The name 'Pisa' can't help but conjure up images of that famous Leaning Tower, but there's more to the city than just this one iconic building. As well as Gothic churches and Renaissance piazzas, there's also a thriving nightlife fuelled by the university – one of Italy's most famous – and the students residing there.
The 183-foot-tall Leaning Tower is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and is a must-see site when you're in Pisa. Other spectacular buildings nearby include the Baptistery – a 12th-century building that lays claim to be the site where the great scientist Galileo Galilei was baptised – and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Don't miss a wander through the Place des Cavaliers – the one-time political centre during the Medieval era.
Given its large student population, the centre of Pisa is awash with bars and cafés. The banks of the River Arno are lively during the evenings – an ideal spot to grab a Negroni or a Birra Moretti after all that sightseeing. For people-watching, head to the bars and restaurants on the Piazza Delle Vettovaglie, which offer plenty of alfresco wining-and-dining.
Pisa is home to plenty of traditional trattorias serving homely cuisine – head to the Trattoria S. Omobono to enjoy Tuscan delicacies such as pan-fried rabbit with olives or chunky spaghetti with wild boar ragù. For food with a view, book a meal at Osteria I Santi, located right by the Leaning Tower.
Tonight
From £134 per night
This weekend
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Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | € 10 = £8.56 |
Language | Italian |
Average weekend price | £71 per night |
Average weekday price | £72 per night |
Typical stay | 1 night |
Leaning Tower of Pisa
0.6 miles from city centre
Pisa Cathedral
0.6 miles from city centre
The leaning tower was spectacular as well as all the other...
29 April 2024
The leaning tower was spectacular as well as all the other buildings alongside. The 3km walk along the old city walls was also wonderful. The whole city is just full of architecture and history. I think a 2-3 day trip is a perfect amount of time. If you are there longer you can catch a bus to the coast for 2 euro or a train to Florence for about 10 euro.
Book restaurants in advance and any of the sites you want to...
28 April 2024
Book restaurants in advance and any of the sites you want to enter. Very crowded between 11.00-18.00 around the major sites but much nicer outside these times. Can recommend Bruno's Bar for a drink or 2 and L'Ostelliono for value sandwiches that are a true delight. 5 euro to walk the top of the city walls is well worth it and so is the botanical gardens to avoid the big crowds. its fairly easy to navigate the old town but don't even think about driving unless you have 2 wheels or a guaranteed parking spot. Don't pay 8 euro for a bottle of beer in view of the tower instead just walk a few meters away and save 50%.
For us we only stayed a day in the city but still saw all...
15 April 2024
For us we only stayed a day in the city but still saw all the key sites. We had children in tow and didn’t want to stay any longer cut could have easily for a couple more days. Lots of lovely restaurants and bars to choose from. Good selection of shops too.
Pisa is a lovely city I have been lucky to visit a few times.
15 April 2024
Pisa is a lovely city I have been lucky to visit a few times. The Leaning Tower is worth seeing, but I would suggest going in late evening or out of the tourist season. But there are other places worth checking out - this time we discovered the Nave Antica Museum - only opened in 2019 just before Covid, which houses many Roman boats from BC, which were found after flooding in 1998 - in an old horse stables - lots of gems - lovely restaurants and because it is a student town, there is always a buzz - we've been there in all seasons of the year and it is well worth visiting any time of year, although July and August are very very hot.
Pisa sights are mostly gathered in one place.
14 April 2024
Pisa sights are mostly gathered in one place. It can be busy with a lot of tourists but it is not so busy as Florence for example. It is very simple to walk in the city from one place to another. And there are plenty things to do except the Tower.
Excellent transport system - used train for 2 day trips.
11 April 2024
Excellent transport system - used train for 2 day trips. Airport only 1.6km walk from train station. Easy to walk around Pisa. Enjoyed Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral - recommend you book before your visit as tickets for tower may not be available on the day and you are allocated a specific time to access the tower. All bags must be stored in a locker, free of charge, when going up the tower. Charge of €1 to use the toilets. Pisa is a lovely place to stroll around in the evening.
Pisa City Centre, Pisa
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Pisa, Italy
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Pisa City Centre, Pisa
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Pisa, Italy
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