Things to do in Pisa

When you think of Pisa, the iconic Leaning Tower and the extraordinary square in which it’s located, Piazza dei Miracoli, immediately come to mind. But this charming Tuscan city has much more to offer and is the ideal destination for a weekend full of history, tradition, culture and plenty of art. Discover Pisa’s authentic corners, such as Borgo Stretto and Piazza delle Vettovaglie, go hunting for famous murals and admire magnificent historic buildings that are reflected in the waters of the River Arno. Season it all with a good dose of tasty local cuisine and you’ve found the recipe for a perfect trip.

Top six things to do in Pisa

1. Climb the legendary Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly the symbol of the city, in addition to being one of the most famous monuments in all of Italy. Located in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, this world-famous belfry was inaugurated in 1373, but it gradually began to lean during its construction due to the soft ground on which it stands. While taking a typical photo ‘pushing’ or ‘holding up’ the tower is a given, the real worthwhile experience is climbing its 251 steps to soak in the views from the top. Explore this spectacular building from the inside with a ticket that allows you to also visit the duomo – the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – and discover all its secrets on a tour with an expert guide.

2. Discover all the wonders of Piazza dei Miracoli

Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo is so beautiful that poet Gabriele d’Annunzio nicknamed it Piazza dei Miracoli – ‘Square of Miracles’. It’s also called so for its function as the centre of the city's religious life. The moniker describes it so well that, to this day, it has become its main name. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the Piazza dei Miracoli is home to not only the Leaning Tower, but also the Duomo – the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – the Baptistry and the Campo Santo. Although all the square’s attractions deserve to be visited, the Campo Santo Monumentale is probably the most surprising work. Here, you can admire sarcophagi, frescoes, artefacts and decorations inside a white marble structure that looks like a beautiful Gothic cloister. And when you’ve finished marvelling at all the wonders of the square, take a break on the vast portion of well-kept green grass that makes this area even more welcoming.

3. Take a stroll along the River Arno

Some of the most striking places in Pisa are its Lungarni, wide streets that run along the River Arno and are overlooked by elegant buildings. One of the best things to do during a weekend in the city is to stroll through these history-filled streets and admire the ancient buildings and fancy hotels with an ice cream, a pastry or even just a good coffee in your hands. Be sure to walk along the Mediceo Lungarno, where some of the city’s most important historic buildings are located, including Palazzo dei Medici and Palazzo Toscanelli. If you’re travelling with the one you love, go for a romantic walk here at sunset or in the evening when the lights of the streetlamps reflect on the river – it’s sure to be magical.

4. Admire Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural

For those who love street art or appreciate art in general, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate is an absolutely unmissable stop. In 1989, the famous pop artist Keith Haring painted one of his masterpieces, Tuttomondo, on one of the façades of this medieval church. This brightly coloured mural is dedicated to the importance of peace and universal harmony. Painted in Haring’s signature style, the mural displays 30 figures of different colours which, like pieces of the same puzzle, meet, touch and fit together. Moved by the rhythm of tribal music, the figures celebrate the importance of life in a place that has known death and destruction, as Pisa was severely hit by the bombings of the World War II.

5. Enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza delle Vettovaglie

Near the picturesque street Borgo Stretto is Piazza delle Vettovaglie, one of the most authentic places in the historic centre and a particularly popular meeting point in the evening. The square hosts a popular food market during the day, while in the evening it becomes one of the centres of Pisan nightlife. Here, you’ll find numerous bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an inexpensive aperitivo or a typical Tuscan dinner under the arcades. As for typical food in Pisa, we recommend trying the pappa al pomodoro, a simple but also tasty dish, or the eel if you feel like trying something new.

6. Go on a day trip to explore more of Tuscany

Besides being full of rich culture and history, Pisa is in a strategic location from which other beautiful Tuscan towns can be quickly and easily reached. If the weather is nice, then a day trip to the beach is practically a must. In 20 minutes by car, you can reach Marina di Pisa, with its wide sandy beaches, while the Viareggio is less than half an hour away. If you like wine, venture inland to the Chianti region, where you can spend a day visiting local wineries and relaxing among the hilly landscapes. And if you want to discover another fascinating Tuscan city, you can reach Lucca, with its splendidly preserved historic centre 16th-century walls, in about 30 minutes by car.