Pisa Travel Guide

Introduction

Pisa is a small Italian city that needs no introduction. For centuries, people have associated its name with the leaning tower located within its limits. However, there is more to this place than this attraction. During your visit, you’ll find many more stunning historical and cultural attractions, as well as amazing beaches.

Top Attractions

During your visit, be sure to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa. As the name suggests, this 800+ year-old tower leans – at a four-degree angle, to be precise. Its peculiar profile resulted from a poorly crafted foundation. Workers laid it in unstable soil, causing the tower to shift as construction progressed. As the centuries have worn on, the lean had gotten worse. In 1990, it was in danger of tumbling, as its list had increased to five-and-a-half degrees.

This attraction is extremely popular. As a result, you’ll need to book a time slot before visiting. Admission is 18 EUR, there are no bags allowed, and its operators will allow you up as high as the seventh floor – don’t forget your camera!

Despite what you might think, there is more to Pisa than just the Leaning Tower. Start by dropping by the Duomo Di Pisa. This Roman Catholic cathedral, which dates back to medieval times, is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture.

Its artworks, architecture, and pulpit all make this place worth a visit. But worried about the cost? Don’t be – when you buy your Tower of Pisa ticket, it includes admittance here.

Make the Pisa Baptistery of St. John your next stop. Authorities built this religious structure not long after the construction of the Duomo Di Pisa. As the name suggests, this is where generations of Pisans went to get baptized by local priests. With a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, architecture lovers will adore this place.

Lastly, make time to duck into the Camposanto Monumentale. Locals know this 12th-century cemetery for its architecture, frescoes, and its Roman-era stone tombs. Like other Central Pisa attractions, buying a combo ticket will give you access to this place at no additional charge.

Other Attractions

Want to get your art fix while in Pisa? Pay a visit to Palazzo Blu. As its name indicates, you’ll find this cultural centre inside a powder blue building in Central Pisa. Inside, you’ll find galleries spread across three floors, focusing on visual art, coins & bills, and ancient artifacts.

At 3 EUR, this attraction is an excellent bargain. So if the heat or the rain spoils your plans, you can kill a couple of hours checking out this institution’s marvelous collection.

Take in a work by one of pop art’s greatest figures by checking out Murale Tuttomondo di Keith Haring. Completed in 1989 on the side of Sant’Antonio Abate church, it was the last major work Keith Haring did before his death.

As it turned out, this piece, filled with human figures grooving out, became one of Mr. Haring’s most iconic. Bursting with positivity, it makes for an excellent selfie opportunity.

Most know Pisa as a place that’s home to historical and cultural attractions. However, it also has no shortage of amazing beaches. If you have no idea where to go first, spend a hot summer day at Bagno Vittorio Emanuele. This popular beach offers plenty of sun loungers, facilities for beach volleyball, and restaurants.

But if you want somewhere quieter and less trendy instead, check out Bagno Tirrenia. Here, you’ll still find sun loungers and restaurants, but it’s not as boisterous as its more popular cousin.

What if the ocean is too cold (or if you really don’t like saltwater)? Then head to Sunlight Park. While the design is definitely geared towards families, there are slides that appeal to those looking for bigger thrills. At 46 EUR per adult, admission is a little pricey, so bear that in mind before making any promises.

What To Eat

In the Pisa area, you’ll find many amazing Italian dishes. However, Tartufo di San Miniato is one you’ll only be able to easily find here. These are white truffles that locals crave for their cheese-like flavour and texture. People also know them as the King’s Truffles, so don’t expect these treats to come cheap.

At dinner time, find a restaurant that serves Trippa alla Pisana. This dish takes veal tripe and sautees it with vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. During the cooking process, cooks add wine, herbs, and Parmesan cheese to further flavour the dish.

After that meal, end it on a sweet note with some Biscotti. Bakers make these hard Tuscan biscuits with almonds. However, do note that many Italians will refer to any cookie as Biscotti. To ensure you are getting the genuine article, ask whether it has almonds in it.