Things to do in Pisa (Travel Tips)

Discover Pisa

Pisa is one of the most prominent cities in Tuscany and central Italy. Although its worldwide fame can be accredited to the curious Leaning Tower of Pisa, there is much more to this Tuscan town. Serving as the capital city of the Province of Pisa, it’s home to over 90,000 residents. Furthermore, there is a famous university, as well as tens of remarkable historical churches, medieval palaces, and ancient bridges across the Arno. Pisa straddles the River Arno just before it enters into the azure Ligurian Sea. Thanks to this strategic location, it once rivaled the maritime power of Genoa and Venice. In fact, its naval importance reached all the way back to the Etruscan and Roman times. It's safe to say that it shaped the town’s evolution across centuries. Unsurprisingly, much of the architecture we admire today came from Pisa’s earnings from maritime trading, adventures, and even exploits.

Better yet, the amazingly famous leaning tower of Pisa is not the only tower with a lean in town! Because of the proximity to water and rather flat landscape, the area has an unstable subsoil. Hence, any tall and heavy building was prone to incline. How many crooked buildings can you spot?

Regarding gastronomy, Pisa offers an extraordinary contrasting experience of “land” and “sea” cuisine. In other words, the town surprises you with a curious mix of a simple peasant cuisine and delicate seafood. Ingredients such as Montegemoli bread, black-eyed peas, Laru cherries or olive oil shouldn't miss on your list of things to try. The nearby hills are not short on wine either.

An inexperienced traveler would probably stop exploring Pisa after a bit of sightseeing and a delicious meal. However, the smart ones take advantage of the many exciting things to do in Pisa. Its surroundings are also worth exploring before moving on. You can venture for a hike to the Natural Park of Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli; visit Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia for sandy beaches and lively nightlife or the medieval village of San Miniato for a trip back in time. Explore more of what to do in Pisa below!

Our favourite things about Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa is a landmark that needs little introduction. In fact, this tower alone managed to make Pisa famous all over the world. It’s not everyday one sees a tower that looks like it's about to fall to its ruin, but by some inexplicable miracle, it doesn’t. Unsurprisingly, the tower is one of the top places to visit in Pisa, and curious travelers never stop streaming in! The structure is part of Pisa cathedral complex, and its initial purpose was to serve as a bell tower (campanile). However, due to the fear that the resonating bells will upset the careful balance, the bells didn’t ring for years.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Pisa) is a magnificent piece of architecture. Though often overshadowed by the Leaning Tower, the cathedral has much to offer in its own right. Its foundations rose almost a millennium ago, in 1093. That was the initiation of what evolved into one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. Though in 1595, a violent fire destroyed most of the medieval art inside, some of the best Renaissance artists worked on the reconstruction work. So, if you are wondering what to do in Pisa for a day besides the leaning tower, the cathedral is a lovely option.

Battistero

The baptistery is another monument you shouldn’t miss when you travel to Pisa. This large structure raises 54 meters high and features an incredibly gorgeous exterior design riddled with statues, arches, and ornaments. If you are crazy about architecture, exploring this building will be a real treat. For instance, Pisa’s baptistery has one dome stacked on top of another. Moreover, the famous scientist Galileo Galileo was baptized here. And, a rumor has it, a swinging lamp inside the baptistery inspired him to define laws of pendulum! So, even if you are in Pisa only for a day, don’t overlook one of the best Pisa tourist attractions.

Try the Gelato!

You’ve spent the afternoon strolling around the Piazza dei Miracoli. You’ve marveled at Pisa’s wonderfully impressive Cathedral and Baptistery, and it goes without saying, you climb the city’s famous leaning tower. But, what now? Who cares! Forget places to see in Pisa! It’s time for Gelato! Pisa is after all, in Tuscany. And, Tuscany is home to Florence. And, Florence is where gelato was invented. And, Pisa is pretty much next door to Florence. So, it pretty much goes without saying that gelato in Pisa is amazing. Take a gelato tour or discover who’s got the best scoop on your own. There are tons of gelaterias to explore.

Visit the Natural Park of San Rossore

The largest natural park in the vicinity of Pisa is San Rossore. It stretches all the way from the town to the coast. Peppered with tall majestic trees, green vegetation and presence of wild animals such as deer, the park transcends you to another reality. What’s even more exciting, there are a few different ways you can go about exporting it. You can take a leisurely walk or make it a more sportsy trip and cycle. However, the most romantic way to cruise among this clandestine natural kingdom is on a horse-drawn carriage. If you find yourself wondering about what to do in Pisa besides sightseeing, venture to San Rossore.

Welcome to Pisa