Your guide to Pisa
Pisa highlights
See the tower
Legend has it that Galileo Galilei dropped objects from the Leaning Tower in order to disprove Aristotle’s theory of gravity. While millions are drawn to this architectural oddity, there are other interesting (and more structurally sound) buildings on the Campo dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Admire the baptistry-cathedral-cemetery complex from afar or buy a value ticket covering all three attractions.
Walk the city walls
It's likely you'll see the city from the top of the Leaning Tower during your trip, but we recommend getting a different perspective. A walk along the city’s medieval walls offers great views of the marvels of the Campo dei Miracoli. Start your route from four different points across the city.
Hunt for truffles
Tuscany is one of the top truffle-growing regions in the world, but finding them isn’t easy. Book a tour and head to the woods outside Pisa to join experts and their trusty hounds searching for fungi. To level up your stay in Pisa, opt for an additional wine tasting, home-cooked lunch or preferably both.
Pisa: Know before you go
| Language | Italian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | November - February |
Find the best time to go to Pisa
Weather in Pisa
March – May: Spring weather sees the Tuscan countryside at its most vibrant. Expect mostly mild and pleasant days with occasional rain showers. A light jacket will come in handy.
June – August: Summer temperatures can climb to 30°C. Save the sightseeing for mornings and late afternoons, embracing lazy lunches in between. Stay hydrated and wear lots of sun cream.
September – November: Autumn brings comfortable temperatures and an increased chance of rain. Don’t miss the chestnut festival in nearby Buti.
December – February: Winters in Pisa are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging 8°C. Snow is rare but not impossible. Seeing the Leaning Tower covered in a layer of white is a treat.
Events in Pisa
Galilean Days (February): Celebrate the great scientist’s legacy on the anniversary of his birth. Tour sites that influenced his life, learn about his discoveries and join public stargazing sessions.
Carnival of Viareggio (February or March): Enormous papier-mâché floats parade through town for one of Italy’s biggest carnivals. Fuel up on rice fritters — a festive treat doused in sugar — and go to a masked ball.
Luminara of San Ranieri (June): Candles illuminate the city to honour Pisa’s patron saint. The showstopper is a fireworks display launched from the citadel and bridges.
Terra di Pisa Food & Wine Festival (September): Sample regional specialities and learn to make them at home through live cooking demonstrations and masterclasses.
The best neighbourhoods in Pisa
Pisa City Centre
If you’re on a short break to Pisa, the most convenient place to stay is Pisa City Centre. This area puts you close to shops, restaurants and the Campo dei Miracoli. Of special note is the Camposanto cemetery, where the fresco 'Triumph of Death' has been masterfully restored following the Allied raids of World War II.
Good for: History, architecture, restaurants
San Francesco
San Francesco is located along the River Arno and is named after the church at its heart. The area is home to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Palazzo Medici, the National Museum of San Matteo and Teatro Verdi. Don't let these historic credentials fool you — this neighbourhood comes alive at night.
Good for: National museum, history, nightlife
Barbaricina
Holidays in Pisa aren’t all about history, architecture and pizza. The neighbourhood of Barbaricina borders Migliarino San Rossore, a natural park where tree-lined avenues stretch to coastal sand dunes. You’ll find lots of walking and cycling trails where you can spot wild boar, deer and herons. This area is a good option if you have time to explore beyond Pisa’s highlights.
Good for: Nature, wildlife, trails
Things to do in Pisa
Nightlife
Nightlife in Pisa kicks off with a sunset stroll along the Arno River. Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, this city has had plenty of time to perfect its nightlife game. You’ll find a decent selection of wine bars, pubs and clubs to occupy you until the early hours. Start on the Via Lungarno and follow your nose.
Shopping
The wooden shutters, wrought-iron balconies and vibrant facades of Borgo Stretto form a charming backdrop to shopping in Pisa. Wander along its medieval covered walkway in search of Tuscan leather, opting for a wallet or belt to avoid breaking the bank. Also look for Tuscan ceramics, celebrated for their intricate designs, bright colours and glossy finish.
Free things to do
One of the best free things to do in Pisa is seeing 'Tuttomondo' (All the World). This mural came about thanks to a chance meeting between an Italian student and pop artist Keith Haring. It would be one of Haring’s final public works before he died in 1990. Find it on the rear wall of the Church of San Antonio.
Places to eat
You’ll certainly encounter your fair share of pizza and pasta in Pisa’s restaurants, but make time to try regional favourites. ‘Zuppa alla pisana’ is a soup composed of kale and cannellini beans. For dessert, try the unconventional ‘gelati’ (ice cream) flavours at Gelataria Artigianale Rufus. Choices include spinach, gorgonzola with pear, and even onion gelato.
Beaches
Save time for a short day trip to visit the beaches near Pisa. The nearest resort town is Marina di Pisa, where a breakwater creates calm waters that are great for families with young kids. The beaches of Tirrenia are known for their soft sand, while breezy Calambrone is popular among windsurfers. All three are less than 30 minutes from the city.
Take in the culture
Pisa’s museums cover a surprising range of topics. The Museum of Ancient Ships looks at Pisa’s seafaring history. Exhibitions cover all facets of life on board, from superstitions to games for whiling away long journeys. Don’t miss the fascinating Sinopie Museum to learn about the hidden drawings beneath the plaster of some of Pisa's most celebrated frescoes.
Get ready for Pisa
Budget
Visiting Pisa on a budget is achievable once you take into account all the free architecture to see and affordable street food to taste. Start your day with a cappuccino for less than two euros (€). Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around €15. Or feast on budget bites like ‘bomboloni’— a Tuscan doughnut filled with cream. Short taxi rides start at under €8.
Day trips from Pisa
One of the country’s most photogenic stretches of coastline, Cinque Terre, is just 90 minutes away by train. It’s possible to hike between all five colourful clifftop villages in a day. Or just cruise at your own pace. Also 90 minutes away is the world-famous Chianti wine region. Base yourself in the cute village of Castellina, surrounded by rolling vineyards and tasting opportunities.
Getting around Pisa
Pisa is a small city where the tourist sites are all within easy walking distance of each other. If you need to use the bus, buy a ticket from newsstands or ticket offices. A ticket is good for 70 minutes. A train runs between Pisa Airport and Pisa Central Station daily from early morning until late evening.
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