to discover, which truly are underrated and gem ain their own right.

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Although you can see the best and most famously known landmarks right before you in Pisa you’ll find hidden squares where you can enjoy a great long lunch and sip on aperitifs but truly its’ so easy to miss the crowds. The crowds are mainly concentrated near the tower but within minutes you can be away from them and walking down a small narrow lane.and maybe even miss them completely.

For those who can really invest in the time, we’d recommended to stay more than a day to really discover this university city, cycling through the medieval streets and experiencing and discovering the real Pisa and what it has to offer for culture hungry tourists.

This guide to Pisa will take you through the best things to do in the city as well as places to fuel up and also personal recommendations which will help you craft your very perfect day in Pisa.

Where is Pisa Located.

Pisa is located in the region of Tuscany, located in central Italy. The city sits straddling the Arno just before it joins the Ligurian Sea.

The city is also perfectly located to be a base from where to explore the other regions of Tuscany and it’s rolling hills. 

The Best Time To Visit Pisa

As always we’d recommend shoulder season for a visit to most destinations. Pisa, especially, in the summer months can get very busy. Additionally cruise ships can have a big impact on this small city. The weather is also very hot and humid during the summer so April to May or September to October is perfect to visit. The temperatures are still pleasant and there are less crowds.

How Long To Stay In Pisa

Many people head to Pisa just for the day and this is perfect as part of a Tuscany itinerary as it is closely located when based in Florence or even Lucca but you may even choose to base yourself in Pisa. If time permits staying two days is ideal to get more a flavour of the city as well as sampling some of the food of the city too.

How To Get To Pisa

Pisa can be visited by train (our preferred method from our base in Florence), plane and of course hire car, if your itinerary allows to explore the Medieval Tuscan towns of the region.

Train

Pisa Centrale (map location) station is located in the modern and newer part of Pisa city which is south of the River Arno. If you  are heading to Pisa for the day from anywhere in Tuscany or other parts of Italy, Pisa Centrale will be your first port of call. 

The distance from Pisa Centrale to the historic centre of Pisa is approximately 1 km, a 10-12 minute walk and if you’re heading straight for the leaning Tower of Pisa and the Campo die Miracoli, it’s around 2 km so will possible take you 25 minutes. You can of course take a taxi from the station but be aware you may be dropped off away from the historic sites (requiring a few minutes walk) due to pedestrianisation. 

Some train route and price information 

• Florence – Pisa Centrale I 50-90 minutes l One way €8.70-€9.90 single (our most preferred way to visit)
• Lucca – Pisa Centrale l 30- 40 minutes l €3.60 single
• La Spezia – Pisa Centrale l 50-90 minutes l €7.90-€9.90 single.

Book train travel in Italy via Trainline (access to Trentalia).

Plane 

Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (map location) is a very popular entry point into Tuscany and has a large number of budget airlines flying in making it affordable and rather appealing.

Be-lavie Tip: To visit Pisa, stay a night, preferably the day of arrival so you can fully appreciate visiting the city otherwise you can leave your luggage at the storage facility at Pisa Centrale before heading on your onward destination.

Check and book flights with best rate through Skyscanner

How to get from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale?

Jump on the Pisa Mover which is €2.70 per person with a frequency every five to ten minutes right from 06:00 -00:00. The journey takes ten minutes from the airport to Pisa Centrale.

Hiring a Car

If you have hired a car and are heading to Pisa for a day trip then note there are a couple of car parks that you can pay to park in, one of which is right behind the Campo de Miracoli. There are also larger car parks which are situated on the outskirts of the city Discover car park options in Pisa .

Be-lavie Tip: If you’re using Pisa as a base and have hired a car then its good to note that many of the historic streets in Pisa, do not allow non-residents to park. This is referred to as ZTL, zones of restricted circulation, situated in Italian cities that have historic centres. If you enter these by accident, you may well get a big fine so do check with your accommodation before booking anything.

Find your ideal Tuscany road trip car with Europcar

How To Get Around On Your One Day In Pisa

The best way to get around Pisa is by foot. It’s a small city and walking is the best way to see lots of the hidden squares and alleyways, which are great photography spots too. 

What To Do In Pisa In A Day

Piazza dei Miracoli

Literally translated the ‘Square of Miracles’ renowned across the world as being one of the finest architectural complexes and of great importance to the Catholic Church. 

The Piazza dei Miracoli is made up of four religious buildings:

• Pisa Cathedral
• Pisa Baptistery
• The Campanile (leaning Tower of Pisa)
• Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)

The Piazza dei Miracoli also encompasses the Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito (New Hospital of the Holy Spirit), which houses the Sinopias Museum (Museo delle Sinopie) and the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo).

Piazza dei Miracoli was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

• Location: Pisa, Province of Pisa
• Map Location

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The towers popularity is obvious from the millions that visit it each year. There’s no denying visitors are here for that 800 year old town that is famously leaning and its popular amongst Italians as well as tourists alike. 

Be-lavie Tip: This site is not just about taking a photo holding up the tower, that you see many do. It’s far more than that. It’s definitely worth learning about the history of the town, why it is crooked and definitely worth a visit inside. Buy your ticket beforehand online rather than via the ticket touts in the area.

The leaning tower of Pisa is eight storey’s high and was originally built to serve as the Cathedrals bell tower, do note that the bells no longer ring. The leaning of the tower is suggested to be slanting around 5.5 degrees however, it may actually be less as there has been extensive work undertaken to try and stabilise it in the past.

We would thoroughly recommend climbing the 297 steps to catch some great views of Pisa and beyond. It is quite pricey however this is maybe one of the most famous landmarks in Italy and you’re already there so why not discover the internal structure and workings.

Some recommended tours where you can book your timed slot as well as ‘skip the line tickets’ to make the most of your day, especially if you’re short of time.

Some Leaning Tower of Pisa Ticket Options & Tours

Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilts?  The tower’s construction started in 1172 and during its construction it became apparent that the ground beneath the towers foundation were not stable. In the following 200 years, architects and builders have made numerous adjustments to the tower but they haven’t managed to stop the tilting and now there is much focus focused upon not making the tower collapse. So, you can argue that it is a Pisa visit must!

The Baptistery

The rotunda shaped, 12th century Battistero di San Giovanni was the second building to be constructed within the Campo den Miracoli complex. The extrerior is superbly intricate however the inside is the opposite and not what you may expect judging from what you see on the outside.

Be-lavie Tip: Every 30 minutes, one of the guardians sings for a few minutes which gives absolutely magical acoustics in this building. Its worth hanging around to hear this and we recommend heading to the upper gallery area for this.

On the second floor, there’s a window which looks down onto the front of the Cathedral and Piazza die Marcoli – this is the shot, so don’t miss it, and take the shot!

Pisa Cathedral

The Duomo di Pisa is truly the gem of the Piazza die Miracoli. It’s grandeur and craftsmanship on the outside meets that of the inside. It was erected in 1092 and look out for the gold ceiling and very detailed carvings of Giovanni Pisano’s seminal pulpit. It’s pretty peaceful here, especially if you visit early or as soon as you arrive in Pisa. Take your time looking at the pillars and interesting angles of the building working in harmony with the other edifices in the square.

Camposanto 

The Old cemetery is the final building of the Piazza die Miracoli and is made up of sculptures, sarcophagi and frescoes. It’s rumoured that the Camposanto is built on sacred soil brought back to Pisa from the third crusade and Golgotha. The Campasnto is also known as the place of final rest for religious and holy figures.

Santa Maria Della Spina 

Pisa is full of churches as you’d expect in any Italian city. But by far one of the prettiest and cutest you’ll see is the Santa Maria Della Spina. It is located on the edge of the Arno, a little way up away from the historic centre. Dating back to the 1200s Santa Maria Della Spina sits at the banks of the River Arno and its tiny size makes it quite unique. Also it is said, that once upon a time long, one the thorns from Jesus’ thorn crown rested here.

• Location: Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa i Tel. +39 055 321 5446
• Map Location

Culture Lovers

Aside from the Campo die Miracoli, culture vultures can get their fix of historians heritage in the form of exhibitions, especially if you plan to base yourself within Pisa or will be staying more than day. 

Palazzo Blu – The well-known 14th century art gallery of Pisa which has a resident collection of around 300 artworks as well as ever changing temporary exhibitions including some by the greats such as Warhol, Dali and Picasso.

• Location: Lungarno Gambacorti, 9, 56125 Pisa l Tel. +39 050916950 I Website
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00 (weekends 10:00-20:00)
• Admission: €3

National Museum of Saint Mathew – If you have an interest in the Medieval time then the collection of paintings and sculptures here will fascinate you.

• Location: Piazza San Matteo In Soarta, 1, 56127 Pisa i Tel. +39 050541865 l Website http://www.polomusealetoscana.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/204/pisa-museo-nazionale-di-san-matteoMap
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 09:00-19:00 (Closed Wednesdays).
• Admission: €6 (€3 reductions).

Museum of Human Anatomy – Calling all science lovers! Pisa University is over 700 years old and the Museum of Anatomy houses over 1600 specimens including skulls, anatomical statues, mummies, and a death mask by the wax modeller, Paol0 Mascagni. 

• Location: Via Roma, 55/Edificio 57, 56126 Pisa I +39 0502211372 I Website
• Map Location
• You can only visit be appointment via info.mau@sma.unipi.it
• Admission: €2 per person.

Theatre Fans

Teatro Verdi – If you are a fan of the theatre then you can watch some open air performances as well as alternative quaint performances here.

• Location: Via Palestro, 40, 56127 Pisa l Tel. +39 050941111 I Website & Bookings
• Map Location

The Tuttomondo Mural

This street art piece is painted on the back wall of Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate by Keith Haring, This was his last public art work as he passed away just a few months after completing The Tuttomundo. 

Keith Haring was a street artist long before street art become cool and used his murals in an educational way in the 1980s New York scene, particularly on the AIDS epidemic and also drug and needle use.

He ended up in Pisa in 1989 and in a week he painted a 180 square metre mural, knowns as Tuttomundo translated to ‘Everything’.

This artwork is said to be the largest open-air mural in Europe. 

Be-lavie Tip: Whilst working on the Mural, Haring stayed at a hotel opposite the mural, which is now called the Keith Haring Art Shop cafe. Where you can purchase prints of his work.  The cafe is open from 07:00-21:00 Mon-Saturday and 12:00-20:00 on Sundays and is definitely worth a visit after you have viewed the mural.

• Location: Piazza V. Emanuele II, 18, 56125 Pisa.
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day.
• Admission: Free.

Wander Around Pisa’s Markets

Like a lot of Italian cities, Pisa is no exception, when we say there are a number of markets that you can choose to visit. It’s fair to say many of them tend to run on the weekends and it’s good to note this if markets are your thing.

Here are a few that may be of interest to you…

Mercato dell Vettovaglie 

• Location: Piazza delle Vettovaglie I Map Location
• Market Days: Daily 07:00-15:00, Closed Sundays

This is Pisa’s main farmer’s produce market, where you purchase great fresh vegetables from traditional older farmers who shout the names of their great offerings. Great photo opportunity and lots of colourful fruit and veg on offer.

Be-lavie Tip: Piazza delle Vettovaglie during the early evenings is a great spot for university students to hang out. You’ll see them drinking and chatting at the bars that surround the squares, Bar La Volta and Cecco Rivolta. It’s great for Aperitif and pizzas of course!

Antique Market

• Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri I Map Location.
• Market Days: Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of the month.

If you love antiques, you’ll be sure to pick up some great bargains and flea market delights.

Flea Market

• Location: Via San Martino I Map Location
• Market Days: every Wednesday and Saturday morning

If you’re a fan of mooching around vintage clothing spots, this is the market for you.

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Market

• Location: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I Map Location:
• Market Days: Each April.

An annual event, occurring in April the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is the host of the European food market where you’ll be able to sample all types of European cuisine from the continent as well as craft beers and other country specific beverages.

Take a stroll On the Borgo Stretto

This area is most renowned for its lovely shopping streets and streets lined with Italian town houses. It’s a great place to escape to if you have the time and a lovely area to walk and discover everyday life at a slow pace.

Walk along The Banks Of The River Arno

The River Arno also runs through Florence and is the ideal spot to take a stroll. Views include colourful buildings that line either side of the river and is a lot quieter away from the main sites of Pisa.

Palazzo Della Carovana

This is located right in the centre of Pisa and is full of historical buildings, one of which is the Normal di Pisa University and the stunning Palace of the Elders. The university was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte and this square most certainly has a great student vibe to it. The Palace of the Elders dates back to the late 16th century and has a very ornate facade.

• Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri. 7, 56126 Pisa
• Map Location

Escape to Parco Don Bosco

Escape to If you’re in Pisa for more than a day or just fancy a walk in a nature filled spot. The park has many pine trees and good to escape to if it’s a very hot day as there are lots of shady spots. A Roman aqueduct also runs through the park.

• Location: Parco Don Bosco
• Map Location

Be-lavie Pro Tip: We were informed by friends who live locally that on June 16 each year, Luminara of di San Ranieri, the illumination of Saint Ranieri) takes place in Pisa. The path traced by the Arno River is lit up by over 70,000 candles attached to palaces, churches bridges and towers. They have some floating on the water too. It’s a beautiful twinkling evening. If you are in Tuscany at this time of year, it may be a great idea to plan your day to visit around the Luminara of di San Ranieri.

Best Pisa Tours

If you’re short of time or want to learn a little more about the city, after all Pisa is full of history and is perfect for culture vultures, it’s definitely worth considering a specialist tour.

Here are some highly rated tours we’d recommend.

• Reserved entrance to Leaning Tower of Pisa – If you’re short of time then this is ideal, as you have a guaranteed slot for your visit.

• Group Walking Tour – This two hour walking tour is extremely affordable and covers all of Pisa’s general sites as well as some secret spots from a local’s perspective as the guide is from Pisa.

• Private Pisa Tour – If you like to craft your own private tour experience with a local guide then this tour is perfect as you can spend three hours heading to what’s important to you based on a looser itinerary.

• E-bike Tour – For the more active and possible time constrained amongst us, this e-bike tour is perfect as it is self-guided but covers a lot of area in the time.

Fancy something a bit different?

• Off the Beaten Path Pisa – If you’ve done the tower previously or aren’t so interested in it, this two hour tour is perfect for you as it covers other things the city has to offer including the different neighbourhoods.

The Best Day Trips from Pisa

If you are basing yourself in Pisa when visiting Tuscany then there are a whole host of places you can visit including Florence, although this is more of a destination in its own right and deserve more time, to the Medieval Towns of Tuscany, such as Lucca or Arezzo or you could head to the coast if you have more time and discover La Spezia and the famous Cinque Terre. The latter two would really need a few days.

Where To Eat & Drink In Pisa

When it comes to dining in Pisa, you will be spoilt for choice, from gelato to pizza to Pisan traditional dishes as well as some great aperitivo bars.

Be-lavie Tip: Try and avoid the cafes and restaurants situated near the Piazza die Miracoli as this is a tourist hot spot. Food will be less authentic and very pricey. A good way to tell the tourist traps apart from local hangouts is that the menu’s are often printed in a variety of languages.

Gelato : One Day In Pisa

Gelateria De’ Coltelli

When it comes to gelato, one of the most well known spots in Pisa, especially if you do a Google search is Gelateria De’ Coltelli, it has the reputation of being Pisa’s best gelato spot.

We can vouch, their gelato is insanely good and and has for many many years attracted tourists, locals, day trippers en route to the station. In fact the place is so popular that they now have another Gelateria in Lucca.

Gelateria De’ Coltelli is located across the Arno river and is famed for its artisan organic and 100% organic gelato. There is a wonderful choice of flavours to choose from and the store has a loud orange zesty interior to help you get in the summer gelato mood. The hardest decision will be which flavour to choose

Be-lavie Recommendations: Try the pistachio, salted caramel and Stracciatella in a wafer cone.

• Location: Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 23, 56100 Pisa I Website
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00-23:30 / Friday-Saturday 11:00-00:30

Lunch Options : One Day In Pisa

Trattoria De Stelio

Located a few streets away from the tower, Trattoria De Stelio seems pretty authentic and has a menu that changes daily. It’s written on a chalk board and is brought to your table so you can have a peruse.

The pasta dishes are very reasonably priced at around €5 and portions are large and hearty.

You’ll notice there are a lot of locals here, speaking in Italian over lunch, which is always a good sign that the food is top notch!  Make sure you ask to look at the daily specials too because you don’t want to miss a good dish!!

• Location: Piazzza Dante Alighieri, 11, 56126 Pisa l Website https://www.facebook.com/da.stelio/
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 12:00-15:00 / Saturday and Sunday closed

Pizza il Montino

If you’re expecting a Neapolitan-style base, thin crispy crust, it’s good to note this Pizzeria is known and loved for something quite the opposite.

The Pizza bases at Montino’s are quite different with a very cheesy topping but this what the restaurant is famed for. The locals, students and food buffs gather here for a slice of the pizza as well as what is known as Cecina (stuffed thin chickpea crepe).

Take aways are available should you wish to take your pizza with you or you can grab an outside table and tuck into your pizza in the atmospheric photogenic street.

• Location: Via del Monte, 1, 56126 Pisa l Website https://www.pizzeriailmontino.it/.
• Map Location .
• Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 12:30-15:00 / 19:00-23:30 / Closed on Sunday.

Bars & Drinks : One Day In Pisa

La Staffetta

This is Pisa’s craft brewery and comes with great story. Three local students who loved craft beer created the brewery. It’s quite a small place with variable opening hours but if you love your views and a very chilled atmosphere, this is your spot!

• Location: Via Don Minzoni, 27, 56011 Calci Pisa I Website .
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Open Friday-Sunday 18:00-23:30 / Closed Monday-Thursday.

Baribaldi 

A fab place to hangout for meat and cheese platters this place is small so be sure to get here for 18:00 on the dot. It’s not fancy but it’s fun and they serve a huge selection of drinks.

• Location Piazza Garibaldi, 8, 56126 Pisa I Website
• Map Location
• Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday 17:00-00:00 / Thursday until 00:00 / Friday -Saturday till 01:00 / Closed Sunday and Wednesday

Food & Drink Tours in Pisa

If you love to eat and drink your way around new destinations, then see if any of these foodie tours wet your appetite.

Where To Stay In Pisa

Pisa has a wonderful range of accommodation types to suit all budgets and needs. Here are a few options in three categories which may come in useful when searching for your own visit to the city.

Be-lavie Tip: Do note there will be fluctuations in prices dependent upon seasons. These pricess are for around September – October.

Palazzo Cini

Style: Luxury Option

A very classy and stylish hotel located in a 19th century Libery Palazzo, this boutique hotels’ interiors were designed by young architect, Ivan Cini. Ivan or his sister are generally on hand to welcome guests and show their great Pisan hospitality. There are only five spacious rooms which are tastefully designed with free standing bath tubs, marble finishes and large windows. Each room is individually designed. Palazzo Cini is located pretty close to the Tower of Pisa and Piazza die Miracoli complex.

Breakfast is included and served at the Art Cafe, which is located two minutes down the road and comprises of a delicious of continental and Italian food and hot drinks.

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• Location: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12, 56125 Pisa l Tel. +39 050501125 
• Map Location
• Price range: Double rooms from €120 (low season) and €140 (high season). Breakfast included.

B&B Di Camilla

Style: Mid-Range

Located in the historic centre of Pisa, B&B Di Camilla has a brilliant location with a traditional contemporary stye of decor, with some luxury effects thrown in.  There is also a large garden which is handy for the warmer months. The B& B was once a charming little theatre which has now been lovingly transformed into a great mid-range accommodation option which feel very homely.

There are four rooms, named after the Renaissance artists of Donatello, Leonardo Raffaello and Michelangelo which are all ensuite and pretty specious. Breakfast looks like a wonderful spread of Italian food with cold and hot drinks.

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A post shared by B&b di Camilla (@bbdicamilla)

• Location: Via San Francesco, 45, 56127 Pisa l Tel. +393402531225.
• Map Location.
• Price Range: Double rooms from €106 per night including breakfast.

Villa Noemi B&B

Style: Good Value

Situated about a minutes walk form the Tower of Pisa, this is a small but cute B&B which is very reasonably priced. The hosts are incredibly helpful. There are four very beautifully decorated rooms, super classy too and there’s a good amount of outdoor space for the residents to enjoy after a long days sight-seeing. A very good Italian breakfast is included in the price per night.

• Location Via Cesare Salvestroni, 11, 56123 Pisa I Tel. +39 3288005607 
• Map Location
• Price Range: double rooms from €78,

How To Spend One Day In Pisa Round-Up

You may be only spending one day in Pisa but this guide hopefully will have shown you there is so much to do apart from seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which obviously is a given when visiting!

Your one day in Pisa should include lots more that the tower itself, discovering a side of the city that many tourists overlook is something that inspired this guide. Pisa is steeped in history and has so many wonderful things to see from markets, historical buildings, museums, churches as well as a wonderful foodie scene to get your teeth into. 

It’s all about slow travel in Pisa, walk along the River Arno, with gelato in hand, stumble upon hidden squares, have an aperitivo, look at the intricate details and artworks in this ancient Tuscan city known for more than just its tower.

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• The Ultimate Guide to One Day in Lucca
• How to Spend a Day in Arezzo
• How to Spend One Day in La Spezia
• The Five Beautiful Village of Cinque Terre

Resources To Help With Travel Planning

                    

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