Pisa, Italy, is home to the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa and many other architectural wonders. We loved how rich in history it is, from ancient churches and palaces to beautiful Italian squares. After a busy day of sightseeing, we wandered the old streets, tried different gelato flavors, and strolled along the Arno River with the majestic mountains in the background. Here are all our favorite things to do in Pisa!
It’s one of the smaller cities in the region, and because of its size, it’s an excellent place for a weekend city vacation. Alternatively, visit for the day on your Tuscany road trip.
Read: Tuscany road trip guide
1. Baptisterium
The Baptisterium (place of baptism) sits right by the leaning tower of Pisa. The 54-meter-high, circular-shaped building has an incredible domed roof and an intricate facade. What’s more, just like the leaning tower, it leans a little, although not quite as much!
We walked around the building before taking a look inside (the interior is beautiful!). It’s worth visiting for the upper level, which offers amazing views over the rest of Pisa.
Entry fee: €7 EUR. Alternatively, book a guided tour that includes entrance to the Baptistery, Cathedral, and Leaning Tower.
2. Camposanto
Camposanto is a massive cemetery within the same complex as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built in 1277 to make the graves next to the cathedral look a bit neater. It’s also said that the soil here came from Jesus’s crucifixion site!
Did you know? There are many famous and influential people buried here, including the mathematician Fibonacci, who created the Fibonacci sequence we still learn in school today.
We loved the interior of the Camposanto – it has stunning frescoes. However, the real highlight is the interior courtyard with its regal columns and arches.
Also read: Best things to do in Florence, Italy
3. Cattedrale de Pisa
The Cathedral of Pisa (Santa Maria Assunta) is often forgotten in favor of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, it stands right next door and is, with its white marble, a historical gem in its own right. We visited it on the same day (book your tickets in advance).
Tip: Make sure to see the famous marble pulpit carved by the renowned sculptor Giovanni Pisano.
4. Leaning Tower of Pisa
A must is of course the Leaning Tower of Pisa, famous for its noticeable tilt (of 5.5 degrees). It does really look like the building defies gravity! It’s actually the cathedral’s bell tower, although the bells haven’t rung in over 100 years. Entry: 18 EUR, 28 EUR for skip-the-line tickets.
Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilt? Construction in 1172 had already begun before they realized the ground wasn’t stable. They tried to fix it for 200 years, but it wasn’t possible in the end. Measures are taken to prevent its collapse, but the tilt makes for funny photos!
5. Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral, Camposanto, and Baptistery all sit in a beautiful grassy square that’s free of cars. We spent a few hours just lying in the grass looking at the monuments – a great way to spend an afternoon in Pisa!
6. Santa Maria Della Spina
Pisa has lots of churches, but we think Santa Maria Della Spina might just be the most beautiful of them all. This tiny church has a detailed Gothic facade and a unique setting on the riverbank.
Della Spina means ‘of the thorn’, which signals to one of the thorns from Jesus’ crown once rested at this site. Entry fee: 1.50 EUR.
7. Gelateria De’ Coltelli
We love gelato in Italy (who doesn’t?), and there are some incredible places in Pisa to grab some. However, the most famous is Gelateria De’ Coltelli. It has some exotic gelto flavors, like candied lemon peel or ginger, and it sits right on the banks of the River Arno.
8. Borgo Stretto
If you’re looking for a great shopping area, Borgo Stretto is the street to go to. However, there’s more: it’s the perfect place to admire the beautiful Italian townhouses painted in terracottas and pinks with their wooden shutters and full washing lines.
The ancient street runs along the river and has many narrow lanes branching off into cute squares. We walked the entire length of it, admiring the stone archways and colonnades that house all the cute boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Easily one of the top things to do in Pisa!
Also read: best things to do in Rome, Italy
9. Keith Haring House
Keith Haring is a famous artist known for his vibrant murals. On the side of grand Italian house, you can find one of his colorful paintings of moving people. The contrast of modern (his work) and old (the building), is what makes it an interesting thing to do in Pisa!
10. Palazzo Della Carovana
Palazzo Della Carovana is a stunning square that sits at the very center of Pisa, Italy. Known as the Knights Square, it’s home to fascinating historical buildings such as the Palace of the Elders and the University of Pisa.
We learned that the university here was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the library was once the seat of government in the Middle Ages.
Now, it’s a great place to come and hang out – we watched the students go about their day amongst the beautiful buildings. Note: Most buildings aren’t accessible to the public.
11. Parco Don Bosco
Parco Don Bosco is the city’s park, a beautiful green space with pine trees where we escaped the heat and buzz of the city. We brought a little picnic to enjoy, too. Right along the side of the park, you’ll see the remains of a Roman aqueduct – history is everywhere in Pisa!
Also visit: The waterfalls at the Elsa Trail in Tuscany
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Pisa
Italy is famous for its food, and Pisa is, therefore, no exception. We found so many beautiful cafes to try freshly made pasta dishes, gelatos, and delicious local cheeses and meats. We really liked the traditional Tuscan soup and focaccia!
Some of our favorite restaurants were:
- Peperoncino
- Pasticceria Dolcepisa (vegan and gluten-free options)
- Ristoro Pecorino
- Filter Coffee Lab (hipster vibe)
- Kabuto Ramen & Bistrot
Tip: Try to avoid restaurants right by the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Although the view is good, the prices are much higher, and you’ll find some more authentic places to eat down the narrow streets.
How to Visit Pisa
Pisa is really easy to visit from all over the world. It has an international airport with flights running to major destinations across Europe and beyond. It’s also the gateway to Tuscany.
- By train: trains run to other major cities in Italy, such as Rome, Florence, Naples, and Turin.
- Doing a Tuscany road trip? Rent a car in Pisa and use it as a jumping-off point.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Pisa
There are lots of great neighborhoods to stay in in Pisa, but we recommend the central area of Santa Maria. We stayed right next to the Leaning Tower: this is the hotel (or see image below).
For a slightly cheaper alternative, choose to stay in the San Giusto neighborhood, which is near the train station. There are lots of great local cafes and restaurants here, too!
Best Time to Visit Pisa
We visited Pisa in the springtime, when there’s pleasant temperatures but smaller queues, and loved it! The city will generally be much quieter and prices are lower, too.
- Peak season: June – August, when it’s hot and queues are long for attractions.
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