As you step foot in Pisa, Italy, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about this enchanting city. From its iconic landmarks to its charming streets, Pisa has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to visit, where to eat, and how to make the most of your trip.
Day 1: Exploring Campo dei Miracoli
Your first day in Pisa is all about discovering Campo dei Miracoli, a complex of historical buildings that includes the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale. Here’s what you need to see:
Campusanto Monumentale
Start your day with a visit to Campusanto Monumentale, a stunning cemetery that dates back to the 12th century. Linked to the Crusades, it’s said to be the burial ground for prominent figures in Pisana society.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Museum of Opera of Duomo
Next, head to the Museum of Opera of Duomo, located within Campusanto Monumentale. This museum showcases various art pieces from Piazza dei Miracoli, including ecclesiastical works.
Time of visit: 2 hours
Duomo of Pisa
After visiting the museums, make your way to the iconic Duomo of Pisa. A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, it combines elements of classical, Norman, Byzantine, paleo-Christian, and Arab styles.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Baptistery of San Giovanni
Next to the Duomo is the Baptistery of San Giovanni, famous for its unique shape and hosting a pulpit featuring scenes from the life of Christ and virtues.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Tower of Pisa
Finally, don’t miss the iconic Tower of Pisa, which symbolizes the city. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the entire city.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Day 2: Exploring the City
On your second day in Pisa, explore the city’s charming streets and squares. Here are the must-see places:
Piazza dei Cavalieri
Start your day with a visit to Piazza dei Cavalieri, one of the most important squares in the city. Named after the Order of Knights of St. Stephen created by Cosimo I de’ Medici, it’s surrounded by beautiful architecture.
Time of visit: 30 minutes
Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo
From Piazza dei Cavalieri, head towards Borgo Stretto, one of the oldest quarters in Pisa. Take a walk through its narrow streets and admire the architecture from the 14th to 15th centuries.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Palazzo Reale
Visit the National Museum of Palace Royal, located within Borgo Stretto. This palace was built by Cosimo I de’ Medici in the late 16th century and houses many artifacts from the royal family.
Time of visit: 1.5 hours
Lungarno
Take a stroll along Lungarno, one of the most romantic areas in Pisa. Take a walk across Ponte Solferino for breathtaking views of the Arno River and explore Santa Maria della Spina Church from outside.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Tuttomondo di Keith Haring
From Santa Maria della Spina Church, head towards Via Massimo D’Azeglio to reach the famous Tuttomondo of Keith Haring. This iconic mural on the convent facade was created by Keith Haring in just one week before his death.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Palazzo Blu
Visit Palazzo Blu after walking through the park. This is a museum with various temporary exhibitions held by the Fondazione di Pisa Foundation.
Time of visit: 1.5 hours
Day 3: Exploring Beyond Campo dei Miracoli
On your third day in Pisa, explore beyond Campo dei Miracoli and discover new wonders. Here are the must-see places:
Mura di Pisa
Spend the morning on a guided tour of the ancient walls of Pisa. Start at Torre Santa Maria in Campusanto Monumentale and take about 3 km to walk along the walls for stunning views.
Time of visit: 1.5 hours
Orto Botanico e Museo Botanico
After visiting the ancient walls, head towards the Orto Botanico di Pisa, a beautiful garden in the heart of the city. This is the oldest botanical garden in the world, founded by Luca Ghini in 1543.
Time of visit: 1.5 hours
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Marina di Pisa
End your day by visiting Marina di Pisa, formerly a fishing village now a seaside resort. Take the bus or walk along the Lungarno to reach the Marina di Pisa center.
Time of visit: 4 hours
Where to Eat
Pisa is famous for its traditional dishes and local food. Here are some recommendations:
- Pranzo at Antica Bottega di Pisa: Try their delicious pasta dishes and pizza.
- Cena at Osteria In Domo: Enjoy their fresh seafood dishes prepared with ingredients from the sea.
Accommodation Options
Pisa has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Consider staying in the Santa Maria and San Martino districts for easy access to main attractions, or opt for better budget-friendly options in the San Giusto district.
Cost of a Weekend in Pisa
The cost of living in Pisa is average for Italian cities. With its strategic location, Pisa can be easily reached from northern and southern Italy by train or bus.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Pisa:
- Book tickets in advance: For popular attractions like the Duomo and Tower of Pisa, book your tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Walk around the city: Take a stroll along the Lungarno and explore the charming streets of Borgo Stretto.
- Try local food: Indulge in traditional dishes like ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, and cantucci con vin santo.
- Visit nearby destinations: Consider taking day trips to Cinque Terre, Chianti, or Siena for a more comprehensive Italian experience.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Pisa:
Q: What is the best time to visit Pisa?
A: The best time to visit Pisa is in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Q: How long should I spend in Pisa?
A: We recommend spending at least 3 days in Pisa to explore its main attractions and get a feel for the city.
Q: What are the must-see places in Pisa?
A: The must-see places in Pisa include Campo dei Miracoli, Duomo of Pisa, Baptistery of San Giovanni, Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo, Palazzo Reale, Lungarno, Tuttomondo di Keith Haring, and Marina di Pisa.
Q: What is the best way to get around Pisa?
A: The best way to get around Pisa is by walking or taking public transportation. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi.
Q: Can I visit Pisa with children?
A: Yes, Pisa is a child-friendly city, and there are many attractions that are suitable for families. However, some areas may be narrow and difficult to navigate with strollers.
Q: Is Pisa safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Pisa is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any popular tourist destination, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Day Trips from Pisa
Consider taking day trips from Pisa to explore more of Italy:
- Cinque Terre: Take the train or bus to these five colorful coastal towns in Liguria.
- Chianti: Visit the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany’s famous wine region.
- Siena: Explore this medieval city, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful cathedral.
Getting Around
Pisa has a well-connected public transportation system:
- Bus: Take buses to nearby destinations like Marina di Pisa, Chianti, or Siena.
- Train: Catch trains from Pisa’s main station to other cities in Italy.
- Renting a car: Rent a car for day trips to explore more of Tuscany.
Accommodation Prices
Here are some approximate prices for accommodation in Pisa:
- Budget hotel: €40-€60 per night
- Mid-range hotel: €80-€120 per night
- Luxury hotel: €150-€250 per night
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Pisa and discover the beauty of Italy!
