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Pisa – a name that immediately conjures up the image of the famous tower. But this Tuscan city is far more than just a wobbly bell tower: a rich history, a lively old town, hidden alleyways, the River Arno and hearty cuisine all come together here in a charming way. In this article, we explore the top sights, unique hotels and the best tips, including those off the beaten track.
13.09.2025
Eliza
Contents:
Best time to visit Pisa: When the city is at its most beautiful
The most beautiful neighbourhoods in Pisa: Which part of the city suits you best?
Things to do in Pisa: From art treasures to nature adventures
Culinary highlights in Pisa: from trattorias to aperitifs by the Arno
Special hotels in Pisa: Stylish accommodation with Tuscan charm
Photo: Pisa is a great place to visit all year round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant.
Pisa in Italy can be visited all year round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. From April to June, the city bursts into lush greenery, the temperatures are mild, and the squares and gardens are ablaze with fresh colours. In September and early October, Pisa is often still sunny and warm, but without the summer heat and the hustle and bustle of the peak season. Visitors during these months can enjoy evening strolls along the Arno, linger in street cafés and explore the sights without the crowds. Midsummer, from July to August, is certainly lively, but can be hot and packed with tourists. At such times, it’s best to spend the midday hours in shady parks, air-conditioned museums or over a leisurely lunch in a trattoria. For travellers who prefer to explore mindfully, the months outside the traditional holiday periods are also ideal: prices are often lower, hotels have more availability, and the city feels more relaxed and authentic. This way, you can discover Pisa at a more leisurely pace and in your own time.
Photo: Pisa is compact, but the individual neighbourhoods do have very different atmospheres.
Pisa is a compact city, but its individual neighbourhoods have very different atmospheres: some are quiet and charming, others lively, with plenty of bars and restaurants, whilst others are ideal for families or budget travellers.
Santa Maria: The heart of the old town, close to all the main attractions such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral and the Piazza dei Miracoli. If you want to stay in a central location, reach plenty of places on foot and are looking for a lively atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home in this neighbourhood. There are plenty of small restaurants, cafés and bars.
San Francesco: Just north of the river and with a quieter pace, but full of lovely spots. Here you’ll find university buildings, nice restaurants, bars and good transport links. For travellers who want to be central without being right in the thick of the tourist crowds, San Francesco is an excellent choice.
Sant’Antonio: Situated on the south bank of the Arno, this neighbourhood offers a more peaceful atmosphere, lovely riverbanks and plenty of ways to wind down at the end of the day. A good choice if you don’t want to head into the city centre every evening but still want to enjoy the nightlife.
San Martino: A little further away from the very busiest tourist areas, but still easily accessible. It boasts pretty squares, traditional restaurants and is close to lovely parks such as the Giardino Scotto. If you’d prefer to experience Pisa a little off the beaten track, but without feeling isolated, you’ll find plenty of authenticity in San Martino.
San Giusto / Area around the main railway station: Convenient for travellers arriving by train or bus, or those continuing their journey. Prices are often more reasonable than in the heart of the old town. However, some areas aren’t as quiet as the residential neighbourhoods, and some streets can be livelier in the mornings or evenings.
Photo: Pisa is famous for its tower – but the city has far more sights to offer.
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower – but the city has so much more to offer. Here are the highlights you really shouldn’t miss:
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles): The square is the heart of Pisa and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the magnificent cathedral, the baptistery and the monumental cemetery. The expansive green spaces and white marble architecture create an almost fairy-tale setting.
Pisa Cathedral: A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture with a fascinating façade of white and grey marble, ornate bronze doors and intricately detailed mosaics. Inside, the coffered ceiling and the famous pulpit by Giovanni Pisano are particularly impressive.
Baptistery & Camposanto Monumentale: The Baptistery is the largest in the whole of Italy and famous for its unique acoustics – a whisper beneath its dome sounds almost like a choir. The Camposanto Monumentale, the monumental cemetery, is home to medieval frescoes and exudes a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.
Piazza dei Cavalieri: Formerly the political centre of the city, today it is known for the palace designed by the famous architect Giorgio Vasari and the impressive façade of the Scuola Normale Superiore. A place where history and student life converge.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina: This small Gothic church on the banks of the Arno surprises visitors with its delicate ornamentation and its location right by the water. It looks almost like a jewel and is often overlooked, even though it is one of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings.
Botanical Garden: Founded in 1543 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. Centuries-old trees, rare plants and medicinal herbs thrive here – a place to take a moment to breathe and discover the green side of Pisa.
These places form the heart of Pisa and uniquely combine sights, history, art and the Italian way of life.
Photo: The mural ‘Tuttomondo’ by the famous street artist Keith Haring is a colourful work of art on the wall of a building near the station.
Off the beaten track, Pisa reveals its very own charm. If you’re in the mood for exploration, you’ll find places and moments here that not everyone knows about and that make your stay truly special:
Keith Haring’s ‘Tuttomondo’ mural: A colourful work of art on a building near the railway station, created for Pisa by the famous street artist in 1989.
Walks along the Arno at sunset: As the sun sets, the water turns golden and the buildings along the river are reflected in the light.
Local markets: At Pisa’s weekly markets, you can experience authentic Italian life. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives and handmade souvenirs are just waiting to be discovered.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the early morning: If you set your alarm a little earlier, you’ll be rewarded with a virtually deserted Piazza dei Miracoli. The soft morning light bathes the Leaning Tower and the surrounding buildings in a magical atmosphere.
San Piero a Grado: Just a few kilometres outside Pisa lies this impressive basilica with its frescoes and eventful history.
Beaches along the Tuscan coast: If you fancy a spot by the sea, beaches such as Marina di Pisa or Tirrenia are just a short distance away.
Photo: Nature lovers will enjoy a cycle ride along the Arno, which offers a series of stunning views of the city and the countryside.
Pisa has something to offer every type of traveller – from cultural highlights and sporting activities to culinary experiences. Anyone who climbs the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa will ascend 294 steps and be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the city and the surrounding countryside.
Art and history lovers should not miss the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, which houses masterpieces of Pisan art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Equally fascinating is the Museo delle Navi Antiche, which displays centuries-old Roman ships that were once discovered in the mud of the Arno and tell a fascinating story of maritime history.
For nature lovers, a cycle ride along the Arno is highly recommended, offering a succession of magnificent views of the city and the countryside. Those who prefer a more active outing can set off from Pisa on a hike into the surrounding hills to discover small villages or vantage points.
And for anyone who appreciates peace and quiet and sweeping views, walks in the hills around Pisa – for example to Calci with its Carthusian monastery or to the spa towns of San Giuliano Terme – are a wonderful way to combine nature, culture and relaxation. This ensures that every stay in Pisa is varied, inspiring and unforgettable.
Photo: A visit to Gelateria De’ Coltelli is a must during any stay in Pisa – the ice-cream parlour is renowned for its creamy gelato made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Like many Italian cities, Pisa is a paradise for food lovers – from rustic trattorias to charming wine bars. A classic among restaurants is Trattoria La Ghiotteria, where Tuscan dishes such as ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup with bread and black cabbage) or bordatino alla pisana (a creamy maize dish with beans and vegetables) are served with great warmth.
Other typical Pisan dishes include pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), cecina (crispy chickpea flatbread) and stoccafisso alla pisana (dried stockfish in tomato sauce). For something sweet, it’s well worth trying a slice of Torta co’ Bischeri (cake with rice, chocolate and pine nuts) or the famous Torta della Nonna (shortcrust pastry cake with vanilla cream and pine nuts).
Things are a little more elegant at La PergOletta, a traditional restaurant in the alleyways of Pisa that has been renowned for its fine cuisine for decades. Here, fish dishes, pasta and Tuscan classics are prepared with great care and a touch of sophistication.
For an aperitif, it’s well worth popping down to the banks of the Arno. The Vineria di Piazza is particularly popular, serving regional wines such as Chianti or Vermentino from the local area – perfect with small antipasti as the sun slowly disappears behind the rooftops. Il Magazzino is also a lovely spot for wine lovers, especially if you’re curious about natural wines.
If you want not only to taste but also to understand the culinary tradition, you can try your hand at a GetYourGuide cookery class such as ‘Learn the Art of Fresh Pasta in the Authentic Heart of Pisa’. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll create homemade pasta varieties, which you’ll then enjoy together in a convivial atmosphere with a glass of Tuscan wine.
Last but not least, a visit to Gelateria De’ Coltelli is a must – renowned for its creamy gelato made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavours such as pine nuts or citrus fruits.
Photo: Anyone longing for nature and tranquillity will find what they’re looking for at Fattoria L’Olmetto, just outside the centre of Pisa.
If you’re staying in Pisa, you’ll find far more than just run-of-the-mill hotels. Particularly charming is the RELAIS DELL’USSERO, an elegant townhouse with high ceilings, antique furniture and warm colour schemes, combining historic charm with modern comforts. From here, you can easily reach the main sights on foot whilst enjoying an authentic atmosphere.
The B&B Di Camilla offers a more personal and homely experience, impressing with cosy rooms, light wooden floors and lovingly chosen details. Warm colours, small works of art on the walls and a blend of Tuscan country house style and modern simplicity create a particularly inviting atmosphere.
Those longing for nature and tranquillity will find what they’re looking for at Fattoria L’Olmetto. This country house on the outskirts of town delights with its rustic stone walls, traditional wooden beams and a large garden offering views of the Tuscan countryside. Here you can experience a rural idyll and relaxing evenings in a stylish setting.
By the way: do take a look at our Travel Deals – there you’ll discover daily updated travel offers for enchanting accommodation like this in Pisa or other European cities.
Photo: The old town is compact, and many of its highlights, such as the Tower of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli, are close together. This means you’ll discover little squares, cafés and hidden corners as you wander around.
Pisa is easy to explore – the city is compact, well-connected and offers a range of options for flexible and convenient travel.
On foot: The old town is easy to navigate, and many highlights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli are close together. This way, you’ll discover little squares, cafés and hidden corners as you go.
Bikes & e-bikes: Ideal for anyone who wants to be independent. Providers such as Smile & Ride (near the railway station) or La Belle Equipe (Via Mercanti 23) hire out city bikes, e-bikes and even mountain bikes. If you want to compare options flexibly, you can use platforms such as ListNRide.
Public transport: Pisa has a well-developed bus network with affordable tickets, including day passes for unlimited travel. The PisaMover, a convenient elevated railway, runs from the airport to the city centre in just five minutes.
Guided tours: Free walking tours (e.g. via Freetour.com or GuruWalk) offer fascinating insights based on tips. For a convenient overview of the highlights, there are also hop-on-hop-off buses available via platforms such as GetYourGuide.
Car and scooter hire: For trips into the surrounding area, it’s worth hiring a car, which can be booked directly at the airport or railway station. If you’re looking for a taste of Italian flair, you can hire a Vespa from The Vespa Rent and enjoy the countryside on two wheels.
With these options, you can get around Pisa flexibly and stress-free – whether you want to explore the city at a leisurely pace or discover the surrounding area.
Conclusion: Pisa is more than just its iconic tower: it is a city where history, art, urban life and Italian cuisine come together in perfect harmony. If you travel at the right time, choose your destinations carefully and are open to insider tips off the beaten track, you’ll see Pisa in a whole new light. Whether it’s the Piazza dei Miracoli, quiet churches or moments of indulgence off the beaten track – Pisa delights with a wealth of sights that offer diversity, charm and memories that go far beyond the classic postcard image.
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