Ciao amori! If you’re contemplating a weekend getaway to the alluring metropolis of Pisa, you’ve come to the suitable place! Perched on the west shoreline of Italy on the Ligurian Sea, this beautiful Tuscan metropolis is unquestionably value visiting.
Nestled alongside the banks of the River Arno, you’ll uncover so many historic monuments and wonderful walkways resulting in Pisan hidden gems and native Tuscan delights. Renaissance buildings, beautiful frescos, and white marble wonders await!
Of all of the Italian cities I’ve been to, I assumed Pisa was top-of-the-line. So I’ve compiled all probably the most unbelievable issues to do in Pisa that I feel will make your journey tremendous memorable. Whether you desire a romantic trip or a household vacation, Pisa affords all of it!
I’ll additionally embrace slightly bonus part on the most effective day journeys from Pisa – you possibly can’t go to Pisa with out discovering the beautiful Tuscan countryside!
Pisa will get tremendous touristy, so be sure you e-book effectively upfront to keep away from disappointment!
So let’s get to it!
If you might be in a rush
If you’re visiting Pisa and simply on the lookout for the primary excursions and motels, I feel these are glorious decisions. Have a glance beneath for some fast suggestions:
Here are the primary issues to e-book upfront:
And listed here are the most effective motels: Palazzo Cini (luxurious), Harmony House Prestige (mid-range), Bed & Tower (finances)
1. Marvel on the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Sitting slightly crooked in Campo dei Miracoli, deep within the coronary heart of central Pisa, the world well-known leaning tower is certainly one of Pisa’s most celebrated websites. For your first time in Pisa, I’d advocate making a beeline for this majestic construction!
This miraculous architectural feat is over 600 years previous! It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage website and you may even climb all the best way as much as the highest for an unbelievable view.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa really isn’t the one leaning tower within the metropolis – the bell tower of Chiesa San Nicola, subsequent to the Arno River, additionally leans to at least one facet!
However, the traces for the Tower of Pisa are RIDICULOUSLY lengthy. I’m severe – relying on what time of day you go, you could possibly be there for ages. That’s why it’s normally finest to pre-book a ticket so you will get first dibs on these views!
The finest ticket I’ve discovered doesn’t simply get you a ticket as much as the highest of the tower – it additionally offers you entry to Pisa Cathedral (which I’ll discuss in part #2 beneath). This skip-the-line ticket means that you can discover each unbelievable buildings at your individual tempo, so you possibly can absorb the tradition for nonetheless lengthy you want.
PRO TIP: If you don’t wish to combat off hordes of vacationers, the most effective time to go to is within the early morning. That means 9 AM, vibrant and early!
HACK: There are two ranges overlooking the town, and the primary one is roofed by an enormous fence, so don’t waste your time right here! Instead, stick with it up the steps (I do know, extra stairs!) and see the view proper on the high.
PRICE: €25
Book Your Skip the Line Tickets
2. Admire Pisa Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo
Right within the heart of Piazza Duomo, also referred to as Campo dei Miracoli, Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta looms in gothic magnificence above the whole lot. A Pantheon-esque basilica with stone arches marbled to perfection, its design is evocative of historical Islamic structure and might be probably the most breathtaking murals in all of Pisa.
Inside, you’ll discover numerous unbelievable mosaics, sculptures, work, and frescoes that present an affidavit to the resilience of European and Islamic historical past, and the Corinthian-style oval dome is completely mesmerizing!
Remember to get your all-access go (€27) to go to this and the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Admission to the Cathedral itself is free, however you need to stand in line and get a free ticket anyway to enter (to forestall too many individuals entering into directly) so that you may as effectively get your ticket upfront!
NOTE: Make positive you’re dressed appropriately to go inside Duomo di Pisa – shorts and naked shoulders aren’t allowed, so that you’ll possible be requested to cowl up.
3. Visit Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)
Located on the reverse finish of the sq. to the Leaning Tower, Pisa Baptistery is the most important baptistery within the nation, and it’s a real testomony to this Tuscan metropolis and its implausible structure. Built as a monument to St. John the Baptist, this intricate construction is crammed with works by well-known Italian artists.
PRO TIP: The acoustics on this beautiful constructing are INCREDIBLE. Every half-hour or so, the custodian will provide you with a style of his musical prowess, so stick round to listen to a musical marvel!
PRICE: Free
4. Step again in time at Camposanto Monumentale
This monumental cemetery dates again to the thirteenth century, and is the ultimate cease in your tour of Piazza dei Miracoli. Its spectacular façade is enclosed by arched marble columns, and its solemn environment is a peaceable retreat from the crowds of the piazza.
Legend has it that Camposanto Monumentale is constructed over sacred soil, gathered from the location of the crucifixion of Jesus. Whether on account of the holiness of the location or another phenomenon, there are some who say that our bodies buried right here will disintegrate inside simply 24 hours.
Don’t miss the surviving Roman sarcophagi in Camposanto’s cloisters!
If you wish to go to all 3 of those unbelievable websites alongside the piazza, your only option is to get this unbelievable skip-the-line tour, the place you’ll be given entry to all the details across the similar complicated and a historic commentary to take you again in time for €32!
Book Your Skip the Line Tickets
5. Stroll across the Botanical Garden and Museum
A leafy haven to the south of the Leaning Tower close to Piazza dei Cavalieri (in any other case often known as Knights Square), Pisa University’s Botanical Garden and Museum was the very first of its form – in the entire world! Walking via the serene grounds with bamboo forests and peaceable ponds will lend your vacay an air of tranquility.
If you occur to get pleasure from a little bit of botanical historical past, the museum is wonderful! An enormous assortment of the rarest botanical samples may be discovered right here, a real homage to many nice botanists.
Tickets to the Botanical Garden and Museum are €4 and €2 for youths beneath 12.
6. Visit Museum of Human Anatomy
If you’re a museum buff who likes uncommon artifacts, I’d additionally advocate visiting the Museum of Human Anatomy, which is proper subsequent door to the Botanical Garden! Those with a fascination for the morbid will love this museum – not for the faint of coronary heart!
They have all kinds of wonders right here, from eerie skeletons and scarily correct anatomic fashions to things present in historical graves – their collections are really phenomenal.
Tickets may be discovered on their web site and reservation is really helpful! Tickets price €2.50 per grownup.
7. Admire the frescoes at Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
You may go to Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which is simply to the north of the Botanical Garden. Want to see a surprising fresco or big mural? Archeological wonders await at this museum! Plus, it’s proper subsequent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so it’ll be straightforward to do each ????
There are virtually 400 works housed right here, together with statues of the Madonna and Child and numerous different vital spiritual artworks.
If you’ve obtained your coronary heart set on the cathedral and this museum, you possibly can take a look at this skip-the-line ticket to each!
PRICE: €19
8. Have dinner and drinks at Piazza della Pera
If you’re on the lookout for a characterful, genuine Italian expertise away from the primary vacationer sights, Piazza della Pera is a superb alternative! Located simply south of the River Arno within the historic metropolis, you’ll discover the whole lot you want right here to take a load off after your adventures across the websites!
Known regionally as Piazza Chiara Gambacorti, the sq. is hedged in by stunning buildings and picturesque city homes, some courting again to the 1400s.
I’d advocate visiting within the night for the proper romantic date with the one you love! In reality, you need to go to Enoteca La Dolce Vite! They concentrate on native charcuterie and cheese boards, contemporary bread, and bottles of Italian wine – there’s nothing higher than this! They’re additionally famed for his or her bruschetta, so be sure you give it a attempt while you go.
Piazza Gambacorti is so-named for Chiara Gambacorti, a Christian nun from Pisa who was beatified in 1830.
If you’re on the lookout for some native Tuscan delights and may’t resolve between all the beautiful eating places, why not take a meals tour? This native eating tour will take you to 5 of the most effective spots, so that you’re assured satisfaction! You’ll style Tuscany’s conventional specialties, together with a particular ice cream cease that may’t be missed!
PRO TIP: Beware of the pigeons! Piazza Gambacorti is usually frequented by hordes of them, so don’t throw them any crumbs otherwise you’ll rapidly be inundated by a flurry of feathers!
9. Explore Palazzo Blu
On the sting of the quaint River Arno, the enduring Blue Palace stands out amidst the comfortable yellow buildings lining the banks. It’s hailed as Pisa’s favourite cultural heart and museum, with an enormous variety of collections from artists all through the ages. You can’t miss it – it’s proper throughout the river from the National Museum at Piazza San Matteo, so it’s straightforward to seek out.
Although Palazzo Blu has been rebuilt and renovated through the years, you possibly can nonetheless spot remnants of its historical past all through the construction – which date again the eleventh century!
If you’re fortunate, you may catch certainly one of Palazzo Blu’s famed short-term expos, the place they discover themes like Fascism and Dante’s Inferno.
You can take a look at their opening hours on their web site, the place you may as well discover up-to-date data on short-term and everlasting exhibitions. Don’t fear about shopping for a ticket upfront – simply present up on the door and you should buy a ticket from the workplace.
PRICE: €3
Historical buildings from the center ages and past abound on this metropolis! Pisa is well-known for its cathedral, however there are additionally numerous historical hidden church buildings away from the hustle and bustle of vacationers and crowds.
Below I’ve created a customized strolling tour only for you!
Just a brief stroll downriver from Palazzo Blu subsequent to Ponte Solferino, you’ll stumble throughout the opulent, gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina, which is over 800 years previous! This little church is decked in marble and has a mess of elaborate spires reaching into the skies.
Wander via the arched entryway and spend a second within the echoing tranquility of the Chiesa. Don’t miss the spot the place spiritual relics like items of Christ’s thorned crown had been as soon as held!
Walk previous Ponte Solferino, one of many many bridges of Pisa destroyed and rebuilt via turbulent historical past and battle, and stroll right down to the attractive Chiesa Parrochiale di San Paolo, one of many oldest church buildings within the metropolis courting again to the eleventh century!
This church, also referred to as Duomo Vecchio, is a part of a medieval monastery set amid beautiful timber and quiet walkways the place you possibly can admire the Pisan Romanesque structure of this historical construction.
Now stroll via the little backstreets of the previous city previous Palazzo Blu, and also you’ll additionally come throughout Parroquia de San Martino, a stunning little constructing that may seem to be any previous easy church, however it’s over 800 years previous and homes the urn of Santa Bona!
Here’s a walkable map between these three locations to your personal private strolling tour ????
PRICE: Free
11. Wander around the National Museum of San Matteo
If you’re an artwork lover, you’ll positively admire the Pisa’s National Museum, situated simply north of the river in Piazza San Matteo on the location of an historical monastery. Filled with unbelievable sculptures, age-old work, and spiritual artifacts from all through the ages, the collections listed here are simply divine.
Since that is certainly one of Pisa’s hidden gems, the place is usually comparatively empty, so it gives the excellent sanctuary from vacationer crowds! Plus it’s a real treasure trove of historical relics, art work, and statues, so that you’ll in all probability wish to keep right here for hours!
You can’t depart Pisa with out strolling within the footsteps of the good physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei! The finest manner to do this is to go to his birthplace, Casa Ammannati, simply north of the river. An ideal noon pitstop between all the opposite sights Pisa has to supply, this place is simply enchanting and stuffed with historical past!
Although it isn’t a museum but, you possibly can nonetheless enter and skim all about Galileo and his life. If you desire a glimpse into the lifetime of the daddy of recent science, that is the most effective place to go!
13. Admire Keith Haring’s mural, Tuttomondo
Located south of the river on Piazza della Vittoria, Keith Haring’s famed mural is actually a sight to behold. If you’re on the lookout for instagrammable snaps, it is a nice cease! If you’re a fan of road artwork, this one shouldn’t be missed.
This mural was certainly one of Haring’s closing items of labor, and because it’s solely quarter-hour’ stroll from the Leaning Tower, you possibly can see it as a part of a strolling tour!
Speaking of which, when you’re on the lookout for an important strolling tour that takes you across the lesser-known components of Pisa (away from the crowds), this 2-hour strolling tour will take you proper off the crushed path and present you a few of Pisa’s superior hidden gems, together with the mural!
PRO TIP: Make positive you cease by the café reverse the mural – I hear the burgers are wonderful!
PRICE: €25
14. Travel to Basilica Romanica di San Piero a Grado
Just a ten minute drive from central Pisa, San Piero a Grado is constructed on the stuff of legends. Some say that St Peter got here right here again in 44 AD amidst a storm, and was saved by this small strip of land – which was once proper on the perimeters of the Mediterranean sea, consider it or not!
The Basilica is eerily stunning, and it nonetheless has the unique partitions that date again to across the tenth century. If you’re keen on a little bit of historical past and wish to take a peaceable second away from the crowds of Pisa, that is the proper place to go. Plus, don’t miss the ice cream parlor proper throughout the road!
15. Go to the Beach!
Pisa has a lot to supply – church buildings, stunning structure, atmosphere, unbelievable meals, museums – however you possibly can’t go with no fast journey to the seashore!
The finest resort to go to is Marina di Pisa, only a fast 15 minute drive away from central Pisa. This place is nice for households and there are tons of cute little eating places and ice cream outlets lining the shoreline, so it’s the proper manner to take in the solar and luxuriate in slightly peace away from the primary metropolis.
On that word, you need to positively pay a go to to Manzi Gelateria when you and the fam are on the lookout for ice cream – critically, true Italian gelato simply doesn’t get significantly better than this!
| ???? Range of actions: | Large |
| ???? Family-friendly rating: | High |
| ????️ Best museum: | Palazzo Blu |
| ???? Top paid attraction: | Leaning Tower of Pisa |
| ???? Nightlife: | Piazza della Pera |
BONUS: Best day journeys from Pisa
Once you’ve accomplished the rounds of Pisa, you may assume that’s the tip of your journey – however you possibly can’t go to Pisa with out exploring better Tuscany! Beyond Pisa’s metropolis partitions, you’ll discover that Tuscany is without doubt one of the most stunning areas in Italy, and its sloping hills crammed with vineyards appear to go on without end.
Here are a few the most effective day journeys from Pisa:
- Winery Tour within the Tuscan Countryside: To expertise the beautiful countryside, I extremely advocate taking this unbelievable culinary tour, the place you’ll go to 2 wineries to style the native wine and pattern the native Tuscan aperitivo! Plus, spherical journey transportation is included! (€120)
- Cinque Terre Cruise Tour: This small group tour of Cinque Terre is probably the most unforgettable expertise. It’s actually 10 hours of cruising alongside the shoreline of the Ligurian Sea and discovering quaint little fishing villages throughout Pisa. You can get off periodically to stroll amongst the lemon timber and take a look at the native seafood! (€160)
If you’re not a lot of a sea-farer, you may as well select to journey by practice via the area, embarking on an eat pray love journey, and simply take the day because it comes ???? Pisa Centrale practice station goes to all the most important areas of Italy, and you may simply journey to Florence, Bologna, and Rome!
On the opposite hand, when you want to have your individual area, you possibly can simply lease a automobile (and it’s comparatively low-cost to take action in Tuscany) and create your individual journey. Get away from all of the vacationer traps and stay like an area for a number of days – you gained’t remorse it!
Where to remain in Pisa
Ok, phew! SO many issues to do in Pisa – so now you must work out the place you’re going to remain! There are a number of nice choices beneath, however when you want extra, take a look at our put up on the place to remain in Pisa!
Luxury (€200 and up)
- Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms – Honeymooners collect, you possibly can have rose petals strewn in your individual personal jacuzzi at this boutique lodge! Set in Pisa’s previous city, you’re a brief stroll from just about the whole lot.
- Palazzo Feroci – This beautiful penthouse condo is an expertise of true Italian fashion and sophistication. It has its personal beautiful little terrace overlooking the slender lanes, basic picket flooring, and an entryway that’ll make you’re feeling like Julia Roberts!
Mid Range (€100 – €200)
- Harmony House Prestige – Modern rooms and a pleasant quiet location – excellent for a relaxing metropolis break! Their beds are SUPER comfy, so that you might need to tug your self away from bed to see the websites!
- La Perla del Borgo B&B – Authenticity reigns at this cute lodge, proper within the heart of the town! Just a brief distance from Pisa Tower and the wonderful cathedral, the rooms even have underfloor heating within the winter!
Budget (as much as €100)
- Bed & Tower – This beautiful little lodge is correct subsequent to the Leaning Tower! It’s in an previous thirteenth century constructing, so it breathes previous Pisan historical past and tradition. Italian breakfast right here is to not be missed!
- Safestay Pisa – This place is great for solo vacationers. It’s actually a 5-minute stroll from Pisa Central station, and everyone seems to be so good! You’ll make mates very quickly of their recreation room and cafe ????
Practical Information
Itinerary? Check. Hotel? Check. Now you must know some sensible data, like journey and transport, SIM playing cards, and many others. Keep studying!
How to get round
Walking
You can discover Pisa simply on foot because it’s a actually small metropolis! There isn’t a metro service, so strolling is your finest wager. If you’re in Pisa for a few days and also you’re solely seeing the primary websites, you’ll get monetary savings this manner.
Bus
There are bus stops all through the town. The fundamental bus hub is subsequent to Pisa Centrale, the primary practice station, and you should buy a ticket from any nook store or newsstand within the metropolis. One bus ticket lasts 70 minutes and prices €1, however when you purchase the day go it’ll price solely €3, in order that’s in all probability your finest wager! Here’s a map of the bus routes to make your life simpler ????
NOTE: When you get on the bus, be sure you stamp your ticket within the machine! If you don’t you could possibly find yourself getting fined, so search for slightly yellow machine subsequent to the motive force’s seat as you embark.
Bike
If you’re up for a little bit of enjoyable, top-of-the-line methods to get round is to lease a motorbike! Pisa is a tremendous protected place to bike round, and also you’ll get in some train in addition to see extra of the websites. If you’re craving journey and bicycles simply aren’t quick sufficient for you, lease an e-scooter for the day!
Taxi
There’s no Uber in Pisa, however you possibly can e-book a taxi via NCC Pisa, a brilliant dependable taxi firm – and when you’re nervous on the cellphone, you possibly can simply textual content them by way of WhatsApp! Just go on their web site and click on “Contact us on WhatsApp” and inform them the place you’re going.
All about SIM playing cards
To get a SIM card wherever in Italy, you’ll have to have your passport and a fiscal code – however to get across the fiscal code situation, you possibly can simply inform the supplier you’re a vacationer and so they’ll provide you with a brief one.
Here are the primary suppliers for pay as you go SIM playing cards in Pisa (and Italy typically):
For a brief time period keep in Pisa, I’d personally advocate TIM. TIM has a central retailer simply south of the river and affords nice offers for pay as you go sim playing cards.
FAQs about issues to do in Pisa
✈️ What are the most effective issues to do in Pisa in a day?
You can do loads in a day! You ought to positively do Piazza dei Miracoli since many of the large sights are there! Head over to Piazza delle Vettovaglie to pattern contemporary fruit, and amble over to Piazza della Pera for a glass of wine.
????♀️ What can I do in Pisa at evening?
If you’re on the lookout for nightlife in Pisa, an important possibility is a pub crawl! Pisa has many bars and eating places, particularly in Via Lungarno! This is correct alongside the river so it’s tremendous picturesque.
❤️ What are probably the most romantic issues to do in Pisa?
The most romantic factor to do in Pisa is go for wine and cheese on Piazza della Pera! Alternatively, you possibly can take a romantic cooking class with an area! You can study to make pasta and have your very personal Lady and the Tramp second!
???? What are the most effective issues to do in Pisa for households?
One of the most effective issues to do in Pisa is take a bike tour with the entire household! You may discover the encircling area at Marina di Pisa, and spend the day admiring the pine timber and enjoyable within the solar.
Conclusion
So there you’ve it! I do know that was a lot to soak up – there actually is not any scarcity of issues to do in Pisa – however no less than you’ve obtained some enjoyable concepts to take your vacay to the subsequent stage!
If you possibly can’t resolve in your favourite issues to do, listed here are a few my absolute faves:
Get reserving fast so that you don’t miss all the most effective spots, and when you’re reserving for the summer season months, I’d advocate reserving round 4-6 months upfront simply to be sure you get first dibs on these beautiful websites.
Have a tremendous journey! If you’ve any questions, let me know within the remark part and I’d be completely satisfied to talk with you ????
Buon Viaggio!
Lizzie
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
