Welcome to Pisa 🇮🇹
Pisa is one of those places you think you know — the famous Leaning Tower, the classic tourist photo — but being there in person felt so much more special than I expected.
As soon as I stepped into the Piazza dei Miracoli, with the Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery all standing together in that beautiful open space, it honestly took my breath away. The Tower really does lean more than you think, and seeing it up close made me appreciate the history and the little quirks that make Pisa so unique.
I loved how easygoing and peaceful Pisa felt compared to some of the bigger cities. After visiting the famous sites, I wandered through the quieter streets — colorful, full of little cafes, students biking past (since Pisa is a big university town), and families enjoying the sunny afternoon. It had such a relaxed, local vibe that made me want to slow down and just take it all in.
It’s true that most people visit Pisa as a quick stop, but honestly, I’m so glad I took my time. Sitting in the grass by the Leaning Tower, feeling the sun on my face, hearing the hum of people laughing and marveling around me — it was one of those small, simple moments that ended up meaning so much.
Pisa isn’t just a photo-op; it’s a place with heart, and I already can’t wait to go back and see even more of it
Quick Facts to get you around
Currency : Euro
credit/Debit cards works most most of the time but, carry some extra cash for local shops
Visa : Schengen
You need to get an ETA if you do not need schengen visa
Public transport : CPT
CPT system operates buses, No metro
Language : Italian
English is widely used.
“Ciao” (Hello), “Grazie” (Thank you), & “Per favore” (Please)
Climate : Mediterranean
(Dec–Feb) : 45–55°F (7–13°C)
(Apr–Jun) : 65–80°F (18–27°C)
(Jun–Aug) : 85–95°F (29–35°C)
(Sep–Nov) : 65–80°F (18–27°C)
Airport : Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei (PSA): Main
Train station : Santa Maria Novella Station
Connects to major Italian cities like Florence, Venice, Rome, and Bologna But, doesn’t servE international routes
Quick apps
Trenitalia, PisaMover, Moovit, TABNET
🚍 Transportation Details
Metro System: Pisa does not have a metro system. The city is small and compact, making it easy to explore on foot.
Buses: Pisa has an efficient bus network operated by CPT (Compagnia Pisana Trasporti). Buses connect the main train station, the city center, the Leaning Tower, Pisa Airport, and surrounding neighborhoods. The LAM Rossa bus line is especially useful for visitors traveling between Pisa Centrale Station and the Leaning Tower area (Piazza dei Miracoli).
Trams: There are no traditional trams in Pisa, but the city has the PisaMover, a modern shuttle tram that connects Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale Train Station in just 5 minutes.
Tickets: You can buy public transport tickets at tabaccherias (tobacco shops), newsstands, ticket machines, or through the TABNET app. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50 and is valid for 70 minutes. PisaMover tickets cost about €5 for a one-way trip.
Getting to Other Cities: Pisa Centrale Station offers frequent regional trains to nearby cities like Florence, Lucca, and La Spezia (for Cinque Terre). You can also catch direct or connecting trains to major hubs like Rome, Milan, and Bologna.
✈️ Flights to Pisa
Pisa International Airport (PSA), also known as Galileo Galilei Airport, is the main airport for travelers arriving in Pisa and the Tuscany region. It’s serviced by airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, and ITA Airways, offering regular connections to major European cities and some seasonal flights from North Africa and other destinations.
Florence Airport (FLR) is another nearby option, located about 1 hour from Pisa by train. It mainly handles domestic and short-haul European flights, ideal if you’re connecting through major hubs like Paris, Amsterdam, London, or Zurich.
Best Tip: Book your flights early for better fares, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons (April to October). Flying mid-week often gives you cheaper prices compared to weekends.
Cheapest Months: January, February, and November are typically the best months to find the lowest flight prices to Pisa.
Top 10 Things to Do in Pisa, Italy
There’s more to Pisa than just the famous Leaning Tower — although, yes, that one’s a must. If you’re visiting for a day or two, here are the top 10 things to do in Pisa that blend iconic sights, hidden gems, and local flavor.
1. 🏛️ Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
No surprise here — the world-famous tower is Pisa’s main attraction. Climb the 294 spiral steps for a slightly tilted but unforgettable view over the city.
🎟️ Tip: Book your ticket online in advance to avoid long lines.
2. ⛪ Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo)
Located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, this Romanesque cathedral is full of marble, mosaics, and grandeur — and it’s free to enter with your tower ticket.
3. 🔔 Explore the Baptistery of St. John
It’s the largest baptistery in Italy and known for its acoustics. Step inside, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a staff member singing to demonstrate the echo!
4. 🪦 Wander Through the Camposanto Monumentale
A peaceful cemetery with frescoes, sculptures, and tombs — and a surprising sense of calm compared to the busy tower area.
5. 📸 Take Iconic & Unique Photos at Piazza dei Miracoli
Get your classic “holding up the tower” photo — but don’t stop there. Walk around for unique angles, especially from the back near the Baptistery.
6. 🏰 Stroll the Arno River and Cross Ponte di Mezzo
Escape the crowds by heading to the Arno River. The Ponte di Mezzo offers pretty views of Pisa’s colorful buildings lining the water.
7. 🎨 Admire Palazzo della Carovana in Piazza dei Cavalieri
This historic square was once the political center of Pisa. The Palazzo, now part of a university, has a beautiful façade and a quieter atmosphere than the main square.
8. 🏛️ Step Inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
This museum holds original sculptures and artwork from the cathedral and tower — perfect if you’re into art, history, or want an indoor escape.
9. 🍝 Eat Like a Local at a Hidden Trattoria
Get away from tourist traps and grab lunch at places like:
Trattoria Sant’Omobono
Osteria dei Cavalieri
Authentic Tuscan food tastes better in a quiet piazza.
10. 🍦 Grab Gelato at Gelateria De’ Coltelli
One of the best gelato shops in town, right by the river. Organic, seasonal, and creative flavors — you’ll probably go back for seconds.
✨ Bonus Tip:
Pisa is super walkable — you can see most of these in a day! But don’t rush it. Wander down alleyways, pause for coffee, and soak in the slow Tuscan pace.
🏛️ Pisa Beyond the Leaning Tower: Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t MissDo in Pisa, Italy
We all know Pisa for its world-famous tower — and sure, it’s the postcard moment. But here’s the truth: there’s a whole other side to this Tuscan gem that most people walk right past.
So if you’re looking to see more than the crowd-packed Piazza dei Miracoli, here are Pisa’s underrated corners and hidden gems that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. 🏛️ Piazza dei Cavalieri
Just a short walk from the Leaning Tower, this square feels worlds away from the crowds. Once a Roman forum and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen, today it’s home to the Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy’s elite university.
Don’t miss: Palazzo della Carovana, with its intricate sgraffito designs across the facade.
2. ⛪ Santa Maria della Spina
This tiny Gothic church sits right on the edge of the Arno River and looks like something from a fairytale. Most tourists miss it entirely, which is a shame — the detail in the stonework is next-level.
Fun fact: It’s called “della Spina” because it once held a thorn from Christ’s crown.
3. 🌿 Giardino Scotto (Scotto Garden)
Need a break from sightseeing? This peaceful green space is tucked inside a former fortress near the river. Locals come here for picnics, concerts, or just some afternoon shade.
It’s perfect for a quiet gelato break — without the tourist buzz.
4. 🎨 Murale Tuttomondo by Keith Haring
Yes, that Keith Haring. One of his last public artworks, Tuttomondo is a vibrant mural tucked behind a church near the train station. It’s massive, full of energy, and a totally unexpected find in a city like Pisa.
5. 🧵 Via San Martino & Artisan Shops
Skip the souvenir stalls near the tower and wander down Via San Martino, a quieter street lined with boutiques, craft stores, and family-run shops. You’ll find better gifts, better prices, and way more charm.
6. 🏛️ Museo Nazionale di San Matteo
This underrated museum houses one of the most important collections of medieval art in Tuscany. If you’re into early Christian and Romanesque works — this is your spot.
Bonus: it’s indoors and quiet, ideal for a hot or rainy afternoon.
7. ☕ Hidden Cafés in Borgo Stretto
Borgo Stretto is Pisa’s elegant shopping street, and if you duck into its side alleys, you’ll find adorable cafés, vintage bookshops, and stylish aperitivo spots where locals hang out.
Try Caffè Settimelli for a true local vibe, or Filter Coffee Lab for a modern twist.
8. 🪜 Walk Along the Ancient City Walls
Did you know you can walk Pisa’s ancient walls? While not as long as Lucca’s, the Mura di Pisa offer a unique elevated perspective of the city — and most people don’t even know it exists!
Tickets are cheap and the entrance is near the Tower, but barely marked.
✨ The Real Pisa Lives Off the Beaten Path
So yes — climb the Tower, take your photos, and soak in the magic of Piazza dei Miracoli. But then take a detour. Slow down. Wander. The real Pisa isn’t just about what leans — it’s about what’s quietly waiting to be discovered just a few blocks away.
🚆Day Trip from Florence to Pisa: Is It Worth It?
If you’re exploring Florence and wondering whether it’s worth squeezing in a quick visit to Pisa — the short answer is: yes, but only if you do it right.
Pisa is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Florence. It’s got the iconic photo op, historical sites, and that charming Tuscan feel — all packed into a walkable town. But there are a few things to know before hopping on that train.
Here’s everything you need to decide if a Florence to Pisa day trip is worth it — and how to make the most of it.
🚆 How Far Is Pisa from Florence?
By train: Just 50–60 minutes from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale
By car: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
Trains run frequently (up to 3 per hour), and round-trip tickets cost about €16–20
🎟️ Tip: No need to book in advance — just validate your regional ticket before boarding.
🕘 Is Half a Day Enough?
Yes — especially if you’re focused on the Leaning Tower area (Piazza dei Miracoli). You can easily:
Arrive by 9–10 AM
Explore the main attractions (Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery)
Grab lunch or gelato
Wander the Arno River or Borgo Stretto
Head back by 3–4 PM
Or stay till evening if you want a slower pace.
🏛️ What Can You Actually See?
Here’s what you can fit in:
✅ Leaning Tower of Pisa – Climb to the top (book in advance!)
✅ Cathedral & Baptistery – Stunning Romanesque architecture
✅ Camposanto – Peaceful, fresco-lined cemetery
✅ Piazza dei Cavalieri – Quiet and historic Renaissance square
✅ Arno River walk – Great views & photo ops
✅ Optional: Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural, local cafés, or Giardino Scotto
📸 Is It Just for the Photo?
Honestly? A little bit. But the Leaning Tower is one of those tourist spots that actually lives up to the hype. The quirky tilt, the dramatic white marble, and the surrounding green lawn make it feel more magical than expected.
And if you wander away from the crowds, you’ll get a taste of real Pisa too — with way fewer people than Florence.
🍝 Food Tip: Avoid Tourist Traps
Walk 10 minutes away from the Tower, and you’ll find cozy trattorias and cafés where locals actually eat. Try:
Trattoria Sant’Omobono
Osteria dei Cavalieri
Or grab a quick panino and enjoy it riverside
🎯 So… Is It Worth It?
Yes — if you:
Want to check off one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks
Love architecture, photography, or historic cities
Have at least a half day to spare in Florence
Don’t mind a bit of tourist energy
Maybe skip it if you:
Prefer more offbeat destinations
Are crunched for time and haven’t fully explored Florence yet
Don’t want to do the “classic photo spots”
🕍 Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world — and a must-see for anyone visiting Tuscany. But while the photos make it look simple (“just show up and pose!”), there are a few things you should definitely know before visiting.
From ticket tips to the best photo angles, here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa — especially if you want to make it stress-free, scenic, and special.
📍 Where Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
It’s located in Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) — a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa. The tower isn’t alone here — it shares the space with:
🕍 Pisa Cathedral (Duomo)
🏺 Baptistery of St. John
🪦 Camposanto Monumentale
🎟️ Do You Need Tickets?
Yes! While it’s free to visit the square and see the Tower from the outside, you need a ticket to climb it.
Cost: ~€20 for the Tower climb only
Combo option: ~€27 includes the Tower + other monuments (Cathedral, Baptistery, etc.)
Where to book: Official website or in-person kiosk (not recommended in peak season)
🔥 Pro Tip: Tower tickets sell out fast, especially from April to October. Book online a few days in advance to secure your spot.
🕓 Best Time to Visit
Early morning (before 9:30 AM) – minimal crowds, soft light
Late afternoon (after 5 PM) – golden hour glow & fewer tour groups
Avoid midday when the piazza gets packed and the sun is harsh
🧗♀️ What’s the Climb Like?
Steps: 294 spiraling stairs
Duration: ~30–40 minutes (including photo time at the top)
Experience: It’s a bit dizzying — the tilt is very real!
Not recommended if you’re claustrophobic or have vertigo
📸 Best Photo Tips
📸 Classic pose: “Holding up the tower” — find the grassy area to the side of the piazza
📷 Better angle: From the back with the Baptistery in frame (less crowded)
🕶️ What to wear: Something light/neutral to pop against the white marble tower
🧳 What to Bring
🎟️ Printed or digital ticket
👟 Comfy shoes (the marble steps are slick)
💧 Water (especially in summer)
☀️ Sunscreen + hat — very little shade
🪪 ID/passport — required to enter the Tower!
🧠 Fun Facts to Know Before You Go
The tower leans because of unstable foundation soil — construction began in 1173 and the tilt started by the 3rd floor!
Engineers worked for centuries to stabilize it — it currently leans at ~4 degrees.
It’s not the only leaning structure in Pisa — the Cathedral and Baptistery lean slightly too!
🚉 How to Get There
By train: Take a regional train to Pisa Centrale from Florence (60 mins)
Walk 20–25 minutes or take a local bus to Piazza dei Miracoli
💬 FAQs
Can kids climb the tower?
Children under 8 aren’t allowed to climb. Kids 8–18 must be with an adult.
Is there an elevator?
Nope — it’s stairs-only!
How long should I spend there?
1.5–2 hours is perfect to explore the Tower and nearby monuments.
🇮🇹 What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Pisa
Pisa had always been on my radar — the Leaning Tower, the classic tourist photo, a quick stop on the way to somewhere else. But when I finally visited, I realized there’s a lot more (and a few things I wish I had known in advance).
So whether you’re squeezing it into a day trip or giving it a bit more time, here are the things I wish I knew before visiting Pisa — so you can avoid the same mistakes and have a smoother, more magical experience.
1. 🕓 Timing Is Everything
I arrived late morning — big mistake. The piazza was packed, and climbing the Tower felt less magical with a hundred other people elbowing for the same shot.
What I wish I did instead: Get there by 8:30–9:00 AM, when it’s quiet and golden hour light hits the marble beautifully. Early mornings = better photos, shorter lines, and way less chaos.
2. 🎟️ Tower Tickets Sell Out (Fast!)
You can’t just show up and expect to climb the Leaning Tower. I learned the hard way when time slots were fully booked for hours.
What to do: Book your Tower climb online in advance, ideally a few days ahead — especially in high season.
3. 🧭 There’s So Much More Than the Tower
Before I visited, I honestly didn’t know there was an entire UNESCO heritage complex around it. The Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale are just as stunning.
Don’t skip them — and grab the combo ticket for better value.
4. 🗺️ Most People Only See 10% of Pisa
Here’s the thing: most tourists arrive, see the Tower, take the photo, and leave. But just a few blocks away is the real Pisa — calm streets, cozy cafés, and locals going about their day.
Places I’m glad I found:
Piazza dei Cavalieri – quiet, historic, beautiful
Santa Maria della Spina – tiny riverside Gothic church
Borgo Stretto – great for shopping & espresso
Giardino Scotto – peaceful garden for a break
5. 🍝 The Food Is Better Away from the Tower
I made the classic mistake: eating at a touristy spot right near the Tower. Overpriced and underwhelming.
Best move? Walk 10–15 minutes into the local part of town. Trattoria Sant’Omobono and Osteria dei Cavalieri were my favorites.
6. 💶 Bring Cash (Just in Case)
Many smaller cafés and gelaterias still prefer cash or have card minimums.
I wish I had: Some small euro bills for quick snacks and museum entries.
7. 🚆 The Train Station Is a Bit of a Walk
Pisa Centrale station isn’t right next to the Tower — it’s about a 20–25 minute walk. Safe and scenic, but not something to underestimate if you’re carrying luggage or on a time crunch.
Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes and follow signs for “Piazza dei Miracoli.”
8. 📸 The Best Photo Angle Is Not Where You Think
Everyone rushes to the front of the Tower — but the prettiest shots are actually from the side or back, especially with the Baptistery in frame. Fewer people, better lighting, and no awkward posing crowds.
9. 🌞 It Gets Really Hot in Summer
The white marble reflects sunlight like a mirror, and there’s very little shade in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
What I wish I brought: A hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and patience.
10. 🧳 It’s the Perfect Day Trip — If You Plan It Right
Pisa is amazing for a day trip, especially from Florence or Lucca. But I underestimated how much I could see in a few hours if I was strategic.
✨ Final Thoughts
Pisa surprised me — in the best way. Sure, it’s touristy around the Tower, but step just a little further and you’ll find quiet piazzas, beautiful architecture, and a charming Tuscan vibe.
If you’re planning a visit, go in with the right expectations, book in advance, wander off the main path — and you’ll see why Pisa is more than just a tilted tower.
