Discover the top things to see and do in Pisa, Italy, from the iconic Leaning Tower to hidden gems that make this charming Tuscan city worth a visit.

When doing the research for a mother daughter trip to Cinque Terre, I realized the closest place to fly into is Pisa.

And truthfully, having done a brief stop to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa back in the summer of 2013 with my entire family, my first impression of this Italian city back then was not great.

Thus deciding to fly from the US to Pisa and then stay two nights at what I believed to be an unimpressive Italian city was a hard decision to make.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I decided to stay here for two nights – Pisa is so much more than just a quick photo stop at the Leaning Tower!

There’s a whole lot of charm, history, and good food packed into this walkable and underrated city :).

Plus – by staying overnight in this Tuscan city, you will get treated to the Tower at sunset which most day trippers do not get the perk of seeing…

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Pisa

Getting to Pisa is super easy, whether you’re flying in or taking the train.

If you’re coming by air, Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport – PSA) is just a few minutes from the city center.

I flew my favorite British Airways overnight flight from San Diego to London where I met my youngest daughter (she flew in from New York). Then we continued on together on another British Airways flight to Pisa :).

This travel pillow is AMAZING!

Uber is not available in Pisa, however there is a taxi line easily visible right outside the baggage claim which is how my daughter and I got from the airport to our hotel in the city centre ~ a quick 10 minute (less than 3 mile) drive.

If you’re already in Italy, the train is a great option—Pisa Centrale is well-connected, with direct routes from Florence, Rome, and beyond. It’s a smooth and scenic ride, perfect for soaking in a little Tuscan countryside before you arrive!

How to Get Around Pisa

Pisa is a super walkable city, and strolling through its charming streets is the best way to take in the sights at a relaxed pace.

If your feet need a break, buses and taxis are easy to find, but most of the main attractions are just a short walk from each other!

Best Time of Year to Visit Pisa

The best time to visit Pisa is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the summer crowds have thinned out.

Summer can also have some scorching temps while winter is quieter but a bit chilly and gray.

We went in mid-October, and it was perfect—warm enough for a light jacket but comfortable temps to wander around for an entire day.

It was raining on the night we arrived however by the time we woke up the next morning to spend the day exploring, the rain had stopped :).

That said, we were surprised by how many people were at the Leaning Tower!

Even in the off-season, it’s a hotspot, so if you want fewer crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.

How Many Days You Need in Pisa

If you’re flying in from the U.S., starting your Northern Italy itinerary by spending two nights in Pisa is an extremely smart move!

It gives you a chance to shake off the jet lag without feeling rushed, and you’ll still have a full day to see everything.

Pisa is totally doable in a day—you can visit the famous Leaning Tower, explore everything there is to do in the Piazza dei Miracoli, take a stroll along the Arno River as well as get lost in the quaint streets of the city centre.

Plus, with that extra night, you can enjoy a relaxed dinner, adjust to the time change, and wake up refreshed, ready to move on to your next stop in Italy.

Money and Plug Details in Italy

In Italy, the currency is the Euro (€).

Cash isn’t widely used, but having a little on hand for small purchases can be handy (the only place I suggest getting cash in a foreign country is from an official bank ATM to avoid unnecessary fees!).

Otherwise, credit cards are your best friend and widely accepted throughout the country – just be sure you have a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees because those sure do add up ;(.

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Pisa

Palazzo Feroci

If you’re looking for a charming place to stay in Pisa, Palazzo Feroci is a perfect choice—it’s a small boutique hotel with elegant rooms and a warm, welcoming feel.

Plus, its location is ideal, just a short walk from the Leaning Tower and all the best spots in the historic center!

We stayed in the ‘Suite Cavalieri with Balcony’ for our two nights in Pisa and LOVED it!

Grand Hotel Duomo

If you want to wake up to the most iconic view in Pisa, the Grand Hotel Duomo is a fantastic choice.

This four-star hotel has a guests only rooftop terrace with what might just be the best panoramic views in town, overlooking the Leaning Tower and the charming rooftops of the city.

Best Places to Eat in Pisa

Pasticceria Da Tripoli

Pasticceria da Tripoli is a cozy little spot known for serving some of the best espresso in Pisa—rich, bold, and just what you need to start the day.

Their pastries are just as delightful, with buttery, flaky cornetti and perfectly crisp biscotti that pair beautifully with your coffee.

La Grotta Pisa

Tucked away on a quiet street near Piazza dei Miracoli, La Grotta Pisa is a charming little restaurant that feels like a hidden gem.

Housed in a historic building with cave-like stone walls and a cozy atmosphere, it has been serving up authentic Tuscan dishes for decades.

This family-run spot is known for its warm hospitality and homemade pasta, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Just remember—dining in Italy is never rushed. Meals are meant to be slowly savored, so sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite!

This was our first official meal in Italy and lets just say – it set the bar high for the rest of the two week trip :).

La Pergoletta

La Pergoletta is a cozy, family-run restaurant in Pisa, just a short walk from the historic center on Via delle Belle Torri recommended to us by a list of local restaurants in our hotel room :).

They’re especially known for their handmade pasta and fresh seafood, with favorites like truffle pasta and rich, slow-cooked wild boar.

After spending a long first day in Italy exploring the sights and streets of Pisa, this was an excellent choice for dinner.

Bombolo

Bombolo is a traditional filled Pisa pastry, kind of like a sweet, soft brioche roll, often enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or as an after dinner treat.

Gelato

When in Italy…

But really – gelato is a staple for anyone spending any time in the country of Italy :).

We enjoyed our first gelato treat for this trip from La Bottega del Gelato.

Other Dining Options

Our quaint boutique hotel left a list of dining options for us in our room that I took a photo of before we checked out (I knew I was going to add it to this blog post for you :)).

Top Things to See and Do in Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely one of those iconic Italy experiences, but it’s good to know a few things before you go.

First off, make sure you buy your timed tickets on the official Tower of Pisa website in advance – especially since only 30 people are allowed up at any given time.

And about the climb itself: you’ll be heading up 294 steps, and while it’s not exactly steep, it does get narrow in places.

SUPER IMPORTANT TIP: NO bags (not even the smallest of purses!), jackets, or anything bulky can be taken up with you, but there are free lockers available in a building nearby where you can stash your stuff, so make sure to leave yourself a few extra minutes to do that before the time on your ticket.

You’re only allotted 35 minutes for the climb and the time at the top to soak in the views, so it is up to you to decide if this effort is worth it for you…

Most people just enjoy the views from the Piazza dei Miracoli – and of course do all the mandatory silly poses :0.

Pisa Cathedral

Going inside the Pisa Cathedral is absolutely worth your time however you will need a ticket to get in, but don’t worry—it’s a free, untimed ticket.

Again I highly suggest getting your ticket in advance online to skip any potential lines in person.

Use this link here to go to the official Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral ticket website.

And if you’re planning to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’re in luck—your tower ticket will include entry to the cathedral as well.

Just keep in mind that it’s a place of worship, so it’s important to dress modestly—no shorts, sleeveless tops, or skirts that are too short.

Shoulders and knees must be covered, so a light scarf or jacket can come in handy (if visiting in the summer months especially).

Battistero di San Giovanni

While the cathedral ticket itself is free, it is COMPLETELY worth your time to add (ie – pay for) going inside the Baptistry and Camposanto to your ticket you got in advance online (suggested above!).

For some unknown reason, it seems most visitors to Pisa skip going inside this stunning octagonal building that dates back to the 12th century which allows for a very peaceful and serene escape in what can be a hectic piazza.

The architecture of the baptistry has a unique combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles and is actually one of the largest in all of Italy.

Don’t miss climbing the 27 steps to the second floor for a unique photo op of the Cathedral and Piazza dei Miracoli.

Camposanto

I highly recommend you do not miss the Camposanto, a peaceful and often overlooked spot on the Piazza dei Miracoli.

This beautiful medieval cemetery was built in the 13th century and is home to some stunning frescoes by artists like Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting Biblical scenes.

It’s also the final resting place of several important figures, including the famous Italian poet Giovanni Boccaccio.

While many visitors rush past it, you’ll find the Camposanto to be a serene and quiet retreat, perfect for a moment of reflection.

Just a heads-up, as mentioned above for the Baptistry, you will need to buy a ticket to enter, which costs around 10 euros in 2025.

It’s a good idea to grab your ticket online to avoid the possibility of any lines (which we did not have during our October visit – but you just never know!).

You can buy your cemetery tickets here.

Medieval Walls of Pisa

If you’re looking to see a quieter, less touristy side of Pisa, visiting the Medieval Walls (Mura di Pisa) is a hidden gem.

It’s not on the main checklist for most visitors, but it’s totally worth it for the unique views it offers of the Piazza dei Miracoli and the city below.

The walls date back to the 12th century, and you’ll get a different perspective of the Leaning Tower and the surrounding architecture.

Tickets cost about €5 in 2025, and you can grab them at any entrances or online here.

If you were to walk the entire 5.3 mile wall pathway, it would likely take you about two hours, however we only did a small portion of it because they make you exit when it is closing time (which for us was around 6pm).

We used the quite unassuming entrance to the walls that is in the corner of Piazza dei Miracoli right behind the Camposanto.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

The Piazza dei Cavalieri is one of those hidden gem spots you don’t want to rush through.

It’s a charming square that’s not as crowded as the Leaning Tower, but equally full of history.

The star of the square is the Palazzo della Carovana, a stunning building that once served as the headquarters for the Knights of St. Stephen. Its grand facade is a true architectural marvel, and worthy of a photo stop.

Also take a moment to admire the old Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri (the interior was closed for reconstruction when we were visiting in October 2024).

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

After spending the first part of your day at everything close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, make sure to then walk over to the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina.

This charming little church with an intricately designed exterior and unassumingly located along the Arno River, is a hidden gem with a stunning Gothic design.

Built in the 13th century, it was originally constructed to house a thorn from Christ’s crown (hence the name “spina,” which means “thorn”).

It’s just a short 15-minute walk from the Tower through authentic Italian neighborhoods as well as along the Arno River. The perfect amount of time to grab yourself a cone (or cup like I prefer!) of gelato and walk to this lovely less populated spot in the city.

Palazzo Blu

If you’re in Pisa, definitely make some time to visit Palazzo Blu.

Also located along the Arno River about 10 minutes from the above mentioned Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, Palazzo Blu is the perfect little spot to spend some time in the art and culture arena of Pisa.

The palace was originally built in the 16th century and is now home to a museum showcasing contemporary art (including works by artists like Picasso and Chagall) along with exhibits on the history of Pisa itself.

We enjoyed about 30-45 minutes at Palazzo Blu during our day in Pisa and the entrance fee (payable at the front desk) is around €8 in 2025.

Borgo Stretto

Borgo Stretto is one of Pisa’s charming pedestrian streets, perfect for an afternoon stroll after seeing all the main sights of Pisa.

You’ll find quaint shops, cafes, and beautiful buildings, giving you a taste of the local vibe and a chance to pop into some lovely boutiques.

The Quaint Streets of Pisa

As you wander around Pisa, don’t be afraid to get a little lost in the narrow, picturesque streets of this unique Tuscan city.

They’re full of hidden gems—beautiful buildings, quiet corners, and little photographic discoveries that make exploring a new place magical.

It’s my favorite way to experience the authentic side of anyplace I am visiting :).

By spending two nights in Pisa and thus getting one full day to explore, you will likely be lucky enough to stumble upon something so memorable in this city, it will be imprinted in your heart forever :).

For me, it was entering the church right next to my hotel when a small orchestral group was practicing. Their music gave me goosebumps that I will never forget ;).

A Day Trip to Lucca

While we actually stopped in Lucca on our way from Pisa to Cinque Terre (and used my favorite driver company DayTrip), if you decide to spend more than two nights in Pisa, taking a day to explore Lucca would be a great way to spend your second day in the area.

Lucca is only about 30 minutes away by train, making it an easy and stress-free excursion.

It is one of those charming little towns that feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, and relaxed vibe.

Spend about half a day wandering through the historic center, then grab a long, leisurely lunch before heading back.

Here are a few things to check out while you’re there:

• Walk the city walls – The wide, tree-lined walls encircle the town and offer gorgeous views.
• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – A unique, oval-shaped piazza built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
• San Martino Cathedral – A stunning Romanesque church with intricate marble details.
• Via Fillungo – The main shopping street, perfect for picking up local treats or souvenirs.

What to Wear in Pisa in the Early Fall

Packing for Italy in fall is all about layering—think lightweight sweaters for cooler mornings and evenings, dresses or lightweight pants, and most importantly comfortable walking shoes.

Since there’s always a chance of rain, a see-through umbrella and a stylish raincoat will keep you dry while strolling through the streets of Italy in early fall :).

A smart and fashionable crossbody purse is also a must when traveling abroad (or anywhere for that point!) – this sling/crossbody option is one of my favorites. I recently purchased this option as well and love it so much – I bought it in two colors!

Our Italy October 2024 Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Pisa on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Pisa 8:15pm | Stay 2 nights at Palazzo Feroci

DAY 3 | Pisa: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri, Palazzo Blu, The Church of Santa Maria della Spina, Pisa Cathedral, Battistero di San Giovanni, Camposanto, Ancient Walls of Pisa,

DAY 4 | Used DayTrip to drive us to Vernazza in Cinque Terre with stops in Lucca and Lerici | Stay 3 nights at Vernazza AirBnb

DAY 5 | Cinque Terre: Flytographer then walk Cinque Terre Trail from Vernazza to Monterosso

DAY 6 | Cinque Terre: train to Riomaggiore to walk Lover’s Lane to Manarola – Pesto class at Nessun Dorma then train back to Vernazza

DAY 7 | Massive Rainstorm – evacuated to Florence via train + private car | Stay 1 night at Helvetia & Bristol

DAY 8 | Florence: Moved hotels to Casa G Firenze – stay 4 nights | Gucci Museum, Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

DAY 9 | Florence: Climb Duomo 9:45am tickets, Galleria Academia 12:30p tickets, Ponte Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce 4p tickets

DAY 10 | Florence: Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, Santa Maria Novella, walk uphill to Basilica di San Miniato, walk downhill to Michelangelo Terrace

DAY 11 | Florence: Uffizi Gallery tickets 10:45a, Boboli Gardens, Riccardi Medici Palace

DAY 12 | Fly Pisa to New York City via London on British Airways (stayed 2 nights in NYC with my daughter who lives there before flying back to San Diego)

I hope you found this post with the top things to see and do in Pisa Italy helpful in planning your own Tuscan vacation here.

Pisa turned out to be such a pleasant surprise—what was meant to be a quick first stop on our two week trip to get over our jet lag became a full day of wandering charming streets, discovering hidden gems, and soaking in the relaxed Tuscan vibe my daughter and I hadn’t expected.

Proof that sometimes the best travel moments come from simply soaking it all in.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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