Pisa, Italy, is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but there's so much more to explore beyond that globally recognized monument. The city sits along the banks of the River Arno and enchants visitors with its medieval architecture, lively university atmosphere, and classic Tuscan charm. Pisa’s compact historic center makes it easy to explore on foot, revealing quaint streets, bustling piazzas, and a rich assortment of centuries-old churches and palaces.
The main draw for most visitors is Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery, all of which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing the Leaning Tower is a bucket-list experience, offering striking views across the city’s red-tiled rooftops. But Pisa also rewards those who venture off the beaten path: the riverfront promenade, Piazza delle Vettovaglie with its bustling market and cafes, and the lush Orto Botanico di Pisa—the oldest university botanical garden in the world—are all well worth a visit.
The city has a youthful vibe thanks to its centuries-old University of Pisa, lending the nightlife and dining scenes an energetic, affordable, and international feel. Pisa’s trattorias and bars serve up classic Tuscan dishes and regional wines in a relaxed setting. Savor plates of local pasta, sample pecorino cheese, and enjoy freshly baked pastries at neighborhood bakeries. Wandering the city as dusk falls, you’ll find both students and locals gathering along the Arno or at outdoor terraces.
Getting around Pisa is simple: most attractions are within walking distance, and local buses make it easy to reach outlying sites or the airport. There’s a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to budget-friendly guesthouses. For a more local feel, consider staying near Borgo Stretto or the San Martino neighborhood. High-speed rail connects Pisa to Florence, Lucca, and the rest of Tuscany, making it a great base for exploring the region.
The best times to visit Pisa are in spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds thinner than in the summer peak. Don’t miss the annual Luminara di San Ranieri festival in June, when thousands of candles light up the riverbanks in a magical display. With a blend of iconic sights, vibrant street life, and delicious food, Pisa is an inviting city for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.
The main draw for most visitors is Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Baptistery, all of which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing the Leaning Tower is a bucket-list experience, offering striking views across the city’s red-tiled rooftops. But Pisa also rewards those who venture off the beaten path: the riverfront promenade, Piazza delle Vettovaglie with its bustling market and cafes, and the lush Orto Botanico di Pisa—the oldest university botanical garden in the world—are all well worth a visit.
The city has a youthful vibe thanks to its centuries-old University of Pisa, lending the nightlife and dining scenes an energetic, affordable, and international feel. Pisa’s trattorias and bars serve up classic Tuscan dishes and regional wines in a relaxed setting. Savor plates of local pasta, sample pecorino cheese, and enjoy freshly baked pastries at neighborhood bakeries. Wandering the city as dusk falls, you’ll find both students and locals gathering along the Arno or at outdoor terraces.
Getting around Pisa is simple: most attractions are within walking distance, and local buses make it easy to reach outlying sites or the airport. There’s a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to budget-friendly guesthouses. For a more local feel, consider staying near Borgo Stretto or the San Martino neighborhood. High-speed rail connects Pisa to Florence, Lucca, and the rest of Tuscany, making it a great base for exploring the region.
The best times to visit Pisa are in spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds thinner than in the summer peak. Don’t miss the annual Luminara di San Ranieri festival in June, when thousands of candles light up the riverbanks in a magical display. With a blend of iconic sights, vibrant street life, and delicious food, Pisa is an inviting city for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery
- Stroll along the River Arno promenade
- Visit the Camposanto Monumentale
- Relax in Orto Botanico di Pisa
- Browse the cafés and markets in Piazza delle Vettovaglie
- Discover the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
- Enjoy local Tuscan cuisine at trattorias
Notable Sites
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)
- Baptistery of St. John
- Camposanto Monumentale
- Piazza dei Miracoli
- Orto Botanico di Pisa
- Piazza delle Vettovaglie
- Palazzo Blu
General Advice
Pisa is a walkable city with most attractions clustered within or near the historical center. Consider starting your day early to enjoy quieter moments at famous sites and to avoid crowds, especially during peak travel months. While the Leaning Tower is a must-see, take time to wander the local neighborhoods, try traditional gelato, and linger by the river in the evening for beautiful sunset views. Pisa also makes a convenient gateway to other parts of Tuscany, with quick rail connections to Florence and Lucca.
Security & Safety
Pisa is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur, especially around tourist hotspots and train stations. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. The areas around the train station can feel less secure at night, so it’s best to stay in well-lit, populated areas when walking after dark. Emergency services are reliable, and most locals are helpful if you need assistance.
Travel Tips
- Book tickets for Leaning Tower in advance to guarantee your climb.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the historic center is best explored on foot.
- Try traditional Tuscan dishes at local trattorias off the main tourist routes.
- Buy bus tickets at tobacco shops or kiosks (Tabacchi) before boarding.
- If planning day trips, use Pisa Centrale station for fast connections.
- Carry a reusable water bottle; public fountains supply clean drinking water.
- The PisaMover shuttle connects the airport and train station quickly.
- Some small shops and restaurants may prefer cash over cards.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2024
Seeing the Leaning Tower in person was surreal! We went early and could climb up without big crowds. Loved wandering through Piazza delle Vettovaglie for lunch—so many tasty options. Wish we had time to see more museums.
Traveled here in March 2024
Pisa is smaller than I expected, but that made it easy to explore on foot. The cathedral and Baptistery were my highlights, especially the echo demonstration in the Baptistery. It does get busy near the tower, but other parts of the city are relaxed.
Visited in July 2023
We brought our kids and had a fantastic time! They were fascinated by the leaning buildings, and the botanical garden was a lovely break from the heat. The street performers around Piazza dei Miracoli kept everyone entertained.
Stayed in September 2023
Pisa makes a great base for seeing Tuscany. Took easy day trips to Florence and Lucca by train. The tower is touristy but worth it for the photo and view. Found a little bakery near Borgo Stretto with the best pastries.
Visited in June 2024
Loved sitting by the Arno at sunset. The city feels lively, especially around the university areas. Restaurants are affordable compared to other Italian cities. Avoided long lines at the tower by booking ahead.
Traveled here in April 2024
Saw all the main sites in a day, but the crowds were intense around mid-day. Still, the history is fascinating, and the Camposanto is underrated. Had trouble finding parking, so probably better not to bring a car.
Visited in October 2023
Had the best gelato I’ve ever tasted near Piazza dei Cavalieri. The student vibe here is fun and friendly. There’s a nice mix of tourists and locals, and we enjoyed finding little bookshops along the side streets.
Stayed in August 2023
Pisa gets hot and busy during summer, but there’s plenty of shade in the botanical gardens. We walked everywhere—no need for taxis. Wish more signs were in English, but it’s part of the experience.
Visited in December 2023
Christmas lights made the city even more magical. We stayed near the train station and walked to all main attractions easily. The local market had great gifts and snacks. Would come back in a heartbeat!
Traveled here in January 2024
Easy to get to from Florence, and well worth a stop. Climbed the Leaning Tower—my knees regret it, but the pictures are great! Friendly locals helped us find a quiet place for dinner.
Visited in February 2024
We came with our teenage daughter and spent a lot of time exploring small galleries and shops. The old walls and towers are full of history. Cafes were busy, but staff were helpful and welcoming.
Traveled here in May 2023
Went to the Luminara festival—seeing the candles along the river was like a dream. Pisa at night has such an energetic feel. Don’t skip the seafood in local trattorias!
Visited in October 2023
Great short trip from Rome. Tower is unique (and steeper than it looks!). Enjoyed people-watching and sketching in the main square. Didn’t love the crowds by the tower, but elsewhere was peaceful.
Stayed in November 2023
Perfect city for photography fans—so many angles, especially near the river. I liked how easy it was to find both busy spots and quiet corners. Food is solid—lots of pizza and panini options.
Traveled here in March 2024
Took my parents for a cultural weekend and we all enjoyed it. The Piazza dei Miracoli is gorgeous and easy to navigate. Try the cecina (chickpea pancake) from a bakery—we loved it.
Visited in August 2023
Arrived by train from Milan, which was super convenient. The climb up the Leaning Tower is challenging if you’re afraid of heights, but the view is unbeatable. Street life near the university is lively and welcoming.
Visited in June 2023
City is beautiful, but I found it quite crowded even on weekdays. Some restaurants around tourist areas were a bit overpriced. Away from the tower, we discovered nice quiet parks and coffee shops with local flavor.
Stayed in May 2024
Our family loved exploring the cathedral and sitting at outdoor cafés in the old town. Kids enjoyed the green space at Orto Botanico. We’ll remember the friendly atmosphere and amazing pizza!
Traveled here in September 2023
I traveled alone and felt very safe walking through all the central areas. Found great artisan shops and a peaceful walk along the Arno. Would suggest booking tower tickets ahead—slots were full when I arrived.
Visited in December 2023
Spent a day in Pisa as part of an Italy tour. The architecture is what really stands out for me, especially the details in the Cathedral. Restaurants around Borgo Stretto serve fantastic local pasta.
Visited in April 2024
Spring is a great time to come—the city wasn’t too busy, and everything looked vibrant. We enjoyed seeing both the famous sites and just strolling through quieter residential streets. Strongly recommend eating in local osterias instead of touristy spots.
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