11 Incredible Things to Do in Pisa, Italy

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Looking for the most amazing things to do in Pisa? Aside from the leaning tower of course? Well, you’re in the right place.

Of all the places I’ve visited in Italy, Pisa was the one that I was most excited about. Not just because of the leaning tower (although I was certainly intrigued about seeing that), but because of what I’d been told about the city. Many people had told me that, besides Pisa’s most famous tower, there wasn’t much to do there.

As with other destinations where I’ve been told this (such as Cyprus and Malta), I was determined to prove them wrong. And, in my opinion, to see some of the best things to do in Pisa, you’ll need to stroll a little further from the main Piazza!

The city is beautiful, walkable, and full of fascinating architecture and amazing history.

From its famous buildings to delicious food; from exploring the medieval streets to taking a boat ride down the Arno River, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. So, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, here are the top things to do in Pisa.

How long do you need in Pisa? 

It depends on what you would like to see and do. A simple visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding square can be done in a few hours.

However, if you would like to also visit the city’s other sites, it may take a full day or more. I’d recommend spending at least a full day in Pisa, possibly two if you have the time.

How to get to Pisa

There are several ways to get to Pisa:

• By plane: Pisa has its own airport, Galileo Galilei International Airport, which is well connected to many European cities and some intercontinental destinations.
• By train: This is how we travelled to the city. We got the train from Florence to Pisa and it was a quick and easy journey. However, Pisa is connected to many other Italian cities and train travel in Italy is actually pretty nice. There are two railway stations in Pisa: Pisa Centrale and Pisa San Rossore. Both are within easy access to the city centre. The train will take around an hour, so it’s a pretty nice journey.
• By bus: Pisa is connected to many other cities in Italy and Europe by bus. I tend to use Flixbus for booking bus travel around Europe as it’s easy to use and affordable. Nonetheless, compared to the train, the bus is a much longer journey (between 2 and 2.5 hours). It is slightly cheaper though. But, unless you have plenty of time, I’d recommend getting the train if you’re travelling between cities.

Where to stay in Pisa?

Here are a few options to consider if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Pisa:

• The Historic Centre: If you want to be close to the Leaning Tower and other main attractions, the historic centre of Pisa is a good choice. This area (known as Santa Maria) is located near the Arno River and is known for its beautiful streets and buildings, including many historic churches and palaces, is home to many hotels, B&Bs, and rentals, and you’ll be within walking distance of the main sights.
• Sant’Antonio: If you’re looking for a quieter and more residential area, consider staying in the neighbourhood of Sant’Antonio. This is south, across the river from Santa Maria but still well connected by public transportation. In fact, it is the closest area to the Pisa Centrale train station, so if you stay here, you’ll be in a prime position to go on day trips to other areas of Italy from Pisa. 
• San Francesco: If you’re looking for a more lively option, head to San Francesco. This neighbourhood is a great place to stay in Pisa if you enjoy the nightlife, dancing, and soaking up the Italian atmosphere.

Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Personally, I like basing myself in the historic centre of cities.

It’s both close to the attractions and within walking distance of many restaurants and great places to eat. It’s also usually much more historical than staying further away.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Pisa, here.

The best things to do in Pisa

So, without further ado, these are the best things to do in Pisa.

1. Piazza Del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Pisa. This is the place you’ve probably seen in photographs or postcards.

And rightly so because the square is home to some of the city’s most famous and iconic landmarks. This includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Cemetery.

The Piazza is a fantastic starting point for your exploration of Pisa. It’s a popular destination for tourists, so it can get quite busy. But it’s undeniably a great place to spend a few hours wandering around and taking in the sights.

The square is surrounded by several small shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy a typical Italian meal or gelato.

2. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Often overshadowed by the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this Cathedral is absolutely gorgeous. One of the most important religious buildings in the city, it’s beautifully built both inside and out.

Construction of the Cathedral was started in 1063 and, when it was completed, it was considered a masterpiece of the Pisan-Romanesque architectural style.

It is built with a similar marble decoration to the baptistery (which we’ll get to soon!), with incredibly detailed carvings and stunning stained glass windows, which are considered some of the finest examples of medieval art in Italy.

The cathedral has been the site of many important events throughout its history, including the coronation of several medieval rulers and the consecration of several bishops.

Today, the Cathedral is a popular attraction for people visiting Pisa and is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

3. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Of course, I couldn’t talk about the best things to do in Pisa without mentioning its crowning glory. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undeniably the city’s most famous attraction.

A freestanding bell tower located in the city, it is famous for its distinctive lean, caused by the soft ground beneath it. 

The 56-meter-tall tower was built in the 12th century. During its construction, the ground beneath it began to shift, causing the tower to lean. The lean became more pronounced over the centuries until the tower had tilted by more than four degrees. 

In the 1990s, a stabilization project was undertaken to prevent the tower from collapsing and it was closed to the public for several years while work was carried out.

Engineers added a slight curve to the tower and fixed its centre of gravity. This prevented any further tilts and allowed the tower to be opened once more.

Nowadays, you can climb the tower’s 294 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. You can also stand in the Piazza and take the Insta-famous photograph of yourself holding the tower up. However, you probably won’t be the only one taking this picture! 

✅ Book tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, here.

4. Pisa Baptistery

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is another of Pisa’s gorgeous buildings, known for its stunning architectural style and rich cultural heritage. It’s one of the most important religious structures in the city

The Baptistery was completed in 1363 and is considered a masterpiece of the Pisan-Romanesque architectural style. Dedicated to St John the Baptist, it remains to this day one of the largest baptisteries in the world. 

Be sure to visit the inside of the building where you’ll find yourself standing in a circle of marble columns. With its beautiful decoration and intricate carvings it’s easily one of the best things to do in Pisa.

5. Iglesia de Santa Maria della Spina

Italian churches are beautiful and usually feature stunning architecture. We’ve travelled around many beautiful Italian cities and the churches always stun me. Just look at Milan! And Pisa is no different.

The Santa Maria della Spina is a small Gothic church located alongside the river Arno. It’s considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region. 

The church was built in the 13th century and is known for its intricate decoration and ornamentation, including many sculptures, which adorn the façade and the interior. The decoration is rich and varied with pointed arches, trefoils, pinnacles, and statues. It’s truly a unique church.

The Santa Maria della Spina is one of the smaller but most interesting churches in Pisa, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Gothic architecture and art.

6. Walk along the River Arno

While you’re visiting the gorgeous Santa Maria della Spina, why not take a relaxing stroll along the river? The Arno is a major river in central Italy, flowing through the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

It is approximately 241 kilometres (150 miles) long, and in Pisa, the Arno River is an important part of its history and culture.

The river played an important role in the development of Pisa as a city. It provided a source of water and transportation while also serving as a source of power for the city’s many mills and factories.

Pisa is also located at the mouth of the river. So, if you continue walking all the way, you’ll eventually be treated to stunning ocean views.

7. Ponte di Mezzo

While you’re walking down the River Arno, you’ll probably notice a few bridges spanning the water. One in particular, the Ponte di Mezzo, is a medieval bridge that connects the neighbourhoods of San Martino and Sant’Antonio.

I love exploring bridges when I travel because some of them have really intriguing architecture. There are some bridges in both Venice and Cambridge that are a few of my favourites.

For me, however, it isn’t the architecture of this bridge that makes it one of the best things to do in Pisa – it’s the views. 

With colourful buildings nestled on either side of the river, the bridge is a wonderful spot for photography. It’s also a great place to simply relax and soak in the gorgeous city.

The bridge is a relatively new bridge by Italian standards having been completed in 1950, but it’s still considered one of the most elegant and beautiful bridges in Pisa. As such, it is also featured in many works of art and literature.

8. Guelph Tower

The Guelph Tower is a medieval tower located in Pisa, Italy. It is one of the few surviving structures from the city’s medieval period and is an important historical monument in Pisa.

Located in the Cittadella Vecchia area, the tower was built in the 15th century and was used as a defensive structure. The tower is a typical example of the military architecture of the period, with a sturdy stone exterior and a series of small openings that were used for archery.

Today, the Guelph Tower is open to the public and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city of Pisa and the surrounding countryside. In addition to its historical significance, the Guelph Tower is also an interesting example of medieval architecture, and a visit to the tower provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. 

Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of Pisa, admiring the beautiful architecture, or simply taking in the stunning views from the top of the tower, the Guelph Tower is one of the best things to do in Pisa.

9. Campo Santo

Our next attraction takes us back to the Piazza De Duomo. Campo Santo is a historic cemetery located near the Leaning Tower. It is considered one of the most important historical and artistic sites in the city and, once you see it, you’ll see why.

The cemetery was originally used as a place for the burials of the city’s elite. Surrounded by a cloister and featuring a series of chapels and tombs, as well as several frescoes and sculptures, it’s a haven for photographers.

It’s also a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture, as well as to admire the beautiful art and architecture.

10. Palazzo dei Cavalieri

The Palazzo dei Cavalieri is the perfect place to visit in Pisa for anyone who loves a bit of history. This grand palace was built in the 16th century and was originally a religious and military order of knighthood.

The palace features a grand courtyard, adorned with a fountain, and several frescoes and paintings decorate the walls of the palace. The palace is also home to the Scuola Normale Superiore, which is one of the most prestigious universities in Italy.

11. Museo Nationale

The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is the national museum of Pisa. Housed in the fairly inconspicuous 13th-century church of San Matteo, it features a wide variety of art and artefacts from the Pisa and the surrounding area.

The museum’s collection includes works by famous Italian artists, a number of important sculptures, and a collection of Roman and medieval artefacts, including ceramics, glassware, and jewellery. 

The museum is considered one of the most important art museums in the city. It’s a great place to learn about history and culture, as well as to admire the beautiful art and artefacts, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Pisa.

Overall…

We had a wonderful time exploring Pisa. This is a city rich in history and culture, but also simply a great atmosphere when you’re walking around the street.

Walking along the river with the sun beaming down on you, a gelato in your hand, and the beautiful coloured buildings surrounding you, it’s easy to fall in love with this city. And, there’s so much more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower, you just have to go and find it.

Whether you’re interested in history, or art, or just want to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of this charming Italian city, Pisa is definitely a destination worth visiting.

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