Pisa is synonymous with its most famous attraction—the Leaning Tower—but there's more to this storied Tuscan city than its listing bell tower. Tours of the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower in Piazza dei Miracoli top the list of things to do in Pisa, but the adjacent (and often overlooked) old town is also a delight. Check out the spindly Church of Santa Maria della Spina, sip espresso in Piazza dei Cavalieri, stroll along the top of the medieval city walls, and soak up this university town’s sassy student vibe.
Pisa is best visited in spring and early fall, in the months of April, May, June, September, and October. These months can be busy and expensive, but they offer temperate weather and the conveniences of peak travel season without massive crowds. Travelers visiting in June can partake in the Feast of St. Ranieri, also called the Luminara of San Ranieri, when the city is illuminated with lamps and candles on the Arno River and with midnight fireworks.
Given that Pisa’s main attractions are clustered on the Piazza dei Miracoli, the city is best explored on foot. Walking from the Pisa Centrale train station to the piazza takes roughly 20 minutes, but bus lines Nos. 120 and 140, among others, cut the travel time in half. Also, bikes are great for exploring the city and traveling further afield—the Ciclopista del Trammino route takes bikers along the Arno River to Marina di Pisa on the coast.
A little-known fact: Pisa has more than one leaning tower. The obscure Basilica San Nicola is located on Via Santa Maria just north of the National Museum of the Royal Palace, a stone’s throw from the Arno River. Pay attention as you pass and you’ll notice that the church’s bell tower is tilting, albeit slightly. Also, the bell tower is unusual, consisting of circular, octagonal, and hexagonal sections.
