Itineraries for Your Trip to Pisa
1 Day in Pisa for First Timers
The Leaning Tower drew me to visit Pisa on my first trip to Italy as a teenager, and it took years for me to return and explore the city as a whole. When I finally did, I discovered that this historic Tuscan town has much to offer beyond its iconic—and crowded—Piazza dei Miracoli sights.
Avoid making my mistake of focusing solely on Pisa’s famous listing bell tower. Instead, spend the whole day enjoying the atmospheric old town, home to a storied university, a brood of landmark churches, and a vibrant dining scene. Here’s how to optimize one day in Pisa for a first-time visitor.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a carefully staged photo of you “holding up” the Leaning Tower—a silly but classic souvenir.
Pisa’s sights are largely outdoor,s and the summer temps can soar, so wear sunscreen and a hat.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is overrun much of the day, but the mornings can be exceptionally crowded as bus tours arrive from Florence and Livorno to take in the Leaning Tower, Cathedral (Duomo), and baptistery. To avoid the throngs, kick off your time in the city with a tour of the historic center on foot or by bike. Admire highlights such as Knights’ Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri), the Gothic Church of Santa Maria della Spina, and the Romanesque Church of San Sisto before taking a lunch break. Continue to Pisa’s cathedral complex in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned.
No trip to Pisa would be complete without checking out the town’s superstar Leaning Tower, so dive into the Piazza dei Miracoli sights in the quieter afternoon hours. Join a tour that includes skip-the-line access to the top of the tower (or just a stop at its base if you don’t want to take on the steps), plus a visit to the cathedral and baptistery to learn about the history and architecture of this UNESCO-listed complex. Some tours also include stops at the Opera del Duomo Museum and Monumental Cemetery to explore the entire complex.
Most visitors come to Pisa to check the iconic Leaning Tower off their must-see list, but this city set just inland from the Tuscan coast is also known for its cuisine. Dedicate your final hours in town to discovering its coastal and inland specialties with a food tour through the old town, a hands-on cooking lesson and dinner, or a home dining experience with a local host. Alternatively, grab a table at one of the old-school trattorias in Pisa’s buzzy squares for authentic Pisan food.
