Italy

Things to do in Pisa

Pisa is more than the Leaning Tower: the Piazza dei Miracoli also holds the cathedral, the baptistery and the Camposanto cemetery, together a UNESCO site. Beyond the square, the university town has lively streets along the Arno, Romanesque churches and the Knights' Square designed by Vasari. Its airport and rail links make it a convenient starting point for Lucca, Florence and the Cinque Terre.

  • Leaning Tower climb with timed ticket
  • Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto
  • Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Lungarni walk
  • Day trip to Lucca with a bike ride on the city walls

Experiences in Pisa

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Pisa

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Highlights

  • Leaning Tower climb with timed ticket
  • Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto
  • Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Lungarni walk
  • Day trip to Lucca with a bike ride on the city walls
  • Cinque Terre day trip from Pisa
  • Tuscan food tour in the Borgo Stretto area

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are best. The square is busiest from late morning in summer, while the Luminara on 16 June lights the Arno with candles and the Gioco del Ponte takes place on the last Saturday of June.

Getting around

The centre is small and walkable, about 20 minutes from Pisa Centrale station to the tower. The Pisa Mover shuttle train links the airport to Centrale in a few minutes.

Local tips

  • Book Leaning Tower tickets online in advance, as entry is by timed slot and children under 8 are not admitted.
  • Visit the square early in the morning or at dusk to avoid tour groups and souvenir stalls at their busiest.
  • Look up at Santa Maria della Spina, a small Gothic church right on the Arno embankment.

Day trips from Pisa

  • Lucca
  • Florence
  • Cinque Terre
  • Volterra
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Pisa?

The most booked experiences in Pisa are Leaning Tower climb with timed ticket, Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Lungarni walk and Day trip to Lucca with a bike ride on the city walls.

When is the best time to visit Pisa?

April to June and September to October are best. The square is busiest from late morning in summer, while the Luminara on 16 June lights the Arno with candles and the Gioco del Ponte takes place on the last Saturday of June.

How do I get around Pisa?

The centre is small and walkable, about 20 minutes from Pisa Centrale station to the tower. The Pisa Mover shuttle train links the airport to Centrale in a few minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Pisa in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Pisa?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Florence69 km awaySiena87 km awayBologna114 km awayGenoa139 km away