Pisa holidays

Popular holidays

On holidays to Pisa, you get to see a Tuscan city by the River Arno. It’s famously home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which sits in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Other things to see are the Pisa Baptistery, the sculpture-clad Knights’ Square, and the historic townhouses of Borgo Stretto.

A famous tower

There’s more to this central Tuscan city than its most-famous landmark, but the 12th-century Leaning Tower of Pisa still sits at the top of every visitor’s sightseeing list. Soon after the tower was built, unstable foundations caused it to tilt. Don’t worry, though – work has been done to make sure it’s stable. And, if you climb to the top, you’re bound to spot some of the other city sights worth checking out.

An architectural all-rounder

Pisa’s packed full of architectural masterpieces, from the Romanesque Pisa Baptistery to the Gothic Church of Santa Maria della Spina. Then, there’s Campo Santo – a grand monumental cemetery with a flower-edged lawn and a corridor covered in frescoes. Over in Knights’ Square, you can eye up the Palazzo dei Cavalieri – a 16th-century palace with a sculpture-clad facade.

Waterfront walks

This city was built along the banks of the River Arno, so waterside sights are in good supply. A stroll along the riverbank will take you away from the tourist crowds and past pastel-hued houses, an old citadel and a handful of historic bridges. Don’t forget to make a pit-stop in one of the riverside cafés for traditional focaccia bread and a few scoops of gelato – Italy’s signature take on ice-cream.

Scenic streets

No stroll through central Pisa would be complete without paying Borgo Stretto a visit. This shopping street cuts through the heart of the city, and it’s a hit with locals and tourists alike, thanks to its high-end stores and quaint cafés. And, it’s not just retail therapy that brings people here – the narrow street’s edged with 14th-century townhouses and stone-built arcades.

Popular hotels in Pisa

Top things to see and do in Pisa

Shopping

Bargain buys

The Piazza dei Miracoli area, which surrounds Piazza del Duomo and the Leaning Tower, is home to a scattering of market stalls. Everything from souvenirs to clothing is offered for sale around here, and if you venture a little further from the main tourist attractions, you’ll find plenty of bargains.

Mid-range buys

If you’re after your high street favourites, head to Corso Italia. This shopping street plays host to household names like H&M, Victoria’s Secret and Foot Locker. You’ll spot a few Italian brands in the mix, as well.

Designer buys

Lots of Pisa’s most prestigious shops can be found on Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo, so these streets should be your go-to if you’re looking for designer goodies. There are loads of cafés and restaurants in the line-up, too, serving traditional Italian fare and homemade gelato.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

If you fancy a quieter evening out, make a beeline for Pisa Marina. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride outside of the city centre, but it’ll be worth it if you want to escape the crowds. Evenings here are best spent eating seafood in an ocean-view restaurant, then washing it all down with drinks in a wine bar overlooking the marina.

Lively evenings

The streets surrounding the University of Pisa are speckled with bars that attract a livelier crowd. Stroll along the riverside, and you’ll come across plenty of pubs and cocktail spots. Plus, there are a whole host of takeaways on hand to keep late-night hunger at bay.

Food & drink

Pappardelle Cinghiale

This pasta recipe is Tuscany’s national dish, and one of the most popular in the region, so you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering it up. The tasty meal consists of ribbons of pasta topped with tomatoes and slow-cooked wild boar.

Pilgrim Cake

If you fancy a taste of traditional Pisa, this rustic cake should be near the top of your must-try list. Dark chocolate, rice, pine nuts and forest fruits come together inside a pastry crust to form a rich, sweet tart. It’s traditionally made at home during the holidays, but you’ll find it in bakeries across the city.

Limoncello

As one of Italy’s speciality drinks, limoncello has a spot on almost every bar and restaurant menu in Pisa. So it would be rude not to try some while you’re there. This lemon liqueur is most often served chilled in a shot glass, but if you’d rather savour your drink, you can order a limoncello-infused cocktail, instead.

Gelato

No trip to Italy would be complete without a few scoops of gelato. Pisa’s peppered with gelato parlours, so you won’t have to look hard to get your hands on some. From all-time favourites like chocolate and strawberry to more unusual options like rose and pistachio, there’s enough flavours to leave you spoilt for choice.

Fettunta

If you like garlic bread, you’ll love fettunta. This simple dish is often served up as a starter in Pisa’s restaurants. It consists of a slice of thick, fresh bread, toasted and doused in garlic and local olive oil.

Top Hotels in Pisa

Villa Kinzica

Facts about Pisa

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours 10 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Pisa?

When visiting Pisa, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Most sockets in Italy use the Type C or Type F plugs. Type L is also used which has three round pins in a line. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your devices, as UK-style plugs are not commonly found in hotels.

What's the nightlife like in Pisa?

Pisa's nightlife is lively, especially in the university area. You'll find a mix of bars, pubs, and clubs along Piazza Garibaldi and Via delle Case Dipinte. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy an aperitivo in one of the cafes along the Arno River or in Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Where can I try local food in Pisa?

You'll find traditional Pisa cuisine in local trattorias and osterias throughout the city. We recommend exploring the area around Via Santa Maria for authentic Tuscan dishes. Many restaurants near the Arno River offer local specialties like pici pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina.

Should I tip in Pisa?

Tipping in Pisa isn't obligatory, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is welcome if a service charge isn't included. For taxis and hotel staff, rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two is a nice gesture.

What are the best beaches in Pisa?

While Pisa itself isn't a beach destination, you'll find lovely beaches nearby. Marina di Pisa, just 20 minutes away, offers pebbly shores and clear waters. For sandy beaches, we recommend visiting Tirrenia or Calambrone, both easily accessible and perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Pisa?

When visiting Pisa, it's polite to greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores. Dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees. Locals typically eat dinner later, around 8pm, and when in cafes, remember that standing at the bar is often cheaper than sitting at a table.

Where are the best places to shop in Pisa?

When shopping in Pisa, stroll along Borgo Stretto and Corso Italia for Italian fashion boutiques, leather goods and local crafts. The area around Piazza dei Miracoli features shops selling artisan jewellery and handmade paper products. Visit the city's markets for fresh produce, regional specialities and handcrafted items.

What should I pack for Pisa?

When visiting Pisa, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for summer visits. Include light layers as evenings can be cooler. If visiting churches, bring clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

All hotels - Pisa

Villa Kinzica