Leaning Tower of Pisa
The freestanding bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, begun in 1173 and famous for a lean of roughly 4 degrees. It is the best-known monument of Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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About Pisa
Pisa is a Tuscan university city on the Arno River, best known for the Leaning Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site that also holds the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto. Beyond the tower, the city offers medieval lungarni, the arcaded Borgo Stretto, the Piazza dei Cavalieri around the Scuola Normale Superiore, and a lively student atmosphere. Compact and flat, it is easy to explore on foot and works well as a base for day trips to Lucca, Florence, Livorno and the Tuscan coast.
- Capital
- Rome (national capital); Florence (regional capital of Tuscany); Pisa is the capital of the Province of Pisa
- Largest city
- Pisa (largest city of the Province of Pisa)
- Population
- About 89,400 (comune of Pisa, 1 January 2025, Istat)
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Europe/Rome (UTC+1, summer UTC+2 CEST)
Explore Pisa by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Pisa
The 17 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta)
A Romanesque masterpiece begun in 1064 and clad in striped marble, with a bronze door, Giovanni Pisano's pulpit and Cimabue's apse mosaic.
Pisa Baptistery
The largest baptistery in Italy, begun in 1152, known for Nicola Pisano's pulpit and an echo demonstration performed by staff.
Camposanto Monumentale
The cloistered monumental cemetery on the north side of Piazza dei Miracoli, famous for frescoes including the Triumph of Death.
Museo delle Sinopie
A museum on Piazza dei Miracoli displaying the red-earth preparatory drawings found beneath the Camposanto frescoes after the 1944 fire.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
The museum of the Cathedral works, holding original sculpture, treasury pieces and the Pisa Griffin, with a terrace overlooking the Tower.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Pisa Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Pisa, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Pisa
- Days 1-2Pisa city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Pisa
- Days 1-3Pisa comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Pisa, departure
Where to stay in Pisa
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €70 (~$81)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €160 (~$184)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €380+ (~$437+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Grand Hotel Duomo
Grand Hotel Duomo is a 4-star hotel at Via Santa Maria 94 in Pisa, about 0.2 km in a straight line from the Leaning Tower and 1.4 km from Pisa Centrale station.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Pisa Tower
Hotel Pisa Tower is a 3-star hotel at Piazza Daniele Manin 9 in Pisa, about 0.3 km in a straight line from the Leaning Tower and 1.6 km from Pisa Centrale station.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Di Stefano
Hotel Di Stefano is a 3-star hotel at Via Sant'Apollonia 55 in Pisa, about 0.5 km in a straight line from the Leaning Tower and 1.3 km from Pisa Centrale station.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Francesco
Hotel Francesco is a 3-star hotel at Via Santa Maria 129 in Pisa, about 0.2 km in a straight line from the Leaning Tower and 1.4 km from Pisa Centrale station.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Pisa
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Osteria dei Cavalieri
A small, much-booked osteria on Via San Frediano, a few steps from Piazza dei Cavalieri, serving Pisan and Tuscan classics such as trippa, tagliata and stoccafisso alla pisana.
Antica Trattoria il Campano
A family-run trattoria in a 14th-century tower house on Via Cavalca, rooted in a food shop opened at the foot of the Campano tower in 1880, with Pisan dishes, house-made pasta and a cellar of 150+ Tuscan and Italian wines.
Trattoria Sant'Omobono
A neighbourhood trattoria on Piazza Sant'Omobono, a short walk from Piazza delle Vettovaglie, known for ribollita, pappa al pomodoro and trenette alla renaiola.
Trattoria da Bruno
A long-standing trattoria on Via Luigi Bianchi, north of the centre, serving Tuscan pasta, grills and daily specials at moderate prices.
Ristorante Alle Bandierine
A spaghetteria at the corner of Via Mercanti and Piazza San Paolo all'Orto in the San Francesco district, claiming a tavern tradition on the site going back to the 1400s.
Osteria Bernardo
A modern osteria on Piazza San Paolo all'Orto known for inventive starters and dishes that keep to Italian flavours.
Book a food tour in Pisa We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Pisa
Transportation options in Pisa include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30 (~$35) | €85 (~$98) | €230 (~$265) |
| Food (per day) | €20 (~$23) | €40 (~$46) | €100 (~$115) |
| Transportation | €5 (~$6) | €10 (~$12) | €25 (~$29) |
| Activities | €15 (~$17) | €25 (~$29) | €25 (~$29) |
| Daily total | €70 (~$81) | €160 (~$184) | €380+ (~$437+) |
Best time to visit Pisa
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Pisa has a Mediterranean climate with hot, humid summers (highs around 30-32°C/86-90°F in July-August) and mild, damp winters. Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds at Piazza dei Miracoli. The Luminara (evening of 16 June, thousands of candles along the Arno) and the Gioco del Ponte (last Saturday of June) are the main festival draws; the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics rotates yearly between Pisa, Amalfi, Genoa and Venice.
Essential travel tips
- Book Leaning Tower tickets online in advance at opapisa.it; entry is for a fixed time slot and children under 8 are not admitted to the climb
- Bags and backpacks must be left at the free baggage deposit near the Tower before the climb
- Many Pisa restaurants open for dinner from about 7:30PM and some close one day a week
- Churches require modest dress (covered shoulders and knees)
- A day trip by train to Lucca, Florence or Livorno needs no car; avoid driving in Pisa's ZTL limited-traffic center
Safety information
Keep phones and wallets in zipped inner pockets around Piazza dei Miracoli, at Pisa Centrale ticket machines and on the LAM Rossa bus to the Miracoli
Buy Leaning Tower tickets only at the official Opera della Primaziale Pisana ticket offices or on opapisa.it; touts selling 'skip-the-line' tickets on the square are unofficial
Do not accept bracelets, roses, signatures on petitions or 'free' gifts from strangers, a common approach near the station and the Miracoli walls
Use licensed white taxis from the rank at Pisa Centrale or call Radio Taxi Pisa on +39 050 541600; insist on the meter
Validate bus tickets on board; inspectors check regularly and issue fines
Walk the Lungarni in groups late at night; the area around Pisa Centrale is less pleasant after midnight
Do not leave valuables in cars, particularly rental cars with visible luggage
Carry a photo of your passport and keep the original in the hotel safe
Emergency services: 112 (all emergencies), 118 (ambulance), 115 (fire), 113 (State Police)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Pisa?
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with the nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Pisa?
Pisa uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in the center and near Pisa Centrale station. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but it helps to carry small amounts of cash for markets and cafes.
What language is spoken in Pisa?
The main language spoken in Pisa is Italian. In tourist areas and the university district, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic Italian phrases is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Pisa?
The top attractions in Pisa are the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Camposanto in Piazza dei Miracoli, along with Piazza dei Cavalieri and Santa Maria della Spina on the Arno. Tower climbs are timed-entry, so booking online at opapisa.it is advised.
How do I get from Pisa airport to the city center?
Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) is about 3km from the center. The PisaMover shuttle reaches Pisa Centrale station in roughly 5 minutes; from there, LAM Rossa buses or a 25-minute walk lead to Piazza dei Miracoli. Taxis are also available at the airport rank.