Pisa travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy.
Pisa's nightlife centres on aperitivo, student bars along the Arno and around Piazza delle Vettovaglie, and live music at Borderline Club. It is informal, inexpensive and concentrated in the walkable historic centre.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Piazza delle Vettovaglie and Borgo Stretto
The medieval porticoed square beside Borgo Stretto is the centre of University of Pisa nightlife, with bars and wine bars open from aperitivo until late.
Best for: Aperitivo, student crowds, budget drinks
Lungarni and Piazza Garibaldi
Lungarno Pacinotti and Lungarno Mediceo have bars facing the Arno; Piazza Garibaldi beside the Ponte di Mezzo is a meeting point. Temporary riverside venues operate in summer.
Best for: Riverside drinks, summer evenings
Piazza dei Cavalieri
A quieter, scenic square for early-evening drinks beside the Scuola Normale Superiore, with students gathering on the steps.
Best for: Scenic evening walks, quiet drinks
Piazza San Paolo all'Orto
A smaller square south of the Arno with Sottobosco and other cafes, away from the main student bars.
Best for: Quiet cocktails, conversation
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Bazeel
Long-running student favourite on the Arno near Piazza Garibaldi, popular for aperitivo, football on screen, cocktails and DJ sets at weekends.
Known for: Aperitivo, cocktails and live sport
Lungarno Pacinotti 1, 56126 Pisa
Orzo Bruno
Pub with a long list of draught and bottled beers, near Borgo Stretto, popular with students and beer drinkers.
Known for: Beer pub
Via delle Case Dipinte 6/8, 56127 Pisa
Chupiteria
Shot bar on the Lungarno Mediceo with a long menu of flavoured shots, a lively student stop after aperitivo.
Known for: Shots and party drinks
Lungarno Mediceo 59, 56127 Pisa
Sottobosco Libri & Caffe
Bookshop cafe that turns into a cocktail bar after dark, with an artsy, well-dressed crowd.
Known for: Bookshop cafe and evening cocktails
Piazza San Paolo all'Orto 3, 56127 Pisa
Caffe dell'Ussero
Historic cafe on the Arno, a meeting place for scholars since 1794, suited to aperitivo or a quiet early-evening drink.
Known for: Historic cafe and aperitivo
Lungarno Pacinotti 27, 56126 Pisa
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Borderline Club
Pisa's best-known live-music club, hosting concerts and DJ nights for a student and music crowd.
Cover: €5-15 (~$5.75-17.25) depending on the event
Hours: Event nights, usually from 9PM or 10PM; check the programme
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.