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Pisa, Italy

Destination Guide

Pisa

Italy

Best things to do in Pisa

27 curated attractions in Pisa, Italy. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

14°C/57°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Pisa

Pisa is defined by its leaning tower, the result of a flawed foundation during construction in the 12th century. This architectural mishap became a global icon, drawing tourists who come to capture the perfect photo and then explore the surrounding historic area. The city's layout features a series of peaceful streets radiating from the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower, cathedral, and baptistery sit, complemented by the quieter charms of neighborhoods like San Francesco and Santa Maria. While many rush through the main attractions, the local museums and churches offer a deeper glimpse into Pisa's medieval past, though most visitors still leave after a quick snapshot of the tower and little else.

Who it's for

Ideal for those with only a few hours to spare and a desire to tick off famous sights. A good choice if you enjoy art and history, but not if you prefer adventurous activities or a nightlife. The limited nightlife and small size may disappoint those looking to linger longer.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is compact enough to walk across in about twenty minutes
  • The train station is a short 20-minute walk from the Leaning Tower
  • Local buses run regularly, connecting to nearby towns like Livorno
  • Most attractions are within a few blocks of each other, making public transport mostly unnecessary
Corso Italia

Corso Italia

Urban Attractions
Borgo Stretto

Borgo Stretto

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Tuttomondo (Keith Haring)

Tuttomondo (Keith Haring)

Cultural
Cattedrale di Pisa

Cattedrale di Pisa

Churches & cathedrals
Pisa Tower

Pisa Tower

Monuments & memorials
Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

Squares & plazas
Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)

Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)

Cemeteries & tombs
Chiesa di San Sisto

Chiesa di San Sisto

Churches & cathedrals
Pisa Charterhouse (Certosa di Pisa)

Pisa Charterhouse (Certosa di Pisa)

Monasteries
Palazzo Agostini

Palazzo Agostini

Historic houses & mansions
Palazzo dell'Orologio

Palazzo dell'Orologio

Historic houses & mansions
Lungarni (Riverside Walkways)

Lungarni (Riverside Walkways)

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Church of San Michele in Borgo

Church of San Michele in Borgo

Churches & cathedrals
Piazza dei Cavalieri

Piazza dei Cavalieri

Squares & plazas
Palazzo della Carovana

Palazzo della Carovana

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno

Church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno

Churches & cathedrals
Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Churches & cathedrals
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Art museums & galleries
Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri

Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri

Churches & cathedrals
Arsenali Medicei

Arsenali Medicei

Forts & citadels
Palazzo Blu

Palazzo Blu

Art museums & galleries
National Museum of San Matteo

National Museum of San Matteo

Art museums & galleries
Orto Botanico di Pisa (Botanical Garden of Pisa)

Orto Botanico di Pisa (Botanical Garden of Pisa)

Botanical gardens
Garibaldi Statue

Garibaldi Statue

Historical Attractions
Medici Palace

Medici Palace

Historical
Palazzo Gambacorti

Palazzo Gambacorti

Historic houses & mansions
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale

Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale

Art museums & galleries

Where to eat in Pisa

The places worth planning a meal around.

Anima di Grano

Anima di Grano

Italian · $30–$50

★ 4.3 · 1,114 reviews

StraVizio Pisa

StraVizio Pisa

Italian · $$

★ 4.9 · 846 reviews

Il Gelato di ToTo

Il Gelato di ToTo

Italian · $

★ 4.6 · 35 reviews

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