Itineraries for Your Trip to Pisa
2 Days in Pisa for First Timers
Like many travelers, I checked the Leaning Tower off my Italy travel list on my first trip to Il Bel Paese at age 16, and it took me more than a decade to make it back to Pisa. On my return visit, I was pleasantly surprised to find more to see in this Tuscan city than its blockbuster tower.
In addition to the headliners in Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa offers a vibrant old town interwoven with its historic university and an excellent dining scene showcasing Tuscan coastal cuisine. The city is also perfectly positioned to explore colorful seaside towns like the Cinque Terre to the west and the vineyard-covered countryside to the east. Make the most of two days in Pisa with my insider tips.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a climb of the tower—tickets sell out, so book in advance.
Pisa’s torrid summer days are a reminder that the Tyrrenhian Sea is just a 15-minute drive away. Take a break with a dip on the hottest days.
Once the morning crowds have thinned, head to Piazza dei Miracoli to take in its headliners. Visit with a guide to cover the complex in just a few hours and learn about its unique architecture, artistic masterpieces, and the history of its iconic Leaning Tower. Most tours include skip-the-line tickets to optimize your time; some include a climb to the top of the tower, but keep in mind that kids under the age of 8 are not allowed to enter.
No visit to Pisa is complete without a deep dive into its cathedral complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Duomo, Leaning Tower, baptistery, museum, and cemetery. Visit as part of a tour that includes time-saving, skip-the-line entry and a guide to put this work of Gothic architecture into historic context.
End your first day in Pisa by experiencing the city’s food scene. Pisa straddles coastal and inland Tuscany; the local cuisine is a Tuscan surf-and-turf mix. Sample street food classics like cecina and porchetta with a food tour through Pisa’s historic center. Alternatively, connect with a local host for a home cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Pisan dishes and end with a celebratory meal.
Strike out beyond the city limits today and explore the countryside surrounding Pisa. You can get around by bike, horseback, or car to get an up-close look at the Tuscan landscape and visit nearby towns like Lucca and Barga. Or, head to the famed marble quarries of Carrara to see where white marble has been extracted for centuries.
Pisa is within striking distance of excellent Tuscan wine country, so join a winery tour and tasting this afternoon. Transportation is included so you can imbibe worry-free. Stop at a boutique winery in the Pisan countryside, visiting the vineyards and barrel room before sampling a range of white and red wines paired with local nibbles.
Cap off your time in Pisa with a sunset activity that takes advantage of the soft evening light. This time of day is perfect for wandering the city to snap photos—or to book a photoshoot to capture your stay here with keepsake photos. Active travelers can end their Pisa stay with a paddle down the Arno River on a sunset rafting experience or kayak tour with aperitivo.
