Pisa city breaks

Think Pisa is just about its legendary Leaning Tower? Think again. This charming riverside city is full of interesting architecture and museums, as well as a vibrant café and bar scene. Leafy parks, bustling street markets and a waterside aperitivo culture mean it’s easy to enjoy life al fresco here too. And while day-trippers are hanging around the tower, spend time living like a local. Leisurely stroll the cobbled streets, shop for antiques along Via Palestro and stop off for freshly baked bread from a local deli. If you want to explore more, a super speedy rail network can take you to Florence and other Tuscan treasures in no time.

Local life

One of the best things about Pisa is that it’s far more relaxed than many other cities. While most visitors are hanging round the tower, you’ll have plenty of time to blend in with the locals. Leisurely stroll the cobbled streets, shop for antiques along Via Palestro and stop off for a frothy cappuccino or freshly baked bread from a local deli.

Pisa by night

Pisa has a vibrant bar scene and drinks here are great value too. A great place to start is along the River Arno. The Bazeel Bar and Arno Vivo are fab for a chilled drink by the waterfront. For something a little more chic, head to the cafés on Borgo Stretto or try Piazza Cairoli for some cocktail bars.

River walk

Stroll along the river and you’ll see the Santa Maria della Spina, a Gothic church that dates back to 1230. Over in Piazza dei Cavalieri, admire the Renaissance buildings that house the city’s university as students whizz by on their bicycles. Further down the river is the Museo Nazionale dei San Matteo. This former monastery is now home to Donatello’s bust of San Lussorio and is well worth a visit.

Alessandro Della Spina

Pisa City, Pisa

Our rating

Based on 1109 reviews

Great base to explore the city
Small and friendly
130m from the nearest bus stop
500m from the train station
Close to all major attractions

Grand Hotel Bonanno

Pisa City, Pisa

Our rating

Based on 1788 reviews

Great for exploring
100m from the nearest bus stop
1.3km from the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Close to shops, bars and restaurants
Classic style

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Duomo Pisa

Pisa

Despite its closeness to the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral isn't overshadowed by its more famous relative. Begun in 1093, it's a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and looms large in the Piazza dei...

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa

You can't visit Pisa without seeing its most famous landmark. The cathedral's campanile, or freestanding bell tower, is one of the most remarkable architectural structures of medieval Europe. It was closed in...

Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale

Pisa

Visit this museum to get an insight into the courtly life of the wealthy families of Pisa in times past. The collections are set in a royal palace by the River Arno. You’ll see tapestries, paintings, clothing...

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£3.50 / €4

Urban Bus day card

£3 / €3.40

Three course meal

£35 / €40

Sightseeing

The 60m-high Leaning Tower of Pisa is what people flock here for. It actually houses a bell, but it’s become more renowned for being a selfie-magnet. The tilted wonder is pretty impressive. There’s a striking baptistery nearby, plus the Cathedral of Saint Mary – Piazza del Duomo’s prize piece.

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Eating and drinking

There are over 30 flavours of ice cream across Pisa’s gelaterias. Chickpea soup with sciocco bread is a great local option, too – and don’t miss out on the famous Italian ‘aperitivo’. Head to the waterfront bars between 6pm and 9pm for some complimentary nibbles with your cocktails and a chat with the locals.

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Shopping

For souvenirs, stick to the area around the tower – there’s no shortage of stalls and shops. But if you fancy some serious shopping, Corso Italia and Borgo Stretto are the two main avenues to browse. The Corso’s ideal for cheaper brands, but Stretto’s the winner for high-end fashion labels.

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Getting around

It’s easy to get around on foot here, or you can do as the locals do and hop on a bike. There are bus and train services too if you want to explore further afield. A direct train service links Pisa with Florence, so telling a tale of two cities has never been so easy.