Pisa has plenty more to offer than just its iconic Leaning Tower, which is without a doubt this western Italian city’s most famous attraction. Narrow, curving streets hide marble Renaissance palaces and esteemed universities. Heavily ornamented 13th-century churches rise above the slow current of the Arno River. Once you’ve taken your Leaning Tower photos, spend a few days navigating the restaurant-lined piazzas of this small, ancient city.
Since car parking is limited and the city centre is compact, get around Pisa on foot or by bus. Follow the crowds and street merchants to the Leaning Tower, the slanted campanile (bell tower) of the Duomo.
Explore the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli once you’ve seen the tower and the cathedral. Visit the Baptistery for medieval art and the Camposanto to see the final resting places of famous Pisans, including the great mathematician Fibonacci.
Head south past the peaceful Piazza Martiri della Libertà to reach Pisa’s historic centre. Knights’ Square holds several Renaissance buildings associated with Pisa’s order of knights. Stop by the Palazzo della Carovana and the Palace of the Putean College, which both house parts of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, a prestigious university.
Find a spot in one of the many cafés on Pisa’s streets and order sullo scio, a special soup, or some pasta. After your meal, walk along the Arno River. On the south bank, you’ll find the tiny Gothic church, Santa Maria della Spina. Browse the market at Piazza delle Vettovaglie to stock up on fresh produce or shop at Borgo Stretto to buy the latest Italian fashions.
The Tuscan sun over Pisa brings hot summers and temperate winters. Head out early to beat the crowds and, in summer, the heat.
With an international airport and rapid intercity train connections, Pisa is a perfect gateway to the rest of Tuscany. However, don’t let the region’s other attractions keep you from staying in Pisa. This gorgeous Italian city features several of the country’s finest buildings.