12 Things to Do in Pisa

Looking for things to do in Pisa? Pisa is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer its visitors.

Many people say that there’s no more to see than the leaning tower in Pisa, which is something I do not agree with. If you dig a little deeper, the city has much more to offer than you might think. Here are my best tips of things to do in Pisa as a tourist:

Visit Piazza dei Miracoli

This area was once Italy’s largest building project and is today one of Italy’s biggest attractions. It’s in this area that the famous leaning tower is located, as well as the baptistery and the large cathedral.

It’s free to stroll around the area, the only thing is that you are not allowed to walk on the grass in some places. A little further down in the article you can read more about the attractions located in this historic and beautiful square.

Stroll along the Arno River

One of the most wonderful and relaxing things to do in Pisa is to stroll along the Arno River during the morning. There’s something special about this river, especially when the city wakes up and you see the beautiful reflections in the water.

It’s also a good place if you like to take pictures. Just make sure to visit during sunrise if you want to see the reflections of the buildings in the water!

See the leaning tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower is Pisa’s most famous attraction and is a place you simply cannot miss when you’re in the city.

It’s a cool building where tourists love to take the classic “I push up the tower” pictures. I did not take this picture myself when visiting, instead I looked at all the other tourists who tried to take pictures – which was so much fun to see.

Visit the baptistery

In the same area as the leaning tower you’ll find the baptistery, which is another attraction you have to visit.

This baptistery was completed in 1063 and is today one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The baptistery is around 54 meters tall and 34 meters wide and built in a Romanesque and Gothic style.

A fun fact about this baptistery is that it also leans, not as much as the leaning tower though.

See the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral

This cathedral usually ends up in the shadow of the famous Leaning Tower, which is a shame since it’s such a beautiful building.

It was built in 1063 and was completed in 1092. The front is adorned with pillars and arches made of both stone and marble, as well as three beautiful bronze doors. The inside is equally impressive where the ceiling is covered with golden decorations and beautiful frescoes in the dome.

A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is no doubt one of the best things to do in Pisa.

Visit Campo Santo

Next to the large cathedral on Piazza dei Miracoli you’ll find Campo Santo.

Campo Santo means sacred land and it’s said to be built on holy ground from Golgotha, which is place where Jesus was crucified according to the New Testament.

It’s a monumental cemetery filled with frescoes and a beautiful courtyard with green grass and flowers surrounded by the beautiful building. It’s well worth a visit.

Stroll around at Piazza dei Cavalieri

A short walk from the Leaning Tower you’ll find Piazza dei Cavalieri. A nice and historic square that’s not so well known among tourists.

This square is known as the Knights’ Square and has been a political center and home to several knights throughout the ages.

Today, the students in Pisa have taken over the main building, the Caravan Palace, which is a part of the university in the city.

Visit the local markets

If you enjoy visiting markets during your travels, then you should visit the market located outside the walls surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli. At this market you can shop local products to bring back home as souvenirs and gifts to friends and family.

In addition to this market, there’s another small market located at Piazza Delle Vettovaglie. It’s perfect to visit if you want to buy some fresh produce or just want to stroll around and see the local city life.

Eat gelato

When you’re in Italy, you have to eat an ice cream or two. In Pisa you’ll find everything from traditional ice cream makers to delicious vegan gelato – there’s something for everyone.

Only your appetite and wallet can put an end to how many ice creams you will eat during your stay.

Stroll along the shopping street in Pisa

Pisa’s pedestrian street, also known as Corso Italia, is one of the first attractions you’ll see as you leave the train station.

As you walk from the train station towards the leaning tower of Pisa you will walk along this street, and here you will find everything from shops and restaurants to talented street artists and cozy cafés.

It’s a nice place to stroll around.

Eat Italian food

Italy is known for having one of the best cuisines in the world. In Pisa there are several restaurants where you can enjoy the Italian cuisine and drink delicious local wines.

Pasta dishes, pizza, panini, Aperol Spritz, and delicious wines from Tuscany are just some of the goodies waiting for you in Pisa.

Go see the church Santa Maria della Spina

Along the Arno River, straight down from the Leaning Tower, you’ll find the church of Santa Maria della Spina.

Before visiting this town, I had no idea that this church even existed. I was very surprised by that since it’s such a beautiful building with fantastic details.

However, you are not allowed to go inside the church, but it’s still worth a visit to see the outside to take some pictures.

Things to do in Pisa with kids

• Take photos at the leaning tower
• Visit the parks Orto Botanico di Pisa and Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli
• Visit the National Museum
• Eat Italian ice cream
• Go on a boat tour on the Arno river

Things to do in Pisa when it rains

• Museo Delle Aviotruppe
• National Museum of Saint Mathew
• Campo Santo
• Baptistery
• Santa Maria Assunta
• Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
• Chiesa di San Michele in Borgo

---

What are your favorite things to do in Pisa? Leave a comment below!