Is Pisa Worth Visiting? (The Ultimate Guide To Pisa Beyond The Leaning Tower)

If you’re wondering is Pisa worth visiting? you’re definitely not alone. Before my first trip to Pisa, I had heard mixed opinions and wasn’t sure what to expect. But Italy has always been one of my favorite countries, so I was excited to go back once again. When my family got invited to a wedding in Pisa, I finally got the chance to experience the city for myself.

As it turns out, Pisa is so much more than its famous Leaning Tower. It’s a laid-back university city with a local feel, charming streets, and a lot of history around every corner. You’ll find lively squares, riverside walks along the Arno, and a mix of old and modern life that makes it easy to slow down and just enjoy being there.

In this guide, I’ll share my best insight on why Pisa is worth visiting, share how to get there, where to stay, and of course cover some of the best things to do in Pisa so you can make the most of your trip.

Table of Contents

Is Pisa worth visiting?
How to get to Pisa
Where to stay in Pisa
Amazing things to do in Pisa

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Is Pisa worth visiting?

Yes, Pisa is worth visiting. Pisa is a lively university city in Tuscany with a lot of history and plenty to see and do. It’s also close to places like Lucca and Florence, so skipping Pisa when you’re already in the area just doesn’t make sense.

Why some people think Pisa is overrated

I hear and read about many people who claim that Pisa is overrated and just a tourist trap. But when you ask what they actually did, most will say they only saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa and left. That’s like only visiting Times Square and then saying New York City is disappointing. It’s not really fair, is it?

The self-fulfilling Pisa problem

You hear Pisa is overrated. You still go, but only plan half a day. You see the Leaning Tower, maybe walk around a bit, then leave. After that, you feel like the city lived up to the “overrated” label. And then you tell others the same thing. That’s how the cycle continues. Let’s break it.

Why you should give Pisa a real chance

Look, I’m not here to tell you what to think. You might love Pisa, you may not, and either way – that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, after all. All I encourage you to do it visit Pisa (or any other destination for that matter) with an open mind. It’s more respectful, and it usually makes your trip better. If you don’t go in expecting to be disappointed, you might actually enjoy what the city has to offer.

Is there more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower?

Yes, there is more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower. The city may not have as many big attractions as other Italian destinations, but that’s part of its charm. Instead of comparing it to bigger cities, enjoy it for what it is: an authentic Tuscan city with medieval history, nice streets, and a more relaxed vibe.

How To Get To Pisa

Conveniently located close to the west coast of Italy, Pisa is a wonderful and approachable destination to include on your next Italian adventure. Due to its location, a trip to Pisa is great to combine with destinations such as Florence, Lucca, Livorno, or Cinque Terre.

Getting to Pisa by plane

Pisa is easily reached by airplane from all over the world. Galileo Galilei International Airport is located right outside of Pisa’s city centre, making it very convenient for international visitors. Getting from the airport to the Pisa city centre is both fast, easy and cheap; taking the automatic Pisa-mover shuttle train will get you there in 5 minutes! Alternatively, a taxi will get you there in 5-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Getting to Pisa by train

There are plenty of trains connecting Pisa to the rest of Italy, which makes it easy to combine with other destinations. Pisa is only 1 hour from Florence, 2 hours from Bologna, 2.5 hours from Genova and 2-3 hours from Rome. Beware that Pisa has two train stations: Pisa Central Station in the southern part of Pisa centre and Pisa S. Rossore, which is located right next to the leaning tower.

Getting to Pisa by boat

If you’re traveling the coast of Italy by boat, chances are you will stop at Livorno, the closest port to Pisa. The most relaxing way to get to Pisa from Livorno is by booking a bus transfer and explore on your own, or by booking a private excursion. That way you will be in good hands with experienced locals and will only have to worry about getting those cute Instagram pics.

Book a tour of Pisa from other cities

Pisa is a popular day trip destination from other cities in Italy such as Florence, Lucca and Rome. You can easily arrange a trip by train yourself online, but if you want to leave the planning to the professionals there are also a ton of guided tours available from Florence to Pisa, Rome to Pisa, and other destinations.

Where To Stay In Pisa

As I often do in my travel guides, I recommend prioritizing location when choosing where to stay in Pisa. It’s a compact city, and if you love walking half as much as I do, you should consider a hotel within the city centre. That way you won’t have to worry about taxis or public transportation.

If you want a more relaxed vibe you should book a place outside of the city centre, embracing your inner Italian as you enjoy the tiny villages and wonderful nature of Tuscany.

Grand Hotel Duomo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Amazing hotel located a few steps from the leaning tower. The best part is its roof terrace with a panoramic view of Pisa.

Hotel Pisa Tower Plaza ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: A pool and a view of the leaning tower in the distance? Win-win! Only a fifteen minute walk from the city centre.

Amazing Things To Do In Pisa

Like I said, Pisa is a lot more than a leaning tower.. But only if you allow it to be! Live in the moment, go on adventures and focus on enjoying yourself while discovering where the city takes you.

Pisa has some seriously beautiful nature and great history to offer, so don’t waste your time only checking out the leaning tower. Here are some ideas on things to do in Pisa to get you started:

Absorb Pisa’s Atmosphere

Have a walk and get to know Pisa while soaking up the city vibes. Practice your Italian skills, learn some medieval history, or enjoy a decent cup of espresso with the locals at Piazza Dante. Just see where the city takes you – it’s such a fun and relaxing way of travel.

One of my favorite things about Pisa is how it allows its old buildings to be just that: old. Cracked walls, worn paint and all. Facades aren’t the most important thing in the world after all, and its refreshing to see in this day and age when most cities are busy keeping up with their Instagram friendly appearances.

Indulge In Delicious Italian Food

Tuscany is where all diets go to die. Put silly thoughts aside and indulge in all the incredible pizza, pasta, cheese and salami Tuscany has to offer. I’m pretty sure you’ll get incarcerated for counting calories in Italy, so don’t even think about doing the math. Pisa is known its simple Tuscan cuisine, and has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Look out for local dishes such as pizza pisana and pasta dishes with sauce made with hare or wild boar. I ate a lot of the latter, and it was so good.

Restaurant suggestions:
🍝 Osteria il Capodaglio
🍝 Bistrot Sette (photos below)

Piazza del Duomo is an incredible architectural complex in the middle of Pisa. The square is considered sacred by the Catholic Church and houses four important monuments; The Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Campanile (the leaning bell tower) and the Camposanto Monumentale (cemetery).

The four masterpieces of medieval architecture are known to have had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century. Piazza del Duomo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and it’s impossible to visit Pisa without exploring it! The monuments are all an incredible sight not to be missed. Oh, and did you know that Galileo Galilei was baptized in Pisa Baptistery in 1564?

📍Location: Piazza del Duomo

Tip: Avoid the worst crowds by visiting at night, preferably on a weekday.

Admire Cattedrale di Pisa From The Inside

Not only is the Pisa Cathedral an incredible construction to admire from the outside, the interior of the cathedral is breathtaking as well. The black and white marble interior, gilded ceiling and the incredible artwork are things you simply need to see with your own eyes when in Pisa. The Lamp of Galileo and the cupola of the dome were my personal favorites. My family and I had the honor of experiencing a local wedding in this amazing cathedral, which I’ll never forget.

Duomi di Pisa is open to the public, and entrance is included if you purchase tickets to one or several monuments (the leaning tower, Baptistery, Camposanto), the Sinopie Museum or the Opera del Duomo Museum. If you only want to visit the Cathedral you can do that for free, but you’ll have to collect a fixed time free pass at the ticket office.

📍Location: Cattedrale di Pisa

Climb The Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, originally built as the bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral, started tilting during construction in the 12th century due to soft ground, and leaned even more by the time it was finished. Thanks to stabilization work in the 1990s, it’s now safe to visit—and you can actually go inside.

While many people stick to taking photos outside, I really recommend climbing the nearly 300 steps to the top. The view is amazing, and the climb itself is a fun bucket list experience. The narrow, uneven steps and the tilt made us feel slightly tipsy… but with limited visitors inside, it still felt safe. Just watch your step, haha!

📍Location: Torre di Pisa

Tip! The lines can be rough, so do the smart thing and book skip-the-line tickets in advance. If you want to get the most out of your visit and learn more I recommend booking a guided tour instead.

Walk The Medieval Walls of Pisa

One of the more unique things to do in Pisa that I cannot recommend enough is taking a walk on its medieval walls. The large city wall was build back in the Middle Ages to protect Pisa’s cathedral and baptistery from assailants. Today it remains the oldest city walls in Italy that are almost entirely intact, and the 11 meter high and 3 km long walkway where the public can enjoy the view of Pisa from an original perspective.

ℹ️ Info, tickets and route map: muradipisa.it

Find Your Favorite Gelato Flavor

Trying authentic gelato while in Italy is a must, no matter what season you’re traveling in. Pisa has some incredible gelaterias where you can search for your favorite flavor. Come prepared though, you might have to try them all to find your new favorite.. Ahh, the struggle!

Top 3 gelaterias in Pisa:
🍦Gelateria Tuffo 13
🍦La Bottega del Gelato
🍦Gelateria De’ Coltelli

Admire Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

Along the Arno riverbank you can find the stunning Church of Santa Maria della Spina. This tiny gothic church was built in 1230 and it looks like something from a fairytale. If admiring the church from the outside isn’t enough, it is also possible to enter the church a few days a week. However, it is hard to find reliable information about opening hours – so I suggest you either take your chance when popping by, or contact them by phone in advance to plan your visit.

📍Location: Lungarno Gambacorti 50
📞 Telephone: +39 (0)50 561799

See The Many Sculptures of Pisa

Pisa may be best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but the city also offers a rich experience for anyone interested in sculpture. Throughout Pisa, you’ll find a variety of public monuments featuring statues of notable figures such as Galileo Galilei, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Garibaldi. In addition to these historical works, the city also showcases modern art, including the striking Fallen Angel (Angelo Caduto) near the Leaning Tower.

ℹ️ More info: Tripadvisor.com

Check Out An Art Exhibit At Palazzo Blu

The Palazzo Blu is a beautiful former aristocratic residence that now hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. This space has welcomed works by some of the most famous artists in the world, including Picasso, Warhol, Kandinsky and Magritte. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, some rooms of the palace are home to the Museum of Art and Culture of Pisa, with a collection of more than 300 artworks. Definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Pisa if you enjoy art!

📍Location: Lungarno Gambacorti 9
ℹ️ Current exhibits and opening hours: Palazzoblu.it

Do a wine tasting tour

The best red wine in the world comes from Tuscany. Take advantage when in Pisa and try some local wine, preferably at an authentic tuscan vineyard if you have the chance. What can possibly be better than walking among the vines, meeting the owner of a winery and learning about the winemaking process – all while enjoying some delicious tuscan wine?

We chose Fattoria San Vito, located a 15 minute drive east of Pisa, and we had the best time. The wine tasted incredible, the family running it were incredibly nice and accommodating, and we had a wonderful walk of the vineyard with The Monte Pisano hills as a backdrop. 10/10 recommend!

📍Location: Via Caprili 5, 56011, Calci
ℹ️ Website: Fattoriasanvito.it
📝 Reviews: Tripadvisor.com

Experience Life In Medieval Times

Always wanted to travel back in time and experience how life was in Medieval times? In Tuscany, you can! Well, sort of.. Every spring and summer there are several Medieval festivals you can attend in the charming villages and towns of Tuscany.

ℹ️ More information: visittuscany.com

Take A Break At Pisa’s Botanical Garden

A few short steps from the leaning tower you’ll find the oldest botanical garden in Italy, Orto e Museo Botanico. The garden, which also serves as a museum, is run by the University of Pisa and is free to visit. A great place for when you need break from the busy streets of Pisa.

📍Location: Via Luca Ghini 13

Hike from Pisa to Lucca 

If you’re interested in trekking and nature while traveling, you should consider hiking from Pisa to its neighbouring town of Lucca. The trail follows the historical Nottolini and Medici Aqueducts and is known to be absolutely beautiful. The hike is 25 kilometers long and it takes approximately 7 hours from start to finish. If you’re not into hiking, you can still visit Lucca, as its only 30 minutes from Pisa by car or train.

ℹ️ Hike information: visittuscany.com
📝 Related read: Wonderful Things To Do In Lucca

See The Birthplace of Galileo Galilei

The father of modern science and observational astronomy himself, Galileo Galilei, was born in Pisa in 1564. After many disputes regarding the exact location of Galilei’s birthplace throughout the years, scholars now recognize Casa Ammannati as the birthplace of the famous physicist. There isn’t more to it than a plaque on the building, but its still a cool sight worth checking out when in the area. Especially if you’re a bit nerdy, like me!

📍Location: Via Giuseppe Giusti 24

See Piazza dei Cavalieri (The Knights’ Square)

While walking the streets of Pisa chances are high that you’ll end up at Piazza dei Cavalieri at some point, the second main square in Pisa. Back in medieval times it was the political centre, and it later became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St Stephen. These days its a landmark and functions as a centre of higher education. As a visitor you’ll appreciate it’s beautiful buildings and sculptures, and it is worth a stop on your walk through Pisa.

📍Location: P.za dei Cavalieri

Visit the Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci

An hour drive from Pisa lies the birthplace of the world famous artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Despite what his last name suggests, Leonardo was actually born in a farmhouse in the tuscan town of Anchiano in 1452, about three kilometres from Vinci. The farmhouse still stands and is possible to visit. An interesting place to have seen if you’re a history buff!

Check out modern street art murals

Pisa is known for its historic buildings and classic artworks, but that is not all the city has to offer. If you are looking for different things to do in Pisa, there are also some modern street art murals worth checking out. One of my favorites is the large mural of Galileo Galilei by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, created in 2023. I have seen Kobra’s murals in New York as well and absolutely love his bold and colorful style. Another must-see is Tuttomondo by Keith Haring, a colorful piece with a strong message about peace and unity.

📍Location ‘Galileo Galilei’: Via Silvio Pellico
📍Location ‘Tuttomondo’: Piazza V. Emanuele II 18

Enjoy A Walk Along The River Arno

One of my favorite things to do in Pisa was to simply walk along the river Arno. Observe locals relaxing by the riverbank, other tourists taking pictures, and admire all the old buildings the city has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon a lovely secret spot on your adventure?

Discover more of Italy

Why not take the opportunity to explore even more of gorgeous Italy while you’re in Pisa? There are plenty of things to do in Pisa itself, from iconic sights to charming streets and local cafés, but it also makes a great base for seeing more of the region. With easy access by train or rental car, you can visit nearby destinations like Florence, Siena, Lucca, Livorno, and Cinque Terre, each offering its own unique atmosphere and experiences.

Related guides:
How to spend 3 days in Florence
Wonderful things to do in Lucca

Visit Bagni di Nerone – Baths of Nero

The Bagni di Nerone is a small archaeological site in Pisa that dates back to the 1st century AD, when the city was a Roman colony called Colonia Pisana. It is the only Roman monument still preserved in Pisa today, making it one of the more unique things to do in Pisa. These remains are part of a Roman thermal bath complex, a place people visited almost every day for hygiene routines. Even though only parts of the structure are still visible, it gives a clear idea of how important the baths were in everyday Roman life.

📍Location: Largo Parlascio 14

Go Shopping

Take a break from sightseeing and get some shopping done in Pisa. Head over to Borgo Stretto and Corso Italia, the main shopping streets in Pisa. Here you’ll find a nice mix of exclusive Italian boutiques and more affordable chains like H&M, Zara and Mango. Via dei Rigattieri and Via Mercanti also house some great stores. If you’re looking to purchase souvenirs, food items, leather goods and other local pieces, you should check out the markets at Piazza delle Vettovaglie and at Piazza Daniele Manin.

Relax At The Gorgeous Beaches of Tuscany

Beach life might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Pisa. But the truth is that only a few kilometers west of the city you’ll find an abundance of wonderful beaches along the coast. Calambrone, Marina di Pisa, Marina di Vecchiano and Tirrenia are supposedly the most beautiful ones. Why not get the best of both worlds? Make the coast your base, and head to Pisa when you’re in the mood for sightseeing and shopping.

ℹ️ Beaches near Pisa: Visittuscany.com

Book a tour and explore Italy with less stress

There are also plenty of tours available if you’d rather avoid the hassle of renting a car and driving yourself. Options range from guided visits to Florence and the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre to excursions through the Tuscan countryside, including San Gimignano, Chianti, Siena, the Monteriggioni fortress, and the Saturnia Thermal Baths.

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